The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-03-28
AguinaIdo's Flight 10 His stronghold
Speculation AS to Probable Length
of the Present Campaign.

WASHINGTON, March 27.-The third day
of the lighting north of Manila brought
little of a decisive character from which
War Department officials could judge what
the final outcome OF this movement would
be- In all official quarters the most intense
interest prevailed. but there was no excite
ment and none OF that anxiety and tension
shown durir the memorable days Of last
summer vii. the decisive blows were be-
ing struck at Santiago. Early in the day
General Otis cabied the War Departments
brief but comprehensive dispatch sum-
ming up the situation. Ii disclosed that
severe fighting going on to-day, with
our forces advanced as far north Mar
iIoa, while the Insurgents. under the com
mand OF Aguinaldo. were being driven back
with considerable slaughter. The dispatch
follows:
Macarthur holds Mariloa. Severe lighting
to-day and our casualties about forty The
insurgents have destroyed bridges. which
impeoed progress of train and artillery. Our
troops met the concentrated insurgent
forces on the northern line. commanded by
AguinaldO in person, ana drove them back
with considerable slaughter. They left near
ly one hundred dead on the field and many
prisoners and small arms were captured.
The column will press on in the mprning.'
This and the press dispatches satisfied the
officials that the strategic movement OF er-
had not proved as successful as designed
and that the move had now shifted TO a re-
treat by Aguinaldo's forces and pursuit
by our troops. The insurgent retreat to-
ward Malolos slow and logged. and ad-
vantage was taken OF one after another OF
the lines OF intrenchments. the burning or
bridges and the interrupting of communica-
tioEs. General Otiss dispatch. although re-
ceived early to-day. was sent Monday even
ing. Manila time. and summed up the work
of the three days. That the fighting would
proceed into the fourth day was shown by
on in the morning. This refers 10 Tuesday.
The engagement has now shaped Itself So
that it is looked upon as more Of a chase
than the execution OF a strategic movement.
With the American base advanced 10 MARI
loa- and the insurgenf base back 10 Mal0los.
the main bodies OF the two opposing forces
are about ten or twelve miles apart. This
could be quickly covered in a forced march
under fair conditions. out IL il twelve miles
of innumerable difficulties and obstacles,
which our troops must cover before they
reach the inSuTgent stronghold. liz IL expect
ed that the engineers with Macarthur are
hastily repairing the burned bridges This
Will permit the artillery 60 he taken forward.
well the infantry columns. III II ex-
pected that every mile OF the distance TO
Malolos will be contested by the insurgents.
for General Otis reports that IL is stretch
OF country covered with the intrenchments
thrown up during the last three months. Our
men, therefore must advance slowly. repair
ing the roads they go, and at the same
time they must fight their way through we'll
made rebel intrenchments.
Serious as the work is there is no lack
OF confidence among officials as TO the sat
isfactory outcome OF the campaign. Malolos
is the insuTgent capital. where the assembly
has been sitting and the insurgent govern
ment has been in operation. liz represents
more TO the insurgents than any other place
in the Philippines. and little doubt Is enter
tained that they will make desperate stand
there. The tactics OF AguiEaldo are taking
him gradually beyond the range OF Admiral
Dewey's guns. While the insurgents were
at Malabon on Saturday they were within a
mile OF the water front, and easily within
range OF the feet. But as they nave moved
nOrthward they have gradually moved away
from the bay. MolOlos is about seven miles
back from the bay. although there are some
shallow estuaries which would permit light
boats TO get within mile or two.
The following cablegram from General Otis
was received by the War Departmen on
March 70 and has just been made puhlic:
Have purchased all gunboats in Philip
pines OF Spain-thrteen IN number. now az
Zamboanga- Half are in seryiceable condf-
tion. Payment In cash from public fund
Gpcn, delivery At Manila. They will be sent
for this week.