THE PHILIPPINES.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Issue 38, 11 February 1899, Page 3

THE PHILIPPINES.

Hong Kong, Feb 7. Details of the fighting at Manilla show that the battle extended over an area of 17 miles. The strongest defensive point of the Filipinos was some entrenchments in the vicinity of the church and convent near Pasco. They fought desperately and set fire to the ambulance waggons, On being driven out of the entrenchments, they retired to the church and convent. The attack of the Americans was so hot that the buildings were fired. The Filipinos were driven out by the smoke and flames, and were shot as they emerged. In an endeavour to seize the waterworks outside Manilla, the Americans advanced six miles.

Washington, Feb. 7. A Renter's despatch says that 13,000 Americans and 20,000 Filipinos were engaged in the battle of Manilla, The Filipino losses are estimated at 4000 ; the American! lost 40 killed, including three officers, and 170 wounded. Fighting has not been resumed. Senator Gorman predicts that the war will last for years. There is intense public excitement throughout America. The Government have instructed General Otis to crush the rebels and occupy Iloilo.

Manila, Feb. 8. The Americans now control the country within a radius of nine miles of Manila. The main body of the Filipinos is retreating to the mountains. Aquinaldo declared war on Saturday. The humanity of the Americans in treating the Filipino wounded in their hospitals surprised the natives.

February 9. Aquinaldo has applied for an armistice, and wishes to hold a conference with General Otjs. {3o far no answer has been sent to his request.