The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-07-30
MERRITT ARRIVES
Head of the Army of the Philip
pines
Has Reached CaVite and AS
Sumed Command.
HE HAS 1000 MEN
And Cables That He Will Need
His Entire Force.
Reports That His Men Are In
Good Health.

San Francisco, July 3O.-A special
from Manila Bay July 26. via Hong
Kong, July 20, says Gen. Wesley Mer-
ritt and the transports and troops IN
der his command arrived at Manila on
the morning of July 25. All are we'll
Gen. Merritt will at once assume com
mand.
Gen. Merritt's expedition included
the transports Ohio, City of Para, In
diana and Morgan City, which left here
June 27, carrying $500 officers and men
under Brig. Gen. Macarthur, the steam
er Valencia which sailed on June 2Sth,
with 600 men and the flagship Newport
which sailed on June 29 with 800 men
under the immediate command of Gen.
Merritt. Altogether there were 5000
officers and men in the third party The
first expedition carried 2,5O1 men and
the second carried 3,515 men, so that
Gen. Merritt now has under his COM
mand 11,O16 men.
Will Need Them All.
Washington. July 3O.-The following
mas been received at the war depart
ment:
Hong Kong, July 3O.-Adjutant Cen
eral, U. IS. A.
Cavite. July 25.-Arrived today about
u o'clock. Health of commands good
Remainder of fleet about four days in
the rear. All troops assigned me will
probably be needed.
(Signed) MERRITT.
Maj. Gen. Com.
Word From Dewey.
Washington, July 3O-The navy de-
partment has made public the follow
ing:
Cavite, July 26.
Secretary of the Navy:
Merritt arrived yesterday on the New
port. The remainder of the expedition
IS expected within the next few days.
(Signed), DEWEY.
Spaniards Are Disguised.
Manila, July 25, via Hong Kong, July
30:-The Spaniards are gradually re-
alizing that Spain has not been vic
toriOus; that the expected reinforce
ments are not coming and that the con-
test is utterly hopeless. The insurgents
are in overwhelming numbers and the
essaries of life.
Only fortnight ago Spanish national
pride was rampant; but it is now merg-
ing into indignation at Spain's feeble
ness and regret that they were born
Spaniards. While they will never sur
render without a fight the Spanish Of
f1cers will jump at the first honorable
opportunity to surrender. They fear
national disgrace too much to give in
without a fight The fighting in the
suburbs is desUltory and the Americans
are idle. This has given rise to a report
that they had determined to suspend
operations until Septemb mber, and by that
time peace will probably be concluded.
Then it is asserted here the Americans
may permanently annex the Caroline
islands and the LadrOne islands and
possibly abandon the Philippines with
the exception of keeping a coaIing sta
ton here.
Although the insurgents have re-
doubled their efforts they have hitherto
been unable to capture the citadel. On
the other hand the Spaniards are not
able to re-eStabliSh their SuZerainty.
Under the circumstances it seems evil
dent that somebody must interfere in
the name of humanity.
Some insurgent shells have been
thrown into the citadel but they do not
appear to have done much damage.
The natives are reported to be starv-
ing by thousands and the Europeans
are also hard pressed for food.