Bullets and Bolos

Bullets and Bolos, first published in 1928, is the memoir of Colonel John White's 15 years in the Philippines as a member of the Philippine Constabulary. The Constabulary, established in 1901, was organized to quell unrest on the islands. White took part in numerous engagements against the rebellious Moros on Mindanao and Jolo, including the infamous First Battle of Bud Dajo (also known as the Bud Dajo Massacre in which 800-1,000 men, women and children were killed). Included are 16 pages of photographs.From the dust-jacket: Here is a candid account of the early days of American occupation in the Philippines. Colonel White describes the work, both hazardous and constructive, done by the American officers of the Philippine Constabulary, and incidentally paints a memorable picture of the life of Americans and Filipinos in the provinces outside the large cities. In telling of the military operations of the Constabulary, Colonel White pays high tribute to the loyalty and fighting qualities of the native troops, Visayans, Tagalogs, Bicols, and Moros, who stood by him in many a jungle fight. Many of the daily incidents of the service, such as tracking bandits, attacks on volcano forts, and ruling camps of convicts without guards, have the ring of genuine adventure. Colonel White was twice wounded during the years of guerrilla warfare, nearly lost his leg, and was awarded the Medal of Valor. Among his noteworthy achievements as an administrator was the organization of the first military academy for Filipino cadets, at Baguio-the Philippine West Point. Unlike many writers on the Philippines, Colonel White has no ax to grind and no pet theory to advance about how the islands should be governed. In Bullets and Bolos he tells the story of a vivid period of his own adventurous life, a story made doubly interesting by the intimate part the author played in a historical movement of great import to American readers.