The evening times., 1900-04-27
THE FIGHTING IN LUZON.
War Department officials Sending
Out Troops and supplies.

OGt Troops and supplies.
The War Department Is making prePar-
ations for a confirmation Of the struggle in
the Philippines. Regardless Of the repeat
cd assurances that the islands are praeti-
caIly pacifed the activity displayed by the
Adjutant Generaf-s Department the Quar-
termasfsr's BepartneRt.-shs Commissary
Department and The Surgeon GeneTsis De-
parJment in rushing men and supplies 10
Manila gives true idea OF how the situa-
ton Is regarded The number Of troops
now in the Philippines is greater than at
any time during the war and detaehments
Of new men are being sent 10 the archipeI-
ago on every transport that leaves this
country. Whenever il is found necessary
to bring any considerable number OF men
back from the Philippines On account OF
sickness. wounds. or expiration OF service
Il is a significant fact tina, their places are
quickly filled By recruits sent from this
country. Not one OF the recruiting sta
tions il any part OF the United States has
been discontinued and every effort is being
made 10 secure desirable men for service
in the Philippines
Ammunition is being forwarded 10 Ma
Mia in a manner that would indicate tnat
II was reeded for 2 prOtraCted struggle
Recently the COmmissaTy Department has
made several large contracts for supplies
TO be furnished the army IN Luzon and
the other islands. The largest Of these
was given 10 a Chicago firm for canned
corned beef Particular attention has
been paid 10 securing desirable emergency
and field ratlons as il is expected that
the army viii spend very little tire in
permanent barracks. summer clothing
and in fact suitable apparel for all sea
sons Of the year is being shipped 70 Ma
nils in large quantities by the Quarter
masters Department
Never before in the history OF the Army
has such 8 large number Of surgeons ard
Hospital Corps men been engaged IN active
service. Each day when the Army orders
are published IL Is noticeable that almost
every paragraph contains an assignment CT
officers and men for service IN the Phil
ippines. The rainy season commenced IN
Luzon about three weeks ago The ex-
perience Of last year is causing Army on
GERS 70 believe that the insurgents will
become more aggressive during the sum
mer. The country will shortly be flooded
and Il will be difficult 10 conduct any kind
OF An active campaign.
Press reports received from Manila show
that the insurgents are well armed. The
recent tight in North IIocos was participat-
ed in by from 500 10 200 rebels. and all were
armed with the most improved Mauser
rifles. Reports that the natives are be-
coming more confident OF success and are
leaving the towns for the purpose OF TAX
ing the field are current at the War De-
partment. The officials decline to discuss
the matter in detail, but admit that the
lighting is not yet over. A report of the
fight at Batoc on April 10 shows the state
OF affairs in that province.
IL says: The insurgents determinedly
attacked the Americans, charging their
positions and fighting at close quarters.
The engagement lasted all the afternoon,
the entmy burning the town; but they
were repulsed. after the arrival of Ameri-
can re-enforcements-
The insurgents generally are aggreS-
sive in that province. They captured an
American provision wagon near Lapo'