The Mena star., 1898-12-21
OUR NEW DOMAIN.
A Spaniard Says We Will Have
 Little Trouble with Filipinos.
Formal Order Issusd for Government of Cuba-C .thoIics Will Have same Free dom as in America = Merritt Talks
 of Philippines.

Madrid. Dec. 2O.--One of the best in- formed men in Spain on the subject or the Philippine archipelago, having lived in the Philippines for long time and personally acquainted with the leaders of the present instruction, thinks the Americans will not meet with much difficulty in establishing their dominion over the archipelago. In regard to the monks, of whom he spoke without animosity, he thought they constituted power in the coun- try which could be utilized, but their spere of action, he thought, should be limited to purely religious and moral functions. Speaking further, he said: Spain has not lost much in losing the Philip pines. Instead of Spanish colony 1t was monastc colony, the enormous profits or wnlcn went 10 Rome and into the hands Of the chleIs of various orders exploiting the archipelago. There are many who think that the origin of all the insurrections of the Tagalos was the crea- ton of the monks of universities ot Manila Every year they distributed great quantity of diplomas to the natives who thus regarded themselves young literary men, but had more arrogance than knowledge. The monks filled the empty heads of the Tagalos with the theory of Roman law and the philosophy of St Au- gustine and St Thomas Masonic lodges ana Spanish liberal democratic newspapers quickly transformed this kind of learning into revolu- tionary aspirations and protests against an in- supportable theocratic domination It Is very probable that few schools of the arts and crafts or agriculture would have produced ab- solutely the contrary results
 Catholics Wnl Enjoy Ample Liberty.
 London, Dec. 1S.-The Rome corre- spondent of the Daily Chronicle says: 'sIn response to the vatican's inquiry on the subject, President Mckinley has sent an assurance that the Catho- lies in Cuba and the Philippines will enjoy the same ample liberty as the Catholics in America The Washington government has also promised the pope that measures will be taken to prevent provisional governments despoiling convents or seizing ecclesiastical prop erty. The pope has sent his warmest thanks to President Mckinley"
 Formal Order for Cuba's Government.
 Washington, Dec. 1.-The war de- partment yesterday made public the formal order providing for the military government of Cuba The notable feature of the order is that Mai. Gen. Ludlow, who is designated as military governor of Havana city, while nominally subordinated to the divi- sion commander, Gen. Brooke, is ap- parently charged to exercise ali the civil functions in that place, under the direct authority of the president. Gen. Lees functions appear to be limited to those of strictly military character, although it is said at the war depart ment he may be eventually charged with all the duties, civil as we'll as military, of the governor of the pro- vince.
 Suitable Monument in Their Memory.
 Washington, Dec. 19. "A change in the plans for the disposition of the re- mains of the soldiers who died at San- tiago was announced at the war de- partment The idea of interring them ir different national cemeteries has been abandoned and it is proposed to use part of Arlington for the purpose. A plot is to be selected there and ar ranged for the burial of the dead of the Cuban campaign exclusively. A suitable monument will be erected in honor of their memory
 Merritt Talks of the Philippines
 New York, Dec. 19.-When Gen Mer- ritt and bride appeared at the Cunard line pier, on their return from Europe. the general received a hearty greet ing. He refused to discuss at length the situation in the Philippine islands. He said, however, that Admiral Dew ey's health was excellent and the nor tality among our troops there is not great. He said the climate of the Philippines is not as bad by any means as it is said to be.
 still Fighting at Hoslo.
 Manila, Dec. 20.-The Spanish steam. CT Brutus has arrived here from Iloilo with 345 native soldiers and seven priests on board. She reports that fighting occurred at Iloilo nightly and that the merchants there are anxious- ly waiting the arrival of Americans to relieve the situation
 Gen. Lee at His Old Table.
 Havana, Dec 19.-Gen. Lee came to town from camp and for the first time since the war had breakfast at his old hotel, the Inglaterra- He went to his old table and took his accustomed seat near window. Residents of Havana. recognizing him, cheered lustily as his familiar figure was seen in the street
 For Havana's Police Force.
 Havana, Dec. 20.--Gen. Greene has approved ex-Chief John McCullaob,s plan to organize pS.ice force of | ooo men, on the model of the New York system, formerly under McCullarh's l superintendence. Clubs and revolvers have been ordered from New York. A