New-York tribune., 1899-02-09
GOOD NEWS FROM GEN. OTIS
AGUINALDO ASKS FOR A CESSATION OF
IIOSTTLITIES.
NO ANSWER RETURNED TO HIS REQUEST
FOR CONFERENCE.-The INFLUENCE
OVER THE NATIVES DESTROYED
MANILA QUIET.

OVER THE NATIVES DESTROYED
MANILA QUIET
Washington. Feb. s-There was an almost
complete relaxation to-day OF the tension under
which the rapid occurrence Of events I'm the
Philippines has held the officials of the Admin
istration since the first startling news from Ma
Mia was received. This brought about by
the receipt Of the following dispatch from Gen
eral Otis, summing up the latest results OF 'he
fighting with the natives:
Manila February 8.
Situation rapidly improving. RECONNAISSANCE
yesterday To south several miles TO Lagunade
Bay to southeast eight miles. driving stragghns
insureent troops I'm various directions, encoun-
tering no decided opposition. Army disinte-
grated and natives returning TO villages display
Ing white fag.
Near Caloocan six miles north enemy made
stand behind intrenchments. charged by Kansas
troops led by Colonel Funston. Close encounter,
resulting I'm rout OF the enemy with heavy loss.
Loss to Kansas, Lieutenant Afford Killed. SIN
men wounded.
on the 4th Aguinaldo issued lying prOclama-
ton charging Americans with initiative and de-
clarod war; Sunday issued another calling all
TO resist foreign invasion: his influence through
out this section destroyed; now applies for a
cessation Of hOstilltes and conference nave ue-
clined to answer
Insurgent expectation of rising in city on
night of 4th unreazed. Provost -marshal-gen-
eral with admirable disposition of troops, de-
feated every attempt. City quiet. business re
sumed, natives respectful and cheerful; fsht-
ing qualities Of American troops revelation 10
all Inhabitants. OTIS.
The statement that Aguinaldo's influence had
been destroyed and that the Filipino leader was
seeking for a cessation Of hostilites and n con-
ference was most acceptable. and was inter
preted as an admission that he had realized his
terrible mistake 1t is entirely improbable that
bc will ba abIa 70 ANYTHING the
status quo. to obtain anything like the same
terms as were possible last week
No one here now knows Just what General
Otis intends to impose in the way OF terms.
Secretary Ager this afternoon repeated his
statement of yesterday. that he had given the
General no instructions since the battle, and
saw no reason for giving any. He realized. he
said that General Otis. being on the ground
and having proved his fitness. was in better
position TO deal with the situation than any one
in Washington Should the General ask per-
mission. therefore. TO do anything. it would be
granted Immediately. Should he ask for In
structions on any point" said Secretary Alger,
"he will be told to exercise his own discretion.
In this view Of the case it will be seen that no
one here can tell at present how General OTIS
will act on Aguinaldo's application. But the
opinion is expressed by men here who KNOW
General Otiss experience with the Indians that
he will make the laying down Of arms the con-
dition Of dealing with the insurgents at all. and
if that condition is met, Of course 1t VIII mean
a speedy termination Of the rebellion.
There Is no reason to believe that the Presi-
dent has changed his policy respecting the
treatment of the Filipinos because OF the battle.
and 1t is believed that If they are content to
profit by the severe lesson administered 10 them
he will be willing to treat them with as great
degree Of llberality as their state and due re-
gard for the interests of the United States and
Of civilization will permit.