The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-03-29
The General Praises Kansan and Recon-.
mends Him for Promotion.

Washington, March 28-A cable
gram received at the war department
late this afternoon from General Mac
Arthur tells in a succinct way the
history of Aguinsldo's capture, gives
all the credit for the brilliant exploit
to General Funston, whose reward it
suggests should be that of brigadier
general in the regular army, and final
ly closes with an expression of conf
dence in the speedy cessation Of hos
tilities throughout the Philippine
archipelago as result of the capture
Except that it makes no reference to
the disposition to be made of Agui-
naldo, the dispatch covers the whole
field of gossip and speculation in
Washington by the news that General
Funston's adventurous expedition has
been crowned with complete success.
The telegram is as follows:
Manila, March 28-To Adjutant
General, Washington: Important
messages fell into the hands of Cen
eral Funston February 28, learning
from which that Aguinaldo was locat-
ed at Palana, Isabella province. An
expedition was organized, consisting
of Aguinaldo's captured messenger,
four ex-insurgent officers and 78 Maca-
bebes who spoke Tagalo, armed with
Mausers and Remingtons, dressed to
represent insurgents. Funston COM
manded, accompanied by Captain Rus
sell 7. Hazard of the Eleventh cav
airy, Captain Harry W Newton of the
Thirty fourth infantry, Lieutenant
Oliver P. M. Hazard of the Eleventh
United States volunteer infantry and
Burton J. Mitchell OF the Fortieth
United States volunteer infantry
1.-The officers were dressed as Ameri-
can prlvates and represented prisoners.
1.-The expedition sailed from Manila
March 6. The Vicksburg landed
March IA on the east coast of Luzon,
20 miles south of Casiguaran. They
reached Palana at 8 O'Clock in the
afternoon, March %. The natives
were completely misled. They sup
posed it to be a detachment of insur-
gent reinforcements for which sup
plies were advanced. Auginaldo also
sent supplies and had his escort of 40
men paraded to extend the proper
honor.
"A short distance from Aguinaldo's s
quarter the disguise was discarded and
a combat followed, resulting in two
insurgents being killed. Eighteen
rifles and 1000 rounds of ammunition
were captured, together with Agui-
naldo and his two principal staff Off
GERS No casualties on our side.
"The splendid cooperation of the
navy through Commander Barry and
the officers and men of the Vicksburg
was indispensable to success Funston
loudly praises the navy. The entire
army joins in thanks to the sea SER
vice.
"The transaction was brilliant in
conception and faultless in execution.
All credit must go to Funston, who
under the supervision of General
Wheaton, organized and conducted the
expedition from start to finish. His re-
ward should be signal and Immediate.
l concur with General Wheaton, who
recommends Funston's retention with
the volunteers until he can be appoint-
ed brigadier general of regulars. I
hope for a speedy cessation Of hostili-
ties throughout the archipelago as a
consequence Of this stroke, and as q
result of conferences now in progress,
Aguinaldo will probably issue an ad-
dress advising immediate surrender, de-
livery Of arms and accpetance Of Amer
loan supremacy. Macarthur
The conferences sin probable pro-
gress, /" referred to in the dispatch are