The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-17

Maj. Gen Joseph Wheeler returned to
Washington from Manila at room yester-
day. after an active campaign in the Philip
pines. He is here to request the accept
ance OF his resi- gnation from the Army and
to re-enter the House of Representatives
as a member from Alabama Sun-bronzed
and active, he appears to be in the best
of health, and asserts that he is even
younger than when he left this city for
Luzon about year ago The long chase
after Aguinaldo instead of having any i'll
effect, has hardened the famed cavalry
leader, and his appearance would suggest
that he was worthy of several more cam
paigns. He is quartered temporarily at
the Arlington, and called on Adjutant
General Corbin at the War Department
yesterday afternoon, and later paid lis
respects 10 the President at the White
House.
Il resigned from the Army on Novem-
Der Is, 1897 said he yesterday, and
waited for months TO have some orders
sent me that l might return 10 the United
States. My reasons for taking this step
were that the war has ended in the Philip
pines, and because l promised the Presi-
dent and my constituents that | would
return in time to take my seat in this
Congress. 1 therefore rendered my resig
nation before the present Congress con-
vened. but only received my orders a short
time ago.
My constituents were so generous as
to re-elect me to another term by unani-
nous vote, and | can do little less in re-
turn than give them representation in
Congress. / went to Manila with the dis
tinct understanding that / should return
in time to take my seat. | have Eever
resigned from Congress, and as soon as
my resignation from the Army is &C
cepted | Will enter into my duties as a
Representative. ! am urging the accept
ance Of my resignation. and cannot see
why there should be any trouble in my
re-entering the House. | will make the
issue as soon as possible. and while l am
not yet decided as to my method of pro-
cedure, l expect to present myself on the
floor at the bar of the House and ask
to be sworn in. The Speaker can have no
other option but to submit the question
to the House and ask whether the oath
shall be administered l think there will
be no objection. and unless the matter goes
viii be no delay.
AZ enjoyed splendid health all through
the campaign and was very favorably i'm
pressed with the Filipinos. They are. in the
main intelligent, courteous. and kind, and
will make splendid citizens. Only one
sixth of one per cent were induced to carry
arms against us. / think they are capable
of self government under certain restric-
tons. They could be given the power to
make laws under such system of gov
ernmcnt as has been adopted in our Terri
tories. and / believe they could get along
without friction.
The instruction has ended in LuZon
and save for attacks now and then by stray
bands OF guerrillas and bandits. all is
quiet. There has been an end to military
operations, and the troops are engaged i'll
chasing these odd companies and dispers-
ing them. Aguinaldo has disappeared and
his army is scattered and disorganiZed.
''The American troops have shown them
selves to be the gTandest fighters ever
formed into regiments. The climate is the
least of their troubles. and they love active
service They are strong, sturdy and fear
less. and will follow the flag anywhere.
There is wonderful future in store
for the Philippines. as the islands are i'm
mensely wealthy. and, in time of peace,
with American energy the archipelago will
return TO its old glory and power"
In the absence of Secretary Root at the
War Department General Wheeler reported
formally 10 Adjutant General Corbin yes
terday afternoon, and had long chat with
the latter. From the Department he
walked over to the White House and was
cordially received by the President. The
matter of his resignation was discussed,
and it was said last night that ii VIII be
formally accepted in a few days 1t is
claimed that the President withheld his ac-
ceptance in order to legalze General
Wheeler's travelling expenses up TO the day
Of his arrival here