The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1899-03-27
Washington Authorities Explain
the Movement as They Un-
derStand 1t.
Approach of Rainy Season Makes
Prompt and Decisive Action
Imperative.

WASHlEGTOE. MarCh SI.-lntenSe IN
terest was exhibited at the war depart
ment 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 campaign which he had been so
carefully preparing for the last month
or more, and it was confidently expected
that this blow would destroy the last
vestige of the rebel organization. though
it 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, because
with the approach Of the rainy and un-
healthy season. now within a month,
the position of the American troops
on the outer lines would become unten-
able.
Immediately upon receipt of the
cablegram announcing the beginning Of
the advance by MacArthur's division.
and the plan for the movement of the
remaining sections Of the American
column. there was an immediate con
sultation of the maps which have been
drafted by the military information
division. 1t was then perceived tina.
the American general was e~ndeavorin-
70 drive a wedge
Straight Through the Center
of the i%nsurgent army and then by A
rapid wheel to crash ont one Of the
divided wings against another section
of the American column. Otis state.
| ment that Il am endeavoring to tax"
fraction tof the enemy in reverse WAS
taken to make this plain.
AS early accounts indicated. Mac
Arthur held the middle Of the Amerl-
can line. He was driving straight north
and was 70 proceed in thi, direction m
til he had fanHed the insurgent center.
The statement that Ia had arrived at
Novaliches shows that h. was then
about nine miles northeast Of Manila.
When he swings TO the left. north of
Polo. he will have between himself and
the bay Of Manila, about "A third of the
insurgent army. If he manages to get
in the rear of this BODY. the insurgents
viii be fairly cornerei III a triangle
formed by the BAY on one side. Mac
Arthur> force on the northeast and
Wheaton'S brigade Oh the south. 1t i,
assumed that this j. what Otis mean
when he talks Of taking the eneny in
reverse. for the statement that Wheaton
will pres, forward at the proper time is
regarded as all Indication thai II will be-
his duty to close mp the trian,le and
Prevent Escape of Insurgents.
The only hope of the latter would be
in retreating before MacArthur's adj
vance so rapidly as to prevent being
~cornered and being driven back on
Wheaton. but wen in this case their
force would be split in two and their
position would be untenable for any
length Of time.
General Corbin's attention was called
to the indication from the cablegram
that the engagement seemed to be gen.
eral along the American line from the
pumping station west of Manila and
near the river. clear around to a point
due north. of a vast crescent. % miles
long. He expressed the belief that this
was only apparent: that as Otis had
used the word ''demonstration" in speak
ing Of the brigade stationed at the
waterworks. il was evident that Otis
purpose was TO distract the attention O.
the enemy from the man point Of at.
tack on the north. At any rate il wou!c:
serve to prevent the insurgents from
concentrating to oppose Ma Arthur's
advance. from the fear that though al.
attack by the Americans from that di
r%ection Of the pumpin. station they
would be hanked.