w i ■MVi 0. i.^l f i -"^^ia «.^ m «.,-^k; ^K:>'^ 1% ''Mn. fl M| ^t^ ^H^^^^^^ m| ^^^^^■*.. Copyrighted by George Spiel. 18 ADMIRAL GEORGE DEWEY C«r< SuMvifi tkrwy, (Gf'njfalhvf) Gtarg» D««rty (I A£« uf 30. '.».€■[• ri,..J»ln Drwcv. (Sun). FOUR GENERATIONS 1)1. Jullui Ytnunj Ucwcy, ^halh«r) LIFE AND GLORIOUS DEEDS ADMIRAL DEWEY INCLUDING / JS '■' >^ A THRILLING ACCOUNT OF OUR CONFLICTS WITH THE SPANIARDS AND FILIPINOS IN THE ORIENT THE COMPLETE STORY OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE JOSEPH L. STICKNEY ADMIRAL DEWEV'S AIDE FULLY ILLUSTRATED WITH PHOTOGRAPHS MANY OF WHICH WERE TAKEN BY THE AUTHOR DURING THE BATTLE, FROM THE BRIDGE OF THE OLYMPIA IN MANILA BAY THE CHAS. B. AVER COMPANY, CHICAGO, ILL. LIBRARY ol CONGRESS Two Copies Received MAV 9 1904 Ceoyrtehl Entry CLASS XXo. No. COPY B .irsfc Copyright 1898 11 Y JOSEPH L. STICKNEY. •^ajjfls^ Dedicated To The Navy of the United States BY J^lt^^ 7 PREFACE. In the first week of May, 1898, while the people of the United States were eagerly watching events in Cuba, while the attention of all was turned toward the island that promised to be the focal point in the pending Spanish-American war, this message flashed across the sea from the distant islands of the Western Pacific: "Not one Spanish flag flies in Manila Bay to-day. Not one Spanish warship floats, except as our prize." The brilliant victoiy that Admiral Dewej- won over the Spanish fleet in the Philippines aroused the United States to the highest pitch of enthusiasm. For the moment Cuba was forgotten, and all public interest was directed toward this distant fighting center. Patriotism ran high. The "stars and stripes" and Admiral Dewey's picture were everyvrhere displayed. Praise of the man was heard on all sides. No such deed of valor and skilled manoeuvering had been known since the days of Farragut, and for a time it was thought that the battle of Manila Bay would end the war. To-day the war is ended. Messages telling of brilliant and surpris- ing victories are no longer sent from south and east; bulletins are no longer posted in the streets; but, while the American nation is bravely assuming the "White Man's Burden," the result of its great conquest, it becomes the part of History to commemorate the events of ;he war, of which the first and most decisive took place on that pleasant May morn- ing when the people of Manila and Cavite awoke to find the American squadron at their doors. It has seemed to me desirable, in this recital of the heroic deeds of a 10 PREFACE. man like Dewey, to begin with a narration of that one of the incidents in his career that will be longest remembered, one that will be insep- arably linked with not only the story of his life but with the history of his country. I make no apology, therefore, for allowing the early events in Admiral Dewey's life to be placed after the great victoiy that has made him famous throughout the world. I have heard it called strange that no one who knew Dewey prior to the battle of Manila Bay had any presentiment that he would develop into one of the extraordinary naval commanders of modern times. There is a trite but, nevertheless, probably true saying that "the wox'ld knows nothing of its greatest men." Admiral Dewey is not an accident; he is the natural product of his own strong individuality and the system by which the officers of the navy of the United States are trained. He has passed through a school in which the necessitj^ to act upon the in- spiration of an instant is combined with the knowledge of how to wait with infinite patience i t- the arrival of the right time to act. It is altogether probable that, if there had been no war with Spain, Admiral Dewey would have reached the retiring age next December without having done an^-thing that would have made his countrymen remember him with greater interest or gratitude than they would have felt for an}- one of a dozen other navy officers of his time. But all his life had been a preparation for just the opportunity that came to him. When other officers of his grade were suggested for the command of the Asiatic station in the latter part of 1897, no one cared to have it. It was offered to Dewey and he accepted it — not because he fore- saw an opportunity to win fame, but because he believed an officer should always be ready for any duty that might be required of him. When at last the time for action drew near, he prepared for it'in such a thorough manner that nothing was left to chance. Having com- pleted every preparation that forethought, skill and experience could suggest, Dewey's one object was to get within reach of the enemy at the earliest possible moment. There was where the spirit of the natural sea-fighter canu- out and compelled success. It is true that his squadron ^. ^ . S^Xt^twt' -CJ» 'Tf^^'-fV- 5? AOriNALUO, the IimnrKent leader of the Filipinos. To hiH Moplr he rnnks as a Ilolivar. a Tous«ainl LOuvi-rture or a Washington. History mint dcCKlc whrrt he i« lo he placeil This work iucludes a sketch of his life and per- (onality, with au cstiiiiule ol his character. PREFACE. 13 was much stronger than that of the Spaniards; but the difference in their merely material force cut no figure in the result. It is no exag- geration to say that if Montojo had had Dewey's fleet and if Dewey had had Montojo's, it would still have been the colors of the United States that would lia^-' been the only ensign afloat in Manila Bay at the close of the action. It is because Admiral Dewey is a type of the American vrho compels and deserves the admiration of not only his own countrymen but of the people of every nation who hold dear courage and capacity, delicacy and strength, that his name will go down to posterity as one of the noblest of this century. J^lt^^ 7 Chicago, April, 1899. 2 O SS Mide bjr T\S*nf Ic Co., New York. THE GIFT OF A NATION. Tb« abov* picture It ■ pbologriph of the sword and belt ordered by Congress to be given Admiral token of tfa* cttloD'i gratitude. It U rlcblr embellished with precious stones. GENERAL THOMAS ANDERSON TABLE OF CONTENTS. GHAPTEE I. FROM HONG KONG TO MANILA. rage. Commodore Dewey in Command of the Asiatic Squadron — How the Story of the "Maine" Disaster Was Obtained — Putting the Fleet in Readiness for Battle — A Race from Tokio to Join Dewey — Leaving Hong Kong in Deference to Neutrality Laws — A Rendez- vous in Mirs Bay — The Voyage to Manila — Night Drills and Emergency Calls — The Final War Council — Nearing the Day of Battle — In Manila Bay 23 CHAPTER IL THE BATTLE OF MANILA BAY. First Glimpse of the Enemy's Fleet at Cavite — Dewey Reserves His Fire — "You May Fire When You Are Ready, Captain Gridley" — The Story of the Conflict— That Withdrawal for Breakfast- Resuming the Attack — Dewey's Official Report to the Navy De- partment — Dewey Fulfills His Instructions — How Captain Grid- ley Told the Tale — A Spanish Account of Our Victory 38 CHAPTER in. AFTER THE BATTLE. Receiving the Surrender of Cavite Arsenal — Quibbles and Evasions to Meet — A Case for Haste — Journey to Hong Kong to Send Dis- patches — Capture of the Callao — Routine of Blockade Duty in Manila Bay — Arrival of Aguinaldo from Hong Kong — Estab- lishing a Government at Cavite — Three Important Proclamations — Filipino Victories over the Spanish — Their Treatment of Span- ish Prisoners — Insurgents Invest Manila 66 15 16 TABLE OF CONTENTS. CHAPTER IV. PREPARING TO TAKE MANILA. The American People Rise to an Emergency — Cieueral Merrltt Chosen to Comimand an Expedition to the Philippines — Gathering an Army at San Francisco — Complications with the Germans in Manila Bay — Another Spanish Gunboat Captured — Prisoners Become a Nuisance — Arrival of Transports and Troops — First Battle Ashore — Ready to Take Manila 80 CHAPTER V. MERRITT AND DEWEY CAPTURE MANILA. Approach of the Time when Waiting Was to End — Efforts to Obtain a Surrender Without an Engagement Fail — Story of the Battle of August 1?> — Dramatic and Picturesque Features of the Assault on the Fortifications — Taking Possession of the City — The Part Played by the Navy — Captured Spanish Gunboats Distinguish Themselves — Organizing the New Regime in Manila — Waiting for the Declaration of Peace lOiJ CHAPTER VL ANCESTRY AND CHILDHOOD OF GEORGE DEWEY. "The Child is the Father of the Man" — Origin of the Dewey Family — Nine Generations Born in America — The Grandfather of the Admiral — Dewey's Father and His Traits — Stories of the Home Life and the Youth of the Coming Hero — Boyish Pranks and Their Punishment — A Voyage in a Buggy — School Life and Schoolmates — Appointment to the Naval Academy at Annapolis. . .121 CHAPTER VIL GEORGE DEWEY IN THE CIVIL WAR. Four Years in the Naval Academy at Annapolis — Incidents of Cadet Life — .\ Cruise on the European Station — Rapid Promotion for the Young OfRcer — Outbreak of the Rebellion — Executive OflScer TABLE OF CONTENTS. 17 of the "Mississippi" — Bravery of Dewey When His Vessel Was Destroyed — Mentioned in OfQcial Reports — Service With Far- ragut— At the Taking of Fort Fisher— What Admiral Porter Thought— The End of the War 135 CHAPTER Vni. DEWEY FROM WAR TO WAR. When the Civil War Ended — On the European Station — Incidents of the Cruise — Marriage and Bereavement of Dewey — Service iu Asiatic Waters — Successive Promotions — Shore Duty in Wash- ington — Ordered to Command the Asiatic Squadron — The Thanks of the Nation — Presents and Honors — Dewey an Admiral . . 1.51 CHAPTER IX. THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS IN HISTORY. The Orient Always an Object of Interest and Desire — Writers of Authority on the Philippines — Magellan's Famous Voyage under the Flag of Spain — The Ladrones Discovered — Arrival at Min- danao — Relations with the Natives — ^Legaspi Sails from Mexico for the Philippines — The Subjugation of the Islands — Revolt and Insurrection — The British Invasion 167 CHAPTER X. ISLAND GEOGRAPHY, CONDITIONS AND RESOURCES. The Native Tribes of the Philippines — Islands Comprising the Group — Climatic Conditions — Safeguards Against Disease — Earthquakes and Volcanoes — Animal and "S'egetable Life — Land and Water Reptiles — Beasts and Birds in Countless Numbers — Extensive Pearl Fisheries — Mineral Wealth of the Islands — Chinese Inter- ests in the Mines — Valuable Discoveries and Future Develop- ment 185 18 TABLE OF CONTENTS. CHAPTER XL MANILA AND LUZON UNDER THE SrANISH REGIME. The Walls of the Ancient Citj — Picturesque Parks and Public Grounds — The Chinese and Their Work — Tragic Memories of the Lunetta — Beauties of the Night — Amusements of the Natives — Italian Opera and ^Vmerican Circus — Spanish Bull Fights and English Horse Races — The Hotels of the City — Native Shops and Their Keepers — ^The Town of Cavite — Steamship Service of the Island . . 202 CHAPTER XII. THE CENTRAL ISLANDS OF THE ARCHIPELAGO. The Visayan Archipelago — On an Island Steamei' — A Typical Spanish Town — A Fort Without a Gun — Yellow Journalism in the Phil- ippines — Beautiful Women Who Smoke — Cebu and Its Commer- cial Importance — The Island of Panay — The Sulu Sea and Its Boundaries — Primitive Modes of Life in Palawan — Among the Savage Tribes 214 CHAPTER XIIL SULU AND MINDANAO, THE HOME OF THE MOROS. Origin of the Sulu Mohammedans — A War for Sui)remacy — Fighting the Pirates — Insurrections in the Islands — An Etticieut Governor — Where the Slave Trade Flourishes — How to Govern the Sulus — An Island Comparatively Unknown — Construction of the Native Houses — Peculiar Systems of Local Government — Hos- pitality of the Filipinos 232 CHAPTER XIV. THE FILIPINOS AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS. Savage Tribes in the Islands — The Original Inhabitants — The Com- mencement of the Insurrections — Native Weapons and How They are Used — Picturesque Dress of Men and Women — Religious Ceremonies — Beliefs of the Morros — Some Civilized Character- istics — .\ Tribe of Head Hanters — How Some of the Natives Live,. . 247 TABLE OF CONTENTS. 