#76©p?ixt? ?Y??%A4a!
September 3, 1898.)
CHINA OVERLAND TRADE REPORT..
were endeavouring, when captured by them, to his revolver without hitting anyone and ap. surround a small body of Spaniards whose where-parently into the air, but it was sufficiently pro- abouts they had detected. In consequnce Agui vocative to bring ou an attack from natives. naldo asked that the men be released and arms re- Word was immediately sent to headquarters and turned. Williams reported the matter to Mer- in a very brief period a company of Americans ritt, who in turn ordered an investigation and appeared on the scene. A few shots were ex- finding no evidence that the natives planned to changed, a few wounded slightly on both sides, interfere with or attack the Americans, per- and the affair was over. An official investiga- | mitted the arms to be returned and the men
tion is being held at this writing, but I have released. This result had a most excellent
not been able to ascertain its conclusions before moral effect on Aguinaldo and his soldiers. the mail leaves One or two features are known They experienced a kind of good faith and fair that I have not mentioned. The American ness that never characterized Spanish rule, and soldier who was killed was shot in the back and appeared grateful. The next day the American the bullet took a downward course. This indi- engineers found no obstacles in their way in cates that the shot came from the window of preparing the water works for use, as the rebels the upper story of a house. Again, the rebel could help. It is my opinion that as the natives
leaders declare that the firing on the part of the begin to realize more and more the difference
insurgents was not ordered and done by men of American authority from Spanish domination
whom they have difficulty in controlling. and appreciate the rise in wages and greater plentitude of money in the land, they will less and less actively oppose the extension American interests.
The City of Puebla and Peru. which arrived a few days ago, brought about 1.600 troops. The Pennsylvania aud Rio with 2,000 more are hourly expected. The first two bring detachments of the 14th Infantry regulars, 4th Artillery, and 6th Cavalry. They left Honolulu August 4, after staying there eleven days. The officers and men
are greatly disappointed because they missed the fall of Manila. Had they not stopped so long in Honolulu they would have arrived bere just in time. On the Peru came Majer General Otis, who, by order of General Merritt, is now placed in command of the 8th Army Corps with head quarters in Manila. He will occupy the same building in the walled city that has been used by Merritt, while the latter as Military Governor will make his head quarters at Malacanan in San Miguel at the Old Governor-General's palące.
The Olympia goes to Hongkong in a few days, probably Saturday, to dock. The Admir: 1 is expected to remain here. The Raleigh is also leaving for the same purpose to-day or to-morrow, it is reported.
We all notice many remarkable stories in the Hongkong papers of incidents and matters that are never known here about this campaign and which often have no foundation in fact. It is advisable for those wishing to know the truth not to believe every fairy story that is told.
August 26th, 1898.
The only incident of any importance which has excited much interest during the past few days was an unfortunate collision at Cavite between a few American soldiers and armed insurgents, Wednesday, August 24th. It is very easy, however, to exaggerate such affairs and make them appear much worse than they really are. The first reports of this fray were grossly embellished as they passed from mouth to month and I fear that stories may have reached Hongkong which may not have de scribed the exact happenings. In the first place it is to be borne in mind that there was no planned or systematic fighting or firing; second, it all started without the knowledge or expectation of General Andersen or Aguinaldo: third, both sides have expressed regrets at what occurred and vigorous steps are being taken to prevent a repetition; fourth, the affair does not portend necessarily war between the Ameri- cans and insurgents and may even be the occa. sion of removing the influences that might bring on a conflict.
i
J
It is further stated that the insurgent General in command at Cavite has been ordered to evacuate that place and more at least two miles back into the country and so have his men far enough away to prevent colisions or quarrels of soldiers in the future. Had Aguinaldo doue this when the suggestion was first made to him, this incident would have been avoided.
There is no good ground for holding that this affair will lead to serious complications, although such are of course possible. Between the officers of the United States forces aud Lose of the insurgents there is little or no friction. They meet, confer, or exchange communications in a friendly spirit, and up to the hour of the shooting at Cavite the prospects of reaching an understanding between the Americans and insurgents were excellent. Aguinaldo seemed more friendy and intimated that be neither desired nor planned trouble with the Americans but if he were sure that the United States would not return the islands to Spain he would be inclined to yield absolutely and disband his forces. His chief purpose in maintaining his army and his position near the city was to be ready and prepared to settle issues with Spain in case the United States surrendered the occupation of Manila. As far as the American bigh officers are concerned and the majority of the rank and file, there is a strong desire to avoid trouble with the natives, but there is an element of reckless privates and lesser officers who may at times forget themselves in their treatment of the natives and so cause nufortunate occurrences like that of the other day.
