Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1899-03-16
WAR NOTES.

1t is said to be the intention of the
navy department to send 1000 ma
rines to Cavite to take care of the
havy's interests there. This seems to
be very large number of marines to
Station at one navy yard, but the ex-
PLANTATION is that the Cavite station is
the largest in the possession of the
i United States, including about 20
square miles of land with 10 miles of
water front. On the government lands
are many squatters and some small
towns, and large number of men will
be required to thoroughly police the
territory
A change in the command of the
United States forces at Iloilo will occur
bn March p resulting from the retire
ment of Gen. Marcus Miller who on
that date reaches the age limit of GA
| years Gen. Miller's compulsory re-
tirement is matter of regret to the
war department He will be succeeded
in the natural order of promotion by
Col. Thomas M. Anderson, who now
ranks as brigadier-g general of volun-
teers
The advance movement has now been
commenced by the American troops
and will be continued until Malolos,
the capital of Cuba, is taken The
first move in the advance was made by
Gen. Wheaton, who after a hard fought
battle, succeeded in capturing Pasig.
The engagement lasted one hour. In
surgents lost 80 killed; Americans,
killed and II wounded.
Another engagement has taken place
near Manila. Gen. Hale, determined
to clear away the enemy from the right
front of his wing, met with fierce
fighting but the American casualties
are light. 1t is estimated that at least
$50 rebels were killed and 10 insurgent
sharpshooters laid down their arms
without firing shot and were taken
prisoners.
The report that Admiral Dewey's
health is breaking down is not sub
stantiated by Secretary Long. Under
the great strain the admiral has been
subjected to in the past year, and the
fact that he is past 81 years of age,
makes it no wonder that his hair is
turning whittier and his figure showing
signs of weakness.
Rear Admiral Higginson has de-
clined the promotion offered him by
the department on the ground that his
services have not been of such conspic-
nous merit as to warrant it. Lieut..
Aaron Ward has also declined promo
ton because he would by accepting it
prevent his classmate from ever reach
ing flag rank.
1t is a gratifying fact to the war de-
partment to know that all of the rein
forcements to Gen. Otis now are reg
ulars, supplied with the caliber 30
rifle, commonly known as the Krag-
Jorgensen gun of long range
The intense heat in the Philippines
is badly effecting the U. S. soldiers,
many of the new arrivals dropping
from their ranks on their way to join
Gen. Wheaton, while several sunstroIes
is reported from Manila.
The total number of American deaths
in the present war from May 1, 1898,
to Feb. p, 1890, is as follows Killed
in action, 800; died of wounds, 1926;
died Of disease, 5,277; total, 5,731.
Cen Otis has sent a message to
Washington TO the effect that Manila
is not safe place for officers families,
and advises that they remain in the
United States.
The last batch of Spanish soldiers at
Manila numbering $50 men, except
few who are in the hospitals, have en-
parked for Spain.