Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-09-01
UNDECIDED ABOUT DEWEY.
War Department Does Not Know
whether % Send Him More ships.

Washington. Aug. 30.-Admirai Dcweys
response to the orders OF the navy de-
nartmcnt to hold himself in readiness to
return here by the quickest route for the
purpose of comforting with President Nc
Kinley on the Philippines question was
effective Assistant Secretary Allen said,
ir reply to Il question on the subject:
Admiral Dewey is not coming to Wash
inxton."
The assistant secretary declined to dis
cusc the admiral's request for an increase
of the strength of his fleet by the addi-
ton OF a pattIeship and an armored cruz
ser, and would not say whether or not
the request had yet been received. He did
say that no orders has been issued for
the despatch of any additional vessels to
Manila. 1t was rumored about the de-
partment that the Oregon and the Brook
Ign would be sent to Admiral Dewey but
there was no foundation for the report
other than the understanding which has
prevailed for some weeks that additional
force would be sent TO the Philippines.
This proposition was under discussion be-
fore Secretary Long left for his vacation,
but nothing had then, nor has anything
yet, been decided upon.
Admiral Dewey's force at Manila has
been depleted by the departure OF the
Olympia and the Raleigh for Hong Kong.
whore they will be locked for cleaning
and repairs. His flag is now hoisted en
the Baltimore. There was a question
raised to-day as to whether, while the ar
mistice was pending the fleet at Manila
could be strengthened without violatirg
the construction given by international
law and usage of the effect of an armis-
tice. Lieut-Col. Clous, assistant judge
advocate general, one of the best authori-
ties IN the United States upon military
and international law, disposed of that.
Either party to an armistice," he said.
may do anything while 1t is in existence
that 1t could have done prior thereto, and
which the enemy could not have prevent
ed. except that it may not engage in hos
tilities. Spain could not have prevented
the journey of battleships and cruisers to
Manila; therefore the United States may
send them now. The transfer OF troops,
such as Is going on at present between the
United States and Cuba and Porto Rico,
is perfectly legitimate during an armis-
tice, No criticism can he raised against
strengthening our force by sea or land.
Secretary Alser told a reporter Of the
Sun this afternoon that he had learned
that Gen. Merritt would leave Manila for
Paris this week. The secretary did not
know earlier in the day that Gen. Merritt
had received instructions to do this, for
the orders did not go through the war de-
partment, and evidently were sent direct
~ by the President during Secretary AL
gers absence from Washington. The Sec
rotary added jokingly that perhaps Gen.
Merritt was going to Paris to get mar
ried..
The order for Gen. Merritt to proceed
to Paris from Manila to confer with the
peace commissioners doubtless had Its ORR
in in the discussions of the cabinet over
the terms of the protocol with Spain. 1t
was decided then, in view of the lack of
information on the subject and in accord
ance with the views of the President, that
the future of the Philippine Islands be left
to the determination of the commission
that no satisfactory nor intelligent con-
clusion could then be reached concer!ng
them. Pending the meeting of the COM
mission 1t was suggested that Gen. Mer-
rift. from the force under his command
could select men capable of making a
complete investigation of the conditions
prevailing In the Philippines and what
would be best for them. As to the pol!ti-
cal situation and necessities, Gen. Mer-
rift and Admiral Dewey could report from
their observation. This information, or a
part OF 1t at least Gen. Merritt will take
to Paris with him and g'lvo to the COM
mssioners for their guidance.
| AS evidence that the administration has
by no means decided to yield control OF
the islands, either to Spain or any other
power, and that the peace commissioners
have received no instructions to that end
| 1t may he said that Secretary Wilson has
instructed Prof. s. A. Knapp of South
Carolina to make an investigation of the
soil and climate of the Philippines as they
relate to agriculture, A similar appoint
| ment will be made for Porto Rico and
! Cuba by Secretary Wilson.