THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11200, 24 August 1898, Page 2

THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.

THE PHILIPPINES.

AMERICA TO RETAIN LUZON. OTHER ISLANDS TO BE RETURNED TO SPAIN. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. WASHINGTON, August 22. (Received Aug. 23, at 9.10 a.m.) The Spaniards at Porto Rico are appealing to the American troops for protection from revenge by the natives. The Spanish Government have appointed commissioners to superintend the evacuation, of Cuba. Marshal Blanco is not included.

General Merrett, in a despatch to his Government, announces that Manila and suburbs have surrendered, but not the whole of the Philippines.

It is reported that the Americans have entered into a friendly agreement with Aguinaldo.

August 23. (Received Aug. 24, at 0.45 a.m.) The situation at Manila is unsatisfactory. Hundreds of insurgents are deserting, and are trying to enter the city. Aguinaldo, the insurgent leader, has cut the water supply of the city.

President M'Kinley proposes to annex only the island of Luzon, restoring the rest of the Philippines to Spain on obtaining a guarantee of equal commercial privileges with Spain.

[Luzon, which is to be retained by America, with an area of 40,835 square miles, is the largest island in the archipelago, has the seat of Government at Manila, and is considered the most important. The population is estimated at nearly 3,000,000. It has many resources, including coal, iron ore, copper, and some gold, though the latter lias not been found m any payable quantities.]