19 CHAPTER XV. COMMERCIAL AND NATIVE INDUSTRIES. New Fields for American Enterprise — Where Rope is Made — Needs of the Hemp Growers — An Opportunity for Inventors — Magnitude of the Sugar Industry — The Tobacco Factories of Manihi — In- fluence of the Chinese in Industrial Matters — Window Panes Made From Shells — The Uses of the Bamboo — Rice the Prin- cipal Article of Food — How to Reach the Islands 260 CHAPTER XVI. AGUINALDO, THE LEADER OF THE FILIPINOS. Personality and Career of the Most Notable Man in the Philippines — The Last Insurrection Against the Spanish and How It Termi- nated — Bribery and the Consequences — Varying Opinions of Aguinaldo — A Word About the American Consuls — Relations with Army and Navy — General Merritt and the Filipino Admin- istration 273 CHAPTER XVIL FRICTION BETWEEN AMERICANS AND FILIPINOS. Complications Are Threatened from the Beginning — The Germans and the Insurgents — Affair of the Steamer Filipinas — Recognizing the Insurgent Flag — How Dewey Dealt with Aguinaldo — Aguin- aldo and His Forces Required to Leave Manila — Picturesque March Through the City — Filipino Congress in Session at Malolos 287 CHAPTER XVIII. FILIPINOS AND THE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT. An Appeal from the Junta Patiiotica at Hong Kong to the American People — Charges of Bad Faith — General Merritt's Opinion of the Filipinos — General Otis Tries to Secure the Release of Spanish 20 TABLE OF CONTENTS. Prisoners Held by the Insurgents— Our Expedition to Iloilo — Prcsidmt McKinloy's Instructions to the American Authorities in Mauihi— A Manifesto from Aguinaldo — The Filipino Cabinet — Agoni illo in Washington — President McKinley Appoints a Commission 299 CHAPTEE XIX. OUR WAR WITH THE FILIPINOS. Commencement of Hostilities Between Americans and Filipinos — The Advance of the Americans — Old Men and Children in the Trenches — Shells from Dewey's Fleet — A Filipino Proclama- tion — Manila on Fire — Cessation of Hostilities — Arrival of the Philippine Commission — The Attaclc on Pasig — Aguinaldo in the Trenches — Arrival of the Oregon 323 CHAPTER XX. CAMPAIGNING IN LUZON. The Fighting Continues — Buniing Native Huts — Many Killed on Both Sides — The Advance on Malolos — Lawton Captures Santa Cruz — Our Men Wade Ashore Tender Fire — In the Hands of the Enemy — General Lawton Evacuates the Captured Towns — General Otis' Opinion — Revival of Confidence Among the Fili- pinos 346 CHAPTER XXL THE PEACE COMMISSION MEETS HOSTILITY. The Persouucl of the Commission — I'roclaniation to the Filipinos — As- suianics of Good Will — The Supremacy of the I'nited States to Be Enforced — Honest Civil Service Promised — Industrial Pur- suits to Be Encouraged — The Public School System — Opinions of Leading Filipinos — No Cessation of Warfare 364 Poems of Dewey and the Philippines 373 CHAPTER XXII. CONTINUATION OF THE WAR. Brave Americans Fall in Battle — The Death of Colonel Stotzenberg — Calumpit Taken — Brilliant ^^■()rk of the Kansas Regiment — How Colonel Funston Swam the River — Representatives of .\guinaldo Ask a Truce — General Otis' Ultimatum — A Local FililiiiH) Government Receives American Sanction — Natives Return to Their Homes .'J92 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. PACK Frontispiece No. 1 — Admiral George Dewey. Frontispiece No. '1 — Group of Dewej-, his Father, Grandfather and Sou, showing four geuerations. The Autlior, Joseph Ij. Stickney 11 Emilio Aguinaldo 12 Dewey, Gridley aud I>auiberton 21 Reproduction of Rare ilap 22 View of Baltimore in Action 39 View of Spanish Ships 39 \'iew of the American Fleet 40 On Board The Olympia 40 The Spanish Cruiser Isla de Luzon 49 The Olympia at Anchor 49 Map of Manila and Surroundings 50 Map of Manila Continued 51 The Baltimore Going Into the Second Fight 52 View of a Corner of the Cavite Arsenal ' 52 Three Active ilen — Gridley, Lambert on and Rees (Jl The Olympia's Men Cheering the Baltimore During the Battle of Manila Bay Gl Cavite Arsenal Gate 02 The Wreck of the Castilla G2 After the Battle 79 Boats of the Cruiser Boston 79 The Concord .sO Damage to the Boston 80 Forward Turret of The Olympia 89 Starboard Side of The Olympia Quarterdeck 89 Headquarters of the Cavite Arsenal 90 Where the White Flag was Hoisted 90 Looting Cavite 91 Burying Spanish Dead After the Battle 91 Protecting the Ammunition 92 The Forward Turret and Bridge of The Olympia 92 The Raleigh 101 Military Mass in Dahalican 102 21 22 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. After Dewey's Guns Fired 119 Filipino lutrenihmeuts 119 A Spanish liombardineut 120 Birthplace of Admiral George Dewey 129 Admiral George Dewey's Wife (Deceased) 130 Grou{) — Two Brothers and Sister 131 Brother's Uouse and University Building 132 Dewey in a Runaway 141 Dewey Saving Life of Sailor 142 Dewey Leaving the Burning Mississippi 159 View in Cemetery 160 Manila Wharf . .' 169 The Main Street in Manila 170 Gun Foundry at Manila 171 Zapote Bridge 172 Destruction Wrought by iJoinbardment 181 Very Deliberate and Quite Characteristic of Spain 182 Near the l'hilipi)ine Islands, showing Spanish (iunboat Leyte 199 Perforated by Shells 200 Aguinaldo (taken when younger in age and experience) 200 Convent l^sed as a Magazine 217 A Beautiful Home and Park 218 Entrauce to Cavite 235 Aguinaldo's Cain]) 236 Captain Charles V. Gridley (Deceased) 253 Group of Filipino Officers, including General Aguinaldo 254 Aguinaldo's Secretary 271 A Company of Filipino Soldiers 272 A Defense 289 Former Home of the (Captain General of tlie I'iiilipiiincs 290 Red Cross Hosj)ilal in the Philippines 307 View of Cavite 308 General E. S. Otis 325 General Wesley Merritt 326 General Arthur MacArthur 343 General William Lawton 344 General Loyil Wheaton 361 General Frau.is V. Greene 362 General Charles King 379 View «)f Pasig River and Surroundings 380 Public S()uare and (^hurch at Paco 397 The Roads a Novelty to Americans 398 A I'retty Piece of Architecture 41S Country Road in the Philippine Islands 416 CopyrighleJ. 1899, by Juseph L. Slickney. DEWEY, GRIDLEY, LAMBERTON Commodore Dewey receiving reports from Captain Gridley and Commander Lamberton a few minutes after the fleet hauled off "for breakfast' during the battle of Manila Bay. Back of the group is seen the chase of the after 5-inch gun, which was in the Commodore's cabin, and above that gun is a 6-pounder, protected by hammocks. \,\'y^ "Ji^^ '[ ■■■, ■ mf? REPRODUCTION OF RARE MAP Taken from the chart-house of the Spanish cruiser Isla de Luzon the morning after the battle, while she was still burning. It was the chart used by the navigator of that vessel during the fight, found by Mr. Stickney, just as it had been abandoned when the Petrel drove the crew ashore. This is probably the only chart used by Uiu Spaniards during the battle, saved from the fire that destroyed them, after they were sunk. CHAPTER I. FROM HONG KONG TO MANILA. Commodore Dewey in Command of the Asiatic Squadron — How the Storv of the "Maine" Disaster Was Obtained — Putting the Fleet in Readiness for Battle — A Race from Tokio to Join Dewey — Leaving Hong Kong in Deference to Neutrality Laws — A Rendezvous in Mirs Bay— The Voyage to Manila— Night Drills and Emergency Calls — The Final War Council — Nearing the Day of Battle — In Manila Bay. Without treating the subject in a technical way, I purpose giving an account of Commodore (now Admii*al) Dewey's operations in the Phil- ippines, from the time when war with Spain was declared to the occupa- tion of the city of Manila. To most of these events I was an eye-witness, and I was in a position to learn what may be called the "inside history" of everj' important occurrence in the bay. Shortly after the explosion that destroyed the Maine, Commodore Dewey received orders to concentrate the Asiatic squadron at Hong Kong. Without professing to tell any state secrets, I may say that this rendezvous was made as a precautionary move in case the investiga- tion into the cause of the Maine's destruction should result in war with Spain. Accordingly the Flagship Olympia, the Boston, the Ra- leigh and the Concord, cruisers, and the gunboat Peti'el, assembled in the harbor of Dong Kong before the middle of March, 1898. The Monocacy, the only remaining vessel on the Asiatic station, was left in Shanghai because she was not sufficiently seaworthy to make even a short cruise. As I was not with Commodore Dewey at this time, I can speak about his acts prior to my joining him only from information obtained from his officere; but as to its absolute accuracy there can be no question. When the news of the destruction of the Maine was received on the Asiatic station, the news agency that serves the Far East with dis- patches from the United States and Europe sent such meager and un- satisfactory reports that the officers of the squadron in Hong Kong subscribed a sufficient sum of money to have a full account cabled to 23 24 FHOM H(>N(i K()N<; TO MANILA. them. Wishiujj; ;iii arcuiati- and unbiased .>arate line wi're the dispatch-boat McCulloch, the Zafiro ami tiie Xaiisliaii. The slow speed of eight knots was set by the llagshi]), because the colliers were deeply laden, and it was not wise to ]tush them to their best sjx'ed in the long, moderate sea then ninniug. The course was laid for Cajx' Boliuao, near llie iioilhcni cud of the island of Luzon, ami we ran out of the ground swell before Tliiiisday night, althftugh there was still ciinngli motion on 1 lie smaller ships to kec]) their decks wet ami far fimii ciiiiifoitabje. ^^■(•dllesday midnight the Commodore waked the boys uj) with a rail to "(luarters for action," just to see how (piickly they could get their siii])s ready to meet the enemy. As the raj)id and stirring notes of the bugle rang through the Oiymjiia, followed by the hoarse call of the boatswain's mates, the silent beehive was instantaneously transformed into a scene of the greatest activity. The watch already on deck jiromjitly began to clear Ihe bat- tcr\- for service. The wairli liclnw, iniiscd oiii oi' ilicii- early slee]), (piickly dropped from tiieir hammocks or sprang from the deck where FKOM HOXG KONG TO MANILA. 31 thev had been sleeping and hustled into their clothes. Soon they began appearing on the upper deck, each carrying two hammocks, to be stowed in the nettings or packed around the small rapid-fire pieces as a pro- tection against musketi-y. A Test of S,eadiness for Battle. The sea fastenings of the guns v/ere hastily cast loose, the training levers shipped, the sights uncovered, the elevating screws worked and the sponge and rammer placed ready for use. In the powder division the magazines were opened, the hatches of the shell rooms taken off, the electric battle lanterns turned on and put in their proper places, the division tubs filled with water and the ammunition hoists set at work whipping up powder and shell. The master's division went to the wheel and the lead, hung up the battle lanterns and swiftly swung the search lights around to be sure that they were in eaay working condition. The signalmen cleared away the Ardois lights and got otit the Coston signals, ready to communicate with the other ships of the fleet as occa- sion might require. The engineer's division gathered at their stations in the fire rooms and engine rooms, ready to fire up under all boilers and put on any pressure of steam up to the maximum limit as called upon, at the same time closing the watertight compartment doors and starting the forced-draft air blowers. Throughout the ship there was continuous movement and preparation, carried forward in silence and generally in darkness, the only noises being those caused by the working of the machinery and the guns. Suddenly, out of the silent gloom, the voice of the executive otticei*, Lieutenant IJees, was heard: "Man the starboard battery! Pivot to starboard!" The heavy turrets swung around on their centers till their guns pointed off to starboard, and the men quickly took their places at the gims on the starboaid side of the ship. When each division officer had satisfied himself that not one small detail of preparation had been overlooked, he went to the upper deck where the executive officer was standing and reported his division. The ship's writer, acting as clerk for the executive — in the absence of naval cadets in the Olympia — took note of the time when each division officer made his report, thus keeping a record by which the captain could judge the promptitude of his crew in all its departments. 