Two days later Lieutenant Berners, of the scouts, intercepted part of this band and succeeded in wounding and capturing 1 and killing 1. About the most notable feat of this band was its attack on a party of surveyors, who were running the lines of the friar lands west of Batangas on March 20. This party, consisting of 2 Americans, a Chinese cook, and a muchacho, with 4 constabulary, were awakened at daylight by the band firing into camp. One surveyor was wounded and the sentinel killed.' After looting the camp and relieving the party of provisions and pocket money, Oruga apologized by saying that he just wanted an explanation as to why they were surveying the land. Thus the ingratitude of some of our "little brown brothers" is prominently exemplified. While the government exerts itself to rid the country of what has been claimed by the Filipino to be the most unworthy act of their oppressors, by buying up the friar lands to dispose of them to the occupants, armed bandits smite the hand extended in succor.

For this gallant deed Oruga appointed himself a brigadier-general. There is one thing to be admired about him, and that is that occasionally he can be induced to put up a fight, when he feels that honors are in his favor, which is more than can be said generally of the leaders of these bands.

There are other small bands in Laguna, Batangas, and Cavite, headed by robbers of less notoriety than those mentioned. It has been our good fortune, from time to time, to capture or kill some of their members, but their complete extermination seems to be the only permanent remedy for getting rid of them.

There is a small band in Bataan, but they have almost been exterminated. The leader was formerly a native constabulary officer, but was caught stealing horses and placed in jail. He escaped and organized this band. He was later captured by a sergeant of constabulary and was killed while attempting to escape.

In Zambales there was a small band, but recent reports state that it is exterminated, except the leader, who is hiding in the mountains.

In Bulacan there is no organized band, but carabao stealing in that province is reduced to a science. An attempt was made to break it up, but our information division failed to receive the support of the officials and abandoned it temporarily. The governor of the province has recently requested assistance, and our efforts are again being exerted in that direction.

There are no organized bands in Tarlac or Pangasinan, but more or less carabao stealing is in vogue along the borders of those and Nueva Ecija provinces.

There is a band of religious fanatics in existence in northern Nueva Ecija, under the command of Felipe Salvador, known as "Santa Iglesia." They do not remain together continuously, but combine, commit depredations, and immediately disband. This outfit has given no trouble since September 16, 1903, when about 100 of these men, with about 40 guns, attacked the constabulary barracks at San Jose. The station consisted of an American officer and 44 men. The commanding officer, Lieutenant Wakeley, and 6 privates were wounded, 1 sergeant and 4 privates killed. Three of the wounded afterwards died. The outlaws lost 14 killed. The constabulary lost 3 Springfield rifles and captured 1 Remington and 2 Springfield rifles, besides bolos. This was the most vicious and persistent attack that outlaws have at any time in the district made on constabulary. It was in the middle of the night, and it is claimed by Captain Wakeley that there was one traitor among the constabulary. I embody herewith the report of the senior inspector on this affair:

CONSTABULARY OF NUEVA ECIJA,
San Jose, September 20, 1903.

SIR: The following is the result of my investigation of the attack on San Jose, on the morning of September 16, 1903:

It appears from the statement of Lieutenant Wakeley that about 12.30 a. m., 16th instant, the sentinel posted on north side of his barracks, outside the trenches, was fired upon by a large crowd of persons. He immediately ran to the cuartel and gave the alarm. The guard and detachment at once "fell in" and opened fire on the attacking party, who were then close to the trenches. The first volley from the constabulary drove their enemy back, but they came on again and were again driven back. Once more they renewed the effort, and the leader, Captain Beyron, killed, jumped on the breastwork, saying to the constabulary, "We are here by appointment; keep your promises; kill your commanding officer." At this the constabulary hesitated and stopped firing for about thirty seconds, and only for Lieutenant Wakeley shooting this man the result would have been deplorable, as he might have won over the constabulary. On the fall of this leader the fighting was renewed vigorously on both sides. A party of bolomen, in the meantime, succeeded in getting inside the intrenchment from the side, getting into the guardhouse and securing two or three rifles, which they immediately turned on the constabulary. By this time 5 of the latter had been killed and 3 wounded, nearly all being shot from the right rear. The fighting now had lasted fully two hours, when Lieutenant Wakeley ordered a flank assault on the attackers, which succeeded well, and they were driven off, leaving 11 dead and 4 wounded,

3 of whom since died, making a total loss to the enemy of 18. Lieutenant Wakeley was slightly wounded on right hip, a Springfield bullet striking his belt and remaining there, exploding 13 Krag cartridges and knocking him senseless for a moment. Sergeant Agsilu, First-class Privates Magpale and Rodio, and second-class Privates Cariño, Lucas Menceros, Pascual, and Ubaña were killed and Private Sebastian and 2 others wounded.

