May 6, 1899.]
CHINA OVERLAND TRADE REPORT.
27th April.
fifteen were rejected which speaks well for the Dakota. The enemy's loss is estimated at 100 physical qualities of these island people.killed and wounded. Capt. Conley, Co. A., ist Cal. has been acting as drill master for the native troops. They have discarded their odd assortment of antique fire arms, spears and bows and arrows; are now provided with Springfields and are policing Bacolod and patrolling the surrounding country. A number are acting as scouts with Co. A, and E, which are now out on a ten day's reconnoiter into the interior.
THE CAPTURE OF CALUMPIT.
THE TOWN burned, MESSRS. WARNER, BARNES-& CO.'S SUGAR MILLS DAMAGED.
Manila, 26th April. At nine o'clock yesterday morning General McArthur's army, quartered at Malolos, began the advance toward Calumpit. General Hale was about two miles north and one mile east, so that an hour's march would bring the two lines in communication. General MoArthur remained with General Wheaton's brigade, fol- lowing the line of the railroad which carried the armoured cars. Part of the Kansas regi. ment was on the left of the track, spreading over to the right where it joined the Moutana men; the Montana right was in touch with the 4th Cavalry and Utah guns which were being brought up, following the west bank of the Bagbag river. Just across the river was Hale's brigade with the Nebraska on the left Bank, the South Dakota and Iowa and the two mountain guns.
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Over a mile and a half was covered by this long line before a shot was fired, and then there was a temporary halt. About three miles from Malolos heavy trenches were discovered about a mile ahead. Major Bell's scouting parties had located these treaches several days pre- viously, so the men were on the watch. The works ran directly accross the road, and for two hundred feet in front of them the track was destroyed.
The Engineers have succeeded in repairing the damaged Railroad bridge near Calumpit to such an extent that the hull carts can be taken over. The steel span that the insurgents cut down was about 50 feet long and stone found ation on the bank was half gone. In addition the water runs deep right up to the edge of the banks, so the work of throwing a new span was a matter of a great difficulty, especially when the limited means and number of the Engineers Corps are taken into consideration.
Yesterday morning many of the bull carts had succeeded in orossing without mishap, | carrying over rations and supplies to Wheaton's brigade. As soon as the troops had breakfasted and received additional ammunition the Mou- tana and Kansas Regiments began the advance from the road bank of the Bagbag River. The left of the line remained in the open fields while the right entered the woods lying directly behind the old trenches at the junction of the Bagbag and Chico Rivers: Only a few moments passed before firing began from a trench beyond a small stream flowing directly across the line of march. Another smaller detachment opened up from the right, obtaining a partial flank fire. The advantage was only temporary. Under the heavy fire of the Montanas the natives deserted the position, leaving several killed, and retreated with all haste toward Calumpit,
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was hastily thrown together, and Colonel Funston and eight men began their periloul Finally, when about two companies had spo- trip across, guiding themselves by the ropes ceeded in orossing, the little band charged on the works from which the insurgents had begun to retreat and taking possession of the enemy's trenches they poured in an enfilading fire that broke the backbone of the long river, fortifica- tions. The rest of the Kansas men crossed followed by the Montana regiment, or pea over the bridge, under fire, in single file, quickly
It was impossible to move the cannon, When the insurgents deserted the trenches the main body retreated to the left, entering some thick woods, the others defending the trenches near the bridge deserted their cannon and escaped, up the railroad track, where several were killed. before they had run 200 yards.
the woods after the flying natives and stirred Two companies of Kansas men struck into
been waiting to relieve the men in the trenches. up a large number of soldiers who had evidently While the fight was going on at long range, the general and others posted on the railroad steadily advancing from the direction of were watching a long wavering line that was Macabebe-Nearer and nearer it came until finally it was possible to distinguish two long lines of skirmishers drawn up in regular order of battle, firing line and supports, with a body in company formation in the rear.
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Fally two thousand natives were drawn up. In the meantime the Kansas, on the left, hardly be believed; but the South Dakota regi
on an open plain in battle array. It could managed to stir up the insurgents in a trenchment was brought over in case of need, and across the Rio Grande River, thereby making when the enemy was within 2,000 yards range the row decidedly lively. The Artillery was General Wheaton order the firing to pom. hurried up into position and shelled the works
mence. At the same time the Kansas.com. for several minutes while the Infantry rested its panies opened up on the edge of the woods. fire. Over to the extreme right the two moun- At the first volley the enemy dropped flat on tain guns of General Hale's Brigade began the ground and returned the fire, In twenty dropping schrapnel into the churchyard.
to the rear. The range was so great that minutes they got up and commenced to march practically no damage was done by either side, yet they continued to retreat. A single mounted officer dashed up and down the lines, apparently doing his utmost to drive his men back. At last they did turn and come on at the double time, but when the fire was opened again all desire to come neurer seemed to cease and they commenced an orderly retreat, going off in the direction of Macabebe.