32 FliOM HONG KONG TO MANILA. Spirited Work on the Olympia. In just seven minutes from the first note on the bugle, Lieutenant Eees reported to the captain: "The ship is cleared for action, sir." A rapid drill at the guiis — "going through the motions" of loading and firing at an imaginary enemy, first on one side and then on the other — kept the men on the jump for twenty minutes, and then came the order: "Secure!" "With a rapidity like to that with which the guns had been cast loose, the crew returned to the magazines and shell-rooms the ammunition that had been brought on deck, replaced the temporary fittings that had been removed and secured the guns for sea. Again the division officers had a brisk rivalry to be first in reporting their divisions secured, and when they had made their reports the executive officer sent word to the captain, "All secure, sir." This was followed by "Retreat!" sounded on the bugle, and the men left their battle sta- tions to resume the usual routine of the night watches. During the slow run across the China Sea, the men in our ships were exercised in all tlie duties ijci-taiuing to battle except the actual firing of the guns. There was never a moment after the tiuie the "hands were turned to" — the naA^y phrase that indicates the waking up of every one aboard and the stowing of all hammocks in the nettings— when the crews Avere not busy about something that would be of use to them in the fight that was now so near at hand. When twilight hour came it was a fairly well tired-out lot of jackies that carx*ied their hammocks be- low to get a night's rest, broken, of course, by the regular sea watches. Patriotic Music at Sea. At the hour wlieu llie officers dined in the evening the band mus- tered on the deck just forward of the Commodore's cabin and played popular airs, the selections being made usually from the light comic operas and stirring march movements of faA-orite composers; but on Thursday, the day after leaving Mirs Bay, IJandmaster Valifuoco select- ed the music with s])ecial reference to rousing the patriotism of the "boys in blue," choosing many of the airs that had been popular in the north dui'ing our civil war. These were all favorably received, but it was not till the band struck up "Yankee Doodle" that the boys cheered. When the concert dosed with "The Star Spangled Banner," the voices FROM HONG KONG TO MANILA. 33 of at least fifty men took up the words of each verse, the younj^ ap- prentices being particularly noticeable in the lead, and the chorus spread through the ship from forecastle to cabin with an enthusiasm that carried with it the hearts of all on board. Laud was sighted Saturday morn-ing, April 30th, the squadron hav- ing arrived off Cape Bolinao, near the north end of the Island of Luzon. That forenoon the Boston and the Concord were sent ahead of the rest of the fleet to enter Subig Bay, which is about thirty miles north of the entrance to Manila Bay. As it was thought that perhaps the Spanish squadron might have moved up to this bay, the Baltimore was sent to reinforce the other two vessels a little before noon. As the remaining ships came down the coast at easy speed, several small schooners were sighted along the shore and the Commodore or- dered the Zafiro to overhaul one of them to see whether she could give us news concerning the Spanish defences at Manila. When the Zafiro I'eturned from this duty signal was made to her to come within hail of tile llagship. Her captain, misgauging his speed as he came close alongside the 01ympia,shot ahead and then made the mistake of putting his helm the wrong way. In consequence, the Zafiro swung straight across the flagship's bows, and a collision seemed inevitable. Lieu- tenant Strife, the officer of the deck — that is, the officer having chai'ge of the handling of the Olympia during that watch — was equal to the emergency. He quickly put the Olympia's helm over also, and the two vessels glided past each other without touching. As the Olympia's bow just cleared the Zafiro's stern by a distance of not more than three or four feet, the Commodore said to Captain Gridley: Commodore Dewey's Way. "Who has the deck, Captain Gridley?'' and then, when informed, he added: "Give my compliments to Lieutenant Strife and tell him that I noticed and appreciated his coolness and skill in handling the ship so as to avoid a collision." It was not a matter of much moment in itself, since Strife did no uKire than his duty, but the incident was illustrative of Dewey's way of dealing with his officers. When we arrived off the entrance to Subig Bay, early in the after- noon, the Boston, the Baltimore and the Concord came out of the bay 34 FROM noXf; KONG TO MANILA. and reported that the Spaniards had neither ships nor shore guns in the harbor. Our course for Manihi was resumed. Xow the final prep- arations for battle were made. All woodwork that could be removed without injury to tiie working of the vessels was thrown overboard, and it was interesting to see the men coming on deck in a steady stream, carrying in their arms tables, chairs, doors and bulkheads, which they would pitch into the sea as though the}' were enjoying the opportunity to dismantle the interior of their ship. In fact, the seamen were glad to get rid of everjtliing that might endanger their lives by fire. In the Olympia tlie men had a number of board tables, made to swing from the beams above th<» berth deck, upon which they served their meals. The executive officer gave an order that these mess-tables should be "put over the side," meaning that they should be hung outside the ship by rojies in a position where, even if they should catch on tiro', tiiey would endanger nothing else. But tlie seamen chose to interpret the order to mean that the tables should go overboard, and the result was that, after the battU', the jackies had to eat either standing or lying down, since they had no tables. Giving His Captains Their Final Orders. A few miles uortli of tlic ciil ranee to Manila 15ay, Commodore Dewey stoi)i)ed his llagship and ma(h' signal for commanding officers to repair on bitard. When every gig had been called away, and tlu' cajjtaiu of each ship was steering in .solitary state toward the ()lym]iia, no one needed to be told tiiat we were on the eve of battle. "They're comin'," said oiu' of the old seamen, "to hear tiie 'ohl man's' last word before we go at the Dons." "Not his last word," said one of the younger men. "Perhaps not hi.s," was I lie rejily, "but it's ueai- our last words some of us are. There'll be many an eye will look at that sunset to-night tlial'll nevei' see another." l\\\[ such |iro]»hets of s(»rrow were rare. As a rule oiir men went into tlie action of .Manila P.ay Avilh their minds more set ujiou revenge than foreboding. The sun went down on a sea as calm as if storm were unknown, the deep sai)i>hire surface beJTig uiirumed by even a ripple. Deaps of clouds in the southeast were colored in all the gorgeous i)ageantry of a tropical FROM HONG KON(J TO MANILA. 35 hrillianoy, and some of the more imaginative miuds were able to see cloud-shapes that resembled the Maine. The war council was of short duration. Commodore Dewey had de- cided on his plans before it met, and he took little time in giving to each captain his duties for the night and next day. By seven o'clock the gigs were all hoisted at their davits, the flagship was again under way, and long before dark every vessel had taken her station, ready to run by the batteries at the month of the bay or to fight her passage, as circumstances might require. Aside from one light at the very stern of each ship, intended as a guide for the next in line, not a glimmer was to be seen aboard any craft in the fleet. As I looked astern from the Olympia's taffrail, I could just get a faint suggestion of a ghostly shape where the Baltimore grimly held her course on our port quarter, while the Raleigh, somewhat further away on our starboard quarter, could be seen by only the sharpest eyes when the moon was wholly unob- scured by cloud. Entering Manila Eay. The Commodore decided to waste no time in useless delay; but, re- gardless of hidden mines and shore batteries, led the way into the harbor. With all lights out, and the crews at the guns, the warships in their grey w^ar paint turned silently toAvard the Boca Grande, the larger entrance to the bay, the flagship, Olyrapia, leading. Following closely, in the order that was retained during the battle of the suc- ceeding day, came the Baltimore, the Raleigh, the Petrel, the Concord, and the Boston. As the fleet approached the entrance it moved as slowly as was compatible w'ith keeping the formation of the line. Half of the crew of each gun were allowed to sleep alongside their stations in order that they might be better fitted for what was to come. Except for the sleep- less eye on the bridge of the Olympia, and the alert gaze of the officei'S on watch, the ships seemed to slumber, as did the city and the forts. It was at 9:4:5 o'clock that the men were sent to their guns, but there was little needed in the way of preparation for battle. On the shore north of the other channel — Boca Chica, as it is named — we had seen a bright light, but there was no stir perceptible to indicate that we had been discovered by the Spaniards. Opposite the middle of Corregidor — 36 FROM HONG KONG TO MANILA. the island that lies iu the eutrauce to the bay— another light now began to Hash at intervals, as if making signals, and soon the ilight of a rocket from this island told us that we had been discovered. "We ought to have a shot from Corregidor very soon now," said the Commodore; and having been already sighted, our ships were permitted to increase their speed to eight knots. The Olympia could have moved at a 15-kuot gait without any unusual effort, and all the warships could have made about twelve knots; but it would not have been safe for the fighting craft to run away from the non-combatant column led by the revenue cutter McCulloch, and as the Nanshan and the Zafiro were not capable of doing much better than eight knots that speed was never exceeded. Into the yawning blackness between Corregidor and the lone rock that is called El Fraile — the Monk — we passed, and still no hostile demonstration from the Spanish guns and torpedoes. The moon was now hidden in the western clouds, and the solemn stillness of the Olympia, as we steamed along in the complete darkness, made the passage of the entrance probably the most oppressive time of our whole operations. The First Shot from the Spaniards. On, on crept the mighty engines of war, but the batteries on shore gave no sign. Suddenly when the flagship had passed a mile beyond Corregidor Island, a gun boomed out, and a shell went screaming over (Ire lialeigh and the Olympia, soon followed by a second. Three ships, tiie Kaleigh, the Concord and the Boston, replied, apparently with effect, fur the firing ceased, and again the batteries lay silent. As Commodore Dewej' had planned, the fleet arrived within five miles of Manila at daybreak. What must have been the astonishment in I lie Sjiani.sh lines when the sun rose, and they looked out on the Ameri- < an sliips that bad come in during the night! While, as yet, the fleet retained the appearance of calm that had characterized its approach, now many eyes on board lighted with the fire of war, as they sighted the Spanish fleet, under command of Rear .Vdmiral Montojo, lying olT Cavite, and realized that the battle was at hand. During most of Ihe battle the Spanish vessels were moving about at full speed. The Sjianiards had a well erjuipped navy yard called Ca\it(' Arsenal, wliidi had put tln' shij)s in fli'st-ra(e fighling trim, and FRO^M ITONO KONr, TO MANILA. 