The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-03-26
PLAN OF CAMPAIGN.
Gen. Otis's Dispatch to the War De-
partment-HOw Ii Was Construed.

WASHINGTON, March 25.-General Otis's
description of the battle is contained In the
following cablegram received at the War
Department this morning:
Macarthur with two brigades commenced
advance on Novaliches northwest of Ca
loocan, in the center of the insurgent lines,
at daybreak this morning, advancing rap
idly and successfully, and suffering little
loss From Novaliches Macarthur will swing
to the left and strike north of Polo; Wheat
ons brigade, fronting Caloocan, will press
forward at the proper time; Halls brigade
on the old line north of Pasig is demon
strating west of the pumping station The
enemy is 1000 strong on the lines. i am
endeavoring TO take fraction in reverse
1t was stated at the War Department that
the expression of General OTIS II am en-
deavoring 10 take fraction in reverse"
means that, while ostensiby making a feint
at the front, he intends to swing TO the rear
and attack the enemy on the left. The dis
patches Of General Otis are forwarded to
President Mckinley soon as received at
the War Department. In computing the
time at Manila when the fighting began. it
is said the battle has been in progress more
than twenty hours. War Department off,
Gals do not attempt TO conceal their belief
that the fighting has been very severe and
that the American losses are no doubt quite
heavy.
The following belated dispatch from Gen.
Otis also reached the War Department this
morning:
City quiet; business progressing. No in
dicatiOns of excitement. Fighting far be-
yond city limits. Firing cannot be heard
old battle lines surrounding city maintained
"a, - ell,
Intense interest was exhibited at the War
Department in the news that began to come
from General Otis at Manila early in the
day. 1t was apparent that General Otis had
begun TO put into operation the plan of cam
psign which he had been so carefully pre-
pairing for the last month or more, and il
was confidently expected that this blow
would destroy the last vestige of the rebel
organization, though Ii was realized that
this could not be effected without severe
loss on the part of our forces. General Otis
deemed this course a military necessity be-
cause. with the approach OF the rainy and
unhealthy season, now within a month, the
position OF the American troops on the outer
lines would become untenable.
MAPS CONSULTED.
= Immediately on receipt OF the cablegram
announcing the beginning of the advance by
McArthur's division and the plan for the
movement OF the remaining sections OF the
American column there was an immediate
consultation OF the maps which have been
drafted by the military information division.
II was then perceived that the American
general was endeavoring TO drive a wedge
straight through the center OF the insurgent
army. and then by a rapid wheel 10 crush
out one of the divided wings against an
other section OF the American column
Otis's statement that II am endeavoring to
take q fraction (of the enemy in reverse"
was taken TO make this plan. AS nearly as
could be calculated. Macarthur held the mid
die OF the American line. He was driving
straight northward and was TO proceed until
he had flanlxed the insurgent center. The
statement that he had arrived al Noval-
iches shows that he was then about nine
miles northeast OF Manila When he swings
to the left. north Of Polo, he wiz have b.