The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1898-08-25

the PHILIPPINES and we must wait the
report to know what part of the islands
fall to us.
1t is q matter for congratulation
that Gen. Merritt and Admiral Dewey
compelled Manila to surrender as it
gives the United Statss the PHILIPPINES
by right Of conquest and carries the
legal title and occupation of all the
islands. As the surrender was twelve
hours after the protocol was signed, it
may transpire that no advantage was
gained but again it might happen that
the fact of surrender would be in our
favor when the peace commission
comes to adjust our claims. The fact
that the insurgents are not party to
the transaction no doubt eliminates q
dangerous element in the situation.
The surrender, as reported, was to
Dewey and Merritt giving them COM
plete control and leaving the way clear
to deal with Auganaldo and his forces
in the future, Spaniards and insur-
gents we're treated alike as in the case
at Santiago. A further point may
seem unimportant, only matter of
sentiment, and yet l feel confident
every loyal American is glad that
Manila surrendered to our forces.
Surely we feel pride that it cannot
be said we were unable to overcome
the Spanish forces. Admiral Dewev
said, over three months ago, that he
could take Manila when he got ready.
When Dewey and Merritt we're good
ready the city fell, and as said above
the surrender gives the United States
title to the PHILIPPINES by right of con-
quest. The event too marks an I'M
broken round of success for our army
in every contest with the Spanish for
ces during the war. Some newspapers
say there is marked absence of gen.
eral rejoicing over the advent of peace,
that at the close of the civil war the
whole north was given over to the cell
ebration of the event. Well. I can't
see the necessity of making much of q
fuss over the matter; we are glad and
say 40, but there are degrees of joy.
In this case we had dead sure thing
and knew how it would come out from
the start; I do not think q man can be
over enthusiastic in betting on q sure
thing.
The incidents surrounding the land
ing of our troops at Ponce, the largest
city in Porto Rico, were not calculated
to inspire Spain with the hopes that
she had many loyal subjects on the
Island. The reception of Gen Miles
was an ovation; the stars ond stripes
were to be seen about the city and
nearly the whole population treated
our troops as liberators instead of an
invading army. 1t evidently had not
been expected that Ponce was the OBJ
jective point Of our forces, as there
was only small detachment of the
Spanish army posted there, and by
an arrangement between the citizens
and soldiers, the latter withdrew and
the arrival Of the United States troops
was made the occasion of the most
joyful demonstrations. Of course it
is not easy to determine how much of
the enthusiasm was joy at the release
from Spanish rule and the hope Of
better and more prosperous govern
ment in the future, nor what part was
to put the best side to the inevitable.
l think it safe to say, though, that the
great majority of the people are tired
of the old way and look upon annex
alton as the most suspicious event in
the history of their beautiful and fruit
full insular home. O. B. TuRRELL.
Aug. 18th, 1898.