The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-05-03
ye.terday,. Conference.

MANILA, May 2.-Maj. Manuel Argue
leses and Lieut.. Jose Bernal. of the staff of
Gen. Antonio Luna. returned here to-day to
renew and press the request of General
Luna for cessation of hostilities. They
have found the field of labor a most un-
congenial one. The two officers were re-
ceived In conference by Maj. Gen. L. s.
Otis The proposals which they had to SUBJ
NIT differed but slightly from those which
they brought sfrom the Filipino commander
In the first place. They desired a little time
to summon Congress. and expressed them
selves as being confident that the Congress
will decree peace. because the people desire
1t. They represent that Aguinaldo is with
out power 10 surrender the army, and that
the Congress must decide that question.
Incidentally the Filipino ENJOYS asserted
that Aguinaldo had not yet made fair test
of his strength against the American forces.
because only one-third of his army had been
assembled.
The envoys presented a letter from Senior
Mabini. president and minister of foreign
Affairs In the Cabinet OF Aguinaldo. and
who Is the backbone of the Filipino organi-
zation. The communication is personal and
unofficial, and seconds Major Argueleses's
arguments. The ENJOYS will see General
Otis again tomorrow. They will stop to-
night in Manila They lunched with Gen.
eraI Macarthur at his headquarters on a
car Of the armored train at Calumpit before
going to Manila.
Whether or not General Luna is sincere in
his overtures. the negotiations are giving
the insurgents a much-needed opportunity
to rehabilitate their demoralized forces. The
truth is that dissension among the leaders
of the rebels is helping on the disorganiza-
ton Of the Filipino army almost as much
rs the American campaign.
In the course o. the conference with the
Filipino ENJOYS General Otis agreed with
the statement OF Major Argueleses that the
people of the Philippine islands wanted
peace. and he added that requests for pro-
lection are pouring in upon him from all
parts of the country.
Major General Lawton was engaged in
hard fighting early this morning. Telegraph
communication was cut at 9 o'clock a. m.
and there have been no reports from Gen.
eral Lawton since that time
General Lawton lost one killed and five
wounded on yesterday, near San Rafael,
where he strongly intrenched himself To-
day General Lawton is matching on Bali
nag. where large body of rebels has been
congregated-
General Hale started at daybreak with
the Iowa and South Dakota regiments, a
squad Of cavalry and two guns of the Utah
Battery from Calumpit in northwesterly
direction to cooperate with the Macabebes.
who have asked the Americans to arm them
In order that they might fight the Tagals
The Macabebes have already organized
company of bolomen to guard the town.
They are bringing Tagal prisoners to Gen.
eral Macarthur.
Refugees report that the Filipino army is
deserving San Fernando and massing az St
Thomas. where General Luna's headquar-
ters are located. and that strong intrench-
ments are being constructed on the sides of
the railway and on the swamp front in the
best position .osslble.