Lieutenant Wakeley is deserving of the greatest praise for his signal courage and coolness in this desperate contest, and I earnestly recommend him for promotion at first opportunity. Sergeant Agsilu and his 7 companions were as brave men as ever fought under a flag. The attack was marked by some skill and fanatical determination, met and only overcome by dogged pertinacity.

Lieutenant Wakeley desires to especially recommend First-class Private Maximo Dumlao, who held an outpost against great odds during the fight. Through the good judgment and cool courage of this man the enemy were unable to flank the post from the rear, their being one column of the enemy sent to do so; First-class Private de la Cruz, who volunteered to take 2 men and flank the enemy, which he successfully accomplished; Second-class Private Julio de los Reyes, also member of flanking party; Second-class Private Sebastian, after being twice shot, second time seriously, not fatally; Second-class Private Clemente Lazaro and Second-class Private Juan Comilan. Lieutenant Wakeley recommends that if consistent these men be given medals for valor in the most critical point in the fight, when the enemy had the advantage and offered rewards if the constabulary would kill their leader and lay down their arms. He recommends that First-class Privates Aghual, Espanto, and Botid be mentioned in orders.

The constabulary lost 3 Springfield rifles and captured 2 Springfields, 1 Remington, besides bolos and clubs.

There was undoubtedly one traitor, Second-class Private Remigio Ferrer (and possibly First-class Private Joaquin Opiñano). The first was absent without leave until hour of attack, but was seen by Lieutenant Wakeley in rear and right of him and his men with a rifle. He confesses to having been there and of firing at his comrades. Taxed with the crime he says he was out of his head. He is now in carcel at San Isidro and will be charged with treason. Private Opiñano was in the guardhouse at time of attack, but did not take his place in the ranks, only leaving the guardhouse when he saw two of the enemy entering. Without the least resistance he gave them his rifle, saying he was afraid of them. Lieutenant Wakeley ordered him afterwards to bring a box of ammunition from the office. He refused, saying he could not on account of his sore wrist, and would have persisted in refusing only was afraid the lieutenant would use force. He is now in carcel and will be tried for treason, as it is probable that he and Ferrer were agreed to give up their rifles to the enemy. After the fight the attackers dispersed in twos and threes, but reunited afterwards. One column of 60, commanded by Salvador, went toward Biacnabato, according to the story of a prisoner who was with him at San Jose and for one week previous and who heard Salvador tell the others he was going there and there would receive arms and supplies. One column of about 40, which I trailed for two days, is probably gone toward the Penaranda Mountains, and it is probable that a small column of Tarlac people went toward Cuyapo and Anao, as I received notice that Anao was attacked by Santa Iglesias on the 20th instant.

There were persons in the attack from Pampanga, Pangasinan, Bulacan, Tarlac, and Nueva Ecija, the latter being in the majority. All the population are in sympathy and the majority in some manner connected with this movement. The idea seems to be to get as many arms as possible, with a future view toward a general uprising.

The lawmakers ought to make some law making it a felony to a proven member of this organization.

They will be hounded to the end by the constabulary of this province.

Am very sorry that I could not forward this report sooner. I prepared it on the 20th at San Jose and left there the 21st, intending to mail it at San Isidro. Midway I struck a fresh trail, which I followed 21st and 22d, arriving at Talavera on 23d instant, late in the evening. The next mail for Manila left San Isidro on the 24th, so it could not go by that mail. I therefore kept it until to-day.

Very respectfully,

R. B. KAVANAGH, Captain and Senior Inspector, Philippines Constabulary. CHIEF FIRST DIVISION, PHILIPPINES CONSTABULARY,

Manila.

In October, 1903, Lieutenant Velasquez was sent from Bayombong, Nueva Viscaya, to complete the census of the mountain districts, under the supervision of the governor of that province. On the 6th of that month it was reported that he was attacked by a large number of Calingas and other Igorrote tribes. The following is the senior inspector's (Captain Williams) report on this affair:

[Telegram.]

