The Portland daily press., 1898-05-04
WILL HOLD PHILIPPINES.
Strong Military Force To Be Sent
To Dewey.

Washington, May 3.-The cabinet meet
ing today resulted in decision to await
from Commodore Dewey and then to send
him the numbersof troops he deems neces-
sary to enforce our control of the Philip
pines. The administration has practical
ly decided to occupy the Philippines with
a strong military force as soon IS posi-
BILE after Commodore Dewey's report,
which is expected tomorrow, has been re-
ceived. For this purpose Pacific slope
troops will be used and it is expected
that at least 5000 will be en- route within
the next ten days.
There does not seem to be any doubt as
to the governments purpose to hold those
| islands pending final settlement with
Spain, when they will be used as col.
| lateral to secure the payment to the Unit.
ed States of war indemnity. AS indi-
Gated in Secretary Longs request today
for an emergency appropriation, the gov
eminent will take steps at once to supply
Commodore Dewey's fleet with provisions
and other supplies. These will be for
warded without waiting decision of the
question as to whether troops shall be
sent out to relieve the commodore OF the
necessity of policing Manila with men
from his fleet. Although without con-
firmation from any official source the
naval officials are disposed to attach
some credis to the statement coming
from Paris that at the last accounts
from Manila the American fleet was firing
upon Corregider island This island
lies In the out entrance to the harbor Of
Manila and is about 25 miles below the
city.
TROOPS To AID DEWEY.
San, Francisco, May 3.-George H..
Griffin, pay inspector q. S. N, has re-
ceived instructions from the navy de-
partment o charter a packet now in port
to take coal and supplies at once to Com
modore Dewey feet at Manila.
The Australia, which is now hers is in
perfect order and ready to leave as soon
as she can be loaded. The Australia is
Of $500 tons and capable of steaming Is
knots an hour.
Mr.. Griffin has also opened negotiations
for the big steamer China of the Pacific
mail line, and it is believed she will go
later and will be used as transport
ship to carry California TROOPS to CO.
operate with Commodore Dewey in the
conquest of the Philippine islands.
1T Is generally recognized that Commo-
dore Dewey's victory has made the Pacific
coast safe from the Spanish, and the
troops could be spared from here for SER
vice in the Orient.
DEWEY'S PROMOTION.
Washington, May s.-Secretary Long
announced today that as soon as the
department received an official report
from Commodore Dewey confirming the
press accounts of his victory in the battle
OF Manila, cablegram would be sent to
the officer congratulating him upon the
splendid performance of the American
fleet under his direction.
Moreover, said the secretary, as soon as
the necessary confirmation is at hand,
Com modore Dewey will be made an ad-
mirsl in recognition of his vaior. This
will be accomplished Immediately by an
executive order designating him acting
admiral, just as was done in the case of
Capt Sampson. Later on, he probably
will be nominated in the Senate in course
of promotion to the rank of admiral.
TO MAKE DEWEY AN ADMIRAL.
Washington, May .-Represen tative
GroDt of Vermont, today introduced in
the aouse the following joint resolution:
Whereas, the intrepid skill displayed by
Com modore George Dewey in his daring
attack upon the Spanish feet in Manila
| AAs<A DoA eklo 1Uo uOpol CONeTOQ
as it was by the protecting guns of sur
rounding forts. marks him as the possess
scr of high qualities as naval comman-
der, therefore
Resolved, That he ought to be promoted
to the rank of admiral, and the President
is hereby authorized to nominate him
for chat rank to the Senate, which body is
hereby authorized to confirm him, the
general laws regulating promotions in the
navy, to the contrary, notwithstanding.
CUTTING OF MANILA CABLE.
london, May 3.-Inquiries made at the
Off ces OF the Eastern Telegraph Company
show it to have been impossible for any
word to have come from Manila since 10
O'Clock yesterday morning, London time,
when the cable wastcut.
Che officials of the company say that.
according to. their tests from Hong Kong,
the cable was cut 80 miles from Manila.
They think a week or even fortnight
may elapse before it can be repaired.
EX-PREsIDENT HARRISON SPEAKS
Indianapolis, Ind, May 3.-This after
noon.at Camp Mount, where 5000 Indiana
volunteers are assembled, Gen. Harrison
made his first public utterance on the