Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-08-19
WASHED HIS HANDS OF FIGHTING.
Gen. Augustin's Absurd Conduct
Events Preceding BOmbardmept

Events Preceding BOmbarume"t
HONGKONG, August 1S.-A belated dis
patch from Manila, dated August Sth'
explains that Governor-General Augustln
had not quite abdicated," and says:
"The Governor General only declined to
be responsible for the consequences when
ne found that Spain was not sending him
help. He retained his position. but prac-
tically washed his hands of the fighting'
A Madrid dispatch construes this as In
subOrdination, and the Gazette VIII no"
publish an order to supersede him.
tits rumored that confidential instruc-
tions have been given TO his successor to
resist TO the utmost, hoping to gain the
worlds admiration, and, possibly assist
ance in securing favorable termination.
THE ULTIMATUM.
"a telegram arrived Sunday ordering
the Americans 10 proceed Immediately
TO extremities. whereupon General Mer-
rift and Admiral Dewey issued an ulti-
matum. allowing forty-eight hours Tor the
removal of non-combatants, but declaring
that they would begin the bombardment
earlier if the Spaniards made an attack.
The Governor replied Immediately, thank
ing the American commanders Tor their
humane sentiments, but saying they were
rebels. and had no place of refuge Tor
the great number of sick and wounded
and women and children.
BEGGING FOR TIME.
"The Governor thereupon convened the
consuls. begging them TO use their in
huence with the Americans to get them
10 grant him time and facilities for the
removal of the refugees, but was unwilling
10 allow them food from Manila. He
seemed Indifferent to the fate of the
1OOOO natives. The British Consul made
| a powerful appeal to the Governor to
| surrender glorifying the heroism shown
bv the Spanish but demonstrating the
| hopelessness of further resistance.
"The other consuls endorsed his appeal,
with the exception of the German Consul,
who said that as a military officer he
| should hesitate to assert that the Span
iards had done enough yet.
BEGGED HIM TO SURRENDER.
"The rebels made a final effort to cap
ture the city on Tuesday, but failed. The
Americans are preparing to avoid trou-
BILE In entering the town. There has
been slight fighting for four days, and il
is reported that twenty Americans were
killed and sixty wounded This fighting
is purely preliminary"
| In consequence OF lne AMERICAN uiu
matum, the Governor ordered the artil
lery to cease shelling the enemy's trench
and he suspended an officer at Malat'
for disobeying his orders. There is still
a little firing at night.
"A Spanish commercial deputation to-da.
waited upon the Governor and begged hin
10 surrender, saying that otherwise the.
would be utterly ruined.
"The civil members of the council O
war favored surrender, but the militar.
members do not care TO endorse such
request.
A FEELING OF TERROR.
"Onicers tell me they realize the futilit!
of resisting the Americans, who, wit
their superior guns, can keep at lonl
range and with probably a dozen shell
Kin everybody, without loss TO them
| selves. -
, "The British Consul promptly arrange
for four launches. under white nag, L
remove British subjects, and also for on
launch for the Chinese. Swarms OF span
ism and native half-caste women an
children are begging TO be provided VIII
means of escape.
"It Is believed that American gunner
have been ordered TO spare the churche'
owing 10 the fact that thousands OF pei
sons have taken refuge in them.
.,rhe Ex-Governor is trying TO secure
massage on German warshlp'