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from the Philippino people so much of the military force of the islands as possible and con- sistent with a free and well coustituted govern- ment of the country, and it is my desire to inaugurate a policy of that obaracter. I am also convinced that it is the intention of the United States Government to seek the establish- ment of a most liberal government for the islands, in which the people themselves shell bave as full representation as the maintenance of order and law will permit, and which shall be susceptible of development on lines of iu- creased representation and the bestowal of iu- creased powers into a gevernment as free and independent as is enjoyed by the most favoured provinces of the world.
It will be my constant endeavour to co-operate with the Philippino people, seeking the good of the country, and I invite their full confidence
E. S. OTIS,
and aid.
Major General, U. S. Vols.,
Military Governor.
Hongkong, 12th January. Reuter's correspondent at Manila, telegraph. ing on the 27th December, stated that the Filipino Congress at Malolos had adjourned, being unable to agree upon a Constitution, and the Cabinet had resigned; that Mabini, who is a bitter enemy of Aguinaldo, was forming a new Cabinet, and refused to release the Spanish prisoners, and that Aguinaldo, fearing assassina- tion, had fled to the region at the back of Cavite. With reference to the latter statement, we are informed that the only foundation for it is that Aguinaldo went to Cavite to spend Christmas at his own home. He went quite openly and reviewed the troops on his Mabini, 80 far from being
way.
оде
THE HONGKONG WEEKLY PRESS AND
an enew y of Aguinaldo, has throughout been of his warmest supporters: The recent Cabinet cris was sʊlved in accordance with the consti. tation and without any interruption of the ma- chinery of Government. The change in the Cabinet does not in any way affect Aguinaldo's position as President of the Republic, any more than the position of the President of the French Republic is affected by a change of the Min- istry.
HOSTILI IES BELIEVED TO BE
IMMINENT.
Hongkong, 13th January. Filipinos who arrived here yesterday report that when they left Manila the National Government had decided that in view of what is considered the unfair treatment received at the hands of the United States and the offensive nature of General Otis's proclamation any attempt at landing at Iloilo will be taken as an act of war on the part of the United States and in
consequence fighting would (in event of the commitment of such act of war) commence simultaneously at Iloilo and Manila. Every preparation has been made by both sides for a desperate struggle, which may commence at any moment. The situation is unquestionably extremely critical.
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of the belief that the cause for which Rizal died had at lust triumphed, but hardly had the celebration concluded ere. General Otis's pro- clamation appeared and struck a direct blow at the national aspirations. Complaints are also made of the domineering conduct of the Americans in Manila and of the ill-usage sustained by hawkers and others at the hands of soldiers in the streets, the ugh it is admitted that any casos of ill conduct brought to the notice of the authorities are equitably deal: with.
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The following letters from our correspondent detail the course of events at Iloilo :---
FILIPINOS REFUSE AMERICAN DEMANDS.
Iloilo, 29th December.
I
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[January 14, 1899.
have come aboard the Newport with their peti- tion and presented it to the General,
ther leave the office the Filipino commission arriva in their launch. The committee has been changed since last night and the men,now hero represent the civil government. Their answer is simply a repetition of the previous replies. As an armed force the Americans were ussured of resistance if any landing was made. As nothing more was to be said the committren returned to the city declaring themselves ready- to meet any fate in defending their rights. One cannot help admiring them their loyalty, at the same time pitying their poor judgment.
Colonel Potter immediately returned to Manila bearing the final answer of the Filipinos and the petition of the foreignois, which latter has great weight in causing the officers to defer violent action until the last resource is exhausted.
PREPARATIONS FOR RESISTANCE CONTINUE.
1st January.
The Filipinos held a meeting in Jaro last night at the headquarters of the Revolutionary Government, to consider the answer to be given to the Americaus, It is believed they will maintain the stand that nothing can be done before communicating with Acuinaldo and re- ceiving his orders. This morning the city authorities summoned the principal planters Three schooners loaded with men entered the and foreign merchants to a meeting in the river last night. They were detected by the Government building, for the purpose of consi- Baltimore's search light, but were not inter- dering the port laws and commercial regula-rupted. Hundreds of men are coming inte tions. The officials called upon the foreigners town from the outlying districts, and to-day a to draw up a system of laws, tariff regulations, uumber of the mountain natives got into the. and duties, and promised to abide by and enforce city for the first time. The authorities bave. them. However, nothing of importance was previously been very successful in keeping accomplished, as the foreigners cannot afford to them out at Molo; they present a very fantastic recognize the native authority.
appearance in their red breeches and turbans, set off with feathers, and are armed with long knives.
Three hundred and fifty additional soldiers came into town and went on duty this morning. The place is still very orderly and no violence of any kind is permitted On the evening the natives took possession two men were seen to flourish knives in front of a house occupied by a half-caste family, in which the wife was Spau- ish. The guards arrested them and they were shot on the beach within half an hour. Last night a native Captain was driving near the Plaza about ten o'clock; his carriage was stopped and the horses taken to the police headquarters, where the Captain was fined for driving with out lights. These are merely examples of the strict military law.
