The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-09-16

the 10th instant the government of ia
pan proclaimed the new Japanese
statuatory tariff as we'll as the English,
German, French and Austro- Hungary
conventional tariffs would be put into
position on the 1st of January, 1899.
This step marks the inauguration of
Japan's new treaty relations with the
western powers. The revised treaties
as a whole will go into operation on
the 18th of July, 1899, but by their
terms it was provided that, if the Jap
anese government so desired, new
tariff might be substituted before that
date for the conventional tariff which
has been in exclusive operation since
1866.
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE PEACE
COMMISSIONERS.
After a session lasting nearly two
and q half hours today, the cabinet
took a recess until $3.50 o'clock this af-
ternOOn. The situation at Manila was
discussed a some length, but the prin
ciDal business of the meeting was the
discussion of the letter of instructions
to be given to the commission which
will meet in Paris to formulate a
treaty of peace with Spain. Several of
the members of the cabinet who were
taking their vacations were recalled
by the president to attend today's
meeting. The letter of instructions
will not be made public, but it is un-
derstOOd that it is comprehensive in
character and in addition to making
plain the general policy of the gov
ernment on all important points, it
covers all of the details that can now
be foreseen and provided for. 1t is as
sumed, however, that many questions
are likely to arise during the deliber-
atiOns of the joint commission upon
which the American members will re-
qure specific cable instructions from
the president.
The cabinet at it's second session con-
tinued the discussion of the instruc-
tions to be given to the American
members of the peace commission. AL
though the document is practically
agreed upon as a whole the matter will
be left open until the meeting here Of
the members of the commission, two
days hence, when a final revision will
be made 1t is the presidents wish, as
expressed to the cabinet members,
that nothing concerning the instruc-
tiOns be made public.
The officials at the war and navy
departments profess to feel more con-
fidence than they have heretofore eX-
pressed regarding the present situation
in the Philippine islands. In spite Of
all the disquieting reports that have
indicating the existence of critically
strained relations between the irsur-
gents and the American forces Of Oc-
cupation, it is a fact that for three
days past no word came to either the
state, navy or war departments from
Manila, until today That was a mes
sage from Admiral Dewey asking au-
tEority from the departmental officers
to purchase some fresh beef which
would afford him a supply for three
months. The admiral made no mention
of any disturbance.
The following is General Lawton's
daily health report:
Total sick 1885, total fever All, total
new cases fever 73, total returned to
duty 207, deaths 1.
Two of the gentlemen selected by the
president to be members of the COM
mission to investigate the conduct of
the war have practically accepted
Colonel Sexton and Dr. Gilman. The
latter arrived in the city tonight and
will see the president tomorrow. Fa-
vorable responses are looked for from
General Dodge and DR.. Keen, thus in
suring four members of the body.
Washington, D. c., September IA
General Skaters report of the cam
paign which terminated in the fall of
Santiago has been made public. He
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expedition and it's embarkation, and
then devotes the main body of the re-
port to the active operations about
Santiago. General Shafter says the
expedition was undertaken IN compli-
ance with telegraphic instructions of
May 30th, from headquarters of the
army, in which it was stated:
Admiral Schley reports that two
cruisers and two torpedo boats have
been seen in the harbor of Santiago.
Go with your force to capture the gar
riSon at Santiago, and assist in cap
turing harbOr and fleet
General Shafter gives in detail the
troops assembled at Tampa and also
tells of the emharkation, delay in get
ting away and final departure. The
report briefly covers the trip and land
ing and Skaters first meeting with
General Garcia, adding:
During the interview General Gar
cia offered the services of his troops.
comprising about 1000 men, in the
vicinity of Aserradores and about 500
under General Castillo, at the little
town OF Cujababo, a few miles east of
Daiquiri. 1 accepted this offer, i'm
pressing it upon him that I could ex-
ercise no military control over him ex-
cept such as he would concede, and as
long as he served under me l would
furnish him rationS and ammunition
After comforting with Admiral Samp-
son and General Garcia, the plan of
campaign was outlined by General
Shafter. The Decentralization was to
commence on the 22nd at Dalquiri
with feints by the Cubans on Cabanis,
and by the navy at various shore
points, in order 10 miSlead the enemy
as to the place of landing.
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