The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-11-21
MOVEMENTS OF AMERICANS.
Operations in Mindanao Considered
Most ImDO rtant.

Most Important.
Washington. Nov. 20.-Three cable dis
patches were received at the war depart
ment to-day from Gen. Otis. They are all
dated to-day, but were received at differ
ent times. The first, received at 2:15 a.
m, says:
"MacArthur's advance within five miles
of Dagupan, to which point railroad in
tact from Bamban, excepting Tarlac
break. The northern five miles destroyed,
but rails recovered. Large quantity rolling
stock destroyed along line. Probably eth
er Lawton's or Wheatons men in Dagu-
pan. No report from those officers since
18th; should hear to-day. Roads becoming
practical for transportation and troops
moving from San Jose to Lawtons front.
Leonhauser with three companies of
Twenty-ffth Infantry by night much
surprised and captured, without casual
ties. insurgent force at O'Donnell. seven
miles west railroad station, Bamban or
Capas. One insurgent killed. Force con-
sisted of four officers and 200 men, their
rifles, 10000 rounds ammunition, transport
tation, four tons subsistence; official rec
ords and considerable clothing secured.
Insurgents south Manila somewhat rest
less; again driven back from linus; six
men slightly wounded.
In the Southern Islands.
The second relates to affairs in the
southern islands, and was received at $3.50
a. m. 1t follows:
lone of the contend,ng insurgent fac
ton al Bamboanga secured the city and
turned same over to Capt Avery of Unit
ed States war vessel in harbor other in
surgent faction made demonstrations
against city, and Very called on Jolo for
troops. One company sent The com
handing officer asked permission TO send
three additional, leaving two there; two
companies viii be dispatched from Joso.
Both Jolo and Zamboanga must be rein
forced as soon as practicable. It will re-
quire several days; 1t was not intended to
take possession of Zamboanga until later;
no provisions made. Latter part Septem-
Der members insurgent government in Cot
tabato district, Southern Mindanao, be-
headed New government formed, which
calls for United States troops. Cities Cot
tabato Duvao, Surigao. Northeastern point
NTlndanao. of Importance; troops Will be
sAnt to these points when available.
Hughes moving in Panay with two col
umns. insurgents have retreated from
southeastern portion of island.
Cen. MacArthur's Advance.
The following relates TO movements fur
Their north:
"MacArthur's advance entered Dagupan
10 day: ascertained that Wheaton's troops
had been there yesterday and were with
drawn last evening. Is believed that many
insurrent attachments are west of rail-
road in province of Zambalos, ,mediiating
concentration and further demons ton;
thew will be looked after; nothing yet re-
ceived from either Lawton or wheaton
The navy department also received
report of the acquisition or AamDoanga
witch differs In some respects from the
story of that event told in Gen. Otis ca
hregrams. The naval account IS contained
II, the following cableeram from Admiral
watson, dated Manila to-day:
Commander Very Of the Castine, with
friendly ratives and Noros, comb ned, cap
tured Zamboanga on the 18TH instant NO
casualties. Landing parties from the Cas-
rine and the Manila hold the town with
Fort Nazro. commanding il, pending ar
rival of troops from Joo. Thete is con-
siderable force of, insurgents at Mercedes,
four miles away"
Important Acquisition.
The ACQUISITION of Zamboanga at this
| fine is of great importance from mill
tary point of view. 1t is the principal city
of Mindanao, and dominates the ehure
! southern half of that island, which is sec
| ond i'm importance only to Luzon. 1t has
| a noDulation of nearly 1900 people, and ia
| well fortified, so that a small garrison OF
| troops could hold il Indefinitely against
| native attacks. In addition 1t IS naval
station where the Spahiards useu 70 Ieu-
devious their ships in the southern archi-
| pelago.
Gen. Otis dispatch intmates that he is
! somewhat embarrassed by the unexpected
| necessity Of providing a garrison speedily
| for Zamboanga.
| II has been suggested that the diff1cuity
might be met by garrisoning Zamboanga
| with a battalion of marines one of which
| is understood now 20 be available in this
country and ready to sail at short notice
| for Manila.