Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-05-04
THE END IN SIGHT.
Aguinaldo Takes the First Step
Towards Surrendering.
CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES ASKED.
The FillpInos Attempted. to Face Ameri-
cans In Open Ground, but Failed Ridic-
ulOusly-Otis Refuses Aguinaldo's
Request Bravery Of Volunteers.

Washington, April o9.-The end of
the Filipino insurrection is in sight, in
the opinion of army and navy officials
A telegram received from Gen. Otis
yesterday announced that Aguinaldo
had taken what is regarded as the first
step toward surrendering, namely, re-
auesting cessation of hostilities Sec
retary Alger SAID as the department
closed. that, while it could not be said
that peace was assured, he regarded
the prospects as Of the brightest, and
felt confident that the end Of the in
surrection was near.
Everybody praising the volunteers,
amarked change in the sentiment ex-
pressed a few days ago, when it was
understood that the same men were
pleading to be brought home. Col.
Funston came in for the most com
mendation, even the regular officers
taking note with admiration of the fact
that his achievements were all strictly
within the line Of the plans laid down
for him by his superior officer, Gen.
Wheaton. Gen. Corbn said that every
volunteer who participated in the
fighting in the Philippines since peace
was declared should have medal of
honor. BY the terms of their enlist
ments they were entitled to withdraw
from the service, but they had
remained voluntarily, performing more
than was required of them, which was
more than the ordinary duty OF sol
der. II was stated at the war depart
ment that Col. Funston would secure
brigadier generals commission as a
reward for his services in the various
engagements eliminating in his daring
and heroic feats Thursday. 1t was also
stated that both Col. Funston and the
two men who crossed the river under
the fire of the enemy would secure
medals of honor. High praise is given
all the volunteers, as it appears that
they were in every place where the
fighting was going on.
The text Of Gen. Otis dispatch an
nouncing the prospect of peace follows
Manila April 70. Adjt General, Washington:
After taking Caumpet MacArthur's division
crossed the Rio Grand river in the face Of great
distractions, driving the concentrated forces Of
the enemy back on the railroad two miles, Mac
Arthur reports that the passage Of the river
was remarkable military achievement the
success Of which was due To the daring skill and
determination OF Col. Funston, under the dis
eliminating control Of Gen. Wheaton, Casual
ties slight, number not yet ascertalned. This
morning chief Of STAFF from commanding general
Of the Insurgent forces entered our lines to ex-
press admiration of the wonderful feat Of the
american army In forcing passage Of the river
which was thought impossible, STAFF officer re.
ports that the insurgent commanding general
has received from insurgent government direc-
tions TO suspend hostllites pending negotiations
for the termination Of the war. STAFF officer
with party Is now en- route TO Manila and will
soon arrive Lawton's forces well In hand In
vicinity OF Angat east Of Calumpit, where he Is
waiting supplies TO be sent Tomorrow. Yester-
day morning force of 1900 insurgents attacked
troops at Taguig; driven back by Washington
regiment Our loss two killed, II wounded
ATTEMPTED TO FACE AMERICANS
Manila, April a9.--At Calumpit, for
the first time, a large body of Filipinos
attempted to face the Americans in
open ground. The Filipinos in the
trenches were dispersed after making
a ridiculously feeble resistance; but
Gen. Luna's brigade came upon the
field from Macabales on the double
quick, the two regiments preservinga
perfect formation. The Americans
from the south bank of the river, which
is higher than the north bank, could
see Gen. Luna, mounted on black
horse, galloping frantically along the
lines, and apparently exhorting his
followers to make stand He finally
succeeded in getting them spread in an
extended line Of battle which would
have done credit to civilized army. But
when the American bullets showered
quickly among them, stirring clouds of
dust from the sandy soil. the Filipinos
again showed that no amount OF drlll-
ing could fortify them sufficiently to
make them face the American rifles
and their train pulled up the track
with its load Of dead and wounded, and
in plain sight Of the Americans, who
were entering the town so closely that
the rebels barely slipped out Of their
victors' hands. The Montana regiment
made rush to capture the train, run
ming up the track, yelling shrilly, and
even dropping their guns in the pur-
suit, but the engine backed off hastily,
leaving the bodies OF six warriors TO
their enemies.
OTIS REFUSES AGUINALDo's REQUEST.
Manila, April 29.-The Filipino ad-
vances for peace have been fruitless
Col. Manuel Argueleses and Lieut.. Jose
Bernal, who came into Gen. MacAr-
thurs lines under flag of truce, told
Gen. Otis that they were representa-
tives Of Gen. Luna, who had been re-
quested by Aguinaldo to ask Gen. Otis
for a cessation of hostilities in order
to allow time for the summoning of
the Filipino congress, which body