July 9, 1898.]
crossed it on their way to inspect the town. In some way the prisoners learned that the Admiral was passing and could be seen. It took but a minute for the word to be passed along. There was a grand rush and scramble to the windows. Men piled or top of men and pulled each other away in a mighty effort to get a glimpse of the Almirante Americans who had so completely defeated their Admiral, whom they deemed abolutely invincible.
14
At first this rough and tumble contest was thonght by the guards to be a wild attempt to escape and the signal was given to call help, but in a moment the manner and comment of the prisoners proved that they were only satisfying their curiosity as to the Uncon- querable American," as one Spanish officer saluted Admiral Dewey. Strange to say, the remarks of Spanish officers and privates overheard by those who were near contained only kind or complimentary words, while the looks on their faces were those of wonderment and admiration rather than curiosity and hatred. Though Dewey was the cause of all their misfortunes in way, they showed genuine respect for him almost as a child would for a parent who punished him severely for wroug doing. It was the first time they had seen him and they probably will not have another oppor tunity. For hours afterwards Spanish soldiers from Brigadier Gonoral Garcia Pena down to privates were talking over this extraordinary man who had no fear for Spanish hosts on land
or sea.
The relations between Admiral Dowey and General Aguinaldo' are perfectly agreeable — that is, there are no differences and misunder standings as to policy and methods. There is no union of forces or action of the American Naval force in co-operation with the insurgent troops, but there is a friendly feeling between them which is in a sense equal to an unofficial alliance. Any stories of inability to agree or to support one other are unfounded. Consul Williams, whose tact is never wanting iy dealing with the insurgents, conducts most of the exchanges of opinion or negotiations be. tween Admiral Dewey and General Aguinaldo. He confirms my statement about pleas ut
relations.
If anyone in Hongkong doubts the strength of the rebel movement he should go within their - lines nearly every day for a week as I do and the facts of the case would soon be demonstrated beyond question or quibble. Aguinaldo has
over
more able bodied volunteers than he can need. They come from all
Luzon and from every section that is within a few days journey by land or water from the insurgent headquarters. To-day I saw 500 men from Bataanga and yesterday 200 from Balucan that had come freely and wanted arms that they might go into the field. A rich man in Pam- pangas has sent in great quantities of rice. Another in Cavite supplies cattle and still another brings the actual cash. $5,000 arrived to-day from men living in Bataan. At first they would not accept any receipt, but Agui- naldo, who is apparently trying to do things in a business way, insisted on giving them one, saying that when the war was over the amount would be paid back. These are passing incidents that indicate earnestness
on the part of the people.
I asked General Aguinaldo the other day what he expected-what he hoped-would happen when the war was over and did he anticipate the establishment of an independent Philippine republic. He hesitated is his usually reticent manner and then said: "It would be very indiscreet for me to express my hopes about the future before the war is over and when matters are so unsettled as now, but I will say that we Philippinos have the greatest confidence in the fairness of the United States. We trust the American people and we know that if they are back of us we will be able to obtain and hold our full rights and be respected by all the great powers of Europe. The Americans have righted a wrong in Cuba and they will in the Philippines."
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The General has fully 6,000 well armed men in the field whom he is massing as fast as possible around Manila, bringing them in from lesser places as they are captured. Had he the arms to equip them he could send a force into Manila that would seize the place like a swarm of bees covering a piece of honey,
CHINA OVERLAND TRADE REPORT.
The lot of Aguinaldo's followers who came down from Hongkong on the Kwong Hoi were mostly sent to the front without any delay and will experience a very different kind of life than they enjoyed in Hongkong. Most of them may he patriots and willing to stand any bardship required, but I met to-day one of them who looked and acted as if he wished ho were back in Hongkong. Warfare was evidently too much of a reality for him. He came dressed like a dandy and expecting some soft billet in Aguinaldo's office. He received a commission to go at once to the rear of Manila and look after the supplies for the rebel troops, which meant also that he might even have to take a turn as cook! Two days were enough. He is back in Carite alleging illness aud fever and looks already as if he had been in the backwoods for six months. He is well known in Hong kong, but at the special request of one of the General's secretaries I refrain from giving his name. I understand that he has been assigned to a position as messenger between the outer and inner sanctums of the General's headquar ters! But this is not typical. By far the ! majority of these men accept their orders with. out question and faithfully execute them. They at least seem quite a match for their Spanish
foes.
31
small steamers, several good launches, many cascos, and a few barges, but all of these are not at Manila, some being at Marivales and Subig.
Fires are seen almost every day at different points around Manila. They are started both by insurgents and Spaniards and often get beyond their control. The rains that come up nearly every day do more to put out these fires than any body of men. The rains have been of advantage as they were badly needed. All cisterns and tanks are now filled which three weeks ago were empty.
