Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-08-02
MANILA SITUATION.
MERRITT REPORTS 1T VERY rx>
SATISFACTORY AND DANGEROUS. !,
nsURGEHT ATTITUDE LIKE GlRclgS
Philippines, However, . Much More
formidable Element Than the ca~
bans at santiago--AmericaH De-
monstration May Have Been Made. 1

WASHINGTON. August l--GenerG
Merritt has again cabled the War De-
partment relative to the situation In
Manila. which he finds very unsatisfactory
and dangerous. owing TO the attitude OK
the insurgents.
In the opinion OF General Merritt the
attitude OF the insurgents there Is similar
to that assumed by Garcia's Cubans upon
the question OF their right to enter and
possess themselves Of the city. although
In this case the insurgents are very
much more formidable element. being nos
only more numerous. but better armed.
and filed with the arrogance following
numerous victories over their Spanish
foes. General Merritt. however. indicates
that he will do his utmost TO protect the
citizens from the savagery Of the nsur-
gents, though his task is a delicate and
difficult one. because OF the fact that he
must, while fighting tto Spaniards b
ready at any moment to repei the insur-
gents.
AMERICAN DEMONSTRATION.
The General gave notice that he was
about to combine with Admiral Dewey In
Joint demonstration for the surrender OF
the city to the United States forces, thus
forestalling the insurgents. and this move
may cause a rupture.
1t Is possible. in view OF the fact that
General Merritt's latest telegram was
sent from Cavite last Thursday. that this
movement has been made already by the
combined military and naval force. al
though there is some doubt about this on
account Of a statement from Merritt that
tacking.
ATTACK MAY BE DEFERRED.
Still, IL is possible that the demand
might be made without being Immediate
ly followed by an attack. which might nc
deferred until all the troops have reached
Cavite. Up TO the date of this report
General Merritt had with him about LOO
soldiers. so far seven expeditions have
left San Francisco. carrying soldiers to
the Philippines. and It IS the intention 10
furnish Merritt with at least 5000 mon
more than his present force. IL no de-
lays his attack until all these have reach
ed him, Manila will not be taken In that
way before September. for tho last OF
the troops have not yet started from San
Francisco.
PEACE MAY STOP PROCEEDINGS.
1t may be. however, that the arrange
ment as to the Philippines. which. It is
said. will be included In the peace treaty.
will obyiate the necessity for further ac-
tion on the part OF the American COM
manders.
Later in tho day Secretary Alger and
Secretary Long had a conference with
the President over the situation in the
Philippines. They had important dis
patches from General Merritt and Admi-
raj Dewey.
BLOCKADE MAINTAINED.
HoNGK0NG August Letters re-
celved here from Cavite dated July 10Th.
say General Merritt Is completing his
preparations to attack Manila. and that
otherwise there Is nothing doing.
The blockade Is strictly maintained. and
though It will probably be made as soon
as tho remaining American troops arrive.
The troops from San Francisco continue
to enjoy good health.
The Spanlards. it is further announced.
have determined TO bold out until peace
is proclaimed.
REBELS EXPECT A REPUBLIC.
Philippine insurgents who are domiciled
here say that the inhabitants OF the
Islands arc confident that a republic will
be established there.