The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-09-20
INSURGENTS ASK
FOR CONFERENCE
Late AdviCeS Indicate
Loss of Confidence.
A FARLEY PROPOSED.
They Also Offer to Surrender the
American Prisoners.
THERE MAY BE DISSENSIONS
Ia Their Ranks as Otis Does Not Men
lion Aguinaldo a. Appearing in
the Iroposition-The Matter
Not Regarded in Washing
ton as Amounting To
Much.
A FARLEY PROPOSED.
THERE MAY BE DISSENSIONS

WASHINGTON. sept 1s-Secretary
Root to-day received cablegram from
General Otis that seemed TO Indicate
weakening on the part Of the insurgents
II contains proner to deliver the Ame-
rjcau prisoners who have been Tor so
many months in the hands OF the insur-
gents and also sought permission TO par
ley with General Ois.
This cabiegrom was at once taken by
Secretary Root 10 the Cabinet meeting
and formed the main topic for discussion
"a the beginning of the session. However
upon reading the message carefully na
annarcut importance seemed 10 diminish.
Secretary Root himself did not regard The
matter AS Of Importance at THIS TIME ne
recalled frequent efforts on the part OF
the insurgents I'm the past TO gain time az
critical moments by opening negotiations
ostensibly with the object oI making
peace. and he was not sure bul lnal
this last offer was something OF the same
kind. ....,,,o.r,
IJTTLB ADVANTAGE.
rro,.o,.ar maj may be. the Secretary
was of the opinion that it would fail TO
! g
General Otis would receive any messenger
and listen 10 him and make answer to his
,,ropoesls but this would not IN the
sliobtesf degree restrain the military ope-
ratious. and the Americans arms would
lose no ground. no matter how the ne
pofiations turned ont. Still It IS realized
there is a possibility that the insurgents
may have become disheartened at me re-
newed and intense activity in the direc-
tion of reinforcing General Otis, and con-
cluded. in view of the great force gamer
ing TO opening the campaign in the dry
season that further resistance wouiH oe
useless
IT is pointed out as O. noticeable fact
that Aguinaldo's name does not appear
i'm General Otis dispatch and though this
may not be OF great significance, stih
among some Of the army officers 10 is sur
missed that there are serious disseuslons
among the insurgents. and perhaps some
of the discordant clements are TN this
case acting ON their own responsibility
OTIS MESSAGE.
The text of the dispatch follows.
Manila Sept. -Adjutant-Gen
washington: Macarthur reports from
Angeles VISIT of two insurgent officers
with request for permission TO send into
our lines American prisoners and To send
To Manila prominent insurgent general
officer for conference The requested in
tervicw granted. and insurgent officers az
Angeles returned north this morning with
Information OTIS.
GH.MORE'S CAPTURE.
The capture Of Lieutenant Gilmore and
mis- party was one of the most stirring
incidents Of the insurrectiOn. IL occurred
while the cruiser Yorktown was making
"a survey of The western coast Of Luz0n
with "a view to locating some Of the de-
iached Spanish garrsons, which had long
been cut off from the pOpulous centres
II was known that a Spanish garrison had
been surrounded at Baler ON the eastern
coast and Lieutenant Gilmore, with a
boats party from the Yorktown fwas sent
ashore TO reconn0itre the surrounding
country. lie divided his command. one
party remaining near the shore while
another pushed inland. THIS was the last
seen of the Lieutenant and the fifteen men
who accompanied him. The other mem
bers of the party waited for a long time
but got no trace of their companions. and
were finally Obliged to return TO the ship
without them. Admiral Dewey az once
reported the loss To- the Navy Department
and before they left Manila used every
possible means so learn the condition of
the captive Americans. AT first il was
feared they had lost their lives. but later
definite information was received that the
following were alive at San lsadro, an in,
surgent stronghold:
Lieutenant Gilmore Chief William Wal
ton. Sailmasters Mate. Paul Nandert:
C0xswain John Ellsworth; Apprentice
0hird class). Albert Peterson. Landsman
Sllyio Rrisolese. Landsman Lyman Paul
Edwards. and Landsman Fred Anderson
Captain Charles NJ. Rockefeller Of the
Nineteenth Infantry IS also supposed 10
be a prisoner with the insurgents. he dis
appeared April last. and no trace Of him
has been discovered
The course tO be pursued regarding the
Spanish prisoners I'm Philippines has been
practically decided upon The War De-
partment has approved the action Of Gen.
otis in refusing 10 allow Spanish ships
90 60 20 ports controlled by insurgents TO
take away Spanish prisoners. These ships
however viii be allowed 20 proceed TO
such ports under escort Of ships Of the
United States.
The transfer Of the Spanish prisoners
from The insurgents 20 the Spanish ships
will be under the direction and control
OF United States officers The United
states will furnish lighters TO bring pris-
oners from the shore 20 tho Spanish ships.
The War Department viii allow no com
munication between Agumaido and his
agents. and the Spanisrds who may go TO
bring away Spanish prisoners.
ASKS IrALYS AID
LONDON. SeD. W--According 10
sne eisl despatch from Rome President
Kruger has wired King Humbert invOk-
ing the Intervention of Italy. The Johan-
me- 0urg corr sp0ndent OF the Morning
Post saws that a consignment Of it0oeoe
cartridges was sent from Pretoria to
Bloemfoniein last Thursday
A special despatch from Pretoria says:
The reDorts received here through unofti-
cial sources that Great Britain contem-
plates proposing a new convention to-
wards armament. though discredited off,
cially. has created the greatest indigna-
ti0n. The Burghers said they would
rather die than be reduced TO the status
II white Kafirs Member OF the govern
ment declare that II there should be a
reflex OF Englands Intention nothing will
avert war.