Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1898-08-25
NEWS FROM MERRITT
The Generals Story of the Capitu-
1ation of Manila.
Confirms Previous Reports = Proc
lamatiOn Outlining n Scheme of
Government for Manila
Bravery of Aston battery.

Washington, Aug. 19.-Following Is
Gen. Merritt's dispatch to the war de-
partment:
"Hong-Kong, Aug. 1s.-Adjutant General.
Washington.-Manila, Aug. 10. = On 7th
inst. Admiral Dewey Joined me in 4S-hour
notification to Spanish commander to re-
move noncomba tants from city. Same date
repl- received expressing thanks for hui
name sentiments and stating that the
Spanish were without places Of refuge for
noncombatants now within walled town.
On 9th inst. sent joint note inviting atten-
ton to suffering in store for sick and nom
combatants in case it became our duty to
reduce the defenses, also setting forth
hopeless condition of Spanish forces sur
rounded on all sides, fleet in front. no pros
pect of requirements, and demanded
surrender as due to every consideration of
humanity; same date received reply adj
hitting their situation, but stating council
of defense declares request for surrender
cannot be granted, but offered to consult
government If time was granted necessary
for communication via Hong-Kong. Joint
note in reply, declining. On the 18th Joined
with navy in attack, with following re-
suit: After about half an hours accurate
Smelling of Spanish lines. MacArthur's brig
ade, on right, and Greene's, on LEFT, under
Anderson, made vigorous attack and car
ried Spanish works. Loss not accurately
known-about 80 in all. Behavior of troops
excellent; cooperation of the navy most
valuable. Troops advanced rapidly on
walled city, upon which white flag was
shown and town capitulated. Troops oc-
cupv Malate. Binondo, walled city of San
Miguel. All important centers protected.
Insurgents kept out. No disorder or pill
~ MERRITT"
Plan of Government for Manila.
New York, Aug. ia special dis
patch to the World from Manila, Au-
gust IA, via Hong-Kong, says:
Gen. Merritt has prepared a proclama-
ton to the natives which provides a scheme
of government for Manila and surrounding
territory and other island places in our
possessions. The chief points are:
Rigid protection of all in personal re-
ligion.
Municipal laws, tribunals and local in
situations for punishment of crime to re-
main until further notice Except where
Incompatible with military rule) subject to
supervision Of American general
Provost marshal and sub-provosts to be
appointed, with power to arrest civil as
well as military officers.
Open trade for neutral nations.
Public property to be vigorously pro-
tected.
No interference with the people so long
as they preserve peace.
Gen. Merritt occupies the governors
palace.
In Full Possession.
Hong Kong, Ang ia dispatch from
a correspondent; at Manila. confirming
the capture of the town, says the
American troops now occupy every po-
sition formerly held by the Spaniards,
of whom 5000 are prisoners. Not a
single shot was fired at the feet. The
dispatch also say that Admiral Dewey
picked up the end of the severed cable
on Friday, but that the line is not yet
in working order. Merchantmen are
leaving Hong-Kong daily for Manila.
A great rush of trade is expected.
Aston Battery Under Fire.
Manila, Aug. 10, by way of Hong
Kong, Aug. 19.-The hardest fighting
at the capture of Manila was done by
the Aston battery, which led the adj
vance. Brig. Gen. Macarthur, COM
handing the brigade, complimented
the men in the highest terms right in
the midst of their valor and success.
The Astor battery led the advance,
supported by the Minnesota volun-
teers and the Twenty-third regulars.
The march was along the Pasay road,
on the right of the river Pasig, where
the feet could give no assistance. At
the junction of the Cingalon road the
vanguard came without warning upon
a strong Spanish intrenchment. Sud-
denly the enemy rained deadly fire
upon the Americans, killing two men
of the Aston battery, First Sergt.
HOLMES and Second Sergt Cremins,
and one Minnesota man, Private Pat
terson, at the same time wounding a
score of other soldiers.
Sergt. Cremins, after he was shot,
staggered to his gun, fired it, and the
next moment fell dead beside the
piece.
The whole American loss, as report
ed after the battle, did not exceed
eight killed ard so wounded. The
Spanish loss is estimated at not less
than 200, including both the killed and
wounded, and in the neighborhood of
5000 captured. Vast stores of military
and naval supplies were seized. The
casualties on the American side were
confined to the land forces. Not man
on the feet was injured.
Shipping Spanfards Home.
Santiago, Aug. 13.-Four thousand