The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1906-03-15
PRESIDENT STANDS BY TROOPS
KILLING OF MORO WOMEN AND
CHILDREN UNAVOIDABLE.
Accepts Ger. Woods Explanation Of Battle
Conditions on Mount DaJO as Entirely
Satisfactory nj Repeats Praise OF
American Soldiers-No Wanton Staying

Conditions IN Mount DaJO ms Entirely
Satisfactory and Repeats Praise OF
American SOldiers-NO WantOn Staying
WASHINGTON, March 14.-In response to
an official telegram Of inquiry concerning
the allegations in American newspapers
that there was a wanton slaughter OF Moro
men, women and children in the fight at
Mount Dajo, Island of jolo, Major-Gen.
Leonard Wood, who commanded the United
States forces engaged and witnessed the
action, has cabled a full report to the Military
Secretary Of the Army. He says that the
Moro women were dressed az men and
fought with them, and that in many cases
children were used by the Moros as shields
while charging the American troops.
The telegram Of inquiry was sent by
direction Of Secretary Of War Taft, and
when Gen. Woods answer was received
Mr.. Taft wrote a letter to President Roose-
welt in which he said that Gen. Woods
report seemed to show clearly that the
great loss of life among the Moros, while
unfortunate, was unavoidable, in view
Of the deliberate use Of their women and
children in the battle, In a brief note
written to-day the President informs
Secretary Taft that he regards Gen. Woods
answer as entirely satisfactory and gives
high praise to the conduct OF the American
soldiers.
AS far as the executive branch of the.
Government is concerned the incident APP
pears to be closed, although Gen. Wood
said in his report that he assumed entire
responsibility for the conduct Of his troops
and promised to act at once II any evidence
1-- -,A 4
slaughter.
The letters ex changed between the Presi-
dent and the Secretary OF War we're made
public tonight, Mr.. Tatt's c~ommunica-
ton is as follows;
WAR DEPARTMENT,
WASHINGTON, March IS. 1905.
MY DEAR Mr.. PRESIDENT: The account
Of the engagement. on Mount Dajo, on the ISL
and of Jolo. between our forces and a large
band of Moro robbers, in which the fighting
lasted for three or four days. showed such
a large loss among the Moros as to give rise
in a part of the public press to the criticism
that there had been a wanton destruction
by our troops of Moro lives, including those
OF women and children. Inquiries were
made 10 me by members OF the Senate and
House Of Representatives in respect to the
matter. Accordingly l yesterday directed
that the following telegram be sent to Gen.
Wood:
1T is charged that there was a wanton
slaughter Of Moros, men, women and chill
dren. in the fight in Jolo at Mount Dajo. |
wish you would send me at once all the par
~ticulars in respect to this matter, stating
exact facts"
Gen. Woods answer came to-day. 1t seems
TO me TO show most clearly that the unfortu-
nate loss OF life OF men. women and children
among the Moros was wholly unavoidable,
In view OF their deliberate use OF their women
and children in actual battle and their fanati-
cal and savag e desire that their women and
children should perish with them II defeat
were to come. They seem &c gave exhibited
in this fight the well known tTeachery OF the
uncivilized Mohammedan when wounded.
of attempting to kill those approaching for
the purpose Of giving aid and relief. Gen.
Woods despatch is as follows:
-In answer to Secretary OF Wars request
for Information, March IL, ] was present
throughout practically entire action and in
spected top Of crater after action was finished.
Am convinced no man. woman or child was
wantonly killed. 4 considerable number OF
women and children we're killed in the fight
number unknown, for the reason that they
were actually In the works when assaulted.
and were unavoidably killed in the fierce
hand to hand lighting which took place In the
narrow enclosed spaces. Moro women wore
trousers and were dressed and armed much
like the men and charged with them. The
children we're in many cases used by the men
as shields while charging troops.
These incidents are much to be regretted,
but 1t must be understood that the Moros.
one and all, were fighting not only as enc
mics but as religious fanatics. believing
paradise to be their immediate reward III
killed In action with Christians. They appar-
entity desired that none be saved. Some OF
our men, one q hospital steward. were cut
UP while giving assistance TO wounded Moros
by the wounded and by those ~feigning death
for the purpose of getting this vengeance.
| personally ordered assistance given to
wounded Moros and that food and water should
be sent them and medical attendance. In
addition friendly Moros were at once di-
rected to proceed to the mountain for this
purpose.
Il do not believe that in this or In any
other fight any American soldier wanto My
killed a Moro woman or child. or that he ever
did 1t except unavoidably In close action.
Action was most desperate and 1t was impossi-
BILE for men fighting literally for their lives
In close quarters to distin guish who would be
injured by Are. In all actions against Moros
we have begged Mo ros again and again to
fight as men and keep women and children
out Of It.
Il assume entire responsibility for action
Of the troops in every particular. and II any
evidence develops in any way bearing out
the charges will act at once. WOOD.
Very sincerely yours.
WILLIAM n. TAFT.