The Grit-advocate., 1906-03-23
WOODS DEFENSE
WAS FORCED TO ExTERMINATE
THE MoRos.
WOMEN FOUGHT LIKE MEN
Enemy Were Not Only savsses. But
Religious Fanatics - President
Praises General Wood and His Com

mand.
Washington. - A cablegram 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 public.
General Woods cablegram was In
answer to one sent him at the direc-
tlon 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, l was present throughout prac-
tically the entire action, and | in
spected the top of the crater after the
action was finished. l am convinced
no man, woman or child was wantonly
killed. A considerable number of
women and children were killed in the
fight-number unknown-for the rea-
son that they were actually in the
works when assaulted and were un.
avoidably 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 them. The chill
dren were In many cases used by the
men as shields while charging troops.
These incidents are much to beNre-
gretted, but it must be understood that
the Moros, one and all, were fighting
not only as enemies but religious ia
natics. believing paradise to be their
immediate reward if killed in action
with Christians. They apparently de-
sired that none be saved. Some of our
men, one hospital steward, were cut
up while giving assistance to wounded
Moros by the wounded and by those
feigning 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 at once directed
to proceed to the mountain for this
purpose. l do not believe that in this
or in any other fight any American sol
der wantonly killed a Moro woman or
child, or that he ever did it except un,
avoidably in close action.
Action was most desperate, and 1t
was impossible for men fighting liter
ally for their lives in close quarters to
distinguish who would be injured by
fire. In all actions against MoroS we
have begged Moros again and again to
fight as men and keep women and
children out of it. ! assume entire re-
sponsibility for action of the troops in
every particularly. and if any 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:
1.-THE White House, March 14.-My
Dear Mr.. Secretary: | have received
your letter of March 18th with accom-
panying cable of General Wood an.
swering your inquiry as to the alleged
wanton slaughter Of Moros. This an
swer is. of course, entirely satisfac'
tory. The officers and enlisted men un,
der General Woods command have
performed most gallant and sol
dierly feat in way that confers added
credit on the American army. They
are entitled to the heartiest 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,
THEODORE ROOSEVELT"