37 on Sangley Point they had two strong batteries containing three 6.2-inch and one 4.7-inch guns; so that, when we take into account the advautages that the Spaniards had in position, in their opportunities to hi}' mines, and in their knowledge of the bay, it may be seen that it was no trLfliug task that confronted the fleet. With the American flag flying from all mastheads, the ships moved on. Xo excitement was visible; the quiet man on the bridge of the Olympia was as unmoved, apparently, as though he were sailing into a peaceful harbor. For the first time in many years the stars and stripes were being borne aggressively into a foreign port. It was an epoch in history. The rapid changes of scene and the Avhole picturesque effect was something never to be forgotten. The underlying meaning of it all was too great to be readily understood. Nineteenth century civili- zation and fifteenth century medisevalism lay confronting each other. CHAPTER n. THE BATTLE OF MANILA I5AY. First Glimpse of the Enemy's Fleet at Cavite — Dewey Eosei'ves His Fire — ■ "You May Fire Wlieu You Are Ecady, Captain Gridley" — The Story of the Conflict— That \M1lHlrawal for Breakfast— Resuming the At- tack — Dewey's Official Report to the Navy Dej)artment — Dewey Fullills His Instructions — How Captain Gridley Told the Tale — A Spanish Account of Our Victory. As the ships passed in front of Manila, action was begun by the Spaniards. Throe batteries, mounting guns powerful enough to send shells to the distance of five miles, opened fire. The Concord replied, but Commodore Dewey, after two shots, made signal to stop firing, since there was danger of the shells carrying destruction and death into the crowded city beyond. At six minutes past five o'clock, when nearing Cflvite, there was a splash and roar, and two great jets of water wei-e thrown high in air ahead of the flagship. The fleet had come upon the first of the sub- marine mines. Of course it was possible and probable that the whole harbor was filled with torpedoes. At any moment they were liable to explode beneath the shij^s; but Commodore Dewey had foreseen this when he entered the bay, and it did not now cause him to change his plan.s. Moreover, he had fought with Farragut at New Orleans and at Mobile, and submarine mines had no teiTors for him. Contrary' to ex- pectation no moi'e mines exploded, and it is believed that no others had been jilaced by the Spaniard.s. We regarded these explosions as a sort of "bluff," intended to make us imagine that there might be other mines in front of Cavite. "They ain't so good at blowing up suips that come with their fighting clothes on as they are at murdering a crew in time of peace," said one of the Olympia's petty officers, as he saw the column r^f w'ater and smoke subsiding ahead of us; and this reference to the Maine showed w'hat was ui)permost in the minds of our men as they were moving on for their flrst chance to avenge the crime perpetrated in Havana last February. THE BATTLE OF MANILA BAY. 41 Squadron Formation for Battle. Steamino- at the comparatively slow speed of eight knots, our shipa approached Cavite. From the peak of each vessel and from every mast- head floated the "stars and stripes"— the largest regulation ensign being displayed. In the lead was, of course, the Olympia, followed by the Baltimore, the Raleigh, the Petrel, the Concord and the Boston, in the order named. The revenue cutter McCulloch and the merchant steamers attached to the squadron as coal carriers were ordered to keep well out of range in the bay, and they naturally did not try to come nearer. The warships had closed up to an interval of about two cables' lengths — say, 300 yards — and they held their respective positions with an accuracy that must have astonished Don Basilio Augustin Davila, the Spanish governor, who had told his people that our vessels were manned by men without training or discipline. Drawing on at this slow speed toward the enemy's line, I could not help recalling the lines of — I believe it's Southey : "Like leviathans afloat lay our bulwarjvs on the brine, While the sign of battle flew down the lofty British line — It was ten of April morn by the chime. As we drifted on our path, There was silence deep as death, And the boldest held his breath, For a time." Presently, we came near enough to distinguish the Spanish ships in the Bay of Cavite. Most prominently in view at first was a sort of cream-colored vessel, apparently at anchor. This we recognized as the Castilla. She was moored, head and stern, with her port battery to seaward, just outside the point of low land that makes out like a lobster's claw and protects the inner anchorage. Behind the Castilla, with all steam up and moving to and fro in the back bay, were the Reina Cristina, flagship, the Isla de Luzon, the Isla de Cuba, the Don Juan de Austria, the Don Antonio de Ulloa, the Marques del Duero, the General Lezo, the Argos, several torpedo boats and the transport Isla de Min- danao. The latter steamed away as fast as she could and was beached 42 THE HATTLE OF MANILA BAY. .some distaiK-e up the coast, whore she was burued by the (.'uncord later in the day. The Batteries Open Fire. Wheu we were at a distajiee of about 0,000 ^vards a puff of verj- white cloud arose from a clump of bushes on shore. It was a pretty sight, for the smoke floated away in fantastic shapes above the red clay shore and the bright green foliage. But for whom aboard our ships did that ap- parently harmless pillar of white mean death or mutilation? Within four .seconds we heard the scream of the shot, as it passed far over us, and we knew that the first gun in the battle of Manila, Bay had failed to do us any damage. Then the Spanisli flagship, taking a lesson prob- ably from the excessive elevation given to the shore gun, tired several times in (juick succession, Avith an aim as much too short as the battery's had been too high. Yet one or two of her i)rojeotiles passed between our masts on the I'ebound from the water. More puffs of llame from the shore in different places showed that the Spaniards were better protected than we had supposed. Soon all the Spanish vessels were aflame with rapid gun fire. Shell after shell flew close over our super- structure or skimmed past the head of our Commodore and his staff on our forward bridge. Still our coui-tly chief made no sign. In the usual service white uniform, wearing, however, a gray traveling cap on his head, having been unable to find his uniform cap after the guns in his cabin had been cleared for action, the Commodore paced the bridge, w'atching the enemy's hot fire as if he were a disinterested spectator of an unusual dis- play of fireworks. "Take her close along the .j-fatliom line, Mr. Calkins," he said to the navigator, "but be careful not to get her aground." The 5-fathom line is the curve of the coast outside of which the water is five fathoms deep. As the Olympia was drawing more tlian four fathoms, it was not safe to take her in closer. We had been ap- proaching the Spanisli line at an angle of about fifteen degrees and soon the shoaling of the water, as shown by repeated casts of the lead, called for a change of course. As the helm was put to port and the Olympia's men at the port battery began to get a view of their still distant enemies, they felt that the nunuent for which they so long had waited was at hand. No order to ojien fire had been given, but the experienced petty THE BATTLE OF MANILA BAY. 43 officers saw that the ship was uearing a range at which all our guns would be effective. Although at first the Spanish shots flew wild, after a time the gun- ners got a better range and the shells from both the batteries and the Spanish vessels began to strike near or burst close aboard the American ships. Officers on the Olympia's Bridge. All this time, with the exception of the shots from the Concord, the guns of the American fleet had remained inactive. The strain on our men was fearful, but they had confidence in their commodore and sub- mitted willingly to his judgment. The heat was intense, and stripped of all clothing except their trousers, the gimners stood silent and obedient at their posts. The Olympia might have been empty if the whirr of the blowers and the throb of the engines had not told of pulsating human life. On the forward bridge of the Olympia stood Commodore Dewej' surrounded by his staff. In this little group were Commander Lamberton, fleet captain; the executive ofiicer, Lieutenant Eees; Lieu- tenant Calkins, the navigator, who conned the ship admirably all through the battle, and the Commodore's aide, myself. It was consid- ered unwise to run the risk of losing all the senior officers by one shell, and therefore Captain Gridley was in the conning tower. Suddenly a shell burst directly over the center of the ship. As the projectile flashed over the head of the man who held the destiny of the fleet in his grasp, it became evident that the moment of activity had come. Even the powerful will of their leader could no longer restrain the surging war fever of the crew. A boatswain's-mate, who had been bending over, looking eagerly ahead with his hand on the lock string of the after 5-inch gun, spnmg up and cried out: "Boys, remember the Maine!" Instantly the watchword was repeated by the two hundred men at the guns. The hoarse shout was caught up in the turrets and fire rooms. It echoed successively through all the decks of the silent ship, till finally, in a sullen whisper, "Remember the Maine" stole up through the ventilators from the lowest parts of the hold to the officers on the bridge. There seemed to be no premeditation in the cry, but the explosion that wrecked the gallant Maine in Havana Harbor was the spark that fired the first gun in Manila Bay, as it was the flame that 44 THE BATTLE OF MANILA BAY. set blazing the righteous indignation of the American nation against the fruelty of Slpain to her oppressed colonies. Dewey Gives the Order to Fire. "You may fire when you are ready, Captain Gridley," said the Com- modore. This order sufficed, and at 5:41 o'clock in the morning, at a distance of tlirce miles, America roared forth her first battle ciy to Spain from the starboard 8-inch gun in the forward turret of the Olympia. The Baltimore and the Boston were not slow in following the ex- ample of the fiagship, and almost immediately their 8-inch guns were sending 250-pound shells toward the Castilla and the Reina Ci-istina. The battle now began to rage fierce and fast. Encouraged by the fact that the range, was too great for accuracy, and that the American gun- ners were obliged to guess the distance, the Spaniards fired more rapidly. Shots from their ship and shore guns came through the air in a screaming shower; time-fuse shells were constantly bursting about the American fleet, and their fragments, scattering in all directions, would strike the water like shrapnel or cut the hull and rigging (if the ships. The Olympia was the target for most of the Spanish guns, because she was the flagship and because she steered directly for the center of the Spanish line. One shell struck close by a gun in the ward room. The signal halyards were cut from Lieutenant Brumby's hand, as he stood on the after bridge. One great projectile, with almost human in- tuition, came straight toward the forward bridge, but burst less than a iiundred feet away. A fragment cut the rigging directly over tlii^ licads of Commander Lambertou and myself. Another struck the bridge railings in line with us, and still another, about as large as a flat iron, gouged ii hole in tlie deck a few feet below the Commodore. Narrow Escapes Aboard the Baltimore. The Baltimore's crew had several narrow escapes. One shot struck her and passed through her, but fortunately