The Saint Paul globe., 1899-03-30


WASHINGTON. March 2s-The presi-
dent today discussed with his advisers
and callers the situation in the Philip
pines. Assistant Secretary of War Mel
kiejohn and Adjt. Gen. Corbin, who have
kept close track of the progress of the
American army and the condition of tho
troops, were with him for some time.
With them he went over the situation,
and expressed his pleasure at the good
progress Gen. Otis and his generals had
made, though he regretted the loss Of
life
The dispatch of Gen. Otis received early
this morning was not supplemented by
any later news. The opinion was given
at the war department that Gen. Otis had
ample force under his command, and that
when the regulars now on their way to
Manila reach their destination, there
would be little need Of retaining the vol
unteers in service there. No demand for
muster out will hold good until the formal
ratification Of the peace treaty, Of course,
and when this will be done is not known.
The French ambassador, who is acting
for Spain, has no information on the SUBJ
5ect, and does not know when the treaty
will be received here.
When Gen. Otis reported to the war de-
partment early today sthat at o'clock
this morning the American troops, under
Gen. Macarthur. again took up their ad-
vance, there was renewed expectation of
fighting and decisive DEVELOPMENTS. Gen.
Otis dispatch covered much ground not
only in showing the position of our forces
but also the extent ofl,the advance con-
templated for the day.. The halt and rest
OF yesterday gave new aspect to the
advance, for instead of long continued
fight with jaded troops and exhausted
supplies, Gen. Macarthur began practi-
cally new advance today, with his men
refreshed and well supplied. iooH
s>r ROAD TO MALOLOS.
MAJ. Simpson, who is closely following
the movement Of the troops by means Of
the military map, regarded Gen. Otis dis
patch as showing that the plan TODAY
was to reach Bigaa. seven miles from
Malolos. and there wait until tomorrow
for the final advance aon Malolos. The
march cut out for today covers about
seven miles. The two towns mentioned
6ocave and Bigaa, are the only ones along
the line Of march, and they are small
pueblas. There is, however, a constant
succession Of haciendas and plantations,
showing that the road lies through a
rather fertile country,
There are two natural obstacles lying
along the route-frst the Marilao river
and further on the Bulacan river. The
bridge over the Marilao river has been
burned, but all reports Indicate that the
engineers have succeeded in repairing it.
Bigaa Is just beyond the Bulacan river,
SO that Gen. Otis report that Mac
Arthur's advance will continue to BIZ
gaa" was construed at the war depart
ment to mean that the two rivers would
be passed before today's advance closed.
Being seven miles FROM Malolos our force
can either cover that distance tomorrow
or else turn southwark to reduce the
large city Of Bulacan on the left.
The expectation here is that they will
Keep on to Malolos, and that tomorrow
night will see them near the insurgent
capital. In the meantime the indications
are that the fighting viii not be as Sc
we're as it was Saturday and Sunday, for
Cen Otis dispatch Of this morning says:
'Enemy's resistance not SO vigorous to-
day., This is attributed to the fact that
our forces are now in more open coun-
try, where the methods of guerrilla fight
Ing are not so readily executed
SITUATION SUMMED UP.
The report that the enemy has de-
stroyed the railway and telegraph lines
compels our engineers practically to build
railroad and telegraph line as our
troops advance.
An official of the war department sum-
med up the military situation as fol-
lows:
"The troops are in excellent spirits.
Full supplies are on hand, and the supply
trains are keeping abreast Of the men.
The enemy is losing heart, and falling
back, and tonight we viii be within seven
miles Of the enemy's capital
Gen. Corbin does not. credit the report
that the insurgents have abandoned their
capital and haze. removed back to San
Fernando. He bases this conclusion on
the fact that Gen. Otis has reported no
such movement, and he doubtless would
be quick to report any move of such vital
Importance. His repbrts thus far are
considered very comprehensive and in
teligent.