CONFIRST, Manila.

BAYOMBONG, N. V., October 22-23, 1903.

Lieutenant Velasquez and party of 28 men reported here to-day. Most of party suffering with chills and fever and show marks of hardship and service. Lieutenant Velasquez makes the following report: At 9.30 a. m., October 6, in the district of Banafa, Isabela, while holding friendly conference with the following-named jefes of the Gaddan tribes, High Chief Tunit, of Caransao; Chiefs Dungaue, Jalangoy, Balanguia, and Sabio, of Banafa; Chiefs Gumbi and Nanbaung, of Antang, my detachment, consisting of myself and 30 men, were attacked by 500 to 600 Calingas and Ifugao Igorrotes, latter Botoc. My two sentinels were surprised by rush of 80 savages from dense underbrush. Second-class privates Buenaventura Alindayu and Mariano Gorales were sentinels and fatally wounded, Alindayu with spear and Gorales with pinaparing, in the charge before their comrades could give assistance. At first fire from sentinels the chiefs in the conference rose to their feet, pinaparing in hand. He (Velasquez) killed 6 of the 7 chiefs with his revolver, and the seventh with a pinaparing, while the soldiers were all engaged in a hand-to-hand fight, which lasted thirteen minutes, with the following result: Constabulary lost 2 men fatally wounded, 2 slightly wounded, and 2 Springfield carbines, and Lieutenant Velasquez lost Winchester carbine, his personal property. Calingas lost 53 killed, 30 or more wounded, 2 Remington rifles, 2 muzzleloading shotguns, 3 flintlock guns, 5 Springfield carbines, cartridges, 1 pound gunpowder (made from pulverized match-heads), and 20 pounds rifle balls, 100, 13 pinaparings or headaxes, 3 bolos,5 steel spears, 6 rodelas of shields. Revolvers only were used by the constabulary in first attack-too close to use carbines. Calingas retreated to wooded mountains nearby and kept up hot fire with Krag, Mauser, Remingtons, flintlocks, and muzzle-loading guns of various kinds for about twenty-seven minutes. Their loss after taking to the woods is not known. After ceasing fire, burying the dead, and destroying all captured property, extra clothing, and rations, the constabulary began a retreat toward Mererao, but being completely surrounded were compelled to drop and shoot their way out. Five hundred to 600 Calingas and 30 constabulary were engaged October 7; had running fight from 6.30 to 8 a. m.; Calingas retreated, losing 30 killed and wounded. Three hundred Calingas and 28 constabulary were engaged October 8; had running fight from 6.30 to 8.30 a. m.; Calingas retreated, losing 9 killed and 7 wounded. Two hundred Calingas and 28 constabulary were engaged 7th and 8th; constabulary had no casualties, but were without food from 6th to 10th instant. All captured arms were broken, and with captured ammunition, all rations, and extra clothing were burned that nothing might fall into hands of the enemy. Lieutenant Velasquez recommends the following-named enlisted men for meritorious service, to take precedence as listed: Second-class Private Mariano Camonoyon, First-class Private Nicola Bayanton, Second-class Private Manuel Callueng, First Sergeant Boinardo Tumalium Second-class Private Bernardo Dumlod, Corporal Jacinto Cadauan, Second-class Private Antonio Cruz, First-class Privates Dominto Guayad and Juan Birca, Second-class Private Alejandro Padasdao. I recommend for the good of the service that Lieut. Joaquin Velasquez and the 10 above-named men be awarded medals of valor as reward for bravery, their heroic courage and remarkable endurance. All members of the detachment deserve honorable mention.

WILLIAMS, Consenior.

Later investigation and the testimony of a large number of enlisted men present showed conclusively that a portion of Lieutenant Velasquez's report was false, and that this disturbance was brought on by his attempting to take certain guns away from these Igorrotes when he was sent there on a peaceful mission to take the census. In consequence, Lieutenant Velasquez was dismissed by the chief of constabulary.

