The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-03-29
PHILIPPINE
PLAN OF MILES
Correspondence on Melan-
Choly Episode Sent Con-
gress by President.
Text of Lieutenant Generals
Offer and Words of Su-
perior Disappearing.

Washington, March 29.-The president
to-day sent to the house the correspond
ence and papers bearing upon the request
of Lieutenant General Miles to be as
signed to duty in the Philippines. The
papers were sent in response to the reso-
luton Of Mr.. Burleson Of Texas. In his
letter the president says:
| transmit herewith copies of all the pa
pers upon which final action in the matter
was taken. Since such final action, and since
the Introduction Of said resolution, further
memorandum has been added to the papers by
Lieutenant General Miles and transmit also
copy thereof together with the action
thereon.
General Miles letter to the secretary Of
war is dated Feb. II, last, and reads:
l have the honor to invite attention to a
subject that l have had under consideration
for several months, and to request that this
letter be laid before the president. 1t is now
three years since the opening of hostilities
between the United States forces and those
in the Philippine islands and this warfare
has been conducted with marked severity.
More than 900 United States troops have
been at different times sent are now un
der orders to go to the Philippines and more
than 10000 still remain on duty there, which
services, with the assistance OF the naval
forces, involves an enormous expenditure CT
public money as we'll as the loss of many
valuable lives.
How 1t Worked With the Indians.
During the past century thousands of In
dams have been called to- the capital fol
consultation and council, and l have under
authority, sent to Washington many red
handed representatives of different tribes OF
Indians, the result Of which has been a
Of l-a
presentation of war and the establishment
and continuance of peace within the states
and territories.
Our friendly relations with the people of
Cuba and Porto Rico have been largely pro-
NOTED by consultation with the representa-
tives of those islands here in Washington
both before hostlities occurred, during the
Spanish war;, and since, and | have never
found any people, whether savage, SEMI
civilized, or civilized, who were not benefited
by candid, frank and honest consultation ano
counsel
In view Of the above considerations I make
the request that l be authorized to proceed
to the Philippine islands, taking with me tel
men whom l may select from Cuba and Porto
Rico, whose assistance has been found useful
in promoting friendly relations between the
people of those islands and the United States,
and who could properly explain to the Fill
pinos the benefits their people have derived
through friendly relations with this country
and while there to give such directions as
may deem advisable and judicious for the
best disposition of the United States military
forces to the end that they may occupy the
most healthful and strategic positions with
due regard to economy and be afforded the
greatest comfort and -benert, also to take
such measures as will tend to restore as
far as possible confidence to the people OF
those Islands and demonstrate that the pur-
pose of our government is prompted by the
-, highest sense Of Justice, and that on return
ing l be authorized to bring to the capital
such number of representative Filipinos as
may think advisable in order that they may
see and know the advantages of civil
ization and realize the disposition of oul
government toward them, at the same time
affordng opportunity for a full consulta-
ton whereby intelligent and definite action
may be taken concerning their future destiny
Shorter Sentence Relief.
It is confidently believed that such meas
ures could then be taken as would be salts
factory and beneficial to the ten millions o.
inhabitants of the Philippine islands ani
highly creditable to our government. BY thi:
means we would be fully informed of the
condition and wants of the people of those
islands and they, on the other hand, woule