The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1899-11-24
OPINIONS DIFFER.
Some Think Aguinald0's Whole Army
Has Escapsd-Others Not So Sure.

Some Think A~guinaldo's Whole Army
Has Escapsd-Others Not So Sure.
NEW YORK. Nov. 23.-A dispatch to
The Herald from Manila says: The
opinion Of many military men and of
residents and foreigners is that Ayuin-
aldo has ESCAPED by changing the seat
of war into the northern part of the
island. They think he has taken a con-
siderable army with him. This. if true,
will necessitate a new series of opera
lions on our part and Aguinaldo has
gained a temporary strategic advantage.
Those holding this view point to the
fact that the insurgents never intended
to hold the alleged capital at Tarlac. as
a permanent capital, as it was only
slightly fortified. They also claim that
the railroad being left intact, while
much rolling stock was burned and de.
stroyed, indicates that a rapid retreat
was made several weeks back.
This retreat must have been accom-.
plished aC the time Lawton began his
San Isidro movement. Therefore, the
insurgents have had time to move out
their principal supplies and munitions.
~ - dJSo g law OAAV Jul SAASAO VI ClOOpH
has been closed up so far without ma.
terial resistance, except in the region o.
escape to the north, near Wheaton's
column. The captured supplies, too,
have proved insignificant, compared
with those that would be required.
A%guinaldo's supposed army in this val
ley was estimated at from 10000 to
10000. Their known large quantities
Of artillery are still u~naccounted for.
Otis and sch wan Differ.
The opinions Of General Otis and
General Schwan differ somewhat from
this view. They say that they do not
know whether or not Aguinaldo with
his army has escaped into the Tabacco
valley or to the north. If SO they doubt
whether he escaped with any consider
able force. They believe that Aguin-
aldo himself has gone. They also be-.
lieve that a considerable number of the
insurgents force is scattered in small
bands within our lines as amigos.
Generals Otis and Schwan think that
within "a hours we will control the
Manila-D agupan valley. The occupa-
ton Of this territory is now more of a
mechanical than a military problem.
There may possibly be some desultory
fighting.
General Otis says that the railroad
repairs will be rushed. New rails will
be laid and the bridges raised. These
will be operated throughout in a short
time. The general opinion here is that
We have gained a tremendous advantage
over the insurgents. Satisfaction is ex-
pressed everywhere. Commercial men
hope that the valley will be quickly
and permanently garrisoned and that
their interests will be protected.
1t is impossible to say how large a
force Aguinaldo has been able to hold
together, or whether, after the loss of
the railroad people in the north will
still support . him. This whole
movement has shown the ad-
vantage of cavalry for expeditions
operations in the Philippines. The fall
campaign has been remarkably vigor.
Gus. Transportation is still inadequate.
With the mules that are coming the
movement OF the troops will be much
facilitated. The roads and trails are
drying. The last heavy rains Of the
season have probably fallen. 1t is be-
lieved here that Aguinaldo's retreat TO
the north in no wuy affects the con-
fronting insurgent force south OF