The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-28
MORE TROUBLE BREWING.
The Philippines situation Pcrturbs
the War Department officials.

Regardless of the repeated assurances
that the insurrection in Abe. Philippines il
practically suhdued, extensive preparations
are being made at the War Department for
continuation of hostilities. An Army Of
ficer said yesterday that there is feeling
of uneasiness over the situation among
high officials, and that a formidable re-
organization of the insurgents during the
rainy season Is expected.
While any hint that the Filipinos are
likely to cause further trouble is laughed
at by the War Department officials and Wig
orously denied by all who are in any way
Interested in the Administration, the ac-
t:vity displayed at the War Department is
regarded as conclusive evidence that II is
realized that the Philippine insurrection is
by no means subdued and is likely 10
break out with fresh violence just as soon
as the Filipino leaders can take advantage
of the wet season and reorganize their
forces The fact that the Filipinos nave
gained confidence and military experience
from previous campaigns, and as result
can be more quickly and effectively reor-
ganized, is the source of secret anxiety TO
the War Department officials.
Consequently every department OF the
Army is active. Men and supplies are
being forwarded to the Philippines on
every transport that leaves this country'
The transport service is taxed to its ut
most capacity, and new ships are being
constantly acquired. The number of troops
now in the Philippines is greater than at
any time during the war Whenever 1t is
found necessary to bring any considerable
number Gf men back from the Philippines
on account of sickness, wounds, or eNplra-
ton of service, it is a significant fact that
their places are quickly filled by recruits
sent from this country. Not one of the re-
cruiting stations in any part of the United
States has been discontinued and every
effort is being made 10 secure desirable
men for service in the Philippines.
Ammunition is being forwarded to Ma
Mia in a manner that would indicate tat
ii was needed for a protracted struggle.
Recently the Commissary Department has
made several large contracts for supplies
TO be furnished the army in Luzon and
the ether islands. The largest of these
was given to Chicago firm for canned
corned beef Particular attention has
been paid to securing desirable emergency
and field rations, as it is expected that
the army will spend very little time in
permanent barracks. Summer clothing
and in fact suitable apparel for all sea-
sons of the year is being shipped to Ma
Mia in large quantities by the Quarter
masters Department.
Never before in the history of the Army
has such a large number OF surgeons and
Hospital Corps men been engaged IN active
service. Each day when the Army orders
are published it is noticeable that almost
every paragraph contains an assignment of
officers and men for service in the Phil
ippines. The rainy season commenced in
Luzon about three weeks ago. The ex-
perience of last year is causing Army OIL
GERS to believe that the insurgents VIII
become more aggressive during the sum
mer. The country viii shortly be flooded
and it VIII be difficult TO conduct any kind
of an active campaign.
Press reports received from Manila show
that the insurgents are well armed The
recent fight in North Ilocos was participat-
ed in by from 600 to zoo rebeis, AMI all were
armed with the most improved Mauser
rifles. Reports that the natives are
leaving the towns for the purpose of TAX
ing the field are current at the War De-
partment
The homecoming of General Otis is re-
garded IN some quarters as being nothing
more than a part of the scheme to min
imize the seriousness of the situation. 1t
is a fact generally admitted that any of /
fully as capable of conducting the cam
paign of the American forces as General |
Otis and his departure froC Manila is re-
garded as being in no wise a detriment TO |
the American cause.