Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-07-23
RADICAL MILITARY REFORMS
RESULT OF A CONFERENCE BE-
TWEEN GEMS. CoRBIN AND CHAFFEE
Army Reduction Between 10000
and 10000 Men and the Cost
60 Per Cent.

Conferences between Adjutant General
Henry c. Corbin and General Adna r.
Chaffee, recently held in Manila, will prob
ably result in radical reforms in the army
of occupation.
1t is estimated the total cost of. maintain
Ing the American army in the Philippines
will be reduced by 60 per cent in the course
of one year. The principal change will be
the reduction of the present force to be-
tween 10000 and 10000 men. The abolish
ment of the present army districts is con-
templated and three brigades, with perma-
nent headquarters at Manila, Dagupan and
IloiIo or Cebu. will be instituted in their
stead. The troops will be concentrated at
the three places selected, abandoning all
minor posts.
saving in the transportation Of supplies
and the paying of rental for barracks for
the soldiers. At present in most towns the
troops are CHARTERED in churches, converts
and other public and private buildings, for
the use of which considerable rentals are
paid. Where the troops do not occupy pub
lie buildings it is believed rental should be
paid for the soldiers quarters if their oc-
cupancy is continued, since these regions
are pacified and their inhabitants have
sworn allegiance to the United States.
Barracks to BE Erected.
Generals Corbin and Chaffee have decided
upon the construction of barracks at the
pumping station-about six miles from Ma
Mia and the source of the citys water
supply-tN accommodate three regiments Of
infantry, one of cavalry and eight batteries
Of artillery, well as a general commits
sary and quartermaster's storehouse, to
cost 100000. The erection of this latter
building will reduce expenses by $4,000 a
month, the amount of the rentals paid for
the commissary and quartermaster's store
houses in Manila alone. An electric rail-
road, connecting the docks on the Pasig
river and the new storehouse, will be con-
structed.
The two generals have also decided upon
one general military hospital to replace the
seven hospitals of that kind in Manila and
vicinity. One of the seven buildings will
be converted into public hospital
The reductions of the great fleet of gov
eminent launches and small government
steamers has already begun.
Permanent barracks have been erected at
Dagupan to accommodate all the trops
necessary for northern Luzon.
Government vessels will carry supplies
for the southern brigade from the United
States direct to 1loilo, without touching at
Manila.
Various Measures.
AS a further measure Of economy, ar
engagements are being made to stop the
buying by civilians and civil government
employees Of commissary stores. heretofore
sold them at the army rates.
The insular constabulary is being organ
lied. 1t will be maintained by the insular
government and is expected to be able to
preserve peace and enforce the law. This
constabulary, as general rule, will be
armed with rifles. Its members have been
given 5000 shotguns and 1000 ponies relin-
pushed 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, formerly
belonging to the army, has already been
disposed Of.