Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-06-22
A FIERCE SEIRNISA.
The Willy Filipinos Lead Americans
into an Ambush.
Cen. OTIS REPORT On The BATTLE.
Cen. Miles States That In His Opinion the
Situation In the Philippines Is Ssri-
Ous-Admiral Watson Takes
Command of the Fleet.


Ous-Admiral Watson Takes
Command Of the Fleet.
Manila, June 21.-Before the battle
near Perez das Marinas, while the
American troops were in a sunken
road, force Of insurgents attacked
them on the flank. The Americans re-
treated in good order for several miles.
Finally, reinforced by Robinson's bat
talon Of the Fourth infantry, they ad-
vanced upon the foe. Surrounded by
1000 of the enemy. six miles from re-
Inducements, and with thousand
more insurgents moving rapidly down
on their flank to make their annihila-
ton complete, the First battalion of
the Fourth infantry, Maj. Budd COM
handing, in all 800 Americans, fought
their way back from Perez das Marinas
They fought for three miles toward
their military base at linus, where the
rest of the Fourth came to their sup
port.
In explanation Of the dangerous sit
uation of the battalion it is said that
reports were received that Das Marinas
had been deserted by the insurgents.
The alcade of the place came to linus
and formally surrendered the town.
The houses along the roadside were
filed with amigos and the battalion
advanced confidently until within
tnree-quarters of a mile of Das
Marinas. when they discovered the
enemy. paralleling the road at
long distance on both sides and prac-
tically surrounding the little force.
Natives began firing from the houses
in the rear and natives with white
cloths were captured with guns in hand.
All had contended that they we're,
friendly. The whole scheme was to
wipe out the small body of American
troops and might have succeeded ex-
cept for the marvellous courage OF the
troops and officers.
The skirmish lines crowded the Fill
pinos back toward linus, while OUT
flankers were upon the right and left.
Under fankiDg fire the rear guard
was desperately holding the enemy's'
fire poured upon the main road and
men were falling everywhere. The,
ambulance was filed and carts were
pressed into service, loaded with the
wounded and dragged by the hand by
the prisoners. Two of our dead were,
left behind Only the arrival Of
Wheaton with reinforcements saved
the battalion from humiliation.
Yesterday the troops commanded by
Gen. Wheaton entered Perez das Ma
rinas, without opposition except upon
the part of small bodies of rebels, who
inflicted no losses upon the Americans.
The town is an unimportant place sur
rounded by swamps and Gen. Wheaton.
will probably return to linus.
OTIS REPORT ON THE BATTLE.
Washington, June al.--Gen. Otis for
wards the following dispatch: J
Manila June 20.--Adjutant General Wash--
ington. Wheaton is at linus, Cavite province,
with four guns, four battalions Fourth and
Fourteenth infantry, Nevada troop cavalry; he /
sent battalion south ON reconnaissance in the
direction Of Das Marinas yesterday morning
where enemy was reported concentrate
Ing scattered forces; battalion encoun--
tered eneuiy's force Of 1000 marching
to attack LINUS; successful in impeding Its pro-
gress. Wheaton, with two guns and two battal
ions, hurried forward. repulsed enemy with
heavy loss; enemy leaving 100 dad on the field;
our loss five killed, % wounded. Wheaton re-
inforced last night BY battalion Ninth infantry;
is driving the enemy beyond Marinas, now in
his possession. Casualties to-day not reported.
Wheatons qualities for bold and successful at
tack unsurpassed dots
GEN. NELSON A. NILES VIEW.
New York, June 21.-"The situation
In the Philippines is very serious" said
Nelson A. Miles yesterday. Il know
nothing concerning the story that the
war department is suppressing the
news from Manila. But everybody
knows that things are very serious
there. | do not care to discuss the
Philippine matter. am here on
private business"
WATSON TAKES COMMAND OF THE FLEET.
Manila, June 2l.-Rear Admiral John
c. Watson arrived yesterday on board
the United States transport Zafro,
from Hong Kong and raised his flag
on the cruiser Baltimore. The COM
manders of all the warships called up
on the admiral during the course of the
dav.
To Accommodate Rusinass Mem