Evening star., 1901-10-23
Matters Awaiting Secretary Roots
Consideration.
PHILIPPINE MILITARY SITUATION
Arrangements. Being Made to
Transport Troops.
co-oPERATIoN OF NAVY

Secretary Root resumed his official duties
at the War Department this morning after
an absence Of several weeks. part Of which
time was spent at his summer home on
Long Island and part in ex-Secretary
Whitney's preserve in the Adirondacls. His
vacation was sadly interrupted by the as
sassination OF President Mckinley, and the
sorrow and excitement incident to that
tragic affair so affected Secretary Roots
health that he was compelled to seek sew
eral weeks rest and seclusion in tn noun
tains Of New York.
His system was badly run, down from
overwork at the time, and hts physicians
prohibited his return to washington until
he had recovered his health. After leaving
the mountains he paid short visit to his
son. who Is a student at Hamilton College,
Clinton. N. Y, and from there came direct
to Washington, arriving last evening.
His office in the War Department was
thronged with visitors throughout the day.
including the heads of all the bureaus Of
the war Department, who desired to pay
their respects and welcome him back to
duty.
The Secretary Was in exceedingly good
health and spirits, and judging from ap-
pearances Is fully prepared to meet the
neaVy responsibilities devolvfng upon him.
His face IS tanned and rugged and his step
!1ght and elastic. and his looks bear out
his statement to inquiries that he is feeling
frst-rate."
Matters Awaiting Consideration.
There is an enormous amount OF work
awaiting Secretary Roots Immediate con-
sideration. This includes several import
ant questions in connection with the mill
tary situation in the Philippines, the with
drawal OF troops from Cuba and the es-
adjustment Of the Cuban republic, the es-
adjustment Of the proposed war college,
the establishment Of permanent camp
grounds for the instruction Of troops Of the
regular army and National Guard and the
preparation Of his annual report to Con-
gress. [..tr,
One Of the questions requiring his ear
Hest attention, however, relates to the
army In the Philippines. It is for him to de-
termirle whether existing conditions require
that endorsements shall be sent to Cen
eral Chaffee or whether the army may be
reduced without impairing it's efficiency.
Up to the time Of the recent outbreaks in
Samar the officials Of the War Department
nave nave been, OF the<opinion that the army
might be safely reduced by the gradual
withdrawal of the short term soldiers.
me renewed re- ea and Vigorous activity of the
insnrrectos in samartand also in Leyte has,
however, caused aIch4nge of opinion in that
respect, and General Chaffee has personally
advised the department against any reduc-
tion OF the fighting force at this time
Troop. fSr tie Philippines.
The Philippine army will be reduced by
10000 men within.the next few months by
the expiration of enljstments, and the Off
cials of the War Department are making
preparations toTmeet. that deficiency by. the
prompt transfer Of troops from the United
States. 81 =ss..E'-,a ~ : =, =
Final action in that regard awaits only
the approval Of the Secretary Of War
Troops and transports are ready to start
for the Philippines as soon as he gives the
word. 1t is exp&ctedsthat the first expedt-
tions will start from San Francisco early
next month on the transports Grant and
Meade, and that more troops VIM be for
warded later from New York by way OF the
Suez canalaon the transport Crook.
The reductions will be gradual and will
be met from time to time by fresh troops
as required. These arrangements are predi-
Gated on the BELIEF that It will be necessary
to maintain the Philippine army at its pres
ent strength of about 10000 men for some
time to come.
Principal Seat of Trouble.
The Island Of Samar is now the principal
seat of trouble and General Chaffee has
arranged to put down the insurrection in
that quarter as promptly and as COM
pletely as possible. He is now directing his
best efforts to that end and will have the
valuable cooperation of the naval forces
commanded by Rear Admiral Rodgers, IN
Guiding strong force of marines Admiral
Rodgers arrived at Catbalogan on his flag
ship, New York, yesterday, and will act
jointly with the military commander in
putting an end to- the spreading insurrec-
f@r,