The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-03-30
TEXT OF CoRREsPONDENcE.
General Miles Asks Permission to Go
to the PHILIPPINES.
Headquarters of the Army,
Washington Feb. IL, 1902


Washington. Feb. II, 1902.
IRE Grzrorabie. the Secretary or War:
Sir3 have the honor TO invite attention
20 a subject that have had under consid-
Grafton for several months, and to request
that this letter be laid before the President.
II 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 10000 United
States troops have been at different times
sent or are now under orders to go 10 the
Philippines, and more than 10000 still re-
main 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 In
dams have been called to the Capitol for
consultation and council. and have. under
authority, sent 10 Washington many red
handed representatives, of different types of
Indians, the result OF which has been
reconciliation, a restoration of confidence,
the prevention of war and the establish
ment 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 repre-
sentatiVes of those islands here in Wash
ing the Spanish war and since; and have
never found any people, whether savage,
sen,i-civilized or civilized, who were not
benefited by candid. frank and honest con-
sultaliOn and counsel
In view OF the above consideration / make
the request that / be authorized TO pro-
ceed 10 the Philippine islands taking with
me ten men whom l may select from Cuba
and Porto Rico, whose assistance has been
found useful in promoting friendly rela-
tiOns between the people of these islands
and the United States, and who could
properly explain TO the FilpinOs the bene-
fits their people have derived through
friendly relations with this country, and
while there to give such directions as /
might deem advisable and judicOus for the
best disposition OF the United States mill
tary forces 10 the end that they may occu-
py the most healthful and strategic posi-
lions. with due regard 10 economy, and
be AFFORDED the great comfort and benefit:
also TO take such measures as will tend TO
restore as far as possible confidence to the
people OF these islands and demonstrate
that the purpose OF our government is
prompted by the highest sense of justice:
and that on returning l be authorized TO
bring to the capital such number of repre-
sentative FilipiuOs l may think adVis-
able in order that they may see and know
the advantages OF our civilization and real
fze the disposition Of our government to-
ward them, at the same time affOrding an
opportunity for a full consultation whereby
intelligent and definite action may be taken
concerning their future destiny. 1t is con-
fidently believed that such measures could
then be taken as WOulI pe SATISFACTORY and
beneficial 70 the ten millions of inhabitants
OF the Philippine islands and highly credit
able 10 our government BY this means We
would be fully informed or the conditions
and wants of the people OF these islands
end they. on the other hand, would become
fully apprised of the purpose and final dis
position of cur government toward them.
This need not reflect in the slightest de-
gree upon the services OF the military nor
Interfere with the civil governments that
have been or may be established
Should this request be approved / am
confident IL would result In a better COndi
ton OF our military forces in that division,
IN the cessation OF hostilities within a rea-
sorable time. thereby permitting the re-
turn OF a large number OF our troops from
those remote and unhealthful stations. and
should hope In amicable ADJUST ment
os affairs in these islands which would be
satlsfacto.y 10 the inhabitants thereof as
We'll as 10 the people Of the United States.
Very respectfully.
NELSON 4. MILES
Lieutenant General Commanding United
States Army.