Men who were under fire report that the natives used cannon and a rapid-fire gun, but no damage was accomplished by this long looked-for artillery. A little before noon, the men reached the suburbs of the town and began The fight was opened by a twenty-five minutes'
a hot street fight, which lasted several minutes. shelling from the train. The two armoured cars
General Hale's brigade being on the extreme were pushed down the track until the range was
right and closer to the town than those on the about 1.300 yards, and pandemonium reigned left wing, had splendid opportunities for pour while Gatlings, Hotchkiss, and the 6-poundering in a flank fire across Wheaton's front. were turned loose. Over on the right, Major Then the rebels cleared out and Calumpit be- Young with three field guns got into position killed and three wounded; Kansas, one killed. came American. The loss was: Montana, two and dropped his shrapnel over the trenches. Beyond a few scattering shots there was no re-
Nine wounded natives were brought into the ply until Hale began advancing across the
bospital. fields to the bend in the Bagbag river. Then the enemy opened up and poured in a terrific fire. The men continue advancing, by rushes, firing as they ran, until the river bank was reached, and there they lay down, less than sixty yards from the opposide side, and commenced a fight against bomb-proof trenches. The odds were most un- even, but the artillery following the advance forced its way out on the point at the junction of the two rivers, and trained its shells at 10
open
Manila, 28th April.
The battle of the Rio Grande yesterday morning mar ed a period in the war. The
wory was by far the most important since the signal repulse of February 5th. The effect upon the insurgent army must be far-reaching. Never in the course of the fighting has such strong opposition been encountered, and never has the defeat been more sudden and complete.
The battle opened at daylight, with the in-
yards range on the insurgent trenches. Some-surgents strongly intrenched for three miles thing had to give way soon, and the natives finally gave up and ran for the woods, leaving a force of men to man the loopholes.
Hale's troops crossed the river, some fording up to their chins, others swimming, finally reaching the bank, and occupied the trenches.
were sent
On the left the fight was not so heavy as most of the enemy rushed to the relief of the trenches on their left when Hale made his attack. Reconnoitering parties across the river and into the woda, finding several trenches deserted, but the natives were *still near the city. About 4 o'clock the enemy set fire to the town, but steadily opposed any advance of small parties. The troops camped along the Bagbag River until this morning, when it proposed to enter the city.
Up to six o'clock last night Calumpit itself had not been occupied by the troops. A river still separates the town, and as the bridge is destroyed some time must be occupied in get ting the Army across. In all probability Calumpit is now ours, although splendid op- portunities were available for a still farther resistance.
Our loss was 6 killed and 28 wounded. Among the wounded are Major Eager, 1st Nebraska, and Lieuta, Pratt and Lapp, South
along the north bank of the Rio Grande. They They used a small, muzzle-loading brass can non, chiefly noticable for its loud reports. On the south bank were the Kansas and Montana
men lying in the long grass and hastily con- structed earthworks. On the right of the line were three guns of the 6th and Utah Artillery. For three hours it was give and take, with scarcely a pause, save to allow the heated rifles
to cool.
Wheaton then resumed bis advance and suc- miles beyond Calumpit, taking three lines of ceeded in reaching Apalit, four and one-half trenches on the way. Our loss was one Mon. tana private killed and six men wounded, in cluding Captain Jensen and Major Miller.
Thirty-seven prisoners wore taken with their arms. Some of them were caught hiding in s mud-hole with their rifles buried in the mud. On the approach of the soldiers they waved a white shirt in sign of surrender.
About 4 o'clock a heavy thunder and rain storm set in, putting a stop to the operations. The Army went into camp near Apalit,
Messrs Warner, Barnes & Co.'s sugar mills, situated on the south bank of the Rio Grande, were partially destroyed by fire when the rebels burned the town.-Manila Times.
THE POSITION AT CEBU.
CEBU, 18th April. The formation of a permanent organisation of the native government here was effected yesterday. Delegates from all the outlying provinces of the island and their presidents, were received and entertained by Col. Hamer. Grande was so damaged that the men could Louis Flores, who was President of the Pro- The great steel bridge that spans the Rio Julio Florente was elected President, vios pass over only very slowly, and with great dan-visional Government. It was expected that the ger, besides being under fire from the opposite province presidents would sign allegiance to the trenches,
United States, but several of them refused to contents in their provinces who would have to do so, saying there were several hundred mal- be paid off and disbanded before this step could be taken.
Public subscriptions are now in purpose. Notwithstanding this discontent circulation to raise the necessary funds for this among a few, the general sentiment seems to be favourable to the United States 'au- thorities.
slipped down the bank a few hundred yards be- Finally two men of the Kansas regiment low the bridge, jumped into the water and began swimming to the opposite bank, carrying not felt that it could succeed, but slowly and s rope with them. Hardly a man who saw the strongly they struck ont, advancing directly in the face of the enemy. While they were in the water the men poured the hottest, fastest fire they knew of into the Filipino trenches. The Idaho Regiment is expected here shortly. At last the swimmers reached the opposite bank It has not as yet been decided as to whether and made fast the rope. Once scross there was this will relieve the battalion of the 23rd that very little danger, as the trenches were too here now, or not. When the Idahos high to admit of a direct fire below. A raft - they will be separated so as to occupy
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