The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1899-06-03
SEVERE FIGHTING.
II i. Reported from the Island of
Mindanao-Zamh the Prin-
clpal City, In Ruins.

New York, May 3l.-A dispatch to the
Journal and Advertiser from London
says: A special dispatch from Labuan
announces that severe fighting is re-
ported between Americans and Fill
pinos on the island of Mindanao. The
principal city on the island, Fam
boanga, has been bombarded and
burned and is in ruins.
The same dispatch reports trouble in
Sulu. The Americans have blockaded
the port. A British steamer was de-
MED admission and was escorted sea-
ward by the United States gunboat Cas-
tine.
Manila, May 31.-Brig. Gen. South,
who was sent with a detachment of
troops on board gunboat in search of
Capt. George H. Tilley, of the signal
corps. reported missing at Escalante.
on the island of Negros, sent the body
of Capt. Tilley to Iloilo Tuesday on
board launch. The body of Capt.
Tilley was buried later in the day, with
notable ceremony. English friends Of
the captain joined with his comrades
of the signal corps in arranging for
the funeral and heaped wreaths of flow
ers upon the coffin of the dead soldier.
Gen. South remains at Escalante with
his soldiers to search for the missing
men who were with Capt. Tilley when
he met his death.
Washington, May 31.-The Post says:
Gen. Otis has informed the war depart
ment that he will be satisfied if the
army under his command is kept at a
maximum of 10000. The president will
give him this number. The situation in
the Philippines was the subject of an
extended conference Tuesday between
the president and Adjt. Gen. Corbin.
In view of the more or less alarming re-
ports which have been sent to the Unit
ed States from Manila, it is important
to know that the president does not
share in the anxiety which these dis
patches have naturally created. Gen.
Otis has kept in close touch with the
authorities here, and if he was in the
tight position which the press reports
seem to indicate it is felt that he would
not hesitate about making his dilemma
received from him show that he is not
in need of largely increased army.
He has cabled that the press reports of
the activity of the insurgents south of
Manila have been greatly exaggerated,
and he thinks that 10000 men will be
ample to meet all requirements.
The present strength of the army in
the Philippines, including volunteers,
who are still in the service, is $4,000.
When the volunteers return some "a, 1000
regulars will remain, or 5000 less than
the number estimated as necessary by
Gen. Otis. The reenforcements now en-
route to Manila, or under orders to de-
part, will bring the total regulars up to
the required figure, but as there will
be considerable loss through sickness
it is proposed to decrease the COM
panies now stationed in garrisons in
this country to their minimum, and in
crease the companies in the Philippines
to their maximum. Tt is believed that
this arrangement will give Gen. Otis all
the men he requires, without disar-
ranging the army, as it is at present dis
tributed. 1t can be stated on authority
that until Gen. Otis asks for an addi-
tional force there will be no enlarge
ment of the army. not even to tile ex-
tent of recruiting the $4,000 natives
provided for in the army reorganization
bill which passed the last congress.