New-York tribune., 1902-03-30
GENERAL MILEs's PHILIPPINE PLAN.
Headquarters OF the Army.

Headquarters OF Army.
Washington February l., 1902.
TIE Honorable the Secretary Of War
Sir. have the honor TO invite attention 70
q sulies- thar I have had under considerat tion
FOR several months. and to request that this let
Ter b laid before the President.
L is now three years since the opening Of
hosytitfes between the United States forces and
those ID the Philippine Islands. and this war
fare has been conducted with marked severity.
More than 10000 United States troops have
been al different times sent or are now under
orders 10 20 10 the Philippines. and more than
1o--v thousand still remain on duty there. which
service, with the assistance 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 bseE called 70 the capital for consulJa-
ton and council and I have, under authority,
EeG- % Washington many red handed repre-
sen-2tlTes or dlfterent tribes or Indians the re-
su-t q which has been reconsideration, restO-
-arlou ot confidence. the prevention Of war and
the es-s 5-ishIent and continuance OF peace
within the States and Territories.
Our friendly relations with the people OF Cuba
and Porto Rico have been largely promoted by
consultation with the representatives Of those
Islands here IN Washington. both before hOsLiG-
ties occurred during the Spanish war and since.
and have never found any people, whether saw
age, serli-civiltZed civilized. who were not
benefited by candid, frank and honest con-
EUlLacion and council
N view OF the above consideration. I make the
request that I be authorized 10 proceed 70 the
Philippine Islands, taking with ne ten men
whom I may select from Cuba and Porto Rico,
whose assistance has been found useful in pro-
noting friendly relations between the people
Of those islands and the United States and who
could properly explain TO the FiIipinos the bene-
fits their people have derived through friendly
relations with this country, and, while there, to
give such directions as I may deem advisable
and JuGiciOUs for the best disposition OF the
United States military forces. 10 the end that
they may occupy the most heaILhfUI and sIra-
regtc positions with due regard 10 economy and
be afforded the greatest comfort and benefit:
also TO take such measures as tend 10 restore.
far as possible. confidence 70 the people OF
those islands and demonstrate that the pur-
pose OF OUT government Is prompted by the
highest sense Of justice: and that on returning
! be authorized 70 bring to the capital such
number Of representative FiIipinos as I may
think advisable, in order that they may see and
Know the advantages OF our civilization and
realize the disposition Of our government tow
ard them, al the same time aHOrdIng an Op-
porruEiry for full consultation. whereby in
te-Lgent and definite action may be taken con
corning their future destiny Il IS confidently
believed that such measures could then be taken
as would be satisfactory and beneficial 70 the
Ten millions Of inha oitants Of the Philippine
Islands and highly credtta bic to our govern
uent
By this means We would be fully informed
ot the condition and wants Of the people Of
those Islands. and they, the other hand.
would become fully apprised Of the purpose and
hna- disposition OF our government toward them.
This need not reflect II the slightest degree
with the civil governments that have been or
may be established
Should this request be approved. I am con-
1cenr Il would result in g better condition Of
our military forces IN that division in the cessa-
ZION q hosriliries within a reasonable time.
thereby permitting the return Of a large number
OF our troops from those remote and unhealthful
sLaIonS, and. l should hope. in an aEnicable ad-
sustnent oc affairs in those islands which would
be satisfactory 70 the inhabitants thereof as
Wei as 70 the people OF the United States.
Lieutenant General Commanding United States
Aruy.