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THE YELLOW RIVER.
(Daily Press, 24th August). That olden source of trouble to China, the Yellow River, so well named "China's
装着
THE HONGKONG WEEKLY PRESS AND
The insurgents are entering the city in large numbers, but before being allowed to do so they are disarmed by the Americans.
There is a rumour amongst the Americans in Manila that before the advance was made the city by the U. S. troops the Spaniards Aguinaldo offered to join with the whole of his forces, but that the Spanish General replied that he would have nothing to do with the rebels. It is thought, however, if there is any truth in the rumour, that it was simply a treacherous move on Aguinaldo's part to get into the city before the Americans.
Several attempts at looting were made by the insurgents after Manila had been taken, but they were promptly checked and the offenders punished on the facts being brought to the
notice of the authorities.
It is not apparent in the city of Manila that a bombardment has taken place, no damage being noticeable; the firing was confined to the forts outside the city.
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(August 27, 1898.
III.-The government established among you by the United States is a government of military occupation; and for the present it is ordered that the municipal laws such as affect pri- vate rights of persons and property, regulate local institutions, and provide for the punishment of crime, shall be considered as continuing in forco, so far as compatible with the purposes of milit ary government, and that they be administered through the ordinary tribunals substantially as before occupation, but by officials appointed by the government of occupation.
IV-A Provost Marshal-General will be appointed for the City of Manila and its outly- ing districts. This territory will be divided into sub-districts and there will be assigned to
each a deputy Provost Marshal.
The duties of the Provost Marshal-General and his deputies will be set forth in detail in future orders. In a general way they are charged with the duty of making arrests of military as well as civil offenders, sending such of the former class as are triable by courts mar. When the China left provisions were exceed-tial to their proper commands with statements of ingly scarce in Manila and prices abnormally
high.
The health of the American troops remains good, but it considered-and in fact is already apparent that with a lengthy occupation the climate and local conditions will have thoir effects upon the "boys."
their offences and names of witnesses and de- taining in custody all other offenders for trial by military commission, provost courts, or na-. tive criminal courts, in accordance with law, and the instructions hereafter to be issued.
on sorrow," is again giving cause for anxiety, According to a Tsining (Shantung) cor- respondent of a northern contemporary the region north of the Anshan Mountains has been inundated for hundreds of by the Yellow River. The inundation, as is com- monly the case, was caused by breaches in the river's banks. The result is most lamentable. The damage is so widespread that several hundred thousand persons have been plunged into the deepest distress and many iuto absolute penury, which the local authorities are unable to alleviate owing to want of funds, a chronic condition of things in the provinces, where the great game of squeeze absorbs all the resources as it does the officials. Now that Germany has ac- quired territorial rights in Shantung, with other concessions, perhaps the Gerinan Government may encourage German or Dutch engineers to prescribe a remedy for the annual scourge of the Hoangho. The system of embankment as carried on by the Chinese is a distinct failure, as the river is perpetually bursting its banks and laying the surrounding country below its level under water. It is difficult to believe the
Hongkong, 24th August. River presents an insoluble problem to
After lying in Manila Bay for so long & time the American war-vessels are sadly in need of European/engineers. The tasks undertaken in Egypt by the British Administration docking, and Consul-General Wildman applied to H. E. the Acting Governor for permission there for the benefit of the people have to dock in Hongkong. The authorities at home gious worship, and to the arts and sciences, all been as difficult comparatively as this were communicated with, and on Monday a tele-lections, museums, are, so far as possible, to be great problem. With such a popu-gram stating that as it was presumed war had lation and such a country to redeem, we ceased the permission asked for was granted to think no
civilised Government would both the United States and Spain. Admiral long hesitate to essay the task of con- Dewey was at once informed of this, and we verting "China's Sorrow" into "China's may expect to see a couple of the U. S. Fleet in the barbour in the course of a day or so, as we Blessing." The Yellow River could
understand that it is purposed to overhaul them hardly prove to North China what the two at a time. Red Nile is to Egypt, but it might at any rate be made the source of irrigation of fer- tile lands and a highway for their produce to the coast.
AFFAIRS IN MANILA.
LOOTING BY THE INSURGENTS PROMPTLY CHECKED.
ALLEGED ATTEMPTED TREACHERY
BY AGUINALDO.
INSURGENTS DISARMED ON ENTERING MANILA,
PERMISSION TO DOCK IN HONG- KONG GRANTED.
