The Minneapolis journal., 1903-04-28
MILES RECOMMENDS
Gives His Opinion on What Should
Be Done in the Philippine
Islands. 85
Says Adjustment of Liquor From
the Canteen Has Improved the
Morale Of the Army.

Washington, April 28.-In his report on
the Philippine situation General Miles
Inendations, the more important of which
follow: 5.Sf
'The general condition of the troops in
the archipelago was creditable to. them,
selves and to the country. The officers
and soldiers made good appearance.
"rhe effect of the climate is a most
serious detriment to the service. The
men go there in perfect health and in the
prime of manhood, but as q body are
seriously affected in the course of two or
three years. service. Very few escape.
The majority are debilitated.
"As the military stations with but very
few exceptions, are very remote, and the
troops ere required to b. ir communities
that arc neItte- beneficial moi congenial
to them, th, servlcs is depressing, and
to some extent, has demoralizing eff
feet. .a 5:s9 i:s9
"There are scarcely any amuSe nents
or recreations for the soldiers and life
under such circumstances becomes very
monotoncus.
During my visits to the garrisons it
SO happened tn. did not see a single
soldier under the influence, Of liquor.
sobriety obtalns.
'tAs the result of my observations it is
my Judgment tEat the discontinuance of
the liquor feature Of the cs1iteen has been
Beneficial to the army. Now that the
temptation has been removed from the
| immediate presence of the young men OF
the army, they are less likely to indulge
| in the use Of liquor. p.
| ''The number Of troops that will be re-
quired to occupy the Philippine islands is
still problematical. While it is claimed
that the people are pacifed, evidences OF
! hostility toward American sovereignty
| are apparent. "--s ~: !,
1.-THE newspapers published in both
| Spanish and English almost daily contain
accounts Of hostilities, depredations or dis
turbances of the peace. Against these
armed bands the civil government is en-
ploying the constabulary, force of about
5000 men. .,s - -5:
/ I'm my Judgment the heavy artillery
troops now in the Philippine islands should
be withdrawn without delay, as there II
no legitimate use for them In the archi
pelago. IT,. - - ,.+ =.
Cavalry Is Needed.
"There is quite as much, If not more
need for cavalry in the Philippine island
than in the United States, and as SOM
Of the cavalry regiments never have serve
in the Philippines, think it .advisabl
that they should share their proportion 9
the duties In that country. i: - 81
II found a large proportion of the troop
occupying church property. monasteries
{ colleges and converts. This believe t
! be entirely wrong, and 1t should be dis
continued without delay. 1t Is a seriou
detriment to the property, and while !
may prevent destruction by fire to- som
fextent yet the damage done to the build
t ings will be extensive and it will simpl
result in claims for some millions of dol
lars being brought against the Unite
j. States, which undoubtedly will have t
4 be paid. T., TX. =,
d mote-as it can be determined exactl
! what force will be required, the troop!
: in my Judgment should occupy. first, tn
: commodious buildings which have bee
i erected by the Spaniards In the mos
r available part of the archipelago, an
: which are capable of accommodating, afte
t slight repairs have been made, approx
mately $4,000 troops; and, second, Nip
buildings, which are the most suitabl
that can be used for the shelter of troops.
!. Too Much Frozen Beef
: ..While the. supplies, as rule, hav
$ been abundant and of good quality. ther
y Is, In my opinion, too much cold storae
= lmeat used for the good of the troops. II
J. constant use becomes very distasteful, an
in the opinion Of many eminent physician!
it is not the most healthful.
..In my opinion it would be advisabl
, Ito send government steamers to Austrs
g lila and have them loaded with live stocl
= which can be distributed In small quaint
; ties near different garrisons, SO that the
= could at any time have fresh beef an
2 mutton as a part Of the ration.
Il | General Miles renews the recommends
ton, made prior to his Philippine TIL
THAT at least one strategic position b
fortified beyond the possibility of captur
by any foreign fleet. ~ !,