The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-08-17
ANXIETY AT WASHINGTON.
No News from Merritt or Dewey Re-
ceived During the Day.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16.-The War De-
partment has been anxiously awaiting news
from Manila all day. Secretary Alger said
tonight that General Merritt and Admiral
Dewey had full instructions and full power
to act, and there was not the least doubt
that whatever was done would be most sat-
isfactory. 1t might be that in the changed
condition of affairs since the protocol was
signed that General Merritt might ask for
further instructions, but he had not done so.
The War Department will welcome the
restoration of cable communication to Ma
lima so that it may be advised at all times
as TO the progress of events.
During the day the government began an
effort, through diplomatic channels, to re-
establish cable communication with Manila.
1t was believed by officials tonight that the
efforts would prove satisfactory although
some days may elapse before the diplomatic
representations have borne fruit. The cable
out of Manila is under the control of Brit
ish company The line is understood to be
cut near Manila, but Admiral Dewey has
buoyed the severed ends, so that a connec-
ton can be restored if the company will
permit the line to be operated Pending the
| renewal of this cable route the authorities
here remain without direct advices from the
Manila last Saturday. The fact that the
city has passed into American hands is ac-
cepted as practically certain by the author
tiles here, although there is nothing yet
from Admiral Dewey or General Merritt. 1t
is expected that dispatch boat may bring
advices to Hong Kong at any time, as d
move of this important character would not
be allowed to pass without getting speedy
wit
German cruiser has made the trip from
Manila since the reported surrender, it is
probable that an American ship is not far
behind with full information.
The change of conditions at Manila led to
much conjecture. In some quarters it was
felt that the course of the German naval
officers in giving Captain General August
safe conduct from Manila might be open to
some criticism. This view. however, found
no expression in official quarters, and at the
State Department it was said that the
meager and indefinite information on the
subject permitted no intelligent considera-
ton of the propriety of this act. There APP
pears to be no disposition to question the
course of the German authorities, partcu-
larly in view of the fact that the surrender
is more or less formality, since Spain on
the day previous had formally agreed to the
occupation of Manila by the United States.
If the unexpected had not happened Admiral
Dewey and General Merritt would have re-
ceived word by to-day or tomorrow that
peace was proclaimed, and that Manila was
temporarily to be occupied by the United
States. In that event a peaceful occupation
of the city would have occurred the latter
part of this week. But the bombardment
and surrender have accomplished the same
results in more speedy manner. 1t re-
mains to be seen, however, whether the
bombardment, occurring after the formal
proclamation of peace, creates complications.
The authorities here do not believe that
compiled tons will arise, it was evident
that the American commanders acted with
out knowledge of what the two governments
had agreed upon. 1t is felt to be quite pos
sible, however, that some complications
may result from the damage wrought by the
bombardment, by the enforced departure of
August, and by the contention probably
aroused between the Spanish forces, the
Philippines and Americans forcible &C.
cupation of the city. The political status Of
affairs is said to be unchanged, there being
no difference between a forcible and a
peaceable OccupatiOn of Manila,