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vessel quick despatch. It was further provided that if the vessel was detained beyond the time specified for discharge demurrage should be paid at the rate of $150 for each day over. The Astrid arrived in Hongkong on May 16th, before with 2,012 tons of coal. p.m.,
Notice was given to defendants by plaintiffs that the vessel was ready to deliver, and ou the 17th de fendants commenced to take delivery of the coal. They, however, did not give the steamship quick despatch and did not complete the discharge until the 23rd of May, whereas they ought to have completed on May 21st,
THE HONGKONG WEEKLY PRESS AND
In their answer to the petition defendants contend that plaintiffs have suffered no loss under the charter party through their fault. and further say that the delay (if any) which plaintiffs allege took place in the discharge of the vessel occurred wholly through the fault and negligence of plaintiffs.
Evidence was called in support of plaintiff's case and a witness was called on the other side, after which the further bearing was adjourned.
1st September.
This case again came on for hearing, and af the conclusion of the argument His Lordship intimated that be reserved his decision.
ALLEGED BREACH OF CONTRACT, The Tai Kee firm, for whom Mr. H. L. Dennys appeared, sued the Man Wo firm, for whom Mr. Hastings appeared, for $375 damages for breach of contract, they having failed to deliver certain goods by a specified date.
His Lordship gave judgment for plaintiffs for $300 with costs.
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THE AMERICANS AT MANILA.
COLLISION WITH THE INSURGENTS. AT CAVITE.
AN AMERICAN SOLDIER KILLED.
Hongkong, 30th August, The U. S. protected cruiser Raleigh arrived in the harbour from Manila on Sunday and went into dock yesterday. Yesterday morning the flagship Olympia made her appearance. She left Manila Bay at four o'clock on Friday after- noon shortly after the Raleigh, and reports that when she left all was quiet. Business was being resumed and ships were allowed to go in aud out as heretofore. Apparently, however, the in. surgents have not yet got over their soreness.
[September 3, 1898.
Houses are in great demand. American
wants small change of local denomination.' On the | corners and in the stores little groups of Spaniards | officers and others are looking out for comfort- and natives can be seen looking at and counting | able quarters and engaging all places that are the gold that has come into their bands Even for rent and suitable. The Spaniards are prone the cabinen have their pockets filled with five to charge high rates, but the fear that if they do dollar gold pieces. So altogether the coming not lease to officers their houses may be im- of the Americans is a blessing to the city in pressed into use as barracks for soldiers canses certain ways. It is not uncommon to hear a them to lower their figures before losing the tradesman remar that if he had appreciated opportunity to rent, A first class. An erican what he was missing during the siege he would hotel or boarding house would be a popular and not have joined the volunteers to help keep ont paying institution. the Americans! Shoe stores, clothing establish. ments, barber shops, hotels, restaurants, cafes, and other drinking places have greatly prospered. and the look of happiness is dep.cted on the fures of the respective proprietors. There has also been such a great run on carriages and cabs that for the first fire days it was practically impossible to obtain a cab or other conveyance to go anywhere at any price, unless it was hired at daybreak and retained all | day. Although the rush is somewhat pressing the cabmen claim and oftau set double rates. They are not slow to ask an American ignorant of the regular rates two or three times what they are entitled to demand.
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In some respects Manila at the present re- minds me of a prosperous western minng town in America. The crowds of men in the streets, the throngs in the cafes and beer-gardens, and the quantity of coin in circulation together with the rough and ready spirit and occasional hilarity of the American soldiers all suggest the comparatively fevered state of a city under temporary high pressure. In spite of so much life and money, there is very little indication of crime. Nobody seems to be taking extra pre- cautious, and women go about as freely as in peace times. The few cases of arrests reported are mostly of a character not caused by new conditions. While the Americau sol·liers have some among their number who occasionally absorb too much beer or other drinks and con duct themselves unbecomingly, the majority certainly acquit then.selves like gentlemen and are particularly inoffensive in view of the fact that they are victors. The uniforms of the Americans are most assuredly dirty and unpre- possessing in appearance and together with the unshaven condition of the men dne to long stay in camp cause unfavourable comment among those who would like to see Uncle Sam's soldiers show up to their true worth. Un. derneath these dull, mndstained uniforms are personages who are not afraid of any. thing and would follow their officers into hell if necessary. The Spaniards, while not at first understanding the untidy appear. ance of the American privates' uniforms, con- tinually express their admiration for the sturdy, healthy, look of the men and their large average size. It is difficult for them to realize that these 10,000 Americans represent really the pick of 150,000, that is, only one in fifteen was selected of those who wanted to enlist or join the Army. As there has been and is some criticism of drunkenness among the American soldiers would suggest that two facts be-borne in mind; first. only a very small percentage of the total number have ever been intoxicated, and these few, being noticeable, hare given an exaggerated idea of the number; second, of the entire force, all but one regiment were nearly a month in the trenches and camp experiencing heavy rains and all sorts of discomforts, and now they have the first opportunity to relax, and oc- casionally over-do it.