Among the natives themselves the feeling against the Americans is confined strictly to a portion of the soldiers who have been deprived of the long awaited opportunity to loot Manila and get even with the Spaniards. Perhaps they can hardly be blamed for their disappoint ment in view of the history of the past, but it is noticeable that the peasants or common people in and around Manila and even far out in the country are rejoicing at the coming of the Americans and would be far more disappointed at their leaving than they would at the failure They can see to establish a rebel Government. from signs already plain that money will be more abundant than ever before, a greater market will be provided for their products, and the Americans by uature, spirit, and manner, will not grind them-lown by all sorts of taxes and harsh laws. In other words, if the Ameri- caus are forced into a conflict with the insur- gents, it will be due almost exclusively to the personal ambition of their leaders and the war- like element among them, fored, of course, to an extent by that portion of Spanish civil military, and religious officials who, having lost their positions and recognizing the end of Spanish domination, wish to cause the Ameri- cans as much embarrassment as possible in the latter's efforts to establish a new and successful Government. There are serious obstacles in the way of American administration of affairs, but I have confidence that General Merritt's dip- lomacy and ability will be fully equal to the
|
$
195
the latter would never have occasion to say that the insurgents had broken their word. He said that all he and his men wanted was that the' control of Manila and the Philippines should not be returned either in whole or in part to the Spaniards and that as soon as he was sure of that he would advocate complete compliance with American authority. This reminds me to express surprise that certain persons are con- suring Consul-General Wildman and Admiral Deweg for ever letting Aguinaldo come here and arms be sent to him. It is all very well to express such criticisms when the war is over, but it was very different indeed when Aguinaldo came to Cavite in May. Then it seemed to be the wisest step possible and the rebel leader's success caused the press all over the world to sound his praises and the diplomacy of Dewey and Wildman in the matter, but now that new conditious have developed, wiseacres, who were not in the brunt of the fight in May when nobody knew what would be the outcome, come forward and indulge in all manner of brilliant opinions as to what and what not ought to have been done.
Every army has its men who forget them selves and indulge in too much fire water. The American force is no exception It has its proportion of soldiers who will get drunk and commit acts of indiscretion, but no greater number of such characters than other armies. To make a long story short the Carite incident was caused by an American private of the Utah battery who was under the sway of too much whisky misbehaving himself. Accompanied by one or two other members of his company who had been sent to Cavite on some detail; he went into a shop. Having some difficulty about the I have personally di assed the hopes and change of his money, he became enraged and plans of the insurgents with several of their finally vented his wrath by firing off his heavy leaders whom I met originally in Hongkong Colt's revolver. Armed natives in the vicinity, when Consul-General Wildman was arranging either thinking that Americans were attacking for their return to the Philippines. I saw one them or using this opportunity as a desired er
of them who has great influence with his fol- ouse, fired without orders on the group of Am-lowers only yesterday. When I reminded him ericans, instantly killing one and mortally of his promises to Mr. Wildman, he spoke in wounding another. The American had fired' high terms of the Consul-General and said that'
situation.
If the next month can be passed through without serious complications I am confident that the future will witness less difficulties to be overcome than now seem to be in the way of successful adjustment of the question.
GENERAL MERRITT CONGRATU. LATES THE ARMY,
The following general order has been is- saed :-
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE PACI-
FIO AND EIGHTH ARMY CORPS.
Manila, P.1., 17th August, 1898.
General Orders
No. 6. The Major General Commanding desires to congratulate the troops of this command upon their brilliant success in the capture, by assault, 13th, a date hereafter to be memorable in the of the defences of Manila on Saturday, August history of American victories.
to
pass
the small
After a journey of seven thousand miles by sen, the soldiers of the Philippine Expedition encountered most serious difficulties in landing, due to protracted storms raising high surf through which it was necessary boats which afforded the only means of disem- barking the army and its supplies. This great task, and the hardships of a campaign during the rainy season in tropical lowlands, were accom. plished and endured by all the troops, in a spirit of soldierly fortitude, which has at all times dur ing these days of trial, given the Commanding General the most heartfelt pride and confidence in his men. Nothing could be finer than the patient, uncomplaining devotion to duty which
{
all have shown.
1
Now it is his pleasure to announce that within three weeks after the arrival in the Philippines of the greater portion of the forces, the capital. city of the Spanish pos- sessions in the East held by Spanish ve terans, has fallen into our hands, and be feels assured that all officers and men of this command have reason to be proud of the success of the expedition.
The Commanding General will hereafter take occasion to mention to the Home Government the names of officers, men and organizations, to whom special credit is due.
By Command of Major General Merritt. J. B. BABCOCK,
Adjutant General.
Official.
Bentley Mott, Aid.
DISORDER IN THE SOUTHERN PROVINCES.
A GERMAN CRUISER CARRIES SPANISH DISPATCHES.
CAPTURE OF A VESSEL FLYING THE GERMAN FLAG.
Labuan, 18th August. The Philippine revolutionary movement has extended throughout the hemp provinces in the south of Luzon.
There has been severe fighting at Pan. latuso, Pilar, and Donsol, in the Albay province of Lusou.