New-York tribune., 1901-07-23
TO REDUCE THE ARMY.
FEWER TROOPS IN PHILIPPINES AND
GREAT DECREASE IN EX-
PENSE PLANNED.

Manila July 22-The conferences between
Adjutant-General Corbin and General ChafYee,
recently held here. will probably result in radi-
cal, economical and administrative reforms in
the army of occupation. 1t is estimated that
the total cost of maintaining the American army
in the Philippines be reduced by go per
cent in the course of year. The army, 1t is
said will be reduced to between 10000 and 30.-
600 men in the same time.
The abolishment of the present army districts
is contemplated, and three brigades. with per-
manent headquarters at Manila, Dagupan and
Iloilo or Cebu will be instituted in their stead.
The troops will be concentrated at the three
points selected, abandoning all minor posts.
These changes will result in an enormous saw
ing in the transportation of supplies and the
paying of rental for barracks for the soldiers
At present in most towns. the troops quar-
tered in churches, converts and public and pri-
vate buildings. for the use of which considerable
rentals paid. In the majority Of other cases.
where the troops do not occupy public buildings,
it is believed rentals should be paid for the SOL
ders' quarters if their occupancy is continued,
since these regions pacifed and their in
habitants have sworn allegiance to the United
States.
Generals Corbin and Chaffee have decided
upon the construction of barracks at the Pump
| ing Station, which is about six miles from Ma
| mia and the source of the city's water supply,
/ to accommodate three regiments of infantry,
one of cavalry and eight batteries of artillery, as
we'll a general commissary and quartermas-
| ter's storehouse to cost 100000. The erection
of this latter building will reduce expenses by
$4,000 a month. being the rentals paid for the
commissary and quartermasters storehouses in
Manila alone. An electric railroad. connecting
the docks on the Pasig River and the new store
| house. will be constructed
A single general military hospital to replace
the seven military hospitals in Manila and its
vicinity has also been decided upon. One of the
latter buildings will be converted into a public
hospital.
The reduction of the great fleet of government
launches and small government steamers has
Permanent barracks have been erected at Da-
gupan TO accommodate all the troops necessary
| in Northern LuZon.
Government vessels will carry supplies for the
Southern Brigade from the United States direct
TO Ilolo. without touching at Manila
The insular constabuary is now being or
! ganized. 1t will be maintained by the insular
| government and is expected TO be amply able to
preserve peace and enforce the law. This con-
stabulary will. general rule, be armed with
| rifles, but its members have received 5000 shot
! guns and 1000 ponies relinquished by the army.
| The telegraph system throughout the archi-
! pelago, established by the Signal Corps, has
| been taken over by the civil government.
| Much wheeled transportation formerly be-
longing to the army has already been dis
posed of.
The concentration of the troops to Manila pa-
gupan and Iloilo or Cebu will begin at the close
Of the rainy season next November.
| AS a further measure of economy, arrange
ments are being perfected to stop the buying
| by various civilians and civil government en-
| ployes of commissary stores, heretofore sold to
| them at the army rates.
| Adjutant-General Corbin will sail for the
| southern archipelago on the transport Lawton.
| From there he will go direct 10 China, return
Ing TO the United States by way of Vancouver.