The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1906-03-16
WOMEN FOUGHT WITH MoRos

Dispatch From General Wood as to tn.
Killing OF Moro Women and Chill
drcn i'm the Recent Fighting on
Mount Daio-His Account. Says the
President. Is Entirely Satisfactory.
Washington. March IA cableg-am
from General Wood regarding criti-
cisms OF the recent battle OF Noun.
DaJo on the Island OF Jolo. together
with correspondence between the prest-
dent and Secretary Taft on the sub
Ject were made public today. General
woods cablegram was in answer TO
one sent TO him at the direction of
Secretary Taft who called attention
10 the criticisfs Of "wanton slaughter
OF Moros." and asked him TO send all
the particulars. General Woods reoiy
denies that there was any wanton
killing, and says 4 considerable num-
Der OF women and children were killed
In the fight because they were actually
In the works when assaulted, that Mo-
TO women wore trousers and that chill
dren were used as shields. The re-
ply was sent by Secretary Taft 10 the
president, with a note in which the
secretary says that General wooi's
answer seems 10 him TO show most
clearly that the unfortunate loss of
life was wholly unavoidable. TO which
the president replied that General
Woods answer "is Of course, entirely
satisfactory"
General Woods dispatch and the
presidents reply to Secretary Tafts
letter follows:
The Military Secretary. Washington.
d. c.
'In answer to secretary OF wars
request for information March 18th
L was present throughout practically
entire action and inspected top OF
crater after action was finished. Am
convinced no man. woman or child
was wantonly killed. A considerable
number of women and children were
killed in the tight-number unknown
for the reason that they were actually
in the works when assaulted. and were
unavoidably killed In the fierce hand
to-hand fighting which took place in
the narrow inclosed spaces
Moro women wore trousers and
were dressed. armed much like the
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 be regret
ted, but 1t must be understood that the
Moros. one and all. were fighting. not
only as enemies. but religious fanatics
believing paradise to be their imme-
diate reward If killed in action with
Christians. They apparently desired
that none be saved. Some OF our men
one hospital steward, were cut up
while giving assistance TO wounded
Moros and by those feigning death for
the purpose of getting this vengeance.
1 personally ordered assistance given
1a6
water should be sent them and medical
attendance
I'm addition. friendly Moros were at
once directed to proceed to mountain
for this purpose. / do not believe
that in this or any other fight any
American soldier wantonly killed a
Moro woman or child. or that he ever
did it except unavoidably in close ac-
ton.
action was most desperate and was
impossible for men fighting literally
for their lives in close quarter to dis
tinguish who would be injured by fire
In all action against Moros. we have
begged Moros again and again TO
fight as men and keep women and chill
dren out OF 1t. / assume entire re-
sponsibility 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,
'wM. Fl. TAFT"
The presidents reply follows:
White House.
Washington. March IA. 1906.
My dear Mr.. Secretary: I have
received your letter OF March 18th,
with accompanying cable of General
Wood answering your inquiry "a to the
alleged wanton slaughter OF Moros.
This answer Is, of course. entirely sat
fsfactory. The officers and enlisted
men under General Woods command
have performed q most gallant and
soldieriy feat in a way that confers
added credit on the American army.
They are entitled to the heartiest ad-
miration and praise of all their fellow
citizens who are glad to see the honor
OF the flag upheld by the courage OF
the men wearing the American uni
form
Sincerely yours
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
Hon VIM. II. TAFT.
Secretary of War