Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1899-05-02
TEXT OF OTIS REPORT.
The News Produced a Feeling of Pro-
found Relief at Washington.

Washington, D. c., April 2S.-The text
of Gen. Otis dispatch is as follows:
Manila, April S.-Adjutant-G General
Washington: After taking Calumpit
MacArthurs division crossed the Rio
Grande river in the face OF great obsta-
the enemy back on the railroad two
miles. Macarthur reports that paSsl Sc
Of the river Il remarkable military
achievement, the success OF which was
due TO the daring skill and determina-
ton of Col Funston. under discriminat-
ing control Of Gen. Wheaton. Casual
ties slight; number not yet ascer-
tanned
This morning chief of staff from COM
manding general Of insurgcnt forces en-
tered our lines to express admirat iOn of
the wonderful feat Of the American army
in forcing passage Of the river, which
was thought impasSab bic.
staff officer reports that inSurgent
commanding general has received from
insucgent government directions to sus-
pend hostilities pending negotiations for
the termination OF the war.
staff officer with party is now en- route
to Manila and will arrive soon. Law
tons forces well in hand in vicinity of
Anguil, east of Calumpit, where be is
waiting supplies to be sent tomorrow.
yesterday morning force of 1900 in
surgents attacked the troops at Ia guis;
'
Our loss two killed, twelve wounded.
Relief Felt at Wa shington.
The news from Gen. Otis came just at
the BEGINNING of the official day here
There was feeling Of profound relief
expressed IT once on all sides, for dur
ing the last three days the officials have
been much depressed by the reports that
came from the front.
The Associated press bulletin dated at
IL I
that the negotiations for peace had not
been successful that day, but another
conference would occur tomorrow. did
not have any substantial effect in re-
pressing the expressions OF satisfaction
1t was remembered by the officials that
Gen Toral at Santiago did not surrender
at the first instance. and that several
days were occupied in the negotiations
which finally resulted in the capitula-
ton.
In some respects the situation at Cal
umpit bears striking resemblance to
that existing at Santiago just prior to
the breakdown of the Spanish resistance
The Spaniards were hungry and INSULT
GENTLY supplied, just as are the t'ili-
pinos. They sought first to escape the
humiliation of a surrender; to march out
with the honors of war; to carry off their
arms. but they were obliged to abandon
all these points, just as the Filipinos
would be forced to do in Il short time,
according to the expectations of the Off
GERS here.
Secretary AIeer Gratified.
Secretary Alger was naturally highly
gratited at the news. He approved gen
orally Gen. Otis reply to the Filipino
delegation. But he made it clear that
there was no disposition on his part to
interfere with Otis and Filipino COM
mission III making terms with the Fill
pinos to any greater degree than had
been done II the conduct of the cant
paign.
The secretary said that the Philippine
commission had full power to arrange.
terms of surrender. 1t is stated on the
highest authority that under its instruc-
lions the Philippine commission will deal
most leniently with the insurgents when
once convinced of their intention 10 cease
fighting.
The commission VIII not be technical
nor captlOuS as to the terms. 1t will be
made plain to the revolving Filpinos that
no grudgc IS TO be charged w against
them; that they are not to be punished
in the Spanish fashion by wholesale exc
cution of the leading spirits among them,
and, finally, that they VIII not lose their
property.
1t is believed that a powerful help to
Gen. Otis in bringing the campaign to Il
successful issue was the spreading
among the rebels of n belief in the prom
ises of the American government.
Places Res possibility on Congress.
There is Il disposition OH the part of
some of the officials who will have much