SUBJECTING THE MOROS
THE first period of General Pershing's service in the Philippine Islands
lasted until 1903. He then was recalled to the United States and became
a member of the General Staff Corps. This position he held until 1906.
Within that time, however, he was appointed the military attache at
Tokio, Japan, and was with General Kuroki in the latter's campaign in
the war between Japan and Russia. It is said that his report forwarded
to our Government is one of the most lucid and forceful military
documents ever received by the Department.
If any discouragements had come to the young officer in his lonely
campaigns in the jungles of the Philippines and he had felt that somehow
he had been banished to a region where his services of necessity would
never be recognized, that thought was banished by the action of
President Roosevelt in 1906.
His services in the First and Fifteenth Cavalry as well as his
activities in Washington and his report as the military attache of his
Government, had brought him very strongly before the attention of the
President, who now was eager to reward him for his faithful services.
There were certain obstacles, however, in the way, and the President did
his utmost to secure the proper legislation to enable him to reward the
soldier whom he was eager to honor. There were delays, however, and the
delays continued. Red tape exerted its binding force upon the makers of
the laws and no apparent progress was made.
Thereupon President Roosevelt in his direct way determined to wait no
longer for changes in the laws. Promptly he nominated Pershing to be
Brigadier General; the nomination was confirmed and the long deferred
recognition was now manifest.
He had labored in somewhat obscure fields. He had assisted in subduing
insurrections, had supervised many local improvements in the territory
within which he was working. He had assisted in winning victories and
had warded off attacks by hostile Moros. There had, however, been
nothing spectacular in his work. His reliability, good sense, bravery
and administrative ability, however, were now better known and he was in
every way prepared for the more important problems which now confronted
him.
The President by his action had raised or "jumped" the new general eight
hundred and sixty-two orders. Worthy as the honor was and worthily
bestowed, for a time there were protests from disappointed seekers after
office. Some cried "politics," but as a rule these objections came in
loudest tones from those who by devious ways had sought certain "pulls"
for their own elevation. Personal ambitions and personal jealousies,
perhaps, also entered to a degree and aided not a little in delaying the
legislation which President Roosevelt desired.
Doubtless this condition deeply hurt General Pershing, but there was no
complaining on his part. It was his to show that he was not unworthy of
his new honor. Years before he had been taught by his father that to be
worthy of promotion was more than the promotion itself. And now he was
soon to return to the Philippines to show in the jungle and on the
field, in council and administration, that the action of the President
had not been the result of idle or thoughtless impulse.
Not long before this time, on January 26, 1905, General Pershing was
married. There is a current story, for the truthfulness of which the
writer cannot vouch, that when the nomination of Major Pershing for
promotion was placed before the Senate, there was made at the same time
a just and true statement of the distinguished services he had rendered
his country in his career in the Philippines. In the visitors' gallery
with friends, intently listening to the proceedings, was Miss Frances
Warren, daughter of United States Senator Warren of Wyoming. As she
listened to the words spoken concerning the American officer in the
Philippines it is said she remarked, "What a wonderful record. I should
like to see the man who made it." Not long afterward she did see him
though the meeting was entirely unexpected. Doubtless the man impressed
her more than had his praises to which she had listened in the halls of
Congress, for on January 26, 1905, she became Mrs. John Joseph Pershing.
The general, who for years had been compelled to live a somewhat lonely
life, whose activities had kept him far from friends and his own people,
was now to have the help and comfort of the strong and beautiful
daughter of Senator Warren. Never effusive nor one to refer to his
personal or private affairs, his friends nevertheless have told of the
deep love of the General for his wife and family--a tragic setting for
the terrible tragedy which later in a moment disrupted his home and
deprived him forever of his wife and three little daughters.
Directly after the wedding and before the general and his bride could
carry out the plans of a trip they were expecting to make to Japan, he
was abruptly ordered to join the forces of General Kuroki, as has been
said, as the representative of the Army of the United States in the war
between Japan and Russia. Like the good soldier that he was there was no
complaining, no expression of his personal disappointment; he at once
obeyed.
For a time General Pershing's work in the Philippines, to which he soon
returned, was not unlike that in which he formerly had been engaged.
The raids of the Moros on the coast towns were checked by Pershing's
brilliant victory at Bayan. But the tribe though defeated in this battle
were by no means conquered. They were obdurate and their long experience
with the Spaniards made them confident of their ability to hold off the
new invading force.