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Business is gradually accommodating itself to the situation and the river is resuming its ens tomary signs of life. The new captain of the port, Captain Glass of the Charleston, has been devoting much time to clearing the entrance to the river of sunken lighters and ships and will soon have it in better shape than it was in former peace times. Dynamite is being used freely to blow up the wrecks. As soon as this accom- plished, dredgers will be set to work clearing
the bar of accumulated mud and sand so that vessels drawing fourteen feet will be able to come up to the quays without difficulty.
At this writing the insurgents are quiet. The fears of serious difficulties are lessening. General Merritt himself does not seem worried, The water-works, which have been the occasion of extended negotiations, are being rapidly re- paired and will soon be working a right. The insurgents have agreed not to molest' them. Up to the present. the lack of water has been the cause of much trouble, and were it not for abundant rains the city would be a great sufferer. Part of the rebel forces still occupy buildings in Malate and other parts of the suburbs, but they are not allowed to advance nearer ander arms. They hold certain points along the va cated American trenches, but are not assembled anywhere in great force. Agniualdɔ is still at Bakor.
[FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.]
Manila, 23rd August. Manila is a most interesting city at present. Perhaps it is more interesting than ever before in its history. I do not refer to the interest aroused by the city's huildings, churches, ca- thedrals, colleges, fortifications, and factories, but to the peculiar conditions that now exist. First there is an American army of occupation of 10,000 men, of whom the officers and a con- siderable portion of the privates have the liberty of the streets, cafes, and hotels; second, there is a captured army of 8.000 to 10,000 of whom the officers have full liberty, carrying even their side arms; third, there are a certain number of insurgents, officers and men, who also frequent the thoroughfares; fourth, there is a. large body of Spanish civil officials who have lost their jobs" and have nothing whatever to do but kill time; and fifth there are those Am- ericaus who-born "hustlers that they are--- Notwithstanding all the stories published of are looking for good opportunities to invest hunger and famine in Manila the Americans are money or turn an honest dollar to advantage
commenting on the well fed appearance of Spaniards tell me that the streets were never the Spanish soldiers. Not only officers bat more crowded except on feast days, while all meu look as if they had not suffered from small agree that money was never before thrown
quautity or poor quality of food. They may around in such quantities as now. These 10.000 not nave enjoyed luxuries, but they had sufficient American soldiers have had no chance since of staple articles of diet to keep them in fair their arrival and prior to the occupation of condition. I would not expect to see a healthier, Manila to spend their wages. On entering the neater looking lot of soldiers than those [ city, they lost no time in getting rid of their saw in the Intramures just after the capitulation, pay. All kinds of stores have benefitted Whenever British sailors have come on shore and the Spaniards are amazed at the they have been lionized by American soldiers. amount of money that is in circulation. Whether they came single or in groups they Gold is plentiful. This in itself surprises have been invariably surrounded, and supplied and pleases the inhabitants, now that they with all the beer they could drink! The Ger appreciate that a goodly part of it is going man samen have also visited the city in con- into their pockets. The majority of the Ameri|siderable numbers, but they have been very can soldiers were and are paid in gold. with the discreet, and whenever they meet American result, that a large part of it is immediately soldiers are careful to say or do nothing that thrown on the market, because every soldier' might excité the latter.
The city government under Provost Marshal General MacArthur is proceeding favourably. The able Post Office officials of the United States are overcoming the first difficulties that faced them and are managing the mails success- fully, although the Spanish force refused to as- sist them. I send you a copy of the Official Gazette which has the principal orders issued up to date. In my next letter I hope to be able to treat the political situation here principally ns it affects Americ ns and Britishers. The sen. time.ere is overwhelming that the Americans should at least hold Manila, the bay, surround- ings, and Subig.
Later.
The mail did not leare quite as soon as first stated and I have time to mention matters which have come to my notice during the last few bours. Consul Williams is kept very busy negotiating with Aguinaldo on behalf of the Americans and is reported as being quite Buc- cessful. It would appear that he has consider- able influence with Aguinaldo: and believes in settling any difficulties that may arise in as peaceful a way as possible. He has demonstrated to Aguinaldo that the United States cannot permit armed insurgents to remain within the city limits and has advised him not only to withdraw his men now occupying barracks in Mulate but to station them fully five miles from the outskirts of the city, thus avoiding all chance of clashing and paving the way for better understanding by avoiding incidents that are sure to be a source of disturbance when the American and insurgent trenches or camps are opposite each other or in easy visiting proximity. It is thought that Aguinaldo will agree to this provided he is sure that, in the event the Americans evacuate Manila, he can resume bis old position and not lose the ground al- ready conquered to the Spaniards. In other words, if the Americans depart, he wants to make sure that the Spaniards steal no march on him and consider as theirs what he claims he has already captured.
Trouble over the water works has been cleverly avoided, as the following will show, Not long ago a detachment of American troops en route to the water works surrounded and disarmed a body of 150 insurgents who, the Americans thought, were engaging in a skirmish with them. These men were brought in as prisoners and their arms stacked. When Aguinaldo heard this he was greatly troubled and on investiga- tion told Cousal Williams there was a serioas mistake somewhere and that his soldiers had never intended to attack the Americans bat
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