The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-09-20
AND SEEK A CONFERENCE CE
OTIS GRANTS THE REQUESTED
INTERVIEW.
AMERICAN PRISONERS is THEIR HANDS
Watson Tells Of Sharp Engagement off the
North Coast of Lo1oD' 7hs eunboat
Paragua Drives FiIipinOs
from Entertainments
from Entertainments.

Washington, Sept. 19.-Secretary
Root today received a ca.blegram from
General Otis that seemed to indicate
a weakening ON the part of the inusr-
gents. 1t contains a proffer to deliver
the American prisoners who sought per-
mission to parley with General Otis.
This cablegram was at once taken by
Secretary Root to the Cabinet meet
ing and formed the main topic for dis
cussion at the beginning of the session.
However, upon reading the message
carefully, its apparent importance
seemed TO diminish. Secretary Root
himself did not regard the matter as
Of Importance at this TIME. He re-
called frequent efforts on the part of
the insurgents in the past to gain time
at critical moments by opening nego-
tiations, ostensibly with the object of
making peace, and he was not sure
but that this last offer was something
of the same kind. However, that may
be, the Secretary was Of the opinion
that it would fail to afford the insur-
gents any advantage. General Otis
would receive any messenger and lis
ten to him and make answer 10 his
proposals but this would not in the
slightest degree restrain the military
operations, and the American army
would lose no ground, no matter how
the negotiations turned out.
The text of the dispatch follows:
Manila, September 10Th.
sAdjutant-General, Washington.
Macarthur reports from Angeles
visit of two insurgent officers with re-
quest for permission to send into our
lines American prisoners and to send
to Manila prominent insurgent general
officer for conference The requested
iterview granted and insurgent officers
at Angeles return north this morning
with information.
(Signed) "OTIS."
The capture Of Lieutenant Gilmore
and his party was one or tine most
stirring Incidents of the insurrection
At first it was feared they had lost
their lives, but later definite information
was received that the following were
alive at San Isidro, an insurgent strong
hold:
Lieutenant Gilmore, Chief Quarter
master William Walton, Sailmaker's
Mate Paul Vandert, Coxswain John
Ellsworth, Apprentice, third class, Al
bert Peterson, Landsman Silyio BrisO-
lese, Landsman Lyman Paul Edwards,
and Landsman Fred Anderson.
Captain Charles NJ. Rockefeller, of
the Nineteenth infantry, is also sup
posed to be a prisoner with the insur-
gents. He disappeared April last and no
trace of him has been discovered.
The Navy Department has received
the following cablegram from Admiral
Watson, dated Manila September 10Th:
Davidson in Paragua had sharp en-
gagement on the 14th at San Fabian,
Lingayen Gulf with about 300 insur-
gents heavily entrenched at a distance
of from LOO to 700 yards. The in
slrgents fed Their fire was weak and
no casualties. The senior commends
Davidson highly"
The Paragua is one Of the little gun
boats turned over to the army by Admi-
raj Watson, and Davidson, the com
mander, is a young ensign.
The scene of the battle was off the
north coast of LuZon.
General Otis has informed the War
Department of the arrival at Manila
of the transport Ohio with the men
from the wrecked transport Morgan
City. The City of Sydney also reached
Manila today.
General Otis has cabled the death Of
Col. Jno. ID. Miley, Inspector General
of volunteers.
The transfer of the Spanish prisoners
from the insurgents to the Spanish ships
will be under the direction and control
of United States officers. The United
States will furnish lighters to bring the
prisoners from the shore to the Spanish
ships. The War Department will allow
no communication between Aguinaldo
and his agents and the Spaniards who
may go to bring away Spanish prisoners.
The Twenty-ninth infantry, United
States volunteers, Colonel e. e. Hardin,
will leave Fort Mcpherson, Ga, for
San Francisco, en- route to the Philip
pines as soon as the necessary cars can
be obtained for transportation, which
will probably be on Saturday.