In Rizal Province there is a small band under Macario Sakay, who poses as the presidente of the Philippine republic. This man was formerly a barber in Manila. He has about 6 guns and a following of a few additional men. Several times during the year this band has been located and a number of its members killed. Lieutenant Pitney, at Tanay, in March, struck this band about 8 miles north of that town and killed 19 of its members. Later, in May, 5 constabulary of Rizal Province, through a ruse, induced a number of this band to enter the town of Bosoboso, where 4 were killed. Recently they attempted to go into Bulacan, and were intercepted near Norzagaray by a detachment of constabulary under a sergeant of that province, and 4 were killed and 7 captured. In each instance some guns were captured. This band has committed no depredations beyond compelling the people to supply food. Sakay claims that he is not a ladrone but a patriot. Details of these affairs have been submitted in quarterly reports during the year.

Recently, in Pangasinan, the senior inspector unearthed the formation of a new Katipunan society, under the leadership of Pedro C. Gasig, who styled himself a captain-general. Quite a number of his followers were captured with what purported to be commissions in their pockets. These men are now in jail awaiting the action of the courts.

On the 23d of December, 1903, Artemio Ricarte, one of the irreconcilables deported to Guam and later brought to Manila with other prisoners from that island, refused to take the oath of allegiance and was not allowed to land. He has since spent his time in Hongkong, where he organized what is known as a Filipino junta, for the purpose of agitating a revolution in the islands. Prior to his returning to Manila clandestinely he was in correspondence with certain persons in and about Manila and had organized what he called a "revolutionary army," which consisted principally of brigadier-generals and colonels, the recruiting of privates not having been commenced. Immediately upon his landing it was discovered that he was in the islands, but he was at large until May, when he was captured in Mariveles, Bataan Province, by Lieutenant Heartt, of the constabulary, assisted by the presidente and clerk of the court. Immediately upon landing he called together his leaders and gave instructions for the organization of the revolutionary army, styling himself the "general in chief." He made a tour of Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, and Pampanga provinces, touching at certain towns. Almost immediately after his landing secret-service men of the information division commenced to gather in his "generals," and much credit is due the information bureau for its excellent work in this respect Within thirty days after his landing practically all of his followers were in jail, and all have been sentenced for a term of years in Bilibid. A man by the name of Tolent no, who had been sentenced to imprisonment for writing and producing seditious plays in Manila, joined with Ricarte and styled himself the "dictator of the Philippines." This man was under a bond of $3,500 at the time, which he jumped, and went with Ricarte to the bosque. Shortly after Ricarte's capture, Tolentino was also captured. Both of these worthies are now serving sentences in Bilibid prison. Additional charges will be preferred against Ricarte for being the instigator of certain mutinous conduct on the part of constabulary soldiers in Ilocos Sur in January of the present year. It appears that a detachment of soldiers from Ilocos Sur were serving in Pampanga Province; that Ricarte corresponded with Corporal Ayala and Private Calvo, inducing them to take steps to cause a mutiny in the garrison at Vigan upon their return to their province. These men foolishly attempted the same, having induced some twenty-odd constabulary, together with a lot of ignorant taos from the barrios around Vigan, Ilocos Sur, to join them. This party of mutineers, after robbing the commissary and helping themselves to guns, ammunition, clothing, etc., started out through the province, but were intercepted by scouts, constabulary, and American cavalry within the next few days. The entire outfit have been sentenced to long terms in Bilibid. The two soldiers above mentioned, one other soldier, and a civilian implicated in the matter were sentenced to death. I was acting chief of constabulary at the time and took personal command of the situation in Ilocos Sur until quiet was restored.

The details of this affair are set forth in a special report on file in the office of the chief of constabulary.

While the advent of Ricarte into the islands caused no serious disturbances, and it was clearly shown that the people of the islands did not sympathize with him and are not prepared for a revolution and do not desire one, still his capture had the effect of quieting a certain restlessness among the people in the provinces adjacent to Manila.

The authorized strength of the constabulary of this district during the past year has been 2,400. In addition, 18 companies of Philippine Scouts, assigned with the civil government, have been on duty in the district.

Under recent orders from the office of the chief of constabulary the authorized constabulary strength was reduced to 2,200, and a new scale of pay was ordered, making the pay of enlisted men more nearly uniform in the different provinces. Under present conditions the reduction was justified, and should conditions continue to improve it is believed that in time a further reduction can be effected. When we can substitute a smaller number of well-trained and disciplined men for numbers we will have made a great step in advance. The term of enlistment of a large part of the constabulary has expired during the past few months, or will expire in the near future. In some provinces the majority are reenlisting, but in others less than 50 per cent.