Six hundred hot-headed Moros were ready to defend their fortress--the
first of forty similar ones,--in the crater of an extinct volcano. The
most hot-headed of all was the leader, the Sultan of Bacolod. Walls of
earth and bamboo, forty feet in thickness, had been added to the
natural defenses. A moat forty feet wide and thirty feet deep surrounded
the position. The defenders believed it was proof against every possible
attack.
With five hundred of his own men and an equal number of selected
Filipino scouts Pershing advanced. The march was difficult and slow, for
in many places the troops were compelled to cut a pathway through dense
jungles and all the way they were exposed to sudden and fierce attacks
by the fanatical Moros. But Pershing relentlessly pushed forward and at
last arrived at the foot of the mountain on which the Moros had
confidently gathered in their supposedly impregnable stronghold,--"proof
against all attacks."
Not a day was lost. Quietly the leader remarked that he would "take the
place if it took ten years to capture it"--a remark that reminds one of
a similar declaration by another American soldier that he would "fight
it out on this line if it takes all summer."
First, his jungle fighters cut a trail entirely around the base of the
mountain, at the same time doing their utmost to protect themselves
against attacks from the Moros who were as skillful in this work as they
were in nearly every phase of fighting in the jungle. The men were
compelled also to protect themselves from attacks from above, for it was
a favorite method of the Moros by unexpected attacks, in rushes of wild
fury, to scatter their enemies when they tried to ascend.
The soldiers speedily formed a complete cordon around the mountain and
the siege promptly began. Pershing knew what the Moros did not know that
he knew,--when they had withdrawn to their stronghold they had done so
in such haste that they neglected or were unable to bring with them
supplies sufficient for a long siege, and not many days would pass
before the necessity of obtaining food would compel them to try to break
the iron ring about them and to send out parties for help.
Pershing's information soon proved to be correct. After a few days, in
small detachments the Moros did their utmost to gain the open jungle by
dashing through the surrounding lines. But every dash was frustrated,
although the fanatical fighters recklessly threw themselves into what
was certain death. The failure of one band to break through was merely a
clarion call to others of their fellows to renew the attempt. The mad
and useless efforts were all baffled.
At last on Christmas Day, 1911, the Moros in the little fortress did
what Moros had not done before,--they marched down the mountain side and
surrendered,--that is, all did save a few who made a final wild attempt
to break through the jungle. The effort was vain, however, for the
regulars hotly pursued the little brown fighters and the desperadoes
paid the penalty of their daring.
A second fortress was taken in a similar manner. But the leader was as
wise as he was brave and determined. After he had permitted the
knowledge of the fall of the first forts to be carried throughout the
tribe, soon after the beginning of the siege, he sent a message within
the third fort that the inmates, if they surrendered, would receive the
same generous treatment the defenders of the other forts had received.
Soon the brown fighters were convinced and promptly acted accordingly.
They discovered that they were dealing with a leader different from any
they had previously known. He did exactly what he said he would do. His
promise could be trusted. His word was reliable; and forty forts soon
were given over to the Americans.
The subjection of all the Moros, however, had not yet been accomplished.
Some still distrusted the white men and, as they believed, fought to
retain and defend their homes. At last, however, at the Battle of Bagsag
in June, 1913, the task was completed, though Pershing's work was not
yet all done. What he had believed to be only a temporary task had now
assumed larger and longer proportions. He had done so well that he was
retained not only in command but also was the governor of the newly
conquered, but not yet friendly province. Perhaps there is no better
proof of the ability and sterling character of General Pershing anywhere
to be found than the fact that the little brown Moros whom he defeated
and overthrew, later made him a datto of their tribe--an official
position that granted him full power of life and death over every man,
woman and child in their numbers and also made him a judge as well as a
ruler over them.
In his quiet, efficient, modest manner General Pershing in a larger way
had manifested the same qualities that had marked the lad at Laclede,
the student at West Point, and the young lieutenant leading his black
troops in Cuba. To-day all Americans are proud as well as pleased that
there were leaders able to recognize, and brave enough to reward, the
services of a soldier who had filled with honor every position to which
he had been assigned.
In the reports to the War Department there are many interesting
incidents descriptive of the daring and labors of General Pershing, who
was not only in command of the troops, but also, as has been said, the
military governor of the Province of Mindanao. In his own reports there
are general as well as specific recommendations and the directness with
which he states what to him appear to be needful for the good of the
Filipinos as well as of the American troops, is marked.
[From the Report of June 30, 1910.]
