Omaha daily bee., 1899-03-27
OTIS CABLES TO WASHINGTON
President is Kept Fully Advised from
the Capital of Progress of
Days Fighting.

WASHINGTON, March 26.--Advices from
General Otis were watched with keenest in
terest by War department officials today
and Assistant Secretary Meiklejohn, who in
the absence of Secretary Alger Is acting
secretary Of war, remained in his Office
throughout the day in order to keep in
close touch with the progress Of the fight
Ing.
Many army officers were at the depart
ment and the president was kept advised
as to the developments as indicated in Cen
sral Otis dispatches. Early this morning
the first message from General Otis was
received and was soon followed by Others
whose contents gave the officials here their
first general idea of the operations of the
last few days.
The list of killed and wounded, which GEN
eral Otis had promised, was waited anXiously
by the department and the friends and rela-
tives here of the officers and men in the
Philippines, but 1t was late in the afternoon
before it was received. Much regret was
expressed at the death of Colonel Egbert
the only regular officer among the killed
He was among those who distinguished
themselves at Santiago, being wounded at
San Juan and breveted for his conspicuous
gallantry in that engagement.
The afternoon bulletins to the War de-
partment were as follows:
MANILA, March 26.-4 p. m.--Our casual
ties today much lighter than yesterday. The
total reported since the engagement began
is forty-five dead and 145 wounded.
OTIS.
MANILA, March 26.-4:30 a. m.-MacArthur
has driven enemy strongly intrenched in
large force north of Polo. VIII continue to
press him. Insurgents have strong in
trenchments from Caoocan to Malalos,
which have taken them months to con-
struct. OTIS.
States gunboats have been shelling Malabon
for several hours and the Filipinos are ap-
parently withdrawing. OTIS.
General Otis dispatch, received at p. m
tonight recording MacArthur's advance to
Newcanayan marked distinct and inn
portant step by the American troops in the
opinion Of Acting Secretary Meilslejohn and
Adjutant General Corbin. Both expressed
their satisfaction at what had been accom-
plished The former dispatches regarding
this branch Of operations had not been so
promising, stating that General Macarthur
although he had driven the enemy, could not
gain point north OF Polo The use OF the
railway will facilitate the moving Of
supplies.
The tenacity OF the Filipinos in the last
few days fighting has somewhat surprised
the war officials here. who did not think
them capable of putting up and maintain
ing the contest they have.
The Associated Press bulletin dated at
9:15 the morning OF the 27th was the first
news OF Mondays fighting received by the
War department officials, General Otis dis
patches up to that time having been con-
fined IN previous days actions, The fact
that the insurgents had to retire was con-
sidered very encouraging.
Acting Secretary Meikejohn remarked:
''That is good very favorable, indeed"
Secretary Long said tonight that nothing
had come from Admiral Dewey during the
day respecting the American operations at
Manila. Word is hourly expected at the
War department OF the arrival OF the
sherman at Manila with soldiers. They
include one full regiment and the head
quarters.
II the hill CT health Is clear they will
be put in hghtng trim Immediately. Six
regiments OF infantry and artillery compris-
ing about 500, one regiment which sailed
from San Francisco yesterday, are under or
ders for Manila Their movement will be
pushed as rapidly as possible.