Awaiting the Peace Commission.
Thus Spain was to remain the nominal possessor of the Archipelago, until the decision of the Peace Commission.
Pending the conclusion of the peace negotiations, and the disposition of the islands, it was settled that the authority of the United States was to be supreme. Both Spaniards, and insurgents were thus to have no share in the Government. The Americans were conquerors; the Spaniards, as the conquered, had lost all right to a voice in public affairs. There was, however, some doubt on the part of the American commands as to the status of the insurgents; who, though they had but little part in the capture of Manila, had done effective work in other parts of Luzon, having driven the common enemy step by step to the gates of the capital. The revolution, too, was spreading, and new complications arose every day.
In reply to their joint-message for instructions, General H. C. Corbin cabled General Merritt as follows:
INSTRUCTIONS TO MERRITT.
Adjutant-General’s Office, Washington, D. C., August 17, 1898.
Major-General Merritt, Manila, Philippine Islands:—The President directs that there must be no joint-occupation with the insurgents.
The United States is in the possession of Manila city, Manila bay and harbor, and must preserve the peace and protect persons and property within the territory occupied by their military and naval forces.
The insurgents and all others must recognize the military occupation and authority of the United States and the cessation of hostilities proclaimed by the President.
Use whatever means in your judgment are necessary to this end. All law-abiding people must be treated alike.
By order of the Secretary of War.
H. C. CORBIN, Adjutant-General.
Map of Pacific Ocean and Oceania.
Map of Philippine Islands.