The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-08-19

Washington, d. c., August 1S.-Ihe
War Department made public to-day the
dispatch of General Merritt giving the
official story of NIanila's fall, and also
the text of the significant instructions
sent Gen. Merritt yesterday, requiring the
insurgents and all others to recognize the
authority of the United States in the
territory occupied by our Iorces. These
dispatches were about the only posi-
tive development of the cay. Nothing
has been heard from General Merritt
as to the casualties last Saturday, ex-
cept that he estimated the killed and
wounded at fifty. Another point on
which the officials are without definite
information is as to the extent of our
present authority in the Philippines. I'm
der the peace protocol the United States
was given the occupation of Manila,
with the bay and harbor, until per-
manent disposition of the Philippine
question was reached. But according
to press dispatches, which are so CIR
cumstantial as to be credited III most
official quarters, General Merritt anu
Admiral Dewey received the capituiation
of the entire Philippine Archipelago.
There appears to be some doubt, there
fore even among officials as to whether
our present authority and jurisdictions
covers Manila only, as provided by the
peace protocol or covers all the Ihll-
ippines There is a disposition to await
full official information before aging
down policy as to the extent of our
jurisdiction in the islands. Secretary
Alger said to-day that he had neard
nothing official of the surrender Of the
entire Philippine group. At the same
time the Secretary did not discredit the
accuracy of the press advlces, stating
that the capitulation had this far-reach-
ing effect Pending more definite in
formation the attitude of officials is to
assume that our authority covers Manila
city, Manila bay and harbor, and also
such other territory as may be occupied
by the military and naval forces. The
latter phrase is elastic enough to cover
any or all of the Philippine islands that
may have been brought under our au-
thority by the recent surrender. The
instructions sent to General Merritt have
in view the expansion of our possessions
beyond the terms mentioned in the
protocol as they distinctly state that
this Government is in possession of
Manila and that its authority TO preser~'
peace and order will be eXerted within
the territory occupied by their military
and naval forces" The Cabinet meeting
Tomorrow is expected to deal with the
many detailed questions concerning tn,
Philippines. Cuba and Porto Rico which
have arisen since the peace protocol
was signed.
The State Department to-day received
another international cOngratuation OH
the restoration of peace, this one being
from the British Ambassador Sir Julian
Pauncefote, who is now sojOurning al
New London. Conn. The Ambassador
communicated the expression of profound
qualification with which Mer Majesty's
Government learned of the signature of
the prelimnaries of peace between the
United States and Spain and the sin
cere congra tulations to the President and
the Government Of the United States
upon the termination of the war
Acting Secretary Allen had Il busy day
making final arrangements for the naya1
review ut New York or Saturday. He
extended to the French Ambassador NJ.
Cambon, the courtesy of going on the
flagship New York during the review.
The Ambassador had already arranged.
however. to witness the review from
The tug of the French Transatlantic
line