All vessels going to Manila have now to pro- cure contra invoices and ship's bills of health at the U. S. Consulate in Hongkong
OFFICIAL PROCLAMA'NONS. LAMATIONS.
Hongkong, 25th August. The steamer Oxus arrived yesterday from Manila and reports all quiet there, though re- ports continue to circulate of difficulties between Aguinaldo and the United States authorities resulting from what are deemed the extravagant demands advanced by the insurgent leader.
Wo give below the proclamations issued by General Merritt and General Jaudenes together with the terms of the capitulation, the latter being translated from the Spanish as we have not had an opportunity of copying or perusing the English version.
GENERAL MERRITT'S PRO- CLAMATION.
Hongkong, 22nd August. The U.S. trooper China arrived from Manila late on Saturday night with despatches. She left Manila on the 18th and had an uneventful passage across with the best of weather. Early on the morning of the 19th, about eleven hours out from Manila, the China sighted two ships supposed to be the Peru and the Puebla | Tagalo: of the fourth expedition.
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Manila is gradually assuming a peaceful aspect and on Wednesday the principal shops and offices in the business part of the city were open and transacting their business in the ordinary
manner.
Notwithstanding the rumours of the amicable feeling existing between the Spaniards. and the Americans after the city had been taken possession of by the latter, there is now a do- cided tone of contempt and hatred apparent in the bearing of the Spaniards towards their victors.
After the Americans had entered into posses- sion of the City it is stated that several street fights occurred between Spanish and American soldiers, the former being the aggressors, al- though without the cognisance of the Spanish authorities. Two or three sharp volleys were fired into a party of American soldiers by the Spaniards, who had taken their position in a by-street and retired immediately after firing. Several Americans were killed in these fights.
The following is a proclamation issued by General Merritt in Spanish, English, aud
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF
THE PACIFIC.
August 14th, 1898. TO THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES :
I.-War has existed between the United States and Spain since April 21st of this year. Since that date you have witnessed the des- truction, by an American flest, of the Spanish naval power in these islands, the fall of the principal city. Manila, and its defences, and the surrender of the Spanish Army of occupation to the forces of the United States.
II. The Commander of the United States forces now in possession has instructions from his Government to assure the people that he has not come to wage war upon them, nor upon any part or faction among them but to protect them in their homes, in their employments and in their personal and religious rights. All per- sons who, by active aid or honest submission, co-operate with the United States in its efforts to give effect to this beneficent purpose, will re- ceive the reward of its support and protection.
V.-The port of Manila, and all other ports and places in the Philippines, which may be in the actual possession of our land and naval forces, will be open while our military occupa- tion may continue to the commerce of all neutral nations as well as our own, in articles not con- traband of war, and upon payment of the pre scribed rates of duty which may be in force at the time of the importation.
VI. All churches and places devoted to reli-
educational institutions, libraries, scientific col.
protected; and all destruction or intentional defacement of such places or property, of historical monuments, archives, or works of science and art is prohibited, save when required by urgeat military necessity. Severe punish. mont will be meted out for all violations of this regulation.
The custodians of all property of the char acter mentioned in this section will make prompt returns thereof to these headquarters stating character and location, and embodying such recommendations as they may think proper for the full protection of the properties under their care and custody, that proper orders may issue enjoining the co-operation of both military and civil authorities in securing such protection.
VII. The Commanding General in an. nonncing the establishment of military govern. ment and in entering upon his duty as Military Governor, in pursuance of his appointment as such by the Government of the United States, desires to assure the people that so long as they preserve the peace and perform their duties towards the representatives of the United States, they will not be disturbed in their per sons and property, except in so far as may be found necessary for the good of the service of the United States, and the benefit of the people of the Philippines.
WESLEY MERRITT, Major-General U. S. Army Commanding.
PROCLAMATION BY GENERAL JAUDENES.
[TRANSLATED FOR THE DAILY PRESS."]
"
EJERCITO Y CAPITANIA GENERAL DE PILIPINAS.
Manila, 14th August, 1898. SOLDIERS, Sailors, and VOLUNTEERS,- Your unfaltering courage during the long siege and more prolonged blockade of this place entitles you not only to the gratitude of your country, but also to the respect and considera- tion of the American army, as eloquently wit nessed in the honorable capitulation agreed upon yesterday and formulated to-day, of which a copy is annexed.
By this you are conceded, including your banners, all the honours of war; so mach for our inevitable permanency in the ungrateful country defended. And liberty and the return of the arms only temporarily deposited being ex.
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