Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1899-03-30

Washington, March 28.-The third
day of fighting north of Manila
brought little of decisive character
from which the war department Of
ficials could judge what the final out
come of this movement would be. In
all official quarters the most intense
interest prevailed. Early in the day
Gen. Otis cabled the war department
a brief but comprehensive dispatch
summing up the situation. 1t dis
closed that severe fighting had been
going on all Monday, with our forces
advanced as far north as Mariloa,
while the insurgents, under command
of Aguinaldo, were being driven back
with considerable slaughter. This and
the press dispatches satisfied the Of
ficials that the stragetic movement of
entrapping the insurgents between our
lines had not proven as successful as
designed, and the move has now shift
ed TO a retreat by AguinaldO's forces
and pursuit by our troops. With the
American base advanced to Mariola
and the insurgent base forced back to
Malolos, the main body of the two op-
posing forces are about 10 or II miles
apart This could be quickly covered
in a forced march under fair condi-
tions, but it is II miles of innumerable
difficulties and obstacles. 1t is ex-
pected every mile of the distance to
Malolos will be contested by the in
surgents, for Gen. Otis reports that it
Sc ctr Of HnUprpn
with intrenchments thrown up during
the last three months. Serious as the
work is, there is no lack of confidence
among the officials here as to salts
factory outcome of the campaign. The
tactics of Aguinaldo are taking him
gradually beyond the range OF Admiral
Dewey's guns. The duration of the
battle is beginning to attract the atten-
ton of army strategists, as it is a very
important element in determining the
strength of the men, supplies of am
munition, stores and the spirit of the
army.
The first blow was struck before day
break last Saturday, and the fighting
continued all that day, again on Sun
day and now on Monday. The reports
show little night fightir g except the re.
pulsing of the insurgen. attack Satur
day night. While the fighting has last
ed 72 hours, judged by the standard O.
great battles such as Waterloo, Plevns
and others mentioned by the army au
thorities, this is a long and intensel!
arduous engagement. But the fighting
about Manila is quite different from
the standards of civilized armies
as it is a running brush conflict, will
only an occasional issue between or
ganiZed bodies of troops. The mail
question in these long continued fight
is to have all supplies, stores, ETC., KEEP
abreast of the fighting force, SO ther'
may be no exhaustion. In this respec
all reports from Manila are most graft
flying, showing that the quartermaster
cOmmissary, medical and signal store!
are well up with our fighting lines.
Dewey Buys Gunboats.
Washington, March 2S.-1he follow
ing cablegram received by the war de
partment has just been made public
Manila, March 19.-I have pur.
chased all the gunboats in the Phil
ippines of Spain (thirteen in number)
now at Zamboaga. Half are in ser.
viceable condition. Payment in the
case is from the public fund upon de-
livery at Manila. They will be sen
for this week. Otis"
The gunboats referred to are o.
light draft with armament of small
rapid fire and machine guns and on &C.
count of their light draft will prove
invaluable in the Philippine service.