The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-07-23
Cost of Maintaining the Army In the
Islands Probably VIII BE Scaled
About Sixty Per Cent.
FORCE OF 100000 TO 10000
DEEMED SUFFICIENT WITH AID OF
INsULAR CONsTABULARY.
Minor Posts to he Abolished md the
Troops Concentrated mt Three
Points-Whitmarsh' Case.

MANILA July 22.-The conferences be-
tween Adjutant General Corbin and General
Chaffee recently held here probably will
result in radical economical and admins
trative reforms In the army of occupa-
ton. IL is estimated the total cost OF main
tanning the American army in the Philip
pines can be reduced by 60 per cent. In the
cost OF one year The principal change
will be the reduction Of the present force
TO between 10000 and 30. 900 men. The abol-
ishment of the present army districts is
contemplated and three brigades, with
permanent headquarters at Manila Dagu-
pan and Iloilo or Cebu, will be instituted
in their stead. The troops will be concen-
trated at three points selected, abandoning
all minor posts These changes will result
in an enormous saving in the transporta-
ton of supplies and the paying of rental
for barracks for the soldiers. At present
in most towns the troops are quartered in
churches, converts and public and private
buildings, for the use of which consider
able rentals are paid. In the majority of
other cases where the troops do not occupy
public buildings IL Is believed rentals should
be paid for the soldiers quarters II their
occupancy is continued, since these regions
are paclied and their inhabitants have
sworn allegiance to the United States.
Adjutant General Corbin and General
Chaffee have decided on the construction
of barracks at the pumping station (about
six miles from Manila) and the source OF
the city's water supply 10 accommodate
three regiments of infantry. one of cavalry
and eight batteries or artillery, as well
as a general commissary and quartermas-
ter'S storehouse to cost 100000 The erec-
tion of this latter building will reduce ex-
pafa ht = m haf he nj lie
paid for the commissary and quartermas-
ter's storehouses in Manila alone. An cleo
trc railroad connecting the docks on the
PasiG river and the new storehouse will
be constructed. Generals Corbn and
Chaffee have also decided on one single
general military hospital to replace the
seven military hospitals in Manila and
vicinity. One Of the latter buildings will be
converted into a hospital. The reduction of
small government steamers has already
begun.
Permanent barracks have been erected at
Dagupan TO accommodate all the troops
necessary in northern Luzon. Government
vessels will carry supplies for the southern
brigade from the United States direct to
lloilo without touching at Manila.
The insular constabulary is now being
organized. 1t will be maintained by the
insular government and is expected to be
amply able TO preserve peace and enforce
the law. This constabulary will as a gen.
eral rule be armed with rifles. but its MEM
1000 ponies relinQuished by the army
The telegraph system throughout the
archipelago established by the signal corps
has been taken over by the civil govern
ment. Much wheeled transportation form
erly belonging to the army has already
been disposed Of.
The concentration of the troops at Ma
Mia, Dagupan Iloilo or Cebu will begin at
the close of the rainy season next Novem-
Der. As further measure of economy ar
rangements are being perfected to stop the
buying by various civilians and civil gov
ernment employees OF commissary stores,
heretofore sold them at the army rates
Adiutant General Corbin will sail from
the southern archipelago on the transport
LawtOn. From there he will go direct to
Vancouver.