Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1912-04-17
OR OTHER POWER COULD
CAPTURE ISLANDS WITH
STRONG FORCE.
NOT SITUATED FOR
SUCCESSFUL DEFENSE
corrsoidor Island Could es Held In
definitely But City Of Manila Not
Properly Fortifisd-Expsnss Of Pro-
lection Would 30 Enormous-Ensmy
Would Attack From Rear.
lspecia! Correspondence


Clarence Edwards. chief of the bureau
Of insular affairs, in recent statement
to this senate finance committee, de-
clared that in case of war with a first
class power the United States could
not defend the Philippines he made a
frank admission Of what is generally
realized by competent army men. Tho
as rule the military seers and sach-
ems 90 not say much about the situa-
ton for publication, they well under
stand that the Philippines are just
about as badly situated as they could
be for purposes Of effective military
defense
That the continued possession of the
Philippines by the United States, in
case of war with nation like Russia
Japan. Germany, or France, would in
the last analysis depend on the fleet,
not on the army, is generally admitted
TO be true both by military and naval
strategists. II the American feet con-
tinued supreme in the Pacific theater,
then the United States could retain
the islands but otherwise it would have
to give them up.
Easy Picking For Japan.
Army men generally realize that as
a military proposition. with only
scaEt force Of, say $4,000 to $4,000 men
in the Philippines. it would be Easy for
hostile nation suddenly TO throw
force into the islands that would cap
ture them. Japan, for instance. being
much closer to the islands than this
country. could do it.
OF course, any nation trying it would
have to bear in mind that there would
follow q war of mighty proportions
with this country and that the United
States would fight for years if need be
and spend billions Of dollars to recoup
any prestige that might be lost by the
loss of the Philippines.
The war department has done some
effective work in the way OF fortifying
one strategic point in the Philippines
This is the island Of Corregidor. the
rocky island that stands guard at the
entrance to the Bay OF Manila. Cor
regidor with the small islands that lie
about it's tanks, has been made into
veritable Gibraltar. 1t is prepared 10
stand long siege and this Is one
point in the Philippines to which the
United states would undoubtedly pe
BILE 10 hold for a long time. even II all
the rest of the islands passed into the
possession Of foreign foe. And 10
hold this point might be Of the utmost
Importance IN affording to the Amerl-
can feet a chance to take refuge IN the
Bav of Manila out of reach of attack
if weak. or preparing for an attack on
the enemv's feet if time for prepara-
ton were needed.
Costly Fortifieations REQUIRED.
Manila however, could easily be cap
tured from the rear even tho Corresl-
dor remained in the possession OF inc
United states This is well understood
by army men. 1t is not feasible 10
build such Notifications about Manila.
to the east, south and north. as Woulo
make it impregnable to land attack.
Such Notifications, perhaps, could pc
constructed but they would require ex-
penditures Of many millions Of dollars
and much time No steps toward such
Qualifications have been taken and In
their absence and in the a bsence OF
strong army in the Philippines. the
capital city OF the Philippines could not
long no held against a powerful invad-
ing army.
Would Attack From Rear.
IF a foreign foe sends an army
azains. the Philippines, that army will
in all likelihood land, not, as might be
supposed near the entrance of the Bay
or Manila. or on the west coast OF
Luzon. but on the east coast Of Luzon
In other words. it would probably land
on the other side Of the island from
Manila. Then. it could march across
,ahd attack the city from the rear. And
its defense from such an attack would
be difficult and impossible with small
force.
An old trail. perhaps more than one.
leads from the east side of the island
across to Manila. 1t would be hard
march for troops across the island.
thru the jungle, but 1t is practicable
Many a worse hike" was taken by
the American troops in their years Of
campaigning in Luzon. Mindanao, Sa-
mar, Panay, Negroes and other parts
of the archipelago.
So long as the American fleet in the
Pacific preponderated, such an invas-
ion would not, Of course be UNDER
taken. But once IT was in subordi-
nate position, the invasion could be
made and made successfully and Cen
eral Edwards and other army men
knov,