The Mena star., 1898-08-03
AFFAIRS AT MANILA
Admiral Dewey Hopes to Take the
 City Without Bloodshed.
Gen. Merritt Arrives and the Two Warriors Confer-Trouble Feared from Aguin- aldo, Who Is Assuming an Air
 of Defiance.

of Defiance.
 Cavlte, July 27, via Hong Kong, Aug. l.-Gen. Merritt, the governor general ot the Philippines, who arrived Mon- day, and Admiral Dewey have held a conference and discussed the situation at great length, and in every phase Admiral Dewey outlined his plans for the capture of Manila and said that he preferred to wait until the Mon- terey arrived before beginning the attack. Persistent reports are cur rent that the Spaniards in Manila will surrender whenever surrender is demanded, and there seems to be some foundation for them. One report, for which there seems to be some foundation, says that Capt. Gen. Augusti favors equalization on August 1. if a relief fleet has not arrived here before that time, but he feels in honor bound to make some show of resistance. Admiral Dewey thinks that it is possi- ble to take the city without the loss of a single life and that he is most anxious to do so He thinks that it is prefera- ble by far to undergo a little further delay in order to await the arrival of an overwhelming force. Should he attempt to take the city now by assault, he says that heavy loss would be certain. Gen. Anderson has taken decided stand in so far as Aguinaldo, the rebel leader, and his dictatorship are concerned. and matters are assum- ing more definite and satisfactory shape. The American commander has refused to recognize Aguinaldo as die tator or the establishment of his gov ernment
 Augusti Appeals for Aid.
 Madrid, Aug. a.-According to of ficial advices Gen. Wesley Merritt and Admiral Dewey have demanded the unconditional surrender of Manila. This information was conveyed to the government in message received from Capt Gen. Augusti. The Span ish commander in the Philippines no tified Senor Sagasta that he had re- fused to comply with the demand and that he would resist to the utmost. He added that the Madrid govern ment must not expect him to hold out against such superior force when he has but a scant supply of ammuni- ton. Augusti says that his garrison has been greatly reduced and weak ened by losses from deaths and ex- haustion. He tells Sagasta he has no ammunition for his mountain guns, and they are, therefore, useless. Au- pusti concludes his telegram with the notice that the United States forces had warned him that the city would be invested and shelled unless he com piled with their terms.
 Aguinaldo's Bold Move.
 Washington, Aug. L-While the cabinet was in session significant cablegram was received from Admiral Dewey. It announced the arrival of Mai. Gen. Merritt and the expedition with him at Manila, but graphically painted the uncertainties as to the fu- ture there The dispatch, which has not been made public, save in its un- important feature, largely guided the cabinet in its disposition of the Philip pine problem. Without mincing his words Admiral Dewey announced that Aouinaldo had assumed bold attl- tnde of defiance and that there were strong indications that the Philippine insurgents themselves would have to be fought. Based on this depletion of the gravity of the situation there it ,vouId take 150, ,0O0 soldiers from this country to cope with the insurgents .hro,ghout all the islands
 No Anti-American Feeling There.
 Manila, July 25, via Hong Kong Aug. l.-Conversation with consla- erable number of natives has failed to disclose the existence of any percept- ble anti-American feeling among the Philippines. These people are appar- ently satisfied to accept an nexation 'o the United States. Their principai desire is for peaceful existence with the minimum of trouble.
 s EAc-1.