The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-10-01

N|A'0II11N 4ON, sept. 0O.-A graphic
story of the taking Of Manila, of con-
ditions existing there prior to the ar
rival Of the American troops, and of
the Improvements accomplished since
the occupation of the city, is embodied
in the official report Of Gen. Merritt,
made public by the war department
today.
Gen. Merritt speaks of Aguinaldos
accomplishments previous to his arri-
val, and says:
LAS Gen. Aguinaldo did not visit me
on my arrival, nor offer his respects
as subordinate military leader and
as my instructions from the president
fully contemplated the occupation of
the Islands by the American land
forces, and stated that the powers Of
the military occupant are absolute and
supreme, and Immediately operate upon
the political condition of the inhabi-
tants,' 1 did not consider it wise to
hold any direct communication with
the tnsurgent Rader until 1 should be
in possession Of the city Of Manila,
especially as 1 would not until then
be IN a position to issue a proclamation
and enforce my authority, in the event
that his pretentions should clash with
my designs.
For these reasons the preparations
for the attack on the city were pressed
and military operations conducted
without reference to the situation OF
the insurgent force. The wisdom Of
this course was subsequently fully es-
tablished by the fact that when the
troops Of my command carried the
Spanish fntrenchments, extending from
the sea- to the Pasay road, on the eX-
treme Spanish right, we were under no
obligations by prearranged plans of
mutual attack, to turn to the right and
clear the front still held against the
insurgents, but were able to move for
ward at once and occupy the city and
suburbs.
NIGHT ATTACK.
''To return to the situation Of Gen,
Greene's brigade, as 1 found it on my
arrival, it will be seen that the diff
Guilty in getting an avenue of approach
to the Spanish line lay In the fact of
my Discrimination to ask Gen. Aguinal-
do to withdraw, so that Gen Greene
could move forward. This was over
come by instructions to Gen. Greene to
arrange, if possible, with the insurgent
brigade commander in his immediate
vicinity to move to the right and al
low the American forces control of the
roads in their immediate front. No OBJ
lection was made, and accordingly Gen.
Greene's brigade threw forward heavy
outpost line and constructed a trench,
in which a portion Of the guns Of the
Utah batteries was placed
THE Spanish, observing this activity
on our part. made very sharp attack
with infantry and artillery on the night
of July 81. The strain of the night
fighting and the heavy details for out
post duty made it imperative that the
Greene troops join forces with Gen Mac
transports on July 81.
Upon the assembly of MacArthur's
brigade in support Of Greene's, I had
about $500 men in position to attack,
and 1 deemed the time had come for
final action. During the time of the
night attacks had communicated my
desire to Admiral Dewey that he would
allow his ships to open fire on the
right of the Spanish line of intrench-
ments, believing that such action would
stop the night firing and loss of life,
but the admiral had declined to order
1t, unless we were In danger of losing
our position by the assaults of the
Spanish, stating that, in his opinion, it
would precipitate a general engage
ment, for which he was not ready.
Now, however, the brigade of Gen.
Macarthur being in position, the mo-
ment had arrived, and, under date of
Aug. 6, Admiral Dewey agreed to my
suggestion that we should send a Joint
letter to the captain general, advising
that he should remove from the city
all non-combatants within forty eight
hours, and that operations against the
Gefenses of Manila might begin at any
time after the expiration of that pc
Rod. This letter was sent Aug. T. and
a reply received next day to the effect
that the Spaniards were without places
of refuge for the increased number of
wounded, sick women and children now
lodged within the walls. On the 9th q
formal joint demand for the surrender
of the city was sent in. The captain
general offered to consult his govern
ment If we would allow him the time
strictly necessary for the communica-
tions by way of Hong Kong. This was
declined on our part
BATTLE BEGINS.
about a. m. on the 18th our fleet