The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-08-02
CAPTAIN JOHN ]. PERSHING.

Omaha, Neb.. July 3l-Captain John ]
Pershing OF the Fifteenth Cavalry will ar
rive in san Francisco from Manila in few
days. and on his way thence to Washington
| TO report for duty as member OF the Gen
eral Staff Of the army. will stop in Omaha
| for brief visit with oldtime friends, aaC
| in Chicago for visit with his father
Captain Pershing has gained considerable
fame by the series of brilliant diplomatic
and military victories he has lately achieved
in the Island Of Mindanao, and in army cir.
cles here and elsewhere It Is regarded as
not at all unlikely that he may soon be
made a Brigadier General In recognition of
what he has done. 1t is predicted at all
events that he will be accorded hearty re-
ception on his return
AS Captain Of 4 troop In tho Fifteenth
cavalry this young Western soldier has
been in command OF a department in the
Island of Mindsnao Tor several months and
mas done much to bring about a better un-
derstanding between the refractory Moros
ana the United States Government and
army. captain PershinG has led his men III
several sharp engagements with the bolo
men. but he has accomplished far more to-
ward establishing peace and good feeling
arms.
BY, his tactful methods no subdued a pow
erfui and apparently impacably hostile re-
bold dash he captured a fort which the
Moros regarded as practically impresnable
with the loss Of three men. He constructed
roads through all but impenetrable jungles
ana brought the remotest interior of the
island into close communication with tho
coast.
In every respect his campaign has been
singularly brilliant and successful and for
months the results OF it have been referred
~ - Almost daily in the press reports from
G ne Phiitppnes: Last spring Major General
FDy ty,ty II
OF the Philippines sent to the Adtutant
General Of the Army the following report Of
a battle between the United States troops
ana the Moros in the Island of.Mindao:
CAPTURED TEN FORTS
Captain John ]. Pershing. Fifteenth Cav
via the east coast. from Cape Wears. Had
q sharp fight at Taraca. Captured ten
forts. many prisoners thirty-six lantacas
and sixty rifles. All other Dattos friendly.
Liberated prisoners. destroyed hostile forts
wounded Every hostile Lanuo Datto has
now been chastised. All Moros know our
friendship is valuable. AND freely extended
hostile forts. has been molested. Troops
returning to Wears via the west coast
Moros are eager for employment on the
about finished: the latter Progressing rapid
~. Troops have behaved splendidly. not
only IN contendins with fanatical foe but
"a vi eaocd tiStdSt, DeSlIeS, Iau 10 CON-
struct many miles of road through tropical
jungle. No more hostiities are anticipated
beyond occasional sniping."
May u the Secretary Of War sent the fol-
lowing dispatch to General Davis:
congratulate You on the work done in
Express. to Captain Pershing
mand the thanks of the War Department |
FOR their able and effective accomplishment
81 n difficult and important task"
Following this Brigadier Samuel g. Sum- |
Commanding the Dep1rtmprf of Nam |
ianao. issued an order congratulatins Can |
ain Pershing on the success of his recent |
The difficulties attending Captain Per-
'hing,, campaign in the Island of Mindanao |
md the significance of what he has accom- |
,lished are perhaps not much understood in
he United States, owing to the fact that
he press reports have conveyed no adequate
dea of the situation there. Some light is
iajor General Davis to the Adjutant Cen
raj OF the army. Writing from Manila I'M
er date of February 10 Of the current year,
General Davis says:
CHARACTERISTIC OF LEADER.
THE situation in one respect has been
nomalous, the assignment of Captain to
large and important command as that
Itely Indispensable that the nan to COM
land on the spot should possess certain
Gaiities not H;t,, easy s to find combined in one
lsn.Gapaeity ios command, physical and
ientai Vigor. Infinite patience in dealing
18th these fanatlcal semisavages, discrs,
on, serious desire to accomplish the
.ork set for him, and knowledge Of the
Ioro character
1t was easy to find field officers possess
" some OF the characteristics and qualin-
atoms above mentioned, but there was no
valuable OFFICER of rank known to me in
le Seventh Separate Brigade whose en-
owments embraced all the requisites.
Captain Pershing was the senior In his
raoe IN the FIFTEENTH Cavalry. He had
iade two visits to the lake from his station
Iligan and had shown great tact and
GOD Judgment In dealing with the Mala-
aos ordered him TO report to me at vi
ars, and when General Baldwin left as
enior Captain present he succeeded to COM
and ana mas been continued in 1t since by |
eneral Sumner
In his letter General Davis relates the
,ceipt OF the news of the old Pandita at
ayan, and says he regards his submission,
hich was brought about by Captain Per-
ling, as OF great Importance. He also tells
the value or the roads constructed by
II feel much gratifed at the fruits borne
: this policy. and now that this influential |
lest, a rebellious religious leader for |
alanao. has made and received a visit
ID progressed friendship. our task is SIM
ihed, and continuation Of the policy should |
esent only easy obstacles to be surmount-
So diplomatic has been the policy pursued |
captain Pershing that the natives of the |
iand OF Mlndanao have come to look upon | ,
m with great respect and reverence Not ,
ohammedan ceremony. Referring to this /.
terestinG event the Manila Times OF a
" months ago said:
PERSHING MADE A DATTO. =
Captain Pershing. commander of the J
aA IL,