hit no one. Another ripped up her main deck, disabled one G-inch gun, and exploded a couple of 8-pounder shells, wounding eight men. This shell is worthy of special notice on account of its eccentric actions. It came undoubtedly I THE BATTLE OP MANILA BAY. 45 from the Cauacao battery and entered about two feet above the upper deck, on the starboard side, between the after 6-inch gun and the 3-pounder mounted on the rail. After piercing two plates of steel, each one-quarter of an inch thick, it struck the deck and penetrated till it cracked one of the heavy deck beams clear through. Bounding up- ward it tore its way through the steel combing of the engine room sky- light, and again passed through two quarter-inch plates. Leaving the skylight, it ranged forward, struck the recoil cylinder of the port 6-inch gun on the quarter deck and disabled the carriage. It at last met the steel shield curved in front of the gun. This was strong enough to resist the attack, and the shell followed the curve of the shield until it was traveling in exactly the opposite direction to what had been its former course. It again crossed the ship to the starboard side, where it struck a ventilator and stopped. This shell was the cause of wounding two officers and six men by exploding the two 3-pounder shells mentioned; but directly, it injured no one, and its course was one of 'the most remarkable on record. The Boston received a shell in her port quarter. It burst in Ensign Doddridge's stateroom and caused a hot fire, as did also one that burst in the port hammock netting; but both these fires were quickly ex- tinguished. One shell passed through the Boston's foremast, just in front of Captain Wildes on the bridge. The entire battle was a series of incidents of this sort and the wonder is that they were no more than incidents. Scenes on Shipboard. Even now, when the Spaniards had brought all their guns into action, the Americans had not yet responded with all their strength. Commodore Dewey was reserving his force. The men naturally chafed at this continued restraint, but they laughed and joked good naturedly among themselves. Sometimes, when a shell would burst close aboard or would strike the water and pass overhead, with the peculiar sputter- ing noise characteristic of the tumbliug of a rifled projectile, some of the more neiwous would dodge mechanically. At a distance of 4,000 yards, owing to her deep draught, the Com- modore was obliged to change his course and run the Olympia parallel to the Spanish column. At last, as she brought her port broadside toward the foe. Commodore Dewey said: 46 TUE UATTLE OF MANILA BAY. "Open with all the guns," and the roar that went forth shook the vessel from end to end. The battle was indeed on. Above the snarling of the Olynipia's 5-inch rapid-firers was heard the prolonged growl of her turret 8-inchors. The other ships joined iu, and ('avite Ilar'jor was no longer comfortable for the Spaniards. It is almost imi»ossible to describe the situation at this moment. War has been always fearful, but the confusiou and hoiTor of modern warfare can only be understood b^- an eye witiu'ss. The roar of the guns of to-day and the horrors resulting from their powerful shells can best be left to the imagination of those who have not actually been in battle and seen the effects of their deadly work. And even to those aboard the American fleet that day, the fearful event was not known to its limit till later; for the scenes of carnage and death were upon the Spanish side. A Word of Praise For the Spaniards. As has before been stated the disastrous defeat of tiie Spaniards was not owing to cowardice on their part. Their position was a strong one, owing to the protection of the shore batteries and the shallow water that guarded them from the danger of a close attack. Tliey were fight- ing gallantly, and the fire from the ships sailing back and forth behind the Castilla was hot. The American fleet had made four runs along the Spanish line, when, finding the chart incorrect. Lieutenant Calkins told the Commodore he believed he could take the ship nearer the enemy. Carefully watch- ing the depth of the water, as shown by the lead, the Olympia started over the course for the fifth time and ran within 2,000 yards of the Sjianish vessels, a range so close that now even the (t-pouuders were clTective. A storm of sliells poured upon the Spauiai'ds, but, a.s far as the Americans could see, they had not yet been cripi)led to any great extent. Matters were not particularly cheerful on board the Olympia. Many of our projectiles had seemed to go too high or too low, as had those of the Spaniards, and several times the Admiral had expressed dissatisfaction. He now gave the order to haul off into the open bay, in order to take stock of ammunition, which was in danger of running short, and to jilan a new attack. It would never have done to admit this state of affairs to the men, so the scheme was devised of making break- fast the cause of the ces.satiou of hostilities. THE BATTLE OF MANILA BAY. 47 Prefer Fighting to Breakfast. The interruption was not welcomed joyfully, however. As the ships drew away, the temper of the men was well shown by the almost tearful appeal of one gun captain to Commander Lamberton : "For God's sake. Captain," he cried, "don't stop now! Let's finish 'em up right off. As the action ceased the other ships passed the flagship and cheered lustily. The fight had now lasted about two hours and a half, when for about four houi-s hostilities were suspended and the fleet lay inactive in the center of the bay. During this time it was found that there re- mained in the magazines of the Olympia only 85 rounds of 5-inch am- munition, and that the stock of S-inch charges was sufficiently depleted to make another two hours' fighting impossible. The Baltimore was discovered to have the best supply, so when, at 10:50 o'clock, the sig-nal for close action went up again, she was given the place of honor in the lead, the Olympia following and the other ships as before. As the Baltimore began firing at the Spaniards at 11:16 o'clock she made a series of hits as if at target practice. In this second attack the Spaniards replied very slowly, chiefly from their shore guns. The Americans now recognized the results of their morning-'s work, for the Spanish flagship and the Castilla were burning fiercely, and we had heard the explosion of the magazines on board the Reina Cristina. For some reason the Castilla did not blow up, although she burned fiercely as late as Monday night. This was undoubtedly due to the fact that her magazines had been flooded before she was aban- doned by her crew. Commodore Dewey now signalled the Raleigh, the Boston, the Concord and the Petrel to go into the inner harbor and destroy all the enemy's ships. Notable Work of the Petrel. The work of the little Petrel, Commander E. P. Wood, commanding, is worthy of special mention. Her draught was so light that she was able to approach within 1,000 yards. From this close range she com- manded everything flying the Spanish flag and fired with the gi-eatest accuracy. Lieutenant E. M. Hughes, with an armed boat's crew, set fire 48 THE BATTLE OF MANILA BAY, to the Don Juan > .S2 p,^ £ 2 "^ H u X H O H 2 g O Ou S w < W X H THE BATTLE OF MANILA BAY. 53 "All right, Purely," said the Commodore, "we won't fight on the 3d; but when we do fight, you'll have another kind of May anniversary to think about; remember that, my man." The Commodore knew positively when his attack would be made; for ho had resolved to allow nothing to delay him. He knew the exact distance to Manila and the speed his squadron would make; hence, on the afternoon of our sailing from Mirs Bay, he told me that the battle would take place on Sunday, May 1st. How the Admiral Appointed His Aide As a non-combatant, I felt that I had a right to no privileges except those granted me by the Admiral. On Saturday I asked him if I might be allowed a position on the forward bridge, if a battle should be fought. He answered: "I think you'll be satisfied." After the council of war, wlien the officers had returned to their respective ships, he sent for me to come to the quarter deck, and said: "Mr. Stickney, Mr. Caldwell [his naval secretary] has volunteered for duty at the guns, and I have decided to appoint you my aide. You will take station with me on the for-w^ard bridge." He paused and then added with a quizzical twinkle in his eye: "Satisfied?" During the first hour of the fight, as I stood near him on the bridge, I saw a torpedo boat come creeping out from behind Saugley Point and called his attention to her. "l^ou look after her," he answered; "I have no time to bother with torpedo boats. Let me know Avhen you've finished her." Her commander must have been ignorant of modern guns or utterly indifferent to death, for not till twice hit by the secondary battery, did this daring craft turn back and reach the beach just in time to save her crew from drowning. In a case where every vessel was as efficient as were the ^Vmerican ships during the battle of Manila, it is difficult to draw distinctions, but when they passed each other close aboard, after the action, the heartiest cheers, after those for the Commodore, were those given for the little Petrel. 54 THE BATTLE OF MANILA BAY. Casualties of the Battle. The only Americans wounded were on board the Baltimore — eight in number, all slightly, except two men, each of whom had a leg broken. As each cai>taiu reported on the flagship, he was eagerh- asked: "How many killed?'' And while each man could not conceal his satisfaction at the condition of his ship and crew, he was also desirous that this should be understood to be no proof that he had not been in danger. It was feared that some casualties might have taken place on the Boston, as she had been on fire, but her report was equally satisfactory, and the men on the Olympia cheered loudly. Nevertheless, there was great suffering among our men during the fight, owing to the terrific heat, and some of those shut up below would undoubtedly' have succumbed had it not been for the excitement of battle. In the arsenal grounds a number of bodies of Spaniards were found uuburied on Monday morning. A Roman Catholic priest was called in to read the burial service. The bodies presented a horrible sight. The head of one had been almost wholly carried away by a shell. Another bad been struck in the stomach by a large projectile which had cut everything away to the backbone. One very large man, apparently an officer, was not only mangled but swollen out of all proportion to his real size. To add to the horror several lean, wolf-like dogs had already visited the scene. The victory in Manila Bay was one of the most remarkable in the history of the world. Not an American was killed, and at night, after the battle, every American ship was fit to go into a similar action on the succeeding day. The result was almost incomprehensible, but it is probably what may be expected in all the affairs of life, where coolness and wisdom hold the balance against bravado and ineilicieucy. Admiral Dewey's Official Report. The following is the account of the battle of Manila sent ])y Admiral Dewey to the navy department at Washington. It was not made public until June 14th: "Flagship Olympia, Cavite, May 4, J 898. "The sipiadron left Mirs Bay on A])ril 27th. Arrived off Bolinao on till' morning of Ai>ril ;5()th, and, tindiiig no vessels there, proceeded down THE BATTLE OF MANILA BAY. 55. the coast and arrived off the entrance to Manila Bay on the same after- noon. The Boston and Concord Avere sent to reconnoitre Port 8ubig. A thorough search of the port was made by the Boston and the Con- cord, but the Spanish fleet was not found. "Entered the south channel at half-past eleven p. m., steaming in column at eight knots. After half the squadron had passed, a battery on the south side of the channel opened fire, none of the shots taking effect. The Boston and the