Evening star., 1902-05-07
ROOT MAKES ANSWER
Submits to Senate Orders of
General Smith.
LINCOLN IS CITED
AN IMPORTANT INDoRSEMENT
BY GEN. CHAFFEE.
War Secretary Says Policy Most Effec-
tive and Humane That Could
Be Followed.
LINCOLN IS CITED

Secretary Root today submitted to the
Senate an answer to the resolution Of May
calling for copies of any orders issued by
General Bell relative to RECOMMENDATION In
Batangas. and of orders issued by General
Smith to Major Waller. set up by the lat
ter in his defense before the court-martiai.
The Secretary was also asked to state
whether these orders were approved by
General Chaffee or by the War Depart
ment. and when they were known to the
department and when countermanded.
In reply. the Secretary submits two
orders by General Bell, dated December 8
and last. In the first General Bell re-
counts in detail the provocations submitted
to for three years by the United States
government in the Philippines, notwith-
standing it's forbearance. He refers to the
treachery Of the natives; to their use of in
fernal machines, and to their constant vio-
lation of all the rules of civilized warfare
Therefore, he declares that he is reluc-
| family obliged to avail himself of the right
of retaliation under the regulation. and to
deal severely with persons who commit the
acts denounced in general order 100. and
Americans or friendly natives are muir
dered for political purposes. he will exc
cute prisoners Of war, chosen by lot from
the town where the murder occurred.
Approved by Lincoln.
The Secretary explains that the order 100
| referred to was approved by Abraham Lin
coin, and the orders mentioned in the reso-
luton and in Bells order Of December Is,
were In strict conformity with the letter
and spirit of that famous order. which was
a contribution to civilization of great and
recognized value.
Another order transmitted is one by Ma
jor General Lloyd Wheaton. dated Manila.
March "a. 1902. upon the condition Of the
natives collected in the concentration
camps. from which 1t appears that they
were well fed, healthful and contented.
General Wheaton expresses the belief
that the camps can be broken up within
sixty days. An important Endorsement on
this report is by General Chaffee, in which
he earnestly advises personal contact with
the people and acquaintance with the stu
alton in the Philippines before condemning
what has been done. He understands that
! all the means justified by the laws of war
are to be applied to defeat the methods OF
the enemy, saying:
eff desperate in the last case. more des-
perate must be the attack to end it,
Was Effective, Says Root.
Secretary Root says that there was no
reason to doubt that the policy embodied
in the above orders was at once the most
effective and humane which could possibly
be followed, and, declaring that so indeed
has it proved, he submits copies Of the
kilograms announcing the surrender of NAL
var and the termination of organized re-
sstance in the northern Philippines.
The Secretary, in further replying to the
resoIuti ,n. denies knowledge of any order
issued by General Smith to Major Waller,
such was referred to in the court mar
tial. and he incloses his orders for General
Smiths trial, based upon newspaper pub
Iications as confirmed by General Chaffee
He declares that all of General Smith S
orders relative to Samar have already been
printed by the Senate. and they are all in
strict conformity with General Order 100.
In conclusion the Secretary submits dis
patches from General Chaffee of late date
reporting extensive surrenders of the in
surgents and the reopening of the ports to
trade as proof of the success Of the policy
embodied in the written orders.