The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-03-19
RUSHING TROOPS TO MARTHUR
several of the Home Battniions Or
dcred to Manila.


Orders were issued yesterday by the
Secretary OF War for the early departure
of over 400 regular soldiers to Manila.
The decision to send more regulars to
the Philippines at this time was brought
about by the receipt of a cablegram from
General Macarthur in regard to the re-
turn of volunteer troops to the United
States. The War Department has been
using every effort TO arrange plan by
which all the volunteer organizations can
be returned to this country before the
end of June. without at any time reduc-
ing General MacArthurs fighting force
below coco men
Secretary Root recognized some months
ago, when urging the passage of the
Army Reorganization bill, that II would
take considerable time to enlist and equip
recruits. and expressed the opinion that
any delay in providing for the enlistment
of additional men might result in delay
in the return of the volunteers. The de-
lay that did ensue made it necessary for
the War Department to arrange a sched-
ule for its transports between San
Francisco and Manila, that left no mar
gin for holding any vessel In port for any
length of time. 1t became necessary to
have outgoing transports filed with sol
diers to take the place OF volunteers. II
there were not sufficient soldiers On hand
to use up the transport capacity. the ves-
sci would be compelled to leave without
waiting for them.
1t has been apparent for several days
past that while the recruiting for the
new army has been very satisfactory. 1t
has not been sufficient to provide troops
for the transports scheduled 20 sail from
San Francisco to Manila. Another ques-
ton was whsther General Mac Arthur
would be able to have the yolunt ger rcgi-
ments ready to go aboard the transports
at Manila without causing delay at that
end. He was communicated with Ey cable
on this subject and replied yestsr1ay that
he would send volunteers on arriving
transports as rapidly as they could be re-
placed with additional troops.
Provision had already been. made for
the early departure of the transports
Hancock, 3uford. Fitzpatrick. and logan,
and conference was held yesterday by
Secretary Root with Acting Adjutant Gen
eral Ward and Acting Quartermaster
General Bird, at which it was decided to
Immediately order additional regulars 20
Manila. Telegraphic orders were sent
to department comma nders to equip and
send to San Francisco troops designated
by the Secretary of War.
The orders provide for the sailing on
March Is of the transport Hancock with
the Second or home squadron of the Sixth
Cavalry, consisting of 400 men, and the
depot battalion of the Seventh Infantry
consisting of 800 men, The Hancock will
carry in addition several hundred re-
cruits. The Buford will sail April / with
the depot battalion of the Fifth Infantry,
consisting of 600 men, and one company
of the Tenth Infantry and two troops of
the Fifteenth Cavalry, consisting of $50
men. The Fitzpatrick will sail April 5.
with the Third Battalion of the Eleventh
Infantry. consisting Of 600 men, and two
companies of the First Infantry, con-
sistinG of 800 men. She Will carry in adj
ditien about 100 recruits. The Logan will
sail April IS. with the Third Squadron OF
the Ninth Cavalry, Second Squadron of
the Tenth Cavalry, two companies of the
First Infantry and a battalion of the
Eleventh Infantry. amounting to about
1,70G men. Nearly all of the organizations
receiving orders are considerably below
the maximum strength authorized by law,
but directions have been issued to their
commanding officers providing for the
transfer of recruits. so as to fill each
company, or cavalry troop, to its maxi
mum strength.
The transports taking these troops to
Manila will on their arrival there re-
ceive volunteer organizations for return
to the United States.