The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1902-05-13
MoRos ARE CRUSHED.
Fighting-Troops Praised by
Gen. Chaffee.

Washington, May 5.-The war de-
partment has received a cablegram
from Gen. Chaffee Indicating that
the campaign against Sultan Bayan,
one of the principal Moro chiefs, had
been completely successful. The re-
suit was accomplished by gallant
assault on the principal Moro fort
and its capture after number of the
leading Moros had been killed. The
cablegram, which was received Sun
day afternoon, was as follows:
"Adjutant General, Washington: The
following is the full substance of Brig.
Gen. George w. Davis message from
Bayan: Eighty-four survivors at Bay
an surrendered Internationally this morn
ing at seven. Sultan Bayan, Raja Muda
Bayan, Sultan Pandapatan and all lead
ing Dattos dead and many Of their fol-
lowers. Assault on the principal fort
which surrendered last night one of the
most gallant performances of American
arms. Col. Frank D. Baldwin and his
regiment deserve all praise for hand to
hand struggle in four lines of bitches
under walls of fort. These trenches are
lined with Moro dead from rifle fire.
Have never seen or heard of any per-
Torrance excelling this gallantry and
grit.
ut is my painful duty to report that
the overthrow of Moro power was not
accomplished without severe loss. One Of
ficer and seven enlisted men were killed:
four officers and 81 enlisted men were
wounded. Will telegraph the list later.
After "a survivors marched out this
morning as prisoners, and it was under
stood they were all, eight others who
had concealed themselves in rubbish.
made break for liberty; but none sue
ceeded. Some Moro wounded tried to
stab soldiers trying to help them. 1t
is impossible to state the number of
Moros killed; many lying in tall grass.
The surrender saves us from siege
and starving out. Impossible to have
carried works without. scaling ladders,
which were ready. Intend to retain pris-
oners until two or three small adjacent
forts are occupied, then. with your con-
sent, to retain as hostages eight or ten
of the principals and release the others.
The force in line of advance consisted
of four mountain guns and 40 rifles.
This fully sufficient. Could have used
more men advantageously. Had we sent
strong column 1t would only have swelled
the casualty list. One neighboring Dat
to has already presented himself as
friend. and l expect general coming
in shortly, when the weight of the blow
is known. The dead sent to Malabang
for burial.
In light OF present knowledge could
have besieged the principal forts and in
time forced surrender, but that would
probably have resulted In a sortle for
freedom and escape for many. BY at
tacking them, they have been completely
crushed-the only kind of lesson these
wild Moros seem to be able to profit by
Shall invite Sultan Tarlac to pay me a
friendly visit, if he does not do SO of his
own initiative. He has fort further east
in plain sight and of same strength as
was Bayan. on beautiful tableland and
| 1000 acres of fine upland rice. and urging
people to return to its cultivation. The
result to follow this action very mpor-
| tant Namely: 1t secures respect for
United States authority in the center of
| Moro Sayagery.