Concord returned the fire. The squadron proceeded across the bay at slow speed, arrived off Manila at daybreak, and was fired upon at a quarter past five a. m. by three batteries at Manila and two near Cavite, also by the Spanish fleet anchored in an approximately east and west line across the mouth of Bakor Bay, with their left in shoal water in Cafiacao Bay. "The squadron then proceeded to the attack, the flagship Olympia, under my personal direction, leading, followed at a distance by the Baltimore, the Raleigh, the Petrel, the Concord and the Boston, in the order named, which formation was maintained throughout the action. The squadron opened flre at nineteen minutes of six a. m. While ad- vancing to the attack two mines exploded ahead of the flagship too far to be effective. "The squadron maintained a continuous and precise fire, at ranges varying from 5,000 to 2,000 yards approximately parallel to that of the Spanish fleet. The enemy's fire was vigorous but generally ineffective. "Early in the engagement, two launches put out toward the Olympia with the apparent intention of using torpedoes. One was sunk and the other disabled by our fire and beached before an opportunity occuii'ed to fire torpedoes. Driving the Reina Cristina Back. "At seven a. m. the Spanish fiagship, Reina Cristina, made a des- perate attempt to leave the line and come out to engage at short range, but was received with such galling fire, the entire battery of the Olympia being concentrated upon her, that she was barely able to I'eturn to the shelter of the point. Fires started in her by our shells at this time were not extinguished until she sank. "The three batteries at Manila had kept up a continuous fire from the beginning of the engagement, which fire was not returned by this 56 THE BATTLE OF MANILA BAY. squadron. The first of these batteries was situated ou the south mole head, at the entrance to the Pasig EiA^er; the second, on the south bastion of the walled citj- of Manila, and the third at Malate, about one- half mile further south. "At this point I sent a message to the Governor-General to the effect that if the batteries did not cease firing the citj^ would be shelletl. This had the effect of silencing them. "At twenty-five minutes to eight a. m. I ceased firing and withdrew the squadron for breakfast. At sixteen minutes past eleven a. m. re- turned to the attack. By this time, the Spanish flagship and almost the entire Spanish fleet were in flames. "At half-past twelve p. m. the squadron ceased firing, tlie batteries being silenced and the ships sunk, burnt and deserted. At twentj^ min- utes to one p. m. the squadron returned and anchored off Manila, the Petrel being left behind to complete the destruction of the smaller gun- boats, which were behind the point of Cavite. This duty was per- formed by Commander E. P. Wood in the most expeditious and com- plete manner possible. Vessels Lost by the Enemy. "The Spanish lost the following vessels: Sunk, Reina Cristina, Cas- tilla, Don Antonio de Ulloa. Burnt, Don Juan de Austria, Isla de Luzon, Isla de Cuba, General Lezo, Marques del Duero, El Correo, Velasco and Isla de Mindanao (transport). Captured, TJapido and Iler- cules (tugs) and several small launches. "I am unable to obtain complete accounts of the enemy's killed and WDUuded, but believe their losses to be very heavy. The Reina Ci-istina alone had 150 killed — including the captain — and ninety AA-ouudod. "I am hapjiy to report that the damage done to the squadron under my command was inconsiderable. There were none killed, and only seven men in the squadron very slightly wounded. "Several of the vessels Avere struck, and eA'en penetrated, but the damage Avas of the slightest, and the squadron is in as good condition noAV as before the battle. "I l)eg to .state to the department that I doubt if any commauder- iii(irKl was ever served by more loyal, efficient and gallant captains than those of the s(juadron now under my command. THE BATTLE OF MANILA BAY. 57 "Captain Frank Wildes, connnandins- the Boston, volunteered to re- main in command of his vessel, althoni!,Ii his relief arrived before leavinfj; Hong' Kong. Assistant Surgeon Kiudleberger, of the Olympia, and Gunner J. C. Evans, of the Boston, also volunteered to remain after orders detaehing them had arrived. The Commodore's Staff. "The conduct of my personal staff was excellent. Commander B. P. Lamberton, chief of staff, was a volunteer for that position, and gave me most excellent assistance, and Lieutenant Brumby, flag lieutenant, and Ensign W. P. Scott, aide, performed their duties as signal officers in a highly creditable manner. "The Olympia being short of officers for the battery, Ensign H. H. Caldwell, flag secretary, volunteered for and was assigned to a sub- division of the 5-inch battery. "Mr. J. L. Stickney, formerly an oflicer in the United States navy, and now correspondent for the New York Herald, volunteered for duty as my aide and rendered valuable services. "I desire specially to mention the coolness of Lieutenant C. G. Calkins, the navigator of the Olympia, who came under my personal observation, being on the bridge with me throughout the entire action, and giving the ranges to the guns with an accuracy that was proven by the excellency of the firing. "On May 2, the day following the engagement, the squadron again went to Cavite, where it remains. "On the 3d the military forces evacuated the Cavite arsenal, which was taken possession of by a landing part3^ On the same day the Ea- leigh and Baltimore secured the surrender of the batteries on Corregidor Island, paroling the garrison and destroying the guns. On the morning of May 4 the transport Manila, which had been aground in Bakor Bay, was towed off and made a prize." Captain Gridley's Account of the Battle. Below is a short account of the Battle of Manila, given by Captain Gridley of the flagship Olympia, who bore a conspicuous part in the battle, and died about a month afterward. 58 THE BATTLE OF MANILA BAY. "My Dear Mother: "Excuse pencil, but I am writinc; on the deck aft, under the awning, and ink is not handy. Well, 'vve have won a splendid victory over the Spaniards. We left Ilong Kong on April 25, Mirs Bay, April 27, and arrived off Manila Bay at midnight on April 30. We steamed in with our lights all out, and by daylight we were off Manila, where we found the Spanish fleet, or rather, at Cavite, seven miles from Manila. We attacked them at once, the Olympia leading, and, being flagship, she was of coarse the principal target, but we (our fleet) were too much for them, and after fighting two and a half hours, hauled off for breakfast, giving them another hour of it afterward. We succeeded in burning, sinking and destroying their entire force. They were also assisted by shore batteries. Their loss was very heavy, one ship, the Oastilla, losing i;{0 killed, including the captain. "And now as to ourselves. We did not lose a man in our whole fleet, and had only six wounded, and none of them seriously. It seems a miracle. Everybody fought like heroes, as they are. The Olympia was struck seven or eight times, but only slightly injured, hardly worth speaking of. "Stickney, New York Herald correspondent, and a former naval officer, was on board by permission of the department and acted during the battle as Dewey's secretary. His account in the Herald will be full and complete, so you had better get it. His reports will go in the same mail as this. "We have cut the cable and can only communicate via Hong Kong. The McCulloch will go over in a day or two, carrying Commodore Dewey's disi)atches and this mail and bringing our mail I hope. I am truly lliaiiktiii td «iur Heavenly Father for His protection during our haltlc, and shall give Ilim daily thanks. Manila, of course, we have blockaded. We can't take the city, as we have no troops to hold it. "(Jive my love to all and accept a huge share for yourself. "Your loving son, "CHARLEY." Captain Gridley did not mention his own part in the great battle, an indication of modesty characteristic of this brave officer and most lovable man THE BATTLE OF MANILA BAY. 59 From the Spanish Point of View. The followiug- is the story of the Battle of Manila from the Spanish standpoint. It was published in the Diario de Manila, the leading news- paper of the city, on May 4, the first time it was issued after the de- struction of the Spanish fleet: "When the enemy's squadron was sighted in perfect line of battle through the clouds of the misty dawn on the morning of May 1, gloom and surprise were general among the people of Manila. "At last these ships had strained their boldness to the point of ap- pearing on our coasts and defying our batteries, which showed more courage and valor than effect when they opened fire upon the squadron. "It needs something more than courage to make projectiles pene- trate, indeed it does. The inequality of our batteries, compared with those of the American squadron which alarmed the inhabitants of Manila at five o'clock in the morning, was enough to transform the tran- quil character of our tropical temperament. "While ladies and children in carriages or on foot fled in fright to seek refuge in the outlying suburbs and adjacent villages around the capital from the dangers multiplied by their imaginations, every man, from the most stately personage to the most humble workman, mer- chants, mechanics, Spaniards, natives, soldiers, civilians, all, we repeat, sought their stations and put on their anus, confident that never should the enemy land at Manila unless he passed over their corpses. Superior Strength of Americans. "Although from the first moment the strength of the enemy's armor and the power of his guns demonstrated that his ships were invulner- able to our energies Und our armaments, the hostile squadron would never have entered our bay had not its safety been guaranteed by its manifest superiority. "The city walls, the church towers, the tops of the high buildings and all the high places convenient for observation, were occupied by those who were not retained by their military duties within the walls, on the bridges or at the advanced posts. (50 THE BATTLE OF JIANILA BAY, "The slightest details of the enemy's ships were eagerly noted as they advanced toward Cavite, in a line parallel with the beaches of Manila, as though they had just come out of Pasig River. "There were no gaps in the line, but the curious public hardly realized the disparity between their great guns and the pieces mounted on our fortilications. Some had glasses and others were without, but all seemed to discern with their eyes these strangers, who, while brave, were not called upon to show their courage, since the range of their guns and the weakness of our batteries enabled them to preserve immunity, while doing us as much harm as they pleased. "All who appreciated the impunity with which the hostile ships man- oeuvered, as if on a harmless parade, were full of such rage and desper- ation as belong to a brave man who can make no use of his courage and to whom there remains no remedy except an honorable death rather than cowardly inactivity. Wishing for a Fight Ashore. "A soldier of the tir»it battalion of Cazadores gazed at the squadron sweeping over the waters out of reach of the fire of our batteries and then turned toward Heaven saying: 'If the Holy Mary would turn that sea into land the Yankees would find out how we can charge in double time.' And a crouching native, staring at the ships, said: Must let them come ashore and give us a whack at them.' "On they stood at full speed, in column of battle, heading for Cavite, with a decision due to a sense of safety and a firm assurance of success. For more than an hour and a half the bombardment held in suspense those whose souls followed the unequal struggle in which a Sjianish ship went down with glorious banners tlying. "\Vhat was going on in the waters of Cavite? From Manila we saw through glasses two squadrons almost mingled in clouds of smoke. This was not a triumph for our side, considering the weakness of our batteries, for once alongside the enemy the cry of 'boai'ders away' and the fiash nf cold steel might have enabled our devoted seamen to disturb the calmness in which the watches and instruments were regulating and directing those engines of destruction. "In the blindness of our rage how can we paint the heroic deeds of prowess or the wave of valor which burst forth from the men of Tvar? THE BATTLE OF MANILA BAY. Qh Those who fought beneath the Spanish flag bore themselves like men, as the chosen sons of our native land who dare measure forces and not yield to a superior force in the hands of the enemy, who rather die with- out ships than live in ships which have surrendered. "To name those who distinguished themselves in the battle would require the publication of the entire muster rolls of our ships from captain to cabin boy. To these victorious seamen of ours we offer our congratulations; laurels for the living and prayers for the dead, and for all our deepest gratitude. Enthusiastic Spectators. "When the hostile squadron turned toward Cavite the crew of the steamer Mindanao heard drums beating to quarters and answered with enthusiasm with three rounds of cheers for the King, for the Queen Regent, and for Spain, which was echoed along our line. 