Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1899-01-26

Manila, Jan. 13.-yia Hong Kong.
Jan. 22.-The Americans and Filipinos
were probably nearer a conflict this
afternoon than at any time since the
occupation. Fortunately the matter
was amicably settled. A Filipino lieu
tenant, Imagining that his men had
been insulted by some American
troops marched a company of 10
armed natives to the line of the Amer
leans and the latters' sentries, four in
number, back Of the Montana regi-
ment, in obedience TO orders, were
compelled TO retire to an outpost in or
der to avoid trouble. AS the Filipinos
disobeyed the command to halt, de-
ployed in the canebrake and assumed
a determined, threatening attitude,
Lieut.. Jansen, who was in command
OF the post, telegraphed to brigade
headquarters, and Gen. Otis personally
investigated the matter. The Filipino
lieutenant was most excited and Gen
Otis insisted upon interview
ing his superior officer.
Consequently the Filipino captain
was summoned and he was also found
TO be excited. AS a result of the con-
ference he admitted that the Filipino
lieutenant had exceeded his authority.
His men were drawn up in line and sa-
luted. courtesies were exchanged and
the Filipinos retired. The incident is
significant as it shows the tendency OF
Ethe Filipinos to disregard the pickets,
knowing the Americans are not willing
10 commence hostilities and it also
demonstrates the danger Of irresponsi-
bic junior officers OF the Filipino army
precipitating trouble at any moment.
Private advices received here from
lloilo differ materially from the Off
cial reports. They say the rebels have
completed their fortifications there,
and that they are now fortifying
Guimaras island. The American forces
are still on board the transports which
are anchored close to Guimaras island.
| The rebel authorities at IloIIo granted
! permission TO land armed parties not
exceeding five in number, IL accom-
| panied by a native officer. The offer
! Was declined s. The rebels subsequently
:
! ing them with escorts. President Lopez.
! of the Visayan federation, has replied
| TO Mckinley's proclamation OF the 9th.
He claims the revolutionary govern
ment ante-dates the Paris treaty by
over two years. He said that he has
never been officially notified Of the eX-
istence Of the treaty, and therefore de-
al TO
and refuses to allow the Americans to
disembark in force without orders
from the government at MalolOs.
Gen. Miller replied that the Americans
| cannot recognize Lopez'S authority be-
cause the Filipino republic is not rec
ognized by the powers. He expressed
regret al the determination OF the Fill
pinos 10 resist just claims. The United
States gunboat Petrol and Spanish
gunboat FL CanO are near lloilo. The
American and Filipino commissioners
are reported TO have conferred at the
Filipino club, with unsatisfactory re
suits. The natives allege that they
must have official recognition before
discussing the question OF a protector
ate. Another conference is believed to
have been arranged for tomorrow
night. CoaSting steamers report that
the natives are terrifying Falbayog
and the island of Samar, refusing to
allow the Americans to land The
garrison consists of 1000 men armed
with spears and bolos. They have
only six rifles.