Whereas, It is in said protocol agreed that upon its conclusion and signature hostilities between the two countries shall be suspended, and that notice to that effect shall be given as soon as possible by each government to the commanders of its military and naval forces: 

Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States, do, in accordance with the stipulations of the protocol, declare and proclaim on the part of the United States a suspension of hostilities, and do hereby command that orders be immediately given through the proper channels to the commanders of the military and naval forces of the United States to abstain from all acts inconsistent with this proclamation.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this 12th day of August, in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Ninety-Eight, and of the independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty-third.

William McKINLEY.

By the President:  William R. Day, Secretary of State.

In accordance with the proclamation issued by the President orders were issued to the naval commanders at the several stations in the United States, Cuba and the Philippines carrying into effect the directions of the proclamation.  The navy department not only transmitted the President’s proclamation in full to the several commanders in chief, but also directions as to the disposition of their vessels.

Navy Department, Washington, D. C., Aug. 12.—­Sampson, Santiago:  Suspend all hostilities.  Blockade of Cuba arud Puerto Rico is raised.  Howell ordered to assemble vessels at Key West.  Proceed with New York, Brooklyn, Indiana, Oregon, Iowa and Massachusetts to Tompkinsville.  Place monitors in safe harbor in Puerto Rico.  Watson transfers his flag to Newark and will remain at Guantanamo.  Assemble all cruisers in safe harbors.  Order marines north in Resolute.

Allen, Acting Secretary.

Navy Department, Washington, D. C., Aug. 12.—­Remey, Key West:  In accordance with the President’s proclamation telegraphed you, suspend immediately all hostilities.  Commence withdrawal of vessels from blockade.  Order blockading vessels in Cuban waters to assemble at Key West.

Allen, Acting Secretary.

Similar notification was sent to Admiral Dewey, with instructions to cease hostilities and raise the blockade at Manila.

The orders to General Merritt to suspend were as follows: 

Adjutant-General’s Office, Washington, D. C., Aug. 12, 1898.—­ Merritt, Manila:  The President directs all military operations against the enemy be suspended.  Peace negotiations are nearing completion, a protocol having just been signed by representatives of the two countries.  You will inform the commanders of the Spanish forces in the Philippines of these instructions.  Further orders will follow.  Acknowledge receipt.  By order of the Secretary of War.