The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-04-29
SUSPENSION OF FIGHTING
Is Asked fo*Sy ! the Rebels,
Pendirs s ,gotiations.
HIGH PRAl - JR THE VOLUNTEERS
To Them is Due the Honor of Al
Victories.
TREACHERY is WATCHED FOR
Time in Order to Recuperate His
Demoralized Forces-Army
a CLOAK for Congress

Washington, April 2S.-The end of the
Filipino insurrection Is in sight, in the
orinion of army and navy officials. Otis
today announced that Aguinaldo had taken
what is regarded the first step toward
surrendering, namely, requesting a cessa-
ton OF hostilities. Secretary Alger said as
the department closed that, while 1t could
not be said that peace was assured, he re-
garded the prospect as of the brightest and
felt confident that the end of the insurree-
ton was near.
To his mind, there would be a repetition
of the negotiations which were had before
Santiago Everybody is praisng the VOL
unteers marked change in the sentiment
expressed few days ago, when 1t was un-
derstood that the same men were pleading
to be brought home.
Colonel Fusion came in for the most
commendatlon. General Corbin said that
every volunteer who had participated In
the fighting in the Philippines since peace
was declared should have medal of
honor. BY the terms of their enlistment
they were entitled to withdraw from the
service, but they had remained voluntarily,
performing more than was required of
them, which more than the ordinary
duty OF a soldier.
Further Negotiations
1t is expected that tomorrow there Will
be further negotiations with the insurgent
representatives. While the hope is ex-
pressed thar our commission will not hold
out terms so severe as to lead to a renewal
of the fighting, as the withdrawal of in
surgents to another stronghold further
north, ii is realized that General Otis must
exercise care to insure that they do not in
lad faith take advantage of the oppor-
tunity afforded by suspension of hostil1-
tics to secure Whatever of benefit to them
selves that may come from the rapidly
approaching rainy season. Campaigning on
the part Of the Americans will be almost
impossible at that time. However, it is
believed that Aguinaldo is nov really in
earnest and that his sole effort is to shift
responsibility for surrender to the Filipino
congress.
Acknowledgement Corbin says the Filipl-
no peace overtures will not bring about any
change of plans in this country as to the
forwarding of ships, supplies and troops to
the Philippines. Transports are about to
sail from San Francisco. and a considera-
BILE number of troops are under orders to
proceed to Manila.
1t is said at the navy department that
the developments of the day make IL inn
probable that the Iowa will be sent to
Manila, according to the original program
In view of the state of affairs in China
however, the American fleet on the Asiatio
station will be kept at high standard.
The cabiegram from Otis
The text of General Otis dispatch was:
Manila, April 23.
"Adjutant-General Washington:
vision crossed the Rio Grande river In The
face of great obstacles, driving the con-
centrated forces of the enemy back on the
railroad two miles.
Macarthur reports that passage of the
river a remarkable military achievement.
the success of which is due to the daring
skill and determination of Colonel Funston,
under discriminating control of General
Wheaton.
Casualties slight, number not yet as
certaned.
This morning chief of staff from COM
manding-general of the insurgent forces
entered our lines to express admira ton of
the wonderful feat of the American army
In forcing passage of the river. which was
thought to be impossible. Staff officer re-
ports that insurgent commander has re-
cetved from insurgent government direc-
tons to suspend hostities pending nego-
hations for the termination of the war.
Staff officer with party is now en- route
to Manila. and will arrive soon.
"Lawtons forces are well in hand in the
vicinity of Angal, east of Calumpit where
he is awaiting supplies to be sent tomor-
row. Yesterday morning a force of 1900
attacked the troops at Taguig.
They were driven back by the Washington
regiment. Our loss was two killed and
eleven wounded. OTIS"
The dispatch from General Otis was inn
telegraphed to President Nc
<inleS at Philadelphia. The president FROM
-here wired congratulations to General
Otis. The officials of the war department.
III believe that hostilities are about con-
.luded.
The news from General Otis came just
1t the beginning of the official day here.
There was feeling of profound relief ex-
PRESSED Mt once on all sides, for, during the
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