The Hartford Herald

A FIERCE FIGHT
IN PHILIPPINES

Between Insurgents and Uncle Sam's Men,
OVER A DISARMAMENT POLICY

Gen. Pershing Makes Report
On Battle With Rebels
At Bagsag.

BIGGEST FIGHT YET REPORTED

Washington, June 13.—"Probably no fiercer battle since American occupation," is the description by Brig. Gen. Pershing, of the battle with the Moros yesterday at Bagsag, in his report by cable to-day to the War Department.

The Moros made desperate attempts to rush the American lines, but were finally beaten back and overwhelmed. Their leader, Amil, and several other noted outlaws were reported killed, but the total loss of the Moros was not reported.

One American officer, Taylor Nichols, of the Philippine Scouts, was killed; First Lieut. Edwin H. Rackley, Philippine Scouts, was wounded, and three Philippine Scouts, of the Fifty-first company, all natives, were killed. Gen. Pershing's report was as follows:

"On June 12 the Moros' resistance at Bagsag was formidable and their fort and trenches on the precipitous side of the crater not only supported each other strongly, but were defended with modern arms. The Moros fanatically and continuously tried to rush the American lines, but the careful disposition of our force held the American loss to a minimum. Probably there has been no fiercer battle since American occupation.

"Maj. George C. Shaw, of the Philippine Scouts, commanded the right wing with Company M., Eighth Regiment, United States Infantry, and Fortieth Company Philippine Scouts. Capt. Taylor A. Nichols, of the Philippine Scouts, commanded the left wing with the Fifty-first, Fifty-second and Twenty-ninth Companies Philippine Scouts. A mounted gun was with each wing and proved of great assistance.

"At the close of yesterday Capt. Patrick Moylan, of the Philippine Scouts, with two companies was supporting the gun on Mount Bunga, and the American force occupied a controlling position on the rim of the crater.

"First Lieut. Edwin H. Rackley, Philippine Scouts, was slightly wounded and three Moro scouts of the Fifty-first company were killed. Capt. Taylor A. Nichols was killed in the early morning fight, and is a serious loss to the army. Amil and several leading outlaws are reported killed. Other Moro losses are still unknown."

Cablegram from Maj. Gen. Bell not only explains the reason for the attack upon the Moros' stronghold, but assumes responsibility with Gen. Pershing. Gen. Bell said:

The fight at Bagsag was incident to the disarmament policy of the Governor General (Cameron Forbes) and the Governor of the Moro province, adopted after many months of patient but fruitless negotiations and marked by promises disregarded by the Moros. A situation arose that I believe left no alternative. Amil and a relatively small following, occupying one part of the Island of Jolo, were the only Moros who refused to give up their arms peacefully.

"Disarmament was generally desired by the Moros themselves. All of the rest surrendered their arms months ago without resisting. Under the circumstances it was impossible and unjust to the disarmed Moros to permit a few of them to retain arms.

The scene of the Moros' last stand was on the small island of Jolo, not much larger than the District of Columbia, but the jurisdiction under the Sultan is divided among a number of lesser chieftains. Datto Amil was one of the Irreconcilables. He was a brigand and pirate, preying upon the peaceful element of his own people, and was especially dreaded by the farm workers of the North,

Gen. Pershing's report was made before the end of the battle, and Gen. Bell has called for details of the conclusion.