Mr. Hay to Mr. Day.
Washington, October 14, 1898.
The Secretary of the Navy has just received the following telegram from Admiral Dewey, which is communicated for your information:
It is important that the disposition of the Philippine Islands should be decided as soon as possible and a strong government established. Spanish authority has been completely destroyed in Luzon, and general anarchy prevails without the limits of the city and bay of Manila. Strongly probable that islands to the south will fall into same state soon. Distressing reports have been received of inhuman cruelty practiced on religious and civil authorities in other parts of these islands. The natives appear unable to govern. Dewey.