Evening star., 1901-10-24
AT ITS PRESENT STRENGTH
ARMY IN THE PHILIPPINES NOT TO
BE REDUCED.
Troops to BE Forwarded to Replace
the Time-Expired Men-Trans-
pOrtation Arrangements.

1t has been practically decided by Secre-
lary Root that the army in the Philippines
shall be maintained at its present strength
of about 10000 men until conditions justify
a material reduction in the military force.
This means that the natural decrease in
the army by the expiration of terms of en-
listments shall be promptly met by the dis
patch of fresh troops from the United
States. The operation will be gradual, and
can easily be conducted without embar-
rassment or special exertions. Troops and
transports are available to meet the de-
mands of the situation.
1t is expected that the outward move
ment of troops will begin early next month.
So far as practicable, the changes VIII be
made by regiments: that Is to say, regi-
ments ordered home from the Philippines
Of Its members as have more than year
to serve being transferred to other regi-
ments remaining In the Philippines.
This will permit of the discharge of the
short-term men In the United States and
the reorganization of the regiments by re-
cruiting. The returning regiments will be
replaced by regiments which have been
longest on home stations.
Troops Ready to Return.
The quartermaster's department is max
ing arrangements for the transfer of about
1900 troops a month from the United States
to the Philippines to take the places of
about 10000 soldiers who are to be brought
home for discharge within the next few
months. Transports will sail for Manila
according to a schedule just approved at
the War Department This schedule shows
that the Fitzpatrick will leave San Fran
cisco the 1st of November; the Grant, No
vember II; the Meade, November 16; the
Sheridan, about December 10; the Warren,
December 10; the Hancock, January 1; the
Thomas, January 16; the Crook. from New
December I RnfOrd from
New York January 10.
1t Is expected that troops will be carried
on each of these vessels except the kilpat-
rick. 1t Is certain. however, that all will
be used in bringing soldiers home from the
Philippines.
Gen. MacArthur's View.
Secretary Roots decision to make no in
crease in the army in the Philippines is in
accord with the views of Lieut.. Gen. Miles,
Adjt Gen. Corbin, Maj. Gen. Macarthur
and other prominent army officers on the
subject. Gen. Macarthur, who is now in
this city, has made the following state
ment in regard to the situation in the Phil
ippines:
II do not think a serious condition pre-
walls. In Samar it is the expiring efforts of
the insurrection. During the active opera
tions in Luzon it was not possible to send
large force into Samar, and, therefore,
the island was not fully occupied until re-
Gently. The plan of campaign pursued so
successfully In Luzon is now to be carried
out in Samar. Every town and every barrio
that can be used as base of supplies by
the insurgents will be occupied by Amer
fcan troops. When the distribution of the
troops is completed Lukban, the insurgent
leader, will then be cut off from all re-
sources. He will have to seek refuge in the
mountains, and as a consequence will be
obliged to surrender
This process will be slow on account OF
the character of the country. 1t means the
separation of the army into small detach-
ments. One of the risks in such warfare is
that occasionally a detachment will be cut
on. While the affair at Balangiga is de-
plorable, 1t has no bearing on the main
situation Lukban has innumerable men,
but certainly less than 500 rifles. The insur-
gents have very little ammunition"