The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-01-22
OTHER NOW IN PROGRESS
VISAYAN PRESIDENT DEFIES
MKINLEY'S AUTHORITY.
FALSE RUMoRS OF ATTACK ON MANILA
An ExcitabIe Filipino Lieutenant Almost Precip'
itates (onhict with Americans by his
Disregard Of Pickels. Hostility
of Filipino Press.
Of Filipino Press.

Manila. Jan. 18th, via Hong Kong
Jan. 21-private adyices received here
from IloiIo differ materially from the
official reports. They say the rebels
have completed their fortifcations there,
and that they are now fortifying Gui-
naras Island. The American forces are
still on board the transports Newport,
Arizona and Pennsylvania which are
anchored close to Guinaras Island. The
rebel authorities at Iloilo, it is added,
have granted permission to land unarm-
ed, parties not exceeding five in number,
if accompanied by native officer. The
offer, however was declined, but the
rebels subsequently permitted officers to
land, furnishing them with an escort.
President Lopez. of the Nisayan Fed
Grafton has replied to President Me
Kinley's proclamation of the ninth. He
claims that the revolutionary Govern
ment antedates the Paris treaty by over
two years. He also says he has never
been officially notified of the existence
of the treaty and that, therefore, he de
clines to recognize American authority
and refuses to allow Americans to dis
embark in force without express ordars
from the Government 40 ase3olos.
General Miller. the commander of the
American expedition replied that the
Americans cannot recognize the Presi-
dents authority because the Filipino
Republic is not recognizad by the pow
ers He also expressed regret ut the de-
termination of the Filipnos to resist
just claims.
The United States cunbolt Prtrel and
the Spanish gunb)at FL Cano are near
Hole.
The natives at the fort mistook the
United States cruiser Baltimore's meal
pennant for challenge and have hojstad
a red rag on the fort thrice daily, lower
ing it simultaneously with the Bait.
more's pennant.
The United States transport Indiana
has gone to Iloilo with dispatches to
General Miller from General Otis and
coal for the expedition.
The British second class cruiser Bon
aventure and the German second class
cruiser Irene have returned here.
Both the Iloilo banks have sent their
treasure here.
The American and Filipino commits
sioners are reported to have conferred
at the Filipino club with unsatisfactory
results. The natives allege that they
must have official recognition before dis
cussing the question of n protectorate.
Another conference is believed to have
been arranged for tomorrow night, but
the officials here decline to confirm or
deny this statement.
Coasting steamers which have arrived
here report that the natives are fortify-
ing Falbayog and the Island of Samar,
refusing to allow Americans to land
there. The garrison consists Of a thou
sand men armed with spears and bolos.
They have only six rifles.
Owing to persistent rumOrs of a con-
templated attack upon Manila on Sat
urday and Sunday. the American troops
were confined to their quarters, all the
guards were doubled and. as Il measure
OF precaution foreign flags were dis
played on the business and private
houses everywhere, rs on the day of the
entry of the Americans into the city.
The Esc0la. the usually busy thorough
fare was deserted on Saturday night.
ALMOST \ BATTLE.
Manila, aJn .13-Via Hong Kong,
Jan. 21-The Americans and FilipinOs
were probably nearer II conflict this af-
ternoon than at any time since the oc-
cupation. Fortunately the matter was
amicably adjusted A Filipino Lieuten
ant. imagining that his men had been in
suited by some American troops, march
ed a company of forty armed natives to
the line of the Americans, and the SEN
tries, forty in number. back of the Mon
tana regiment, in obedience to orders
were compelled to retire to the outpost
in order TO avoid trouble AS the Fill
pino disobeyed the command to halt, de
ployed in the canebrake and assumed
determined, threatening attitude, Lieu
tenant Jansen, who was in command of
the post, te1egraphed to the brigade
headquarters and General Otis person
ally investigated the matter. The Fill
pino Lieutenant was most excited, and
General Otis insisted upon interviewing
his superior officer. Consequently the
Filipino Captain was summoned and he
was also found to be excited AS
result of the conference. he admitted
that the Filipino Lieutenant had exceed
ed his authority. His men were drawn
in line. saluted, courtesies were ex-
changed. and the Filipinos retired.
Another proclamation, purporting to be