The Atlanta constitution., 1898-08-08
MERRITT SHOWS
SOME UNEAS|NESS
Attitude Of the Insurgents In
dicates Trouble for the
Americans.
THEY ARE WELL ARMED
Messages to the Departments at WASH
ington ForeshaGow a Clash Be-
tween United States Troops
and Natives Under the
Rebel Lender.

Washington. August 1-General Merritt
has again Cabled the war department rel
ative TO the situation in Manila. which he
finds very unsatisfactory. owing to the
attitude of the insurgents. 1t was reported
70 General Merritt that the attitude of
the insurgents is similar to that assumed
by Garcia's Cubans on the question of
their right TO enter and possess themselves
Of the city. although in this case these in
surgents are a very much more formidable
element being not only more numerous,
but better armed and filed with the AFRO
gance following numerous victories over
the Spanish forces.
General Merritt, however. indicates that
he viii do his most to protect the citizens
from the savagery of the Insurgents.
though his task is a delicate and difficult
one. because of the fact that he must.
while lighting the Spaniards. be ready
a any moment to repel the insurgents
The general gave notice that he was
about TO combine with Admiral Dewey
in a joint demand for the surrender of the
city to the United States forces. thus
f0resta aiIluS the insurgents and this move
may cause a rupture. 1t is possible. in
view of the fact that General Merritts )
clblegram was sent from Cavite last
N''i' '>>'A
made already by the combined American
military ana naval forces, although there
is some debate about this on account of
q statement from General Merritt that
he may need all of his soldiers before at
tacling. sui. 1t is possible that the de
naHd might be made without being i'm
mcdiately followed by an attack, which
might be deferred until all the troops have
reached Cavite.
tn to the date of the report General
Merritt had with him about 1900 soldiers.
50 far seven expeditions have lett san
Francisco carrying soldiers to the Philip
pines. and ii is the intention to furnish
Merritt at least 5000 men more than his
present force. If he delays his attack
until all these have reached him, Manila
will not be taken in that way before Sep
tarnber for the last of the troops have not
Vet started from San Francisco. 1t may
be- however that the arrangement as 10
the Philippines which 1t is expected VIII be
included IN the peace treaty will obviate
tine necessity for further action on the
Iart Of the American commanders
Later in the day Secretary Alger and
Secretary Long had a conference with the
president over the situation in the Philip
pines They had important dispatches
from General Merritt and Admiral dewey
August Ready To Surrender
London. August "A dispatch to The
D1fIv Mail from Hong Kong. dated AN
gust 1st says:
News has been received from Manila
that the other day the American troops
went to the assistance of the rebels. VINO
had been expelled from their trencheS by
the Span.ards. The latter retired pe1ore
tno American advance. The rebels nave
been shcIIing Manila from four guns on
the south side of the city.
admiral Dewey has received word from
Captain General August that he Is wiling
To Surrender as soon as he can do so hon
orabIy II Is believed that he will only
make show of resistance. Dewey eX-
poets to take the city without losing
single man. Should Dewey and Merritt
begin attack Augusti will propose to
cap:tulato on their terms, the Spanish
troops to march out with the honors of
war. the soldiers and officers to be per
mittcd to return on parole to Spain and
an assurance to he given that lives and
property of SpaniarlS Will be protected
Irom naval attacks
"The Spanish officer who reported In
Manila the destruction of Admiral Ger
veca's squadron was treated traitor
and threatened with death. While riding
near Malaic tho other day General Ander-
son barely escaped being shot by the
enemy.
Consul Wildman informs me that his
latest dispatches from Manila, say that
the Germans are now giving less trouble"