'TLiater and until a quarter to five o'clock absolute silence reigned. Everything was ready. The idea of death was lost in the ardor for the fray, and every eye was fixed on the battle flags waving at our mast- heads in perfect and majestic order. Why should we deny this? "The nine Yankee ships advanced in battle array. The Olympia, bearing the Admiral's flag, led the column, followed bj' the other ships, steering at full speed toward Cavite, "The Olympia opened fire, and an instant reply came from the bat- tery on the mole, w^hich kept on firing at five-minute intervals, while the ironclad shaped her course for the Ci'istina and the Castilla. Into both of these she poured a steady and rapid fire, seconded by the ships which followed in her wake. "Another ship which directed a heavy fire on our line was the Balti- more, and so the cannonade went on until a quarter to eight. "At that moment the Juan de Austria advanced against the enemy intending to board the Olympia, and if a tremendous broadside had not stopped her self-devoted charge both ships might perhaps have sunk to the bottom. "The captain of the Cristina, seeing that the resolute attempt of his consort had failed, advanced at full speed until within about two hun- dred yards of the Olympia, aiming to ram her. Gi THE BATTLE OF MANILA BAY. Did Not Like Our Shells. "Then a shower of projectiles swept over the bridge and decks, filling the .ship with dead and wounded. A dense column of smoke from the bow compartment showed that incendiary projectiles, such as the law of ( Jtod and man prohibits, had set fire to the cruiser. "The ship, still keeping up her fire on the enemy, withdrew toward the arsenal, where she was sunk to keep her from falling into the hands of the Yankees. The desperation of the men of the Cristina was aggravated by the sight of the Castilla, wliifh was also in a blaze from the similar use of incendiary projectiles. '•'The principal ships of our little squadron having thus been put out of action, the Yankee vessels, some of them badly crippled by the fire of our ships and the batteries of Point Sangley, stood out toward the entrance of the bay, ceasing their fire and occupying themselves with re- pairing their injuries until ten o'clock, when they began a second attack to complete their work of destruction. "In this second assault the fire at the arsenal was extinguished, and they continued to cannonade the blazing gunboats. One gunboat, which seemed to have nothing more venturesome to undertake, detached herself from the squadron and set herself to riddle the mail steamer Mindanao. "Now that his ships were in flames Admiral Moutojo, who had shown his flag as long as there was a vessel afloat, landed, and the hostilities ceased. "The only Spanish ship which had not been destroyed by fire or by the enemy's projectiles sank herself so that she could in no wise be taken. "The killed are: The captain, chaplain, clerk and boatswain of the Cristina, the captains of the Castilla and the Ulloa, the executive ofKicer and chief engineer and second surgeon of the Cristina, a lieutenant of the Juan de Austria, the j^aymaster of the T'lloa and the chief engineer of the Juan de Austria. "That battery that did most haj-m to the enemy was one ou Sangley Point, made up of Ilontoria guns. From one of these came a shot which the Boston received, wiiile four ships, which had altogether sixty-five guns, were pouring their fire on this battery to reduce it to silence. THE BATTLE OF MANILA BAY. 65 Praise for Spanish Gunners. "One gun having been crippled, the other kept on playing, firing whenever damage could be done and avoiding waste of ammunition. To one of its shots must be attributed the hurt which turned the Baltimore from the fight. This gun must have greatly annoyed the Yankees, to judge by the efforts they made to silence its fire, following it up till six gunnel's had been killed and four wounded. "On tills account it is proposed to demand the bestowal of laurel wreathed crosses of San Fernando on the valiant gunners who served this battery. "The Luneta battery at Manila, which assailed the Yankee ships with much vigor, was the object of the enemy's special attention, as he stood past the fortifications of Manila, heading for Cavite. Guns were also mounted at the entrance to the bay, on Corregidor and Caballo Islands, on El Fraile Rock, on the south shore at Point Restigua, and at Mari- veles, Punta Gorda and Point Gasisi, on the north shore. "The guns on Corregidor Island were about six inches in caliber, sim- ilar to the guns mounted on the rock and on Point Restigua. Other batteries had guns of smaller caliber and of short range. "Doubtless the civil commission arranged to obtain supplies for the city, but it is certain that since Sunday there has been a great scarcity of everything, and speculators have got what prices they cared to ask for articles of prime necessity. "The great masses of the rural population of the Philippines, as well as the leaders of the nation, have responded like loyal sons of Spain, sharing our pains and assisting our labors. "Admiral Montojo has received a telegram of congratulation from the Minister of Marine, who in his own name, and in the name of the Queen Regent of Spain, felicitates the navy of this archipelago for its gallant behavior on the day of the Cavite battle in these terms: 'Honor and glory to the Spanish fleet which fought so heroically on that day!' " CHAPTER III. AFTER THE BATTLE. Receiving the Surrender of Cavite Arsenal — Quibbles and Evasions to Meet — A Case for Haste — Journey to Hong Kong to Send Dispatches — Cap- ture of the Callao — Routine of Blockade Dut.y in Manila Bay — Arrival of Aguinaldo from Hong Kong — Establishing a Government at Cavite — Three Important Proclamations — Filipino ^'ictories over the Spanish — Their Treatment of Spanish Prisoners — Insurgents Invest Manila. Early on the morning after the battle Commodore Dewey ordered Commander Lamberton and myself to go to Cavite arsenal and take pos- session. As the white liag had been hoisted the day before, in token of complete surrender, this shonld have been a mere formality; but it was soon proved to us that no dependence can be placed in the Spaniard. Aware of the treacherous character of the Spanish people, Commander Lamberton, before leaving the Petrel, which had brought us over from the Olympia, ordered Commander Wood to keep his men at the guns, and to open fire upon the arsenal if we should not return within an hour. It v»-as then exactly nine o'clock. When we had approached within five hundred yards we discovered that the arsenal was still occupied by fvbout eight hundred Spanish infanteria do marina (corresponding to our marines), all armed with Mauser magazine rifles. Admiral Montojo, having been wounded, had been carried to Manila, and Captain Sostoa of the Spanish navy, next in rank to the Ad- miral, was in command. This gentleman met us at the wharf and took us to the arsenal headquarters, together with Lieutenant A. N. Wood, of the Petrel, who had accompanied us. We had no sooner reached the place, than it was surrounded by an armed guard. Dealing with Spanish OfiB.cers. "Why," a.sked Captain Lamberton, "do we find the arsenal filled with armed men, when the white fiag was run up yesterday, in token of com- plete surrender?" M AFTER THE BATTLE. 67 With much suavity aud the manuer of a man Avhose actions have beeu completeh- misunderstood, Captain Sostoa replied in Spanish: "We hoisted the white flag yesterday only that we might have time to remove the women and children to a place of safety." Commander Lamberton answered: "That is not the construction we Americans put upon an action of that kind. When the Spanish colors were lowered, and the white flag raised in their place, we under- stood it to mean but one thing — unconditional surrender. Moreover, the women and children should not have beeu here anyhow. They should have beeu removed to a place of safety before the fight began." "But," replied Captain Sostoa, "we did not have time to do that. If the Americans had not come so early in the morning affairs could have been arranged differently." Commander Lamberton reminded him that the Spaniards had fired the first shot. "However," he continued, "we are not here to waste time in discuss- ing past events. I come as Admiral Dewey's representative, to take possession of the arsenal. The Spaniards here must surrender as prisoners of war, or our ships will again open fire." "But I am not at liberty to submit to these terms," said Captain Sostoa. "Such an act is not in my power, and I must consult my superior officers before I take so important a step." Commander Lamberton, comprehending the subterfuge, answered: "We refuse to recognize any authority other than that of the senior officer stationed at this post. You are that man and must immediately comply with Admiral Dewey's conditions." The Conditions of Surrender. Seeing that further delay was useless. Captain Sostoa requested that the terms of surrender might be put down in writing. Accordingly I wrote the following: "Without further delay all Spanish officers and men must be with- drawn and no buildings nor stores must be injured. Admiral Dewey does not wish to continue hostilities with the Spanish naval forces. The Spanish officers will be paroled, and the forces at the arsenal must deliver up all their small arms." Again Captain Sostoa pleaded for delay. We had been so absorbed 68 AFTER THE BATTLE. in the discussion that we had not noted the amount of time we had already spent at the arsenal, but I suddenly remembered the orders that had been left with the Petrel to fire in an hour if before that we had not returned to the wharf. As it was within only a few minutes of the limit it is needless to say that we considered it advisable to cut the dis- <-ussion short and get away before we should be exposed to the Petrel's shells. Commander Lamberton then gave Captain Sostoa two hours in which to act, but said: "If the white flag of unconditional surrender is not again hoisted before noon, hostilities will be reopened." We then hurried back to the Petrel and started across the bay to give our report to the Commodore. The white flag was raised at 10:45 o'clock, but the Spaniards did not carry out their agreement to the letter. When we went in the after- noon to take possession, we found that every seaman and marine had been marched off the Cavite peninsula to the mainland and had carried his Mauser rifle with him. During the evening of the same day in which we made our trij) to the Spanish arsenal Admiral Dewey sent the merchantship Zaflro a short distance down the