The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-10-01
NERR|ITS REPORT N
Investment, Capture and &C.
cupation of Manila.
ONLY AMERICAN TROOPS.
Could Have Done the Job Mo
Fear of AguinaIdo.

Washington, Sept. 3o.-The report OF Ma
tor General Wesley Merritt OF the oper-
ations about Manila was made public at
the war department today. II is dated
on board the transport China. August 81.
After giving briefly the sSory Of his en-
barkation and arrival at Manila, and the
disposition of his troops there ne says:
II found General Greene's command en-
camped on a strip of sandy land, run
ming parallel to the shore of the bay and
not far distant from the beach. but owing
to the great difficulties of landing sup
plies. the greater portion Of the force had
shelter tents only and were suffering
many discomforts, the camp being sit
uated in a low. fat place. without shell
ter from the heat OF the tropical sun or
adequate protection during the terrific
downpours Of rain 50 frequent at this sea-
son. l was at once struck BY the exeln-
plary spirit Of patient, even cheerful, en-
durance shown by the officers and men
under such circumstances, and this feel
ing of admiration for the manner in which
the American soldiers. volunteers and reg
ulars alike. accept the necessary hard
ships Of the work they have undertaken
60 do. has grown and increased with every
phase OF the difficult and trying cam
paign which the troops of the Philippine
expedition have brought to such a brill
liant and successful conclusion.
POSITION OF THE REBELS.
The Ffdpinos, or insurgent forces at
war with Spain, had, prior to the arrival
Of the American land forces. been wagfng
a desultory warfare with the Spaniards
for several months, and were at the time
Of my arrival, in considerable force vari-
ously estimated and never accurately as
certaineds but probably not far from 125.-
900 men. These troops well supplied with
small arms, with plenty of ammunition
and several field guns, had obtained posi-
lions of investment opposite the Spanish
line of detached works throughout their
entire extent"
General Merritt then speaks Of Agui-
naldo's accomplishments previous TO his
arrival and continues:
LAS General Aguinaldo did not visit me
on my arrival nor offer his services as a
subordinate military leader, and as my
instructions from the president fully con-
templa ted the occupation of the islands
by the American land forces, and stated
that the powers of the military occupant
are absolute and supreme and Immediately
operate upon the political condition Of the
Inhabitants, / did not consider It wise
to hold any direct communication with
the insurgent leader until should be in
possession Of the city of Manila es-
pecially as I would not until then be in
position TO issue proclamation and
enforce my authority. in the event that
his pretensions should clash with my de-
signs
For these reasons the preparations for /
the attack on the city were pressed and |
military operations conducted without ref I
erence to the situation OF the insurxent
forces. The wisdom Of this course was /
fully established by the fact |
that when the troops OF my command car /
ried the Spanish intrencs1ments, extending |
from the sea to the Pacay road ON the (
extreme Spanish right, we were under no .
obligations by pre-arranged plans of mu-
tual attack, TO turn to the right and clear
the front still held against the insurgents
but were able to move forward at once
and occupy the city and suburbs
REBELS GET OUT OF THE WAY.
ITO return to the situation of General
Greene's brigade as 1 found il on my
arrival, 1t will be seen that the difficulty
in gaining an avenue of approach to the
Spanish line lay In the fact Of my disin-
clination to ask General AguinaIdo to
withdraw from the beach and the Gale
Real so that Greene could move forward.
This was overcome by instructions to
General Greene to arrange, II possible
with the insurgent brigade commander in
his immediate vicinity to move to the
right and allow the American forces IN
INSTRUCTED control OF the roads in their
immediate front. No objection was made,
and accordingly General Greene's brigade
threw forward heavy outpost line on the
Gale Real and the beach and constructed
a trench. in which a portion Of the guns
OF the Utah batteries were placed
FIRST CLASH OF ARMS.
The Spanish, observing this activity on
our part, made very sharp attack with
infantry and artillery on the night OF
July 81. The behavior Of our troops dur
ing this attack was ali that could be de-
sired, and I have. in cablegrams 70 the
war department. taken occasion 20 com
mend by name those VINO deserve special
mention for good conduct in the AGAR
Our position was extended and strength
ened after this and resisted successfully
night attacks. our forces SUI
fering. however, considerable loss IN
and killed while the losses OF
the enemy, owing TO The darkness. could
not be asCertalne6.
LANDING UNDER DIFFICULTIES.
The strain Of the night fighting and
the heavy details for outpost duty made
L imperative 10 reinforce General GCeenes
troops with General MacArthlr's brigade.
which nad arrived n transports o. the
list % July The difficulties of this oPer-
a.:on can hardly be Over-est-Enstei- The
transports were a. anchor ~ Cavite ave
miles from 4 point OF the beach where
L was desired 70 disembaTk che men
Several squalls, accompanied By foods
y rain. RACED day after day. and me