THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.

Otago Witness, Issue 2320, 18 August 1898, Page 30

THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.

WASHINGTON, August 15. 'On Saturday morning Morro Castle fort, Havana, fired upon Commodore Howell's flagship, the San Francisco, and one shot hit the vessel. The Americans did not retaliate, bub sent a flag of truce, and communicated the fact that peace had been proclaimed. Admiral Cervera met with an enthusiastic reception on arrival at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on board the warship Boston. Large crowds besieged the station, and hundreds, including many women, rushed and shook hands with the Spanish admiral. The Cubans have accepted the armistice }md discontinued Bghting. The American newspapers are exultant &t the completeness of the victory. MADRID, August 15. f The Spanish newspapers bewail Spain's vanished empire, and anticipate that she will have interminable difficulties. One paper estimates that Spain's loss in territory amounts to 128,148 square kilometres, containing nearly 2,500,000 inhabitants. This estimate does not include the Philippines. Both the Spanish and American Governments have heartily thanked France for M. Cambon's services' in assisting to arrange the terms of peace. There is a general opinion in Madrid that a joint protectorate of the Philippines is unworkable, and that a combination of Spanish-American methods must lead to disastrous complications. WASHINGTON". August 16. It was reported in New York that Manila Lad fallen-,- and this has since been confirmed. Before the news of the signing of the protocol had reached Admiral Dewey he had bombarded Manila. On Saturday the town surrendered unconditionally.

General Auguste, the Spanish Governor •general, fled in a launch belonging to a Ger man vessel.

MADRID, August 16

Complete tranquility prevails in the city. •The dominant note in the newspapers is one of philosophical resignation. Marshal Blanco has resigned his position as Governor of Cuba, being undesirous of superintending the evacuation of Cuba. It is possible his resignation will not be accepted. General Auguste, Governor of the Philippines, is returning to Madrid, and has arrived at Hongkong aboard a German warship.