Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1898-05-05
Details Of the Recent Battle, as
Furnished by the French
Ambassador at Madrid.
TWO SPANISH CRUISERS BURNED
Two Small Ships Sunk to Avoid
Capture, and the OtherS
Fled - Future of the
Philippines.

INV ldlbbl f1IHnlbll UiUClHl EuElUt5s IL
stated that tho Spanish cruisers
Reinu Maria ChristnR and Castilha
were totally burned up, after being set
on iire Ivy bombs from tho onemy's
fAmerican) ships. Two Of tho smaller
Spanish ships, the dispatch states, wers
sunk in ordsr to avnill falling into the
hands Of the enemy. Tho other Span
ish ships werv half destroyed and took
refuge in Bakers Bay.
The British emhassy has received no
reports of any character ms to the
Manila battle, so that there in no
basis for the statements that the State
Department has heen informed by
British officials here that Manila hes
surrendered to Commodore Dewey.
FUTURE of TiG PHILIPPINES.
In the absence of specific advicee
from Manila, members of the diplo-
matte corps are discussing with grsat
interest the future course OF the United
States toward thu Philippine Islands.
They do not doubt that the Islands
will hp oGcuriol by the American
forces, If indeed the occupation has not
already occurred.
The only question on that point 10
said TO be the number Of men Gommu-
tlore Dewey can spare from his feet to
make up landing party sufficient 10
hold Manila and other pnints, when
large garrisons Of Spanish iroops are
thore 1t is the future of the Philip
pines, however, which most interests
tho foreign authorities here.
A BURDEN To THE UNITED STATES.
There has been no suggestion yet of
intervention from any foreign source,
although it ia felt that the occupation
OF the Philippines is more likely to
davelop a move ia this direction than
any other step thus far taken. A din
lomatir official of long experience in
Asiatic countries pointed out that thure
wore circumstances connected With the
Philippines which would mako their
holding by the United States more of
a burden thnn benefit.
lle said their population was made
up OF Malays, Japanese, Chinese and
half breed SpaniBrds, mixed with the
former races, making an homogeneous
people, impossible TO assimilate with
American institutions.
WILL OCCUPY TIE PHILIPPINES.
The cabinet meeting to-day resulted
in decision 10 await u report from
Commodore Dewey and then 10 send
him the number of troops bio deems
necessary to enfurce our control 10 tho
philippines.
the whole session was consumed in
n general discussion OF past events. The
administration mas practically decided
to occupy the Philippines with strong
military force as coon as possible after
Commodore Dewey'H report, which Is
expected by Tomorrow, has boen re-
ceivBd. For this purpose Pacific slope
troops will be used, and 1t is expected
that at least 5000 will be en- route
within the next 10 days. There docs
not seem to lie any doubt as TO the
governments purpose TO hold thess
islands pending final settlement with
Spain.
The government will take steps at
once to supply Commodore Dewey's
fleet with provisions and other supplies,
including ammunition and coal,
Washington, May 3. Secretary Long
Rnuounced to-day that as eoon as the
deunrtinant received an official report
from Commodore Dewey, confirming
the presH accounts of his victory in the
battle at Manila, telegram would BIS
sent 10 the officer, congratulating him
upon the splendid performance Of the
American fleet under his direction.
Moreover, sail the Secretary, as soon
ls the necessary confirmation is at
hand, Commodore Dewey will be made
IN admiral, in recognition OF his valor.
RESOLUTION OF PROMOTION.
In the House, to-day, Representative
Grout of Vermont introduced the fol-
ior ipr, ,nint raaOlutinU
Whereas, Tho intrepidity and skill
displayed by Commodore George Dewey
III his daring attack upon the Spanish
fleet in Manila harbOr, and It's total
destruction, Covered ~ ii was by tho
protecting guns OF surrounding forts,
mprIt him as the posssssor of high
punitieH as a naval commanuer; there
fore,
Resolved. That he ought to be pro-
noted to tho rank OF admiral, AMI tho
PRESIDENT is hereby authorized to nomi-
nate him for that rank to the Senate,
which body is hereby authorized to
confirm him, the general laws regulating
promotions in the navy to the contrary
Notwithstanding.
London, Eng, May g. - Tnuuirias
mRde at tho Offices of the Eastern Tele.
graph Co, show it to have noon i'm
possible for my word to have come from
Manila since 10 n'clock yesterday morn
ing, Lnndon time "A o'clock pm, New
York tine), when tho cable was cut.
The oliiciuls Of the company say that
according to their tests from Hong
Kong, the cable was cut 80 miles from
Manila. They think week, or even
fortnight. may olapse before it can he
repaired, as there are no facilities there
to repair tho cable; and in any eveDt.
it will Ice difficult task TO pick up the
cable in deep water.
SPANISH REPORTS or THE BATTLE.
A special dispatch from Matlrid says
the Spanish Colonial O:fire lad advicea
of the beginning of tho humbnrdment
OF Manila, hefure tho cablo was cut,
which saul:
"Thus far the American shells have
not reached tho town proper, which is
strongly protected. "
Continuing, the advices are said to
have read:
"Only tho outlying native quarters
have uutfered They are now in flames.
Occasionally shall fell in the European
town, where few houses were struck.
"Tho huttsros of tho citadel, "a.
pecially tho six large guns, arc vigor-
ously replying TO tho American fire, and
have inflicted considerable damage on
tina fleet, "
No IDEA OF SURRENDER.
1t is announced In special dispatch