The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1902-04-04
WHAT MILES ASKED.
President Makes Public the Gener.
ais Philippine Plan.
Gts Scheme Was tn Conciliate Instead OF to
shoot-Wanted to Br ng a Lot OF Eli
ipinos To Wash ngton to Talk
Things Over.

Washington, March 31.-The presi-
dent Saturday sent to the house of
representatives the correspondence
ard papers bearing upon the request
o. Lieut.. Gen. Miles to be assigned to
auty in the Philippines. The papers
were sent to the house in response to
D resolution introduced by Mr.. Burle-
SOL, of Texas, and passed by that
b dy. They are as follows:
HEADQUARTERS of the Army, Washington
F. Jruary II, 1902.
The Honorable Secretary of War:
SRI have the honor to invite atten-
ton to a subject that I 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 hostiIities between the
United States forces and those in the
Philippine islands, and this warfare has
been conducted with marked severity
More than 10000 United States troops
have been at different times sent or are
now under orders to go to the Philip
pines and more than 10000 still remain on
duty there, which service with the as
sistance of the naval forces, involves an
enormous expenditure of public money
as well as the loss of many valuable lives.
During the past century thousands of
Indians have been called to the capital
for consultation and council, and 1 have,
under authority, sent to Washington
many red-handed representatives of diff
ferent tribes of Indians, the result of
which has been a reconciliation, resto-
ration of confidence, the prevention of
war. and the establishment and contin-
uance of peace within the states and ter
ritories.
Our friendly relations with the people
of Cuba and Porto Rico have been large
IL,
resentatives of those islands here in
Washington both before hostilfties oc
CURED, during the Spanish war, and
since: and have never found any people,
whether SavageS, Semi-civiliZed or civil
ICED. who were not benefited by candid,
frank, and honest consultation and coun-
Gil.
In view of the above considerations,
I make the request that be authorized
to proceed to the Philippine islands. TAX
ing with me ten men. whom may select
from Cuba and Porto Rico. whose as
sistance has been found useful in pro-
noting friendly relations between the
people Of those islands and the United
States, and who could probably explain
to the Filipinos the benefits their people
have derived through friendly relations
with this country, and while there to
give such directions as I may deem
advisable and judicious for the best dis
position Of the United States military
forces, to the end that they may occupy
the most healthful and stragetic posi-
ions, with due regard to economy and
0e afforded the greatest comfort and ben
eft; also to take such measures as will
fend to restore, as far as possible, oon-
idence to the people of those islands,
and demonstrate that the purpose Of our
government Is promoted by the highest
benSe of justice; and that on returning
pc authorized to bring to the capital
such manner of representative FilipinoS
rs 1 may think advisable, in order that
they may see and know the advantages
bf our civilization and realize the dis
position of our government toward them.
ut the same time affording an opportunity
Tor a full consultation, whereby intel
agent and definite action may be taken
concerning their future destiny. 1t Is
confidently believed that such measures
sould then be taken as would be satisfac-
cory and beneficial to the 10, 200 of in
labitants of the Philippine islands and
Atghly creditable to our government.
Lieut.. Gen. Nelson A. Miles,
Commanding U. s. Army