Cavite presented a gay scene on Friday morn- ing. The Philippinos in their zeal to show the spirit that is so strong these days did honour to the memory of Dr. Rizal, who was shot two years ago by the Spaniards, by appropriate exercises and display of troops together with religious ceremonies, including the opening of a school to be called Rizal College. Thousands of natives joined in the demonstration and mingled cheers for the cause of freedom from Spain with speeches eulogizing the dead patriot. On the Zafiro, aside from those already men- tioned as coming over to Manila from Hong- kong, were Lieutenant Brice of the staff of Brigadier General Otis, daily expected in the Peking. He is a son of Ex U.S. Senator The Zafiro, which roturned on Friday morning, Brice, who has been very prominent in American June 24, from Hongkong, brought down four-public life for many years. Another passenger teen more exiled insurgents, including E. San- was Mr. McDonald, of the staff of the N.Y. dico, M. Marti, V. Bilarmino, J. Artacho, C. Journal and the San Francisco Examiner. News- Arago, G. Lichauco, A. Escaulia, M. King. E. paper men are coming in increasing numbers. de la Kaiue, J. Ygnacio, D. Lopes, V. Triviuio, By the troopships five or six more are expected, T. Sousago, N. Joaquim. They were all assom- With the fleet at present are six, in Manila bled at Aguinaldo's place on Friday afternoon there are four more, so that the total will soon awaiting an opportunity to see their leader. reach fifteen or sixteer. Surely the world Aguinaldo, however, discriminates between those should not suffer for want of news of all kinds. who need to be seen at once and those who can wait, in the same way as busy men holding im- portant posts at home. When Consul Williams or your correspondent walked in with a request to see the General, there was little or no delay,| THE POSITION OF THE SQUADRON, bul when some one of this number of new arrivals humbly suggested that he would like to pay his respects to his leader he was told that a later hour would do as well as the present-not that he is arrogant or exclusive but that he is an extremely busy man. headquarters now used are a great improvement over the former ones. Formerly the residence and office of the Spanish Governor of Cavite they are well suited for Aguinaldo's purpose, affording abundance of room and opportunity both for his official and private work. A close guard is kept to prevent any attempt on his life. In the ante rooms and corridors are aides armed with swords while at the entrance is a detachment of 25 men with rifles.
Everyone that enters is closely scanned and a stranger is stopped and asked his business unless it is evident that he is an American naval officer or a press correspondent.
The
Quite severe engagement between the Spanish regulars and insurgents lent a little excitement to Thursday night. The Spaniards made their first notable attempt to drive back the rebels from their advanced position. Fally 1,500 of the former attacked the latter just south of Manila and tried to drive them from the trenches which the rebels captured a few days ago after a hard fight in which many were killed.
The insurgents numbered 700. At first it looked like victory for the insurgents, who met the advance of the Spaniards with an enfilading as well as direct fire. The 1s Spaniards came up with reinforcements and seemed sure of carrying the rebel position and capturing the 700 as prisoners, but at the critical moment the rebels steadied and poured in such a strong fire that the Spaniards retreated and did not renew the attack. Had the Spaniards had a little more spirit and kept on they could surely have driven out the rebels, but in this as most
other fights they show a lack of nerve when it is needed. Several lesser skirmishes have broken the monotony at other points, but they
have not been decisive.
The insurgents won a double prize a few days ago. They captured a fine ship in Tayabas Bay and on her several hundred Spanish troops being conveyed from one point to another. The Spanish soldiers made some resistance, in which a Lieutenant Colonel was killed. The vessel's name is the Bohol. The insurgents are now collecting quite a fleet. They have three
THE ARRIVAL OF THE AMERICAN TROOPS.
NATIVE METHODS OF WARFARE,
[FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT WITH THE AMERICAN FLEET.]
Manila Bay, 1st July. It was a great event-a red letter day--in the annals of the American freet that holds Manila Bay when yesterday afternoon, Thursday, June 30, 1898, the Charleston and Baltimore came steam- ing into port with the Australia, City of Peking, and City of Sydney. They were a few days overdue and for that reason the more anxiously awaited. They arrived all in good condition with the men in excellent spirits and ready for operations. As they came up the Bay, the Charleston and Baltimore abreast, with the Pek ing, Australia, aud Sydney following in order named they made a magnificent and inspiring sight. It gladdened every American heart and saddened, I fear, every Spanish. The Charleston looked every inch the fighter she is and the transports loaded with 3,000 able bodied men indicated in no uncertain way that Uncle Sam means business in this matter of the conquest of the Philippines.
Only one unpleasant incident marred the pageant of the afternoon. Of course the Germans are responsible. No other nation would allow its ships such conduct.
As the American ships came up the bay in the order named they were closely followed by the German man-of-war Kaiserin Augusta, which has been cruising about Marivales for some time. The impression given to everyone was that she was not only making a close observation of the American forces and ships but endeavouring to show to Americans and Spaniards alike that she represented a nation that must be reckoned with in the present crisis.
The long and short of the feeling among Americans and Englishmen in this Bay is that the attitude of Germany as shown by the action of her men-of war here is highly reprehensible and anything but respectful to the United States. Many German merchants in Manila doing business with America are almost as displeased as the Americans and English.
The most important news brought by the Charleston is the capture of the Carolines and Ladrones. The American flag floats over the principal islands of both.
When the Charleston entered Guain, she fired seven guns at the forts. The Governor think-
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