Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1899-04-08


Washington. April THE War De
partment mas YET received no official
conformation of the news that the
Philippine natives have strongly en-
trenched themselves at Calumpit in
the region north of Malolos. The re-
port is by no means discredited, how
ever, and it has given rise to specula-
ton as to its effect upon the Philip
pine campaign. Yesterday the War
Department was inclined to believe
that the natives were pretty effectual-
ly dispersed. and that there would be
no more organized lighting at present
While admitting the uncertainty of
the situation where a half-savage foe
was concerned. the probabilities
seemed to be strongly on the side of n
cessation in the campaign. The latest
information. although not official. has
given Il different aspect to the situa
ton
The Administration is rather glad
to hear that the natives are apparent
ly forming for decisive encounter
with the American troops. 1t has
been a matter of regret in the whole
campaign heretofore that the forces OF
Aguinaldo have not generally present
ed themselves in formation bent on
fighting Il battle to a finish. 1t has
been flying campaign. with the en-
envy almost constantly on the retreat.
If the natives are really bent on
making decided stand. however des-
perate. at Calumpit, or any other point
in that vicinity. the American military
commanders in the Philippines will
probably not be sorry to learn that
such is the case. 1t may afford the OPP
portunity SO greatly desired Of bring
ing the campaign to decisive conclu-
sion rather than to an unpleasant and
uncertain end, as has seemed to be
probable for the last few days. or
since Aguinaldo took his capital in his
pocket and retreated beyond Malolos.
Manila. April THE proclamation
issued by the United States Philippine
Commission has been widely distribut-
ed both in the Spanish and Tagalo Ian
guages. and in Manila and AIalolos ii
is attracting great attention. Repre-
sentative Filiplnos approve the procla-
nation, but express their fears that to
the masses ii win be inaccessible. ow-
ing to its interrogation by the native
leaders
Many. however. while realizing the
opportuneness of TIE moment for issu-
ing the proclamation, recall the native
aversion and suspicion with which the
former proclamation was received
The pacific inhabitants are still re-
turning to their homes. but the insur-
rectionists are sending word into all
the provinces Announcing the nfiic-
ton of terrific losses upon the Ameri-
cans, who. they represent, have been
driven into the walled city by the Fill
pino troops and are suing for peace
Dredges are at work clearing the
channel of the Rio Grande ,prepara
tory to sending the army tugs to at
tack Calumpit.
Representatives of Gen. Rios. the
Spanish commander. have visited Ba-
tangas In behalf of the Spanish pris-
.oners Their request for an audience
was refused by Aguinaldo and his adj
visers. and they had TO return. They
report having experienced severe
hardships
There are persistent rumors that
Aguinaldo, the native leader, has been
supplanted in the control of Filipino
affairs by Gen. Antonio Luna. com
mander-in.chief of the Filipino forces.
Luna Is described as being typical
belligerent.
English bankers here are optimistic