Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1906-03-22
GEN. WOOD REPORTS
Commander Of Troops in Philippines
4, Tells Of the JOlo Battle.
THY MORO WOMEN WERE KILLED.


don IL Satisfactory to Presi-
dent Roosevelt.
Washington, March ia caDie-
Rram from Gen. Wood regarding CRU
lcisms Of the recent battle OF Mount
Daio. on the island OF Jolo, together
With correspondence between the
nresident and Secretary Taft on the
subject, were made public Wednes-
Aay. Gen. Woods cablegram was IN
answer to one sent to him at the di-
rection Of Secretary Taft, who called
attention to the criticisms Of @wanton
alaughter Of Moros" and asked him 70
eend all the particulars. Gen. WOODS
reply denies that there was any wan
ton killing, and says considerable
number Of women and children were
Killed in. the fight because they were
actually in the works when assaulted;
mat Moro women wore trousers and
that children were used as shields.
The reply was sent by Secretary Ialt
40 the president with a note In which
the secretary says Gen. Woods cable
Gram seems to show to him most
dearly that the unfortunate loss OF
life was wholly unavoidable, to which
the president replied that Gen. WOODS
answer "is, Of course. entirely salts
factory"
The correspondence In part follows:
war Department, Washington, D. c.
March l3, 1906.
"My Dear Mr.. President: The ac'
count Of the engagement on Mount
Dajo. island Of Jolo. between our for
eos and large band Of Moro robbers
IN which the fighting lasted for three
or four days, showed such large loss
among the Moros as to give rise In a
mart Of the public press to the critl-
cism that there had been a wanton
destruction by our troops OF Moro
lives, including those Of women and
children. Inquiries were made OF me
by members Of the senate and house
Of representatives in respect to the
matter. Accordingly yesterday d.
rected that the following telegram
Be sent to Gen. Wood:
att Is charged that there was a
wanton slaughter of Moros, men,
women and children, in the fight In
Colo at Mount Dajo. wish you
would send me at once all the partlc-
nlars in respect to this matter, stating
axact facts
"The military secretary, Washing
ION: In answer to secretary Of Wars
request for information, March H.
4 was present throughout practically
antire action and l inspected top OF
crater after action was finished. Am
convinced no man, woman or child was
Wantonly killed. A considerable num-
Dor Of women and children were kill
ad In the flght--number unknown, for
the reason that they we're actually In
the works when assaulted, and were
unavoidably killed In the fierce hand
to-hand lighting which took place In
the narrow inclosed spaces. Moro
women wore trousers and were dressed
and armed much like the men, and
charged with them. The children were
In many cases used by the men as
shields while charging troops. These
incidents are much to be regretted,
but It must be understood that the
AIoros one and all, were fighting not
only as enemies but religious fana-
tics, believing paradise to be their
immediate reward II killed in action
with Christians. They apparently de-
sired that none he aapAA
Il do not believe that In this or In
any other fight any American soldier
wantonly killed Moro woman OF
child, or that he ever did it except
unavoidably In close action. Action
was most desperate and was impossi.
BILE for men fighting literally for theiI
lives in close quarters to distinguish
who would be injured by fire. In al
actions against Moros we have begged
Moros again and again to fight as meI
and keep women and children out o.
#. l assume entire responsibility FOL
action Of the troops in every particu
lar and II any evidence develops II
any way bearing out the charges will
act at once. WOOD"
Very sincerely yours,
William H. Taft"
The presidents reply follows:
"The White house, Washington
March 14-My dear Mr.. Secretary:
II have received your letter-o Marc
IS with accompanying cable Of Genera
Wood answering your inquiry as
the alleged wanton slaughter Of MoroI
This answer is, OF course, entlrel
satisfactory. The officers and enliste
men under General Woods comman
have performed a most gallant an
soldierly feat in q way that confer
added credit to the American ARM
They are entitled to the heartlest at
miration and praise Of all those {
their fellow citizens who are glad /
aaa the honor of the flag upheld h