The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-08-01
MERRITT AT POST.
Spaniards are Beginning to Under
stand.
They No Longer Look for Help But De.
clare They Will Fight.

clare They Will Fight.
London, July 3O.--A despatch to Lloyds
dated at Manila July 81 says that the
United States transport Newport with
Major General Merritt on board, arrived
there the day before. All were well on
board. Nothing decisive has transpired
as yet. but it is expected that operations
against the Spaniards will commence in
few days.
Manila, July s5.-Via Hong Kong,
July 30.-The Spaniards are gradually
realizing that Spain has not been victori-
GUS, that the expected reinforcements are
not coming and that the contest is utter
ly hopeless. The insurgents are In over.
whelming numbers and the Spaniards
can only obtain the bare necessaries OF
life. Only fortnight ago, Spanish ma
tional pride was rampant, but 1t Is now
merging into indignation at SPANS
feebleness. While they will never sur
render without a fight, the Spanish OIL
GERS will jump at the first honorable OPP
portunity to surrender. They fear nation
al disgrace too much to give in without
fight.
The fighting in the suburbs Is desuI-
tory and the Americans are idle. This
has given rise to q report that they have
determined to suspend operations until
September and that by that time peace
will probably be concluded. Then, it is
asserted here, the Americans may perlna-
nently annex the Caroline islands and
the Ladrone islands and possibly aban-
don the Philippines, with the exception
Of keeping a coaling station there. Al
though the insurgents have redoubled
their efforts, they have hitherto been I'M
able to capture the city. On the other
hand the Spapiards are not able to re-
establish the suzerainty.
The natives are reported to be starving
by thousands and the Europeans are also
hard pressed for food.
| Manila, July 26-Via Hong Kong, July
80. General Merritt assumed command
Of the American forces Immediately af-
ter he had reported to the admiral. He
has established headquarters at the Ca
vite arsenal.
The Newport was escorted to an an
chorage near the cruiser Charleston, by
the eunbont Concord, the crews of the
\ vessels of the American feet giving her q
rousing welcome.
| At the close of his official visit to the
| Olympia, Admiral Dewey's flagship,
Gen. Merritt was officially recognized by
salute of IS guns.
| Until he shall have received the reports
| of the officers who precsded him and
familiarized himself with the situation,
Gen, Merritt cannot determine as to his
future course.
The remaining transports are expected
to arrive tomorrow The feet saw moth
ing Of the monitor Monterey and the col
lier Brutus and it is supposed that the
monitor is cosling at Guam island.
The troops encamped at Paranaja have
not yet made move, the condition of the
country between the camp and the out
skirts of Manila being such on account
Of the heavy rains which have fallen as
to mike it impossible to advance. The
insurgents are still active, but are accom-
pliahing nothing.
MERRITT SENDS WORD.
Washington. July s0.-The following
telegram has been received at the war de-
partment:
| Hong Kong, July 80.
| Adjutant General U. s. A., Washington !:
| Cavite, July 25 Arrived today about
u. Health of commands good. Re-
mainder of the feet about four days in
the rear. All troops assigned me will
probably be needed.
| Merritt,