Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1899-10-05
READY FOR PEACE
AGUINALDO ASKS TO SEND a REP
RESENTATIVE.
OTIS DENIES THE REQUEST
Another Conference to Follow-Re-
leased Americans Speak Highly Of
the Filipinos-Were Given Excel
lent Treatment-Liept. Gilmore's
Party Still Held Prisoners.

Manila, Oct 1.-Noon-The Filipino
peace commission which arrived at the
American lines yesterday brought
request from Aguinaldo that he be per-
mitted to send a representative of his
government to negotiate for peace.
Gen. Otis refused the request. There
will be another conference.
Were Well Treated.
Manila, Oct. 1-Saturday was an
eventful day with the Northern out
posts of the American army at Angeles,
Early in the afternoon the Filipino
peace commissioners appeared. The
American prisoners followed. Then
the three Spaniards, who came to ne
gotiate for the release Of the Spanish
prisoners, departed with a retinue of
servants and buffalo carts. A special
train carrying Maj. Gen. Otis and Gems.
LaWton, Bates and Schwan, to Angeles
on a tour of inspection also arrived.
The American prisoners are Corporal
Otto Scheu, Privates Albert Rubeck,
Otto Wagner, Peter ROllings, all of the
third infantry, captured near Balinag,
July %, Joseph Macidrath, James
Boyle, William Miller, John CrinshaW
Thomas Dalin, Eli Drew, Of the sixth
infantry, captured at Caloocan in Au-
gust; Paul Spillano, Louis Ford, of
the fourth infantry, Charles Wilander,
discharged third artilleryman, captured
by bandits while boating near
Malabon, George F'raham, colored,
an orderly Of the 10th infantry who
was put off the train near Malolos and
Immediately captured. At 9 o'clock a
group came down the track waving a
handkerchief on a bamboo pole and
halted before the bridge. A bugle then
sounded "attention!" and Maj Shields
of Gen. Wheaton's staff and five sold
iers, with a raised handkerchief, picked
their way across the bridge. The Fill
ipinos then introduced themselves.
They were Gen. Alejandrius, slender,
bright-looking young man Of 80, a
veteran Of the rebellion against Spain,
Lieut.. Col. Orino and Maj. Orets, the
latter of German blood and speaking
English f1uently. There soon appeared
second party of fourteen Americans
marching between the files Of insurg-
ent soldiers. They looked the picture
Of health and were dressed in new
uniforms Of blue bingham and carried
monkeys and other presents from
Filipino friends.
Then Gen. Wheeler being anxious to
see the Filipinos forded the river with
correspondents mounted behind. Gen.
Wheeler shook hands with the Filipi-
nos and there was a general exchange
of greetings. A file of barefoot Fill
Pine soldiers curiously surveyed the
line of stalwart American sentinels
whose physique contrasted strongly
with the little brown men who look
too little for their guns. Gen. Wheel
er, who had no official connection with
the incident returned to Gen. Mac
Arthur and Gen. Wheaton appeared at
one end of the bridge. The commits
sioners and prisoners forded the river.
dismounted and saluted Gen. Mac
Arthur's first inquiry was for Lieut..
Gilmore's party and Gen. Alejandrius
replied vaguely that they were Gin the
north" Gen. Macarthur asked if they
would be released Gen. Alejanrino
saiu, II must consult with my govern
ment before answering" The prison
ers unanimously praised their treat
ment. One man said, eve have been
given the best the country afforded,
with fine houses for quarters, servants,
good food, plenty of wine and a money
allowance Aguinaldo visited us and
shook our hands. Three of the boys
refused to shake hands with him. %
Judging from the stories of the prison
ers they have been lionized by the peo-
pie. They report that five sailors, sur
vivors of Cadet Woods party, arrived
at Tarlac Wednesday. They agree in
saying that the Filipinos all say they
are tired of war but will fight for in
dependence to the last" The released
soldiers also say the idea of indepen-
dence has taken hold Of Filipinos so
firmly that they threaten, if conquered,
to eXterminate the Americans by as
sassination. Aguinaldo seemed popu-
lar among all the people the prisoners
met. The country, they say, is full of
rich crops. All prisoners have stories
Of interesting experiences. Those
captured at Caloocan were marched
along railroads at night through towns
occupied by Americans. While Agui-
naldo only offers to release the prison
ers in Tarlac, there is great disappoint-
ment at the fact that Lieut.. Gilmore's
party failed to arrive. Maj Ortes said
frankly they were tired of the war, but
they decline to say what proposals
they would bring. The Filipinos
lunched with Gen. Young at San Ferdi
nando. Their quarters will be at the
Oriental hotel at Manila. Gen. Bates
now takes Cen Wheaton's command