Rocky Ford enterprise., 1906-03-23
WOODS DEFENSE
WAS FORCED TO ExTERMINATE
THE MoRoS.
WOMEN FOUGHT LIKE MEN

Enemy Were Not Only savaees. But
Religious Fanatics - President
Praises General Wood and His Com
mand.
Washington. - A cablesram from
General Wood regarding criticisms OF
the recent battle OF Mount Dajo on the
island OF Jolo. together with CORE
spondence between the President and
Secretary Taft on the subject. has
been made rut!ic.
General Woods cablegram was In
answer to one sent him ut the diree-
ton OF Secretary Taft. who called at
tention to the criticisms of "wanton
slaughter OF Moros." and asked him to
send all the particulars.
General Woods dispatch Is as fol-
lows:
"The Military Secretary. Washing.
ton-ln answer to the secretary OF
wars request for information. March
18th. was present throughout prac'
tically the entire action. and In
spected the top OF the crater after the
action was finished. ! am convinced
no man. wonan or child was wantonly
killed. a considerable number Of
women and children were killed In the
fight-numbcr unknown-for the rca-
son that they We're actually In the
works when assaulted and were un.
ayoidably killed In the fierce hand.to-
hand fighting which took place In the
narrow enclosed spaces.
MORO women wore trousers and
were dressed and armed much like
men. and charged with thcm. The chill
drcn were In many cases used by the
men as shields while charging troops.
These Incidents are much to be re-
GREETED, but II must be understood that
the Moros. one and ail. were fighting
not only as enemies. but religious In
nntics. believing paradise to be their
immediate reward II killed In action
with Christians. They apparently de-
sired that none be saved. Some Of our
men. one hospital steward. were GU,
up Will, giving assistance to wounded
Moros by tho wounded and by those
fciSning death for the purpose OF get.
ting this vengeance.
II personally ordered assistance
given wounded Moros and that food
and water should be sent them and
medical attendance. In addition.
friendly Moros were ut once directed
to proceed TO the mountain for this
purpose. | do not believe that In this
or In any other fight any American sol
dicr wantoniy killed n Moro woman or
child. or that he ever did II except un'
nvoidably In close action.
Action was most desperate, and II
was Impossible for men fighting liter
ally for their lives In close quarters TO
distinguish who would be injured By
iirc. In all actions aEnins; Moros We
have begged MoTos again and again to
fight as men and keep women and
children out Of II. ! assume entire re-
Rponsibillty for action OF the troops In
every I0rticularly. and II amy evidence
develops In any way bearing out the
charges will act at once. WOOD.
The Presidents reply to Secretary
Taft's letter enclosing the dispatch fol
lows:
The White House. March ii.-My
Dear Mr. Secretary: | have received
your letter OF March 18th with accom-
panyinE cable OF General Wood an
swerIng your inquiry as to the alleged
wanton slaughter OF Moros. This an
swer liz, of course. entirely satisfac'
tory. Tho officers and enlisted men un.
der General Woods command have
performed n most gallant and sol
dicrly feat In n way that confcrs added
credit on the American army. They
are entitled to the hearticsi admiration
and praise OF all those of their fellow
citizens who are glad to see the honor
OF the flag upheld by the courage Of the
men wearing the American uniform.
Sincerely yours,