The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-04-21
Americans Anxious for Their Cnptives
Tell How Well They Were Treated
SKIRMISH NEAR GUlGUlNTO
REBELS REFUSED BY MINNESOTANS,
WITH LOSS OF ONE WOUNDED.
When the Volunteers Will Return
from ManiIa-AguinaidO's European
Agents Not i'm Harmony.

MANILA April 20.-Spain's evacuation of
the Philippine islands will be practically
completed by the withdrawal of the Spanish
garrison from Zamboanga, Island of Min
danao. 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 10 garrison those islands, diminish
the forces of American troops, which are
already too small.
There was almost a mutiny among the
Spanish troops in the islands because they
were ordered to proceed to the Ladrone
islands and the Caroline islands, some of
them refusing to do so, claiming that their
enlistments had expired. The latter were ex-
empted and We're allowed 10 return TO spain
on board the transport Alava.
The native troops in the Spanish garri-
sons are in a sad plight. They must accom-
pany 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, emboldened by
the suspicious capture of the armaments on
board the Spanish gunboats, which were
purchased there by Francisco Reyes of this
place, as cabled to the Associated Press on
April 13, are likely to prove troublesome
when the Spanish garrisons withdrawn
from the coast towns Of the Island OF Min
danao 1t is believed the smoldering tribal
wars will then be resumed, anaFehy-Miu~
prevail and the inhabitants of nearly every
village will fight with their neighbors
A tripartite exchange Of prisoners will be
arranged. if it is possible to negotiate with
the Fiipinos as If they were civilized ma
ton. If the Filipinos consent to release the
Spanish prisoners the Americans might re-
lease the Tagalos they hold prisoners, in
return for which Spain would free her po-
litical prisoners. The provisions of the Paris
treaty would thus be carried out. The
Spanish commission, however hesitates to
enter the Filipino lines, fearing treachery,
although Aguinado has guaranteed the
safety of the commissioners. The release of
the Filipinos 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 re-
ceived, and announced themselves to be
anxious TO influence their friends in favor
of the policy of the United States.
A scouting party Of the Minnesota regi-
ment, near Guiguinto. between Malolos and
Bigaa met superior force of Fliipinos this
morning The Americans repulsed the en-
emy's attack until, just as their ammuni-
tiOn was failing, the Minnesotas were rein
forced by two companies of American troops
and the rebels were scattered. One soldier
of the Minnesota regiment was wounded.
body of about one hundred rebels tried to
break through the lines of Prices battalion
of the Fourth Regiment, at Pasg. last
night, but they were repulsed without any
loss on the American side.