Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1898-12-14

session and the acquisition Of the remainder
was only matter of short time. At
were enthusiastically welcomed. Protesta-
tons of loyalty to the flag and gratitude for
delivery from Spanish rule met our COM
fluence toward peace the outcome of the
Porto Rican expedition was of great con-
sequence. and generous compensation is
due to sthose who participated in it.
Fall of Manila.
The last scene of the war was enacted at
Manila, its starting place. On August l5
after brief assault upon the works by the
land forces, in which the squadron assisted,
The casualties were comparatively few:
By this conquest Of the Philippine islands,
virtually accomplished when the Spanish
Admiral Dewey's victory of the LIST OF
May was formally sealed. To Gen. Mer-
rift, his officers and men for their uncom-
lantry in action. the nation is sincerely
grateful. Their long voyage was made
with singular success, and the soldierly
without previous experience in the military
service, deserves unmeasured praise.
Our Losses.
The total casualties in killed and wounded
n TIE army I during the war was as follows
total. 2sO: officers wounded, i13; enlisted
men wounded. 1,4e4: total. 1877: Of the
navy: Killed. II; wounded, 81; died as result
total, 81. It will be observed that while our
navy was engaged in two great battles and
blockades and bombardment ana Il more ore
than $1,000 Of our troops were transported
to distant lands and engaged in assault
and siege and battle and many skirmishes
uyo }0cf tn,
arms Of the service total Of 1868 killed and
wounded; and in the entire campaign by
fag or transport or a ship. and with the
exception Of the crew of the Merrimac. not
a soldier or sailor was taken prisoner.
Tribute to Patriotism.
It is fitting that should bear testimony
to the patriotism and devotion Of that
large portion Of our army which, although
eager to be ordered to the post Of greatest
exposure, fortunately was not required OUT
whole duty, and like their comrades at the
front, have earned the gratitude of the
nation; In like manner, the officers and
manned in their departments and stations
duties connected with the war, and whose
sea it was compelled to refuse because
their services were indispensable here. are
entitled 81 to the highest commentator. 1t
vision for their suitable recognition.
Peace Overtures.
The humiliation of Admiral Cervera's
fleet, followed by the capitulation of San
tlago, having brought to the Spanish gov
ness of continuing struggle now becoming
wholly unequal, it made overtures Of peace
through the French ambassador. who with
tho friendly representative Of Spanish In
terests during the war. On the 26th Of July,
M: Cambon presented communication
Siigned BY the dyke Of Aimodovar the Span
states to state the terms upon which it
you'd " be willing to make peace. On July
duke Of Almodovar and handed to NJ, Cam.
bon, the terms of this government were an
nounced, substantially as In the protocol,
ar rsn1T signed On August TO- the Span
M. Cambon to the secretary Of state. It ac-
Septed unconditionally the terms imposed
as to Cuba, Porto Rico and an island Of the
Ladrones group, but appeared to seek to
introduce inadmissible reservations in re-
gard to our demand as to the Philippines.
C 1;;S that discussion on this point
directed that in order to avoid misunder-
standing the matter should be forthwith
P proRRocp Of the IN
negotiations for peace were to be UNDER
taken taken The vague and inexplicit sugges-
tons OF the Spanish note could not be &C
cepted, the only reply being to present as a
virtual ultimatum a draft Of protocol en-
6odylng the precise terms rendered to
of e ssts 2f 5 as to With apa adS
ment of commissioners to arrange for the
evacuation OF the Spanish Antilles: On
August Il, Y "a, n. Cambon announced his re-;
SO submitted. Accordingly, on the after
noon Of August IL, M. Cambon, as the
s e2 sse Is 9 e sPs aRa the Sc
United states, signed the protocol,
Hostil1ttes Suspended.
Immediately upon the conclusion of the
protocol issued proclamation Of August
United States. The necessary orders to
that end were at once given by telegraph,
The blockade Of the ports Of Cuba and San
raised. On August Is the muster out Of
lOO,00O volunteers, or as near that number
as was found to be practicable, was or
men had been mustered out and discharged
from the service, 9,002 more will be mus
tered out by the 10th of the month. Also
general staff officers have been honorably
discharged from the service
Our New Possessions.
I do not discuss at this time the govern
ment or the future of the new possessions
war with Spain. Such discussion viii be ap-
propriate after the treaty of peace shall be
ratified. III the meantime and until the
congress ,,1 has legis!ated otherwise it will
3
ernments which have existed since our &C.
cupation and guarantee the people Sc
curity In life and property and ENCOURAGE
ment under just and benefcent rule. AS
soon as we are in possession of Cuba and
have pacified the island it will be necessary
to give aid and direction to its people to form
a government for themselves This should
be undertaken at the earliest moment con-
sistent with safety and assured success. It
Is important that our relations with these
people shall be of the most friendly char
acter and our commercial relations close
and reciprocal. It should be our duty to
assist IN every proper way to build up the
waste places of the island, encourage the
industry of the people and assist them to
form government which shall be free and
Independent. thus realizing the best as
pirations Of the Cuban people: Spanish
rule must be replaced by just, benevolent
a ana hu a9 government. created by the
international obligations and which shall
encourage thrift, industry and prosperity,
whatever may have been their will among
all of the inhabitants, whatever may have
been their relations In the past Neither
revenge nor passion should have place in
the new government Until there is COM
plete tranquility in the island and stable
government inaugurated military occupa-
ton will be continued.
NicaraEuan Canal.
The Nicaragua canal commission. under
the championship of Rear Admiral John &.
Walker, appointed July "a, 1897, under the
authority Of provision in the sundry civil
act Of June 4 of that year has near
ly completed it's labors, and the results of
its exhaustive inquiry into the DrOper