The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-04-25

Manila, April 2O.-Spain's evacuation
of the Philippine islands will be prac-
tically completed by The withdrawal OF
the Spanish garrison from Zamboan-
ga island of Mindanao, and from the
Sulu islands, and if the United States
assumes control of Mindanao and the
Sulu islands on the Spaniards with
drawing, the military authorities here
must, in order to garrison those is
lands, diminish the forces of American
troops, which are already too small.
There was almost mutiny among the
Spanish troops in the stands because
they were ordered to proceed to the
Ladrone islands and the Carolin is
lands, some Of them efusing to do SO,
claiming that their enlistments had
expired. The latter were exempted and
were allowed to return to Spain on
board the transport Alava.
The native troops in the Spanish gal I
risons are in a sad plight. They must
accompany the Spaniards or risk the
vengeance Of their compatriots. The
Spaniards propose to disband them, but
they refuse to give up their arms.
The natives of ~Zamboanga, embOld-
.ened by the suspicious aptur of the
on board the Spanish gun
boats, which were purchased there by
francisco Reyes, of this place., as ca
bled to the Associated Press on April
18th, are likely to prove troublesome
when the Spanish garrisons are with
drawn from the coast towns of the is
land of Mindanao. 1t is believed that
the sm%ouldering tribal wars will then
be resumed. Anarchy will prevail and
the inhabitants Of nearly every village
will fight with their neighbors.
TO NEGOTIATE EXCHANGE OF
PRISONERS.
A tripartite exchange of prisoners
will be arranged if it is possible TO
negotiate with the Philippines. If they
consent to release the Spanish pris-
oners the Americans might release the
Tagalos they hold prisoners, in return
for which Spain would free her politi-
cal prisoners. The provisions of the
Paris treaty would thus be carried out.
The Spanish commission, however, hes
! itates to enter the Philippine lines,
Sfearing 'treachery, although Aguinaldo
has guaranteed the safety of the COM
missioners. The release of the Philip
pinos held by the Americans might be
distinctly advantageous, as they all
claim to have been converted to the
American cause by the good treatment
they have received and them
selves to be anxious to influence their
friends in favor of the policy of the
United States.
SKIRMISHES WITH THE ENEMY.
A scouting party of the Minnesota
regiment, near Guiguinto, between Ma
lolos and Bigaa. met a superior force
of Philippines this morning. The
Americans repulsed the eneJny's at
tack. Just as their ammunition was
failing the Minnesatans were reinforce
ed by two companies of American
fnnnna 49, 49, -N11~1-
One soldier of the Minnesota regiment
was wounded.
A body of about 100 rebels tried to
break through the lines of Prices bat
talon of the Fourth regiment at Pasig
last night, but they were repulsed
without any loss on the American side.
Washington, April 20.-Secretary AL
ger has received a reply from General
Otis to his inquiry of yesterday as 10
whether the reinfOrcements proposed
to be sent to him to relieve. the volun-
teers would be sufficient for the pur-
poses of the campaign. General Otis
replied in the affirmative, the estimate
of 10000 men to constitute the army
agreeing with his own calculations.
The programme for the movement Of
the regulars to Manila and of the vol
unteers hOmeWard, therefore, will be
carried out according to General Otis
statement contained in his dispatch Of
yesterday.
General Otis add to his message the
hopeful remark that he expects very
shortly to be able to report a decided
Improvement in the situation in the
Philippines.
BREACH IN PHILIPPINE JUNTA
London, April 2O.-It has been learn
ed by a report of the Associated Press
that a serious split has occurred amone
the members of the Philippine junta
a majority of whim are in favor of di-
rn0t --srL
state at Washington with the view OF
bringing about a peaceful solution OF
the Philippine question. Four dele.
gates, Lasa1a, Marti, Lopez and RI
y vera, finding that Agancillo, Aguinal.
dos representative, disagrees with this
view, ave started for Manila, leaving
Agoncfllo, Riogo and Lunar, who. insis
upo absolute and unconditional indie
pendence, in Europe. The others az
not object TO some form of American
intervention in the government of tn,
island and they say they believe a per
sonal meeting between Aguinaldo an
Admiral Dewey, in whom alone th'
Philippines declare they have conf
'dence. will lead to a settlement.
ENTITLED TO EXTRA PAY.
Washington, April 20.-Acting Comp
troler Mitchell has rendered a decision
upon the following statement of facts
Certain enlisted men OF the FRS
georgia regiment, after having beer
t~urIoughed for one month under gen
eral order No. $50 of 1898. were trans
ferred to the Third Georgia. and serv
ed with that regiment in Cuba. Tha
regiment IS now about to be musteret
out, ana the secretary of war has rails
ed the question whether these me-
should receive W. months extra pay
for services rendered outside Of tn
United states, or should they receiv
'." month = extra pay in addition [