The Savannah morning news., 1900-06-16
ROCHESTER WELCOMES OTIS.
GREAT CELEBRATION IN HONOR OF
HIS HOME COMING.

SaIutes, Music and Fireworks.
United States Cannot Withdraw
From the Philippines, Gen. otis
Wheeler Was the Speaker of the
Evening-He Told OF the work o.
Otis at Manila.
Rochester. N. Y, June 15.-Ous Day
opened with brilliant sunshine and cool
breezes. A major generals salute of
proclaimng the official opening of the
celebration, in honor of the Homecoming
of Maj. Gen. ElweL S. Otis. Fully 1OO-
COO visitors came in for the day,
There were regulars. both infantry and
artillery, to head the parade, and the
Marine Band from Washington led the
musicians. The arrival of Gen. Joseph
Wheeler was the occasion of a demonstra-
ton of enthusiasm, such as has rarely
been seen here.
There were fireworks and band con-
cert tonight in honor of the General, and
the day was brought to close with a
banquet at Powers Hall
Gen. Otis made a brief speech, saying:
In spite of all that has been said, the
Philippine Islands are in the possession
of the United States, and the United
States cannot get rid of them and cam
not withdraw. Intelligent men of the
Philippines want the United States pro-
lection and government, and to them
have promised protection from all loss of
life and property, and / know that this
country will fulfill that promise"
speech of Gen. Wheeler.
Gen. Joseph Wheeler. who was accorded
an enthusiastic reception, made the speech
of the evening.
Gen. Wheeler began by recalling that
the city of Frederick, Nd, which gave
10 the country the great jurist Chief jus
tice fancy, and the naval hero, Admiral
Smiley, was the birthplace on March %.
1885, of Maj. Gen. Elwell Stephen Otis;
but from his earliest childhood until duty
and patriotic devotion impeled him TO de-
vote his life TO the service of his country,
the city OF Rochester was his home.
sketch of Gen. Otis military career
followed. Continuing, Gen. Wheeler said:
1T was, however fortunate for the gov
eminent that upon the army reorganiza-
ton, July %. 1866, Gen. Otis was retained
with the rank of lieutenant colonel IN the
regular army.
Gen Otis was selected by the President
TO organize and command the School of IN
fautry and Cavalry at Fort Leayenworth.
and his service in this important duty has
been highly commended by officers Of the
army. who also appre late his valuable
service in revising the army regulations
In 1880, Otis became full colonel, ana
on Nov 3 1893, was selected as one OF the
six brigadiers general OF the regul&
army
1.-THE declaration of war with Spain and
the destruction OF the Spanish fleet n
Manila bay presented new problem To-
the consideration Of the American people.
1t was necessary for an American army
to be sent TO the Philippine Islands. Gen.
Merritt was appointed TO the command,
and the government wisely selected Ten.
Otis as second In command, with he un-
Outstanding that he would soon become
Gen. Merritts successor. Gen. Otis reach
ed San Francisco on May H. and In two
months thoroughly equipped and prepared
an army for service, which he dispatched
to Manila as rapidly IS transportation
could be procured. The promptnesS with
which this work was accomplishel J, the
perfect and excellent equipment ard prep
aration of the regiments, was due to the
care, watchfulness and efforts Of Con.
Otis. who had long enjoyed the reputation
of being second TO none as a master of
every detail Of line and staff admins ra-
zion. .a... !
Arrival Mt Manila.
Gen. Otis reached Manila on Aug q,
1896 The Spanish army had surrendered
week previously and our troops were
occupying The city. Gen. Merritt having
been ordered to appear before the Peace
Commission at Paris, tina. Distinguish
officer was on Aug. 20, 1898, succ led by
Gen Otis. who thus became milit9rY gov
error and commander Of the military de-
partment OF the Pacific 1t Is doubtful if
any man during the past century has
found himself confronted with more intri-
cate and dlfncult problems. He was sepa-
IA ed 4. Goa NIL Kron. tha. s. of ~