THE COMMITTEE CALLS ON GENERAL MILLER,
At five o'clock the committee called with an answer to General Miller's letter. The mem- bers were R. Melliza, V. Franco, C. Lopez, and Ramon Avancena, who s'ated, as was anticipat. ed, that absolutely nothing could be done with out communication with Aguinaldo Their last orders were to hold the e.ty, and they must be obeyed. They asked for more time, and were allowed until 12 to-morrow. EXCITEMENT INCREASED.
ARRIVE.
MORE SOLDIERS
30th December.
Since before daylight, armed natives have been coming into town in a steady stream, and
now. 10.30 a.m.. fully two thousand soldiers armed with Remingtons and Mausers have taken possession of the fort, church, and government buildings; officers are scurrying about on their ponies, ammunition is being brought in from Jaro and Malo, and apparently a stout resistance is being provided for any landing attempted by the Americans. Stores and banks are closed and excitement is intense, although the best of order is maintained. A petition is being circn- lated by the foreign merchants addressed to Every train leaving Manila for Dagupan is General Miller. begging that hostilities be post- reported to be crowded with Philippine non-poned until the natives can communicate with combatants leaving for the provinces, and there are few females now remaining in the city.
The American authorities, we are informed, are exercising a strict censorship of telegrams both going to and sent out from Manila, and many messages have been impounded or held back by the U. S. officials.
Our informants also state that five or six thousand additional American troops that were embarked at Manila for Iloilo were stopped before the vessels conveying them had left the bay and have been lauded again. It is said that the prospect of operations against the Filipinos is .not popular amongst the troops, who say they came to fight the Spaniards and not the natives, It will be remembered that this report comes from Filipino sources.
General Otis's proclamation appears to have caused particular resentment on account of its being published directly after the Filipinos had been celebrating the anniversary of the execu tion of Dr. Rizal, whose memory- is revered as that of a national martyr. The rnniversary received special observance this year on account.
Aguinaldo, as if there should be a clash it would be followed by great loss of life and property. the plantations especially suffering. Outside if the city at the moment are nearly 10,000 Mon- tanes and mixed natives armed with knives and spears; they are anxious to be allowed into the city. In Negros, a near by island, it is reported that some 20,000 men are in arms waiting for a call. Several half-castes and Spaniards have Laken refuge in the house of Mr. Whaley, au American from Manila.
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H.M.S. Bonaventure arrived from Manila yesterday bearing the telegraphic proclamation from President MoKinley of the.. signing of the treaty, and also orders to proceed without delay to establish the sovereignty of the United States over the entire islands. To-day the proclamation was communicated to the native authorities, and it is expected tu have a considerable influence for good. It is understood that the policy of the United States will be conciliatory to the last possible extreme and fighting is to be avoided if possible.
Mr. Balfour, manager of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, brought out the specie and treasure from the vaults to the Newport to-day, as he fears that the situation may become untenable.
To-night Messrs. Whaley, Johnson. and Charnet, who have been in Iloilo for the last three weeks, were warned to leave the town or their houses would be burned. This was done. он ac ount of their American sympathies. Mr. Whaley had just fitted out a hotel, at considerable expense, but was obliged to abandon, it; he does not anticipate any looting, unless.. the whole town should be destroyed.
Without a doubt every possible means are. being employed to give a stout resistance, and particulars in planning the rapid capture of the American officers are neglecting no the city if the apparently inevitable should happen.
CONCILIATORY, MEASURES AT AN END.
5th December.. The proclamation issued to the Filipinos by President McKinley has been trunslated and read to them and copies distributed. It was hoped that the message would be productive of good results, but it has been an absolute failure. They now ridicule the American “diplomacy and stoutly adhere to their determination, to) hold the city and island,
Day and night preparations contiune, for a lively resistance, and every hour of the delay, is : made to count in throwing up works, and bar, ricading streets. Kerosine has been placed in the goverument buildings, the churches, and principal houses, and it is threatened that it : the Filipinos meet with defeat the town will bou burned. The servants have left their employers and warned them to get out of town, es they may be held and placed in exposed positious. Mr. Balfour, the manager of the Hongkong On the transports Newport and Arizona every. | and Shanghai Banking Corporation, has trans- thing is in readiness for a landing this after-ferred the treasure and specie to the Newport noon if necessary; the boats are all down and nutil the trouble
e shall be over protected with two Gatlings and two. Hotchkiss honses are also taking measures for the safety guns; stores and equipment have been packed. of goods. Furniture, stock, and household goods Colonel Potter bas arrived from Manila with of every description have been taken out of sealed orders that are understood to advise a town. The foreigners and many of the quick and decisive treatment of the difficulty. families have taken tesnge on the ships As the time grows on to noon several foreigners opposite island of Guimaras, where quie
The other.