Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1902-05-14
MOROS ARE CRUSHED.
r.rortant Fort Taken After Severe
Fighting-TrOOps Praised ~
Gen. Cha6ee.

Washington, May 5.-The war de-
partment has received a cablegram
from Gen. Chaffee indicating tha'
the campaign against Sultan Bayan,
one of the principal Moro Chiefs had
been completely successful. The re-
suit was accomplished by a gallant
assault on the principal Moro fort
AND it's capture after a 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, Ra1a Muoa
Bayan, Sultan Pandapatan and all leao-
ing Dattos dead and many or thelr iol-
lowers. Assault on the principal fort
which surrendered last night one OF the
most gallant performances OF American
arms. Col. Frank D. Baldwin ana MS
regiment deserve all praise for mana 10
hand struggle in four lines OF dltches
under walls Of fort. These trenches are
lined with Moro dead from rifle hre.
Have never seen heard of any per-
Torrance excelling this gallantry ana
grit.
1T is my painful duty to report that
the overthrow of Moro power was not
accomplished without severe loss. One OF
ticer and seven enlisted men were killed:
four officers and 81 enlisted men were
wounded. Will telegraph the list later
After Sd survivors marched out TINS
morning as prisoners, and it was under
stood they were all, eight others who
had concealed themselves In rubblsn.
made break for liberty; but none sue
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
sand 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 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 it would only have swelled
| the casualty list. One neighboring Dat
to has already presented himself as
friend, and I expect a 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, cut that would
probably have resulted in a scrtie for
| freedom and escape for many. By at
lacking them, they have been completely
crushed-the only kind of q 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
LOCO acres of fine upland RICE and urging
| people to return to it's cultivation. The
| result to follow this action very impor-
| tant Namely: It secures respect for
United States authority in the center of
| Moro savagery.
| 'CHAFFEE.'"
The president sent the following
ccEgratulatory dispatch to Gen. Chat
fee:
"Washington. Z c. May 4, 1ao2.-Chaf-
fee, Manila: Accept fer the army under
your command, and express to Gen. Da-
Wis and Col. Baldwin especially, my con-
CALCULATIONS and thanks for the splendid
courage and fidelity which have again
carried our flag to victory. Your fellow
countrymen at home will ever honor the
memory of the fallen, and be faithful
selves been faithful unto death for their
| countrys sake.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT"
Manila, May g. Eighty-four Moro
prisoners, under guard, made an at
tempt to escape Monday. At pre-
concerted signal they got between
the soldiers forming the guard and a
company at dinner. The latter, re-
alizing what had happened, fired on
and pursued the Moros, killing IS OF
them and capturing nine. The other
fugitives escaped.