The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-12-25
And General Macarthur VIII BE Per-
mitted TO Retain that Number un-
til Fresh Troops Arrive
ONLY 5000 TO COME HOME
OTHERS MUST AWAIT PASSAGE or
THE NEW ARMY MEASURE.
Fighting I'm the Island Of Leyte-Lieut.
l.. III. Leaf Wounded-FederaI
Party to He Reorganixeds

WASHINGTON, Dec. 24--As a result OF
a conference between the secretary Of war
and Quartermaster General Ludington. ft
has been decided that no further action can
be taken with regard to the return Of the
volunteers from the Philippines until Con-
gress shall make provision for their re-
placement The War Department is consid-
erably embarrassed by the failure Of Con-
gress to make provision. before the recess.
for the relief Of the military situation in
the Philippines. Acting on representations
made by General Macarthur the Depart
ment has concluded that IL Is absolutely
necessary to maintain an army OF 6o.o0
men in the Philippines until the current
policy OF establishing municipal govern
ments throughout the archipelago has
been executed. 1t is stated at the depart-
ment that any reduction of the military
strength below that figure, under existing
conditions. would doubtless prove most
disastrous TO the interests Of the United
States.
There are now about 5000 troops. regu-
lars and volunteers. in the Philippines, ana
arrangements have been made already for
bringing home 1900 OF that number. No
War Department is advised fully OF the
purpose of Congress with regard to army
legislation. When the necessary authority
has been given. 1t is the purpose OF the de-
partment to bang home rapidly as pos
sible all the volunteers and regulars whose
terms Of enlistment expire on khe 3oth OF
June next. but not befaEe It isl n1Dfe
replace them man for man with new re-
cruits, enlisted under the terms OF the new
army bill. 1t, therefore. appears that after
the 5000 volunteers have left the Philip-(
pines no more troops viii be withdrawn
from that country until they can be re-
lieved by fresh troops recruited I'm the
United States In accordance with legislation
yet to be enacted.
1t is expected that Congress viii act
promptly on the army bill soon after II re-
assemblies in January, but even In that
event. it is said at the War Department. it
will not be possible to get the fresh troops
to the Philippines inside of two months
time. Tie general homecoming movement
of the mass of volunteers. therefore. will
have to be postponed until about the 1st OF
February. That will give the cuartermas-
ter's department but five months time to
bring nome the remainder OF the Noiun-
teers and the regular troops whose ter1ss
will expire at the same time. aggregating
about 10000 men. before the 1st OF July.
This undertaking is believed to be beyond
the capacity Of the transport service as at
present organized, and may necessitate the
charter of additional steamships. All ar
rangements In that line, however, will be
held In allegiance until definite information
has been received OF the intention of Con-
gress with regard to the proposed increase
of the regular army.
Recent cable advices from General Mac
Arthur indicate a rong desire on the part
OF the volunteers generally to return to the
United States and that comparatively few
of them are likely to re-enlist without the
most liberal inducements are offered. 1t Ii
understood that General Macarthur has
recommended that bounty Of $3.50 be al
lowed to each soldier in the Philippines
who re-enlists for another term. and the
plan IL said to meet with favor at the War
Department