It is impossible to report yet what the effect of reclassifying the pay will have. In some provinces the pay was slightly reduced. It is a well-known fact that a Filipino is always asking to have his pay raised, but generally quits his job when his pay is reduced, remains idle until he gets hungry, and is then happy to begin again at the foot of the ladder. Possibly the same effect may obtain with the constabulary in those provinces where the pay has been reduced. The constabulary soldier has learned to compare his pay with that of the scout, and the scout is grumbling because his pay is less than that of the American soldier.

The fact is, the scale of pay of the constabulary is believed to be about right, and even that is far more than they ever dreamed of receiving in the days of the Spaniards.

CLOTHING.

There has been some discussion as to whether or not the clothing allowance of 50 pesos is sufficient. I recently called for the views of the senior inspectors on this subject. A few thought it ample, but most of them thought it should be increased to 65 pesos, stating that where there was much field service it was not sufficient at present. Of course it is desired to have men at all times present a neat and soldierly appearance, and not be compelled when they go to the field to don a uniform in which they can take no pride. Smart clothes certainly stiffen a man's back and make him hold his head a few inches higher, and generally make him a little better man. This is particularly so of the Filipino. When we can reach the point where we can reduce in numbers, it is recommended that the clothing allowance be correspondingly increased.

SUBSISTENCE.

The

Beginning with the present calendar year the system of rationing the constabulary was changed. Prior to that time each soldier paid for his own food, and when in the field it was furnished him without charge. The men ate at tiendas or with their families. first step as an improvement was to establish messes at nearly all stations in the district, the cost of same being deducted from the men's pay. It was found that this method of messing cost the soldier a little less, on an average, than 7 pesos.

Under this system the men improved in strength and health. Following this, the Commission appropriated 21 centavos per day for the purchase of a soldier's ration. This method is very flexible and has proven entirely satisfactory. In the provinces of this district it has cost less than this amount to feed the men. The result is a saving which constitutes a mess fund. In this district senior inspectors have been required to keep these savings as savings for each separate station, and not lump it as a provincial mess fund, for the reason that at some stations quite respectable savings are made, while at others nothing is saved. It was deemed but just to the men that such savings should accrue to the benefit of the men who made them.

Experience has shown that some officers have handled their messes splendidly, while others have performed this duty but indifferently. There has been marked improvement in this respect, and it is believed that we need have no further anxiety where stations are commanded by American officers. The native officer, with but few exceptions, has proven himself an indifferent caterer and an extremely poor manager and accountant in running these messes.

The system operates as follows: The supply officer of each province requisitions monthly for funds for subsistence of the men of his province. The senior inspector draws on him for funds for the entire province at the rate of 21 centavos per day for the month. The station commanders make purchases in open market or from the branch civil supply store, giving receipts for same, retaining a stub showing the transaction. These receipts are cashed by the senior inspector or, when more convenient, the station commander is given money by the senior inspector, on memorandum receipt, and he cashes his own receipts and turns them in to the senior inspector. Station commanders must keep a daily record of strength of station and submit a return to the senior inspector at end of month, showing proper accounting. These returns are consolidated by the senior inspector, who forwards them for audit to the district chief. While on detached service or in the field, where it is impracticable to mess the men, they may be given cash at the rate of 21 centavos per day. The senior inspectors are authorized to expend the savings for the benefit of the men for such purposes as comforts about their mess, barracks, or dining room, or for extra articles of clothing for men who are in debt to the Government. They may also return the savings to the men if they so desire. Any other expenditures than these, of savings, must receive the sanction of the district chief. In all cases of expenditure the wishes of the men are ascertained, as it is regarded as their money, except as to its care and supervision.

During the five months from January 1 to May 31 the savings in provisions have ranged from a few poses to upward of a thousand. In those provinces where there was a great deal of field service but little savings were made, and in one province, Cavite, where men were continually in the field and eating at numerous stations, some confusion of accounts resulted, but this confusion was due to the fact that several stations were commanded by native officers who were not competent to keep their accounts properly.

With proper care on the part of officers and attention to duty the system should work with entire satisfaction.

It would be a good thing if this system of rationing could be extended to scout companies. At present fully half the efficiency of these organizations is lost by detachments being compelled to return to their stations after three or four days to provide themselves with rations.