Reconcentration in the Philippines
Gen. J. F. Bell, military commander of the province of Batangás, Philippine Islands, has determined upon drastic measures for the suppression of armed resistance to American authority in his district. His plan involves what is known as reconcentration, the plan used in Cuba by the Spanish, and later in South Africa against the Boers. By this plan the Filipinos will be concentrated in districts which can be controlled by the military. It is hoped in this way to cut off the supplies of the armed Filipinos, and bring them to terms, after which the natives will be allowed to return to their homes. This policy brought distress in Cuba, and was condemned by nearly the whole civilized world. Its working is being strongly condemned in South Africa now, and England has decided to begin its abandonment. That it will work any better in the Philippines is hardly supposable; that it will cause much suffering and animosity is certain. But this is war.