bay to cut the cable. We wei'e not able to use it, as we had no instruments with which to work it, and the Governor would not permit the cable company to transmit our messages from the regular station in Manila. After the destruction of the Spanish fleet, Commodore Dewey moored his squadron in the bay just off the end of Sangley Point, near Cavite. On May 5th he sent the dispatch boat McCulloch to Ilong Kong with dis- ])atches for the government, and I took passage in her in order to send my cable messages to the newspaper with which I was then Connected. The Callao Runs into a Hot Place. A few days later the little Spanish gunboat Calhio came into Manila P.ay flying the Spiuiish flag in the face of our whole fleet, and, when t\\(i (ir tlircc (if (lur vessels began popping away at lier with their (i[)ouuders, she ])aid no attention to this unusual recejjtion but steamed right on toward the Olympia as though indifferent to results. But when one of our shells ripped her awning clear across from one side of the little craft to the other, Lieutenant Pan, wlio commanded the AFTEE THE BATTLE. G9 Callao, began to think there was something dangerous in our vessels. Then the "stars and stripes" at the peak or flagstaff of each of our ships caught his eye, and he hauled down his colors to lind out what it all meant. lie said afterward that he supposed he had got in the range of some of his own vessels engaged in target practice. He had been cruising for several months in the southern part of the archipelago and had not known that there was even talk about the possibility of war between the United States and Spain. When the McCulloch arrived in Hong Kong, May 7th, and the news of Dewey's great victory was made public in the United States, the ex- citement reached siich a height that we who were so far awaj- could not, until long afterward, comprehend why our people at home should have been so much moved. Immediately the President promoted Commodore Dewey to be a rear admiral, and when the McCXilloch arrived in Manila Bay on Tuesday, May 10th, the broad blue flag bearing two white stars was hoisted at the Olympia's mainmast head, and a salute of thirteen guns was fired by every warship in the bay, including the French cruiser Bruix and the British cruiser Immortality, which had arrived in the bay two or three days after the battle. Life During the Bloc&ade. Admiral Dewey was now blockading the Bay of Manila, but was making no hostile demonstration against the city. In fact, there was an unexpressed understanding that, if the fleet did not fire at the city, the forts would not fire at the fleet. But there was no reason why this nominal armistice should continue any longer than it suited the con- venience or the interests of either of the combatants, and therefore we had to be prepared to meet any form of attack at all hours of the- -•irf or night. Torpedoes might have been used with a considerable hope of success against our vessels if we had relaxed our vigilance in the least. Consequently we were always on the alert. At this time I wrote the following account of the usual routine of each night aboard the ships of our squadron: "Dead calm is over the whole sheet of water that stretches between our squadron and the Citj of Manila. A humid heat has made the ships almost unbearably sultry all day. But now the sun is nearing the horizon, and a faint ripple on the water, two or three miles away, 70 AFTER THE BATTLE. shows that at last we are to have an at least temporary relief. Heavy clouds are banked up to the northward, and, as the sun drops out of sight, the exquisite colors of a Philippine sunset reach half w\iy to the zenith before the quickly oncoming night cuts short the panorama. Widespread flashes of heat lightning, varied by the forked bolts of a distant thunder storm, keep the west aglow at intei-vals. Then all brightness dies out, and the impenetrable gloom of a tropical night closes down over the ships. AVhat will it bring forth? Ten miles away lie the forces of a defeated and sullen enemy. Since the battle of May 1st not a move against us has been made. All the boujbast and bravado of the Governor-General has had no deed to back it up. There are, w^o are told, several thousand troops under the Spanish colors in Manila, besides a large body of seamen and marines, whom we drove out of Cavite. It cannot be possible that, among so many brave men — and they do not lack for daring when properly led— there are not a score or two capable of risking their lives to destroy our ships. At any rate, our admiral does not intend to take any chances; and, when night falls over the bay, the squadron prepares for its protection, exactly as though we w-ere in the presence of an alert and deterniined foe. Night Scenes in Manila Bay. "Just before the last of daylight disappears, a ewift steam launch or one of the captured tug-boats shoots away from the Olympia, passing around the squadron and giving the countersign for the night. By the time it has flnished its circuit the deep darkness has fallen, and woe be to the boat that then ventures within gunshot of any of our vessels! Even the picket-boat that we keep out for our own protection does not care to roam about too near the forbidden waters, for an over- hasty lookout might hail and then fire, without waiting for a reply. In the first few nights there were several such incidents to enliven the existence of the young officers on picket duty, but, fortunately, no one was hurt. "All the night one-half of each ship's company is on watch along- side the guns of the secondary battery— that is, the G-pounder, 3-pounder and 1-pounder rapid-firers and the automatic machine guns. At several points on each side of the ship are posted the keenest-eyed seamen of the wiitcli. No glow of light is visible from any part of the vessel after AFTER THE BATTLE. 71 eight o'clock, but two or three men stand around each searchlight, ready, at a word from the officer of the deck, to turn a concentrated pencil of blinding electric rays upon any object within a range of 2,000 yards. Every few minutes these lights sweep the waters of the bay. The light.s sometimes fall upon one of the remaining merchant vessels that have not yet succeeded in getting enough ballast aboard to enable them to go to sea, and the effect is magical. Under a sky of dense blue the horizon and the atmosphere just above the water seem of a Stygian blackness, when suddenly a pencil of brightness shoots out from the side of one of our vessels and falls upon a full rigged ship, bringing into fairy outlines all the hull, masts, spars and rigging of the craft, silhouetted against an inky darkness, like a transformation scene in a spectacular play. This never occurs to a warship, as it is contrai*y to naval etiquette to throw a searchlight upon a man-of-war. Ready for Any Emergency. "The guns of the main battery are loaded with shrapnel and the smaller pieces with either shell or shrapnel. The 1-pounders and the automatic machine guns in the military tops are also manned, with an ample supply of ammunition at band. "These precautions are taken nightly — not because there is a special alarm concerning torpedo attempts, but because it is the custom of American naval officers to take nothing for granted in war time. The men not stationed as lookouts are allowed to sleep beside their guns, and of the officers only the one in charge of the watch is required to be on deck. "The moon is almost a negligible quantity. It is after three o'clock in the morning before it rises, so that the greater part of the night is as dark as Erebus. If ever the Spaniards intend to attack us they will do it before a new moon begins to rise early and light up the bay for a continually lengthening period of time. Ever}- one on shipboard is a little more on the qui vive than has been deemed necessary before. More and more frequently the searchlights are swept over the face of the water, and the captain sleeps with an even gi'eater readiness to waken than usual. "About ten minutes before the beginning of the first v.-atch — that is, the time between eight o'clock and midnight — four red lights sud- 72 AFTER THE BATTLE. denly flash into beinc; aloncj the backstay of the flagship's mainmast. This is the general call, and every vessel replies by turning the same arrangement of lights upon her Ardois signal system. Rapidly the red and white lanterns are turned on and off aboard the Olympia, while tlic (Jther vessels repeat each combination as it appears on the flag- ship's mast, until Ave have read the message: 'Have reason to expect torpedo attack. Be ready.' As the message has been sent by the common 'wig-wag' code, with which most of the seamen and ap- prentices are familiar, the whole squadron instantly knows its puii>ort, and there is a little buzz of interest throughout the vessels. The effect is not noticeable except on close scrutiny, however. There is no excite- ment, no noise, and, apparently, no change in the arrangements usually made. But a careful and experienced observer will see that the execu- tive oflScer is going through the ship giving personal attention to the selection of lookouts at the more important posts; that the navigator is inspecting each searchlight and battle lantern to be sure that the electric current is working satisfactorily; that each division officer is supervis- ing the loading of his guns and the working of all the battery mechan- ism; that a specially fast launch has been detailed for picket duty; that the men — without being so ordered — are grouping 'round their guns in lighting rig — a pair of trousers only — with no thought of sleeping until the other watch comes on at midnight; and, finally, that the captain is pacing the bridge in cool contemplation of all the work, giving frequent orders in low tones, showing that nothing has escaped his ceaseless vigil- ance. "Watching for Spanish Torpedoes. "In the dense darkness the Concord and the Callao get underway — as we learn next day — but no one knows of this manoeuver at the time, for no light betrays their movement, either from within or without. It is not necessary nor proper to say where they go or what they do, for lliere is no telling of Avar secrets countenanced in this command. It is I'liough 1o say that it would liaA'e been a A'ory sad night for any Spanish torpedero avIio had tried to get within range of our ships that night — or any other night, for that matter "The sill]) is as dark and as silent as the graA'e. The night wears on with no sign that there is anything on foot out of the usual run of blockade routine, except that the searchlights are ceaselessly active, AFTER THE BATTLE. 73 sweeping the sea in every direction. The clouds pile up heavier and denser, and the heat grows more and more oppressive, until the accumu- lating storm bursts in tropical fury directly over the squadron. Vivid Hashes of lightning so dazzle the eye that the arc rays seem like mere tallow candles. Accompanied by terrific thunder and a deluge of rain the storm hangs close above our mastheads, as though resolved to give our enemy every chance that he could wish for a favorable moment in which to steal upon us unawares. "Through the masses of rain, now driven fiercely in our faces by the squall attending the cloud storm, it is impossible for the searchlights to penetrate far. The light is so diffused and refracted by the rain drops that its rays are stopped at a distance of 500 or GOO yards. Now, if ever, is the time for a watchful and vindictive foe to come at us. Search Lights IneflFective During the Storm. "Suddenly the forward searchlight falls upon something on the port bow. In this work it is not necessary to differentiate between objects and determine what they are. It is enough if the light touches some- thing that forms a contrast with the sullen, greenish grey of the water. A dozen eyes are following the sweep of the light. Half a dozen guns swing quickly around till they bear on the point where the rays