To the Adjutant-General of the United States Army:
To keep down the lawless element among the Moros
and pagan tribes a relatively large force must be
maintained in this department. We have now
occupied these Islands long enough to determine
quite definitely where such posts should be
located. There should be a regiment post on the
Island of Jolo, a brigade post in the Lake Lanoa
division and the regimental post in some point in
the vicinity of Zamboanga, besides smaller posts
at Fort Overton and Malabang.
Jolo is the strategical site for the post in the
Sulu Archipelago. From there any point in the
Island can be quickly reached and the other
islands of the Sulu group can be easily
controlled. It possesses a good harbor and is
otherwise well situated as a military station.
Mounted troops can go anywhere on the Island and
they exert more influence over the Moros than
dismounted troops.
The Lake Lanoa Moros are turbulent and unruly and
the presence of a relatively large force in that
region will be required for years to come. The
shores of Lake Lanoa afford a very desirable place
for a military post. The country is very fertile
and in case of necessity troops could maintain
themselves there almost indefinitely.
The erection of a permanent post at Zamboanga is
in every way desirable. Troops located at
Zamboanga could be sent to any place in the
department more quickly than from any other point.
After stating that many of the barracks and quarters will not last long,
he comments:
Permanent posts should be built entirely of
concrete or of a combination of concrete and most
durable hard woods.
The khaki uniform furnished by the quartermasters'
department for tropical service is poorly made and
ill-fitting. The American made cotton khaki cloth
is heavy, shrinks badly, fades rapidly and is
almost as warm as woolen cloth. This clothing is
as poor an excuse for a military uniform as can be
imagined. Instead of offering inducements to
soldiers to enter and remain in foreign service by
giving them good-looking and well-fitted clothes,
we force upon them these unbecoming, hot, heavy,
ill-fitting uniforms. The best khaki cloth is of
English manufacture and should be prescribed for
the army. It is light, cool, holds its color and
does not shrink. All uniform cloth ought to be
manufactured by tailors enlisted for the purpose.
He goes on to discuss the water supply, public animals, ships and
drydocks, and pack and wagon transportation, water and sewer systems,
the roads and the works, ice and cold storage plants and also makes
suggestions for the engineering and ordnance departments. He asks for
the construction, for military purposes, of a telegraph line of
communication with the District of Davao. He speaks also of the marked
improvement in the target practice, especially in small arms. He gives
the details of the eighteen expeditions entered upon and has a complete
description of the Subano uprising, which occurred in November, 1909,
among the hill people of Zamboanga. Certain Moro chiefs from Lake Lanoa,
assisted by pagan and Christian outcasts and criminals from the Misamis
Strip, planned to gather the hill people into an inaccessible part of
the "Bolman Country." This plan was carried out by resorting to false
prophecies, and, in many cases, to violence. Thousands of these small
pastoral Subanos were driven into camps, where they would be more
completely under the control of these self-appointed leaders. Large
camps were built, one at Bolman and one at Dampalan, and preparations
were made for defending them. The positions were well selected. The
occupants were armed with spears, krises, kampilans and barongs. A
constabulary force from Capitan was sent November 28th, by the Governor
of the Moro provinces, to the outskirts of the Barbon camp. The Subanos,
under the leadership of their Moro chiefs, attacked the constabulary
with spears, and several of the men were killed. Upon the call of the
Provincial Governor for troops, the second company of Philippine scouts,
commanded by Captain Moses T. Barlow, was sent to Dipolog to report to
Major John J. Finley, Governor of the District of Zamboanga, who was
placed in command.
In the report of Major Finley that officer writes:
"The considerable reward offered for the
apprehension of the leaders did not stimulate the
natives to search for them. The Subanos were
thoroughly subdued and terrorized by the rigorous
discipline of the camp and after the fight of
November 28th they were only too glad to hide
themselves in the woods and mountains. The
Philippines made no effort whatever to earn the
reward.
"Ample time was given for the hill people to take
a look at the troops and become convinced that
this form of governmental power was friendly and
really interested in their salvation and
prosperity. After becoming thus convinced, the
good influence of the government spread with
rapidity among the Subanos. They returned to their
farms by hundreds daily, they preferred their
services to the government and declined
remuneration. The important witnesses emerged from
their hiding places and the apprehension of the
leaders became a possibility. The leaders were
caught, the witnesses came forward from their
hiding places to convict them, and the wondering
Subanos reclaimed their homes and began life anew.
There was a general rejoicing among them."
He reports a shortage of officers and states that two-year troops hardly
get acquainted with the people or really become interested in the larger
problems that are being worked out under American control. "The army
cannot do itself full justice in the administration of civil affairs in
a Moro Province unless the period of service be extended." He declares
that service in the Philippine Islands is not more arduous than service
in Texas or Arizona. "There is no reason why enlisted men should be
given credit for double service for every year spent in the Islands."
He reports also that the Philippine Scouts are in excellent condition. A
high state of discipline exists among them. Their officers are
enthusiastic and willing, and the same spirit extends to the men.
In 1911, similar reports are made concerning uniforms, clothing, etc.
The general good health of the soldiers is described. Only three cases
of typhoid fever occurred in the entire department. "Too much time is
devoted to target practice in comparison with other classes of training.
The increased pay for expert riflemen, sharpshooters and marksmen does
not serve to increase appreciation and the efficiency in rifle fire." He
recommended that extra pay be discontinued.
He reports nineteen expeditions of the troops and gives a clear account
of the pagan uprising. He urges an increase in the regular regiments of
infantry in time of peace, to form a substantial basis in the first line
when war comes. "Under no circumstances should the enlisted strength of
a regiment be less than one thousand men, in time of peace. In war this
should be increased to two thousand four hundred or even three
thousand." He recommends that the cavalry regiments be made smaller. He
states that the efficiency of the cavalry is not as high as it should
be, while the field artillery is below the recognized requirements. The
Philippine Scouts sometimes are inclined to consider themselves on the
same footing as the white troops, with a consequent disinclination to
perform duties away from well-equipped and centrally located garrisons.
"Considering their low cost of maintenance I
believe it poor policy not to keep them up to the
authorized maximum strength of 12,000, reducing
the garrison of American troops accordingly.
"I believe the time is propitious for the
organization of Philippine cavalry, mounted on
hardy native ponies which require none of the
expensive hay of the American horse.
"The post exchange ought to be authorized to sell
beer and light wines. Conducted under proper
regulations and under official supervision this
feature formerly served as a means to furnish
soldiers with a club of their own and save many
from the grog shops and the brothels. The
reestablishment of that part of the exchange would
go far to reduce desertion, venereal diseases and
alcoholism among our troops."
In 1914 General Pershing was recalled from the Philippine Islands.
His work and that of General Funston was now fully recognized by his
countrymen. Peace had come in the Philippines and the victorious leaders
had been successful not only with their enemies, but also in winning the
confidence of most of the tribes they conquered. It is said there was no
man in the islands who was more deeply respected and loved by the
natives than was General Pershing. They were fearful of him, also,
because they knew that he would do exactly what he said he would do.
Strict with offenders against the laws, he was at the same time gentle
and friendly to the deserving, and it was not long before all were aware
that he was working not for conquest or for the glory of his nation, but
to help his country solve one of the most difficult problems left by the
Spanish War. That problem was to reconstruct and reorganize the life
among the Filipinos in such a way that they themselves should be helped
and not hurt by the plan. When General Pershing returned to America,
hope was strong that not many years would elapse before the little brown
men would be able to care for themselves and be recognized as an
independent nation.
For a brief time he was stationed at the Presidio in San Francisco,
California, but soon afterward was placed in command of the southwestern
division, along the Mexican border. It was while he was stationed there
in command of a scant and greatly extended line, which required constant
change on his own part in order to keep in touch with the various
elements in his command, that the great tragedy of the death of his
wife and three little daughters occurred.
On August 27, 1915, while he was in command at El Paso, word came to him
over the telephone of the awful fire in the Presidio at San Francisco,
where his family, then consisting of his wife, three little daughters
and a little son, were residing in his enforced absence. Of these, all
except Warren, the little boy, perished in the fire, a maid having
succeeded in rescuing the little fellow. When the terrible message was
received by the general it is said that at last he inquired, "Is there
anything more to be told?"
Upon being assured that he now knew not only the worst but had heard
all, he quietly hung up the receiver and turned away. There was to be no
manifestation of his almost crushing sorrow. It was his own, and there
we too must leave it. There are few who can fail to understand. The
lines in his strong face were soon deeper, the graying hair became
lighter still, but General Pershing's suffering and sorrow were his own,
not even to be referred to except as one of the facts in the life of a
man who belongs not to himself alone, but also to his country.
It has been reported that the general requested that he might be sent on
the most dangerous service to which his country could assign him.
Whether or not he ever made the request the writer does not know, but
that he might have had such a feeling in his heart can readily be
understood by all. The little motherless lad, Warren, has been cared for
by the general's sisters, who now reside in Lincoln, Nebraska.