Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1902-03-29
President SITS
Down on Miles
Plan for Pacifyng fHipnos Rejected Correspondence
Submitted 10 Congress = General 10 Go 10 Islands,
Bring Back Leaders and Have Grand Pow-wow

---------
Washington, March 29-The presl-
dent today sent to the house Of repre-
sentatves the correspondence and the
Papers bearing on the request Of Lieut.
Gen. Miles TO he assigned to duty In the
Philippines, The papers were sent 70
the house I'm response to RESOLUTION
introduced by Mr. Burleson Of Texas
and passed by that body They are as
follows
PRESIDENTS LETTER
ITO the House OF Representatives.:
"In response to the following resolu-
ton OF the house Of representatives 81
March rs 1902, Resolved That the
president OF the United States be and Ii
hereby respectfully requested, Il not in-
compatible with the public interest, 10
transmit 10 the hodse copies Of al! corr
respondence relating to and papers
bearing on, the matter Of the re-
ported request of I.ieut.-Gen. Nelson
A, Milese, t. $. A., TO b. as
signed to duty in the Philippine mchl-
pelago and TO be allowed to be put into
effect there plar outlined by him 70
bring about a cessation Of h0stilities,
/ transmit herewith copies Of all the
papers upon which final action In the
matter was taken.
Since such final action and since the
introduction Of said resolution, a fur
Their memorandum has been added TO
the papers by Lieut, Gen Miles and !
transmit also copy thereof together
NTH cha aafifr fhprpnu
"TIIEODOkE ROOsEvELT =
White House, March 20, 1907, &.
GEN. MILES PETITION
HEADQUARTERS II the Army, wash
ingion, Feb. l1, 1902
"The Honorable, the Secretary Of War;
"sir--l have the honor % invite az
tention to a subject which ! have had
under consideration for several months
and to request that this letter be laid
before the president II Is now three
years since the opening of hqstilities
between the forces Of the United States
and those of the Philippine Stands and
this warfare has been conducted Win
marked severity. More than 10000
United States troops have been aDd!If
ferent times sent or are now under
orders TO go 10 the Philippines and
more than 10000 still remain on duty
there, which service with the assist
ance of the naval forces, involves an
enormous expenditure Of public money
as We'll as the loss Of many valuable
lives
During the past century thousands
Of Indians have been called 70 The cnpi-
tai for consultation and counsel end
! have, under authority, sent 70 Wash
ington many red-handed represents
tiyes of different tribes of tlndiens, ti~
result OF which has been recbncilla-
tibn, 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 peo-
pie of Cuba and Porto Rico have been
largely promoted by consultation with
the Representatives Of those Islands
here I'm Washington, both before hos
tlitles occurred, during the Spanish
war, and since; and have never found
any people. whether savage, sem-ciyil-
ICED, or civilized, who were not bene-
fitted by candid, frank and honest con-
sultatlon and counsel
PLAN IN DETAIL.
in view Of the above considerations,
make the request that ! be authorized
TO proceed to the Philippine Islands,
taking with me ten men whom | 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 could properly explain to the
Filipnos the benefits their people have
derived through friendly relations with
this country and while there to give
such directions as may deem advisable
and iudiclous for the best disposition Of
the United States military forces, TO
the end that they may occupy the most
healthfu and strategic positions, with
due regard to economy and be afforded
the greatest comfort and benefit, also
10 take such measures as VIII tend TO
restore as far as possible confidence to
the people OF those Islands, and demon
strate that the purpose Of our govern
ment is promoted by the highest sense
OF Justice; and that on returning / 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
our civilization and realize the dis
position of our government toward
them, al the same time an'ording an op'
portunity for q full consultation, where
By intelligent and definite action may
be taken concerning their future des-
tiny. II Is confidently believed that
such measures could then be taken as
would then be satisfactory and bene-
fetal TO the ten millions OF inhabitants
Of the Islands and highly cTeditable 20
our government.
"By this means we would be fully in
formed Of the condition and wants Of
tho people Of those Islands and they, on
the other hand. would become fully ap-
prised Of the purpose and final DISPOSE
ton OF our government toward them
This need not reflect In the slightest de-
gree upon the services OF the military
nor interfere with civil governments
that have or may be established
SHOULD this request be approved, |
am confident Il would result In a bet
ter condition Of our military forces In
that division, IN the cessation Of hos
Titles within reasonable time. there
by permitting the return OF large
number OF our troops from those re-
mote and unhealthful stations and |
should hope in an amlcable adjustment
Of affairs in those islands which would
be satisfactory to the inhabitants there
OF as well as to the people OF the United
States.
Very respectfully,
MI QON A kIITEg