Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1899-09-14
WAR NOT ES,

The activity of the war department
officials at Washington and the close
figuring that is being done regarding
the available force in the Philippines
indicate an early movement. 1t has
been known that forward movement
was contemplated in November, but
there are now indications that the
campaign may begin at least month
earlier If there would be favorable
weather conditions. BY Oct. ! Gen.
Otis will have an army of 81, 900 effec-
tive fighting men. 1t is believed by
some officials of the army that such a
force ought to begin an active cam
paign without delay unless the weather
conditions are such as TO absolutely
prevent.
| Gen Quintin Bandera visited Gen.
| Gomez on the 9th, and the latter rec
commended policy of union and con-
cord. He said he had given many
thrusts with his machete, but now he
wished to give as many embraces. He
advised Bandera to inaugurate in the
eastern provinces a policy of concilia-
ton. Gen. Gomez said: Nov that
the war is over the Spaniards should
be considered friends, and the past
should be forgotten. We and they
should live together as brothers, with
a common language and similar GUS
toms In our attitude toward the
Americans we should give them full
credit for desire to construct the is
and"
The matter of making an effective
blockade in the Philippines, and es-
pecially around the island of Luzon,
so as to prevent the insurgents from
obtaining ammunition and supplies, is
one that is giving the administration
considerable concern. 1t has not been
deemed feasible to proclaim block
ade, as it would indicate state of war
and possibly open a way to the recog-
dnition of the insurgents. Whether or
Iinot it is feasible to attack, subdue and
garrison all the ports of Luzon which
:, might serve as ports of supply for the
.Filipinos has not yet been determined.
Capt. Butler, with three companies
eof the Sd infantry, detachment OF
l'cavalry and one gun, while upon a re-
'connaissance, met a body of rebels on
the 9th at San Rafael. The Americans
n scattered the enemy and captured
, seven prisoners, five rifles and 800
rounds of ammunition. They also de-
stroyed the rice stored in seven ware
houses. The rebels are supposed to
belong to the command of Gen. Pho del
Pillar, who, with his main force, re-
treated to the north.
A force of $50 rebels, with one can
non, attacked Santa Rita early on the
morning of the 9th, and simultaneously
Guagua and San Antonio were attacked
by bodies of rebels numbering about
60 men. All the attacks were repulsed
without loss to the Americans Col.
! Bell and his regiment, while attempt
| ing to take the rebels in the rear, met
! two small patrols and succeeded in
capturing rebel captain, a lieutenant
and six privates.
Dates have been set for the departure
of three regiments of volunteers for
the Philippines One-half of the oath,
Col. Kennon, will sail on September 8
on the Columbia, the remainder of the
regiment on September Is on the Bel
gian King. The 3lst, Col. Petit, will
sail on the 18th on the Sherman, and
the eth, Col. Bell, will sail on the 18th
on the Grant.
Admiral Dewey has again expressed
a favorable opinion as to the outcome
of the war in the Philippine islands,
saying that he hoped the next dry sea-
son would see tho insurrection quelled.
The admiral said that ne did not ex-
Nect to go on sea service again except
in the event Of war, and that he would
probably retire under the regulations.
The surgeons report in regard to the
condition of Gen. MacArthur's division,
show that SO per cent of the officers
and 25l3 per cent Of the enlisted men
are sick. This includes the sick IN
quarters and those sent home. Eleven
per cent of the enlisted men sick in
quarters, are mostly suffering from
dysentery and malarial fevers
Maj Gen. John II. Brooke, mill
tary governor of Cuba, has ordered
that 10, 900 copies of the census reg ula-
tions prescribed by Secretary of War
Root shall be printed and posted all
over the island
The both Infantry, u. S. ", who
have been camping at Fort Sheridan.
have been ordered to the Philippines.
They broke camp on the 5th and left
for San Francisco on the day following.
q. A. H. National Encampment