LUKBAN for the Samar service .
On the arrival of the “ Lawton ” at Catbalogan , Brigadier-general Smith had been in Samar about ten days ; and his strong policy was already making itself felt . He had already ordered all natives to present themselves in certain of the coast towns , saying that those who were found outside would be shot and no questions asked . The time limit had expired when the “ Lawton ” reached Catbalogan , and General Smith was as good as his word . His policy of reconcentration is said to be the most effective thing of the kind ever seen in these islands under any flag . All suspects , including Spaniards and half-breeds , were rounded up in big stockades and kept under guard .
Reporting on the concentration camp instituted by Smith , the correspondent wrote :
There are approximately 400 Filipino prisoners confined at Catbalogan , and the churchyard has been made into quarters for them . The yard is surrounded by a high stone wall , against which nipa shacks have been set . In these shacks , devoid of furniture , bedding , and with only the nipa walls and bamboo , the prisoners live , breathe , and have their being . They squat all day about the walls of the shacks , and only vary their attitudes for the purpose of eating or sleeping . They are fed the regulations ’ native prisoner ration , which is rather skimpy .
The majority of the prisoners looked far from happy . A large part of them had a pinched , hungry look , and some thirty or forty are suffering from all stages of beriberi . It is the usual thing for them to get this disease after they have been confined any length of time . The disease is prevalent on the island , and under prison conditions it thrives . A number of the prisoners are suffering from malaria and dysentery . One of the medical officers at Catbalogan tells me that they die at the rate of from two to four per day . There are not sufficient medical supplies at Catbalogan to care for the prisoners ; and , as far as I could see , when they are taken sick , they are liable to die , as far as their health may depend upon proper medical attendance .
General Sanger , learning of these conditions , took the medical officers to task ; and they pleaded as an excuse that they had sent many requisitions to Tacloban for supplies , but they were never filled , and , when filled , only partially . For example , carbolic acid in large quantities was asked for , and one-tenth of the amount asked was sent . It is probable that an investigation will be made in Manila as to why these conditions exist . Prisoners of war must have proper food and medical attendance . There are rears dug about the prison which are kept in a perfectly sanitary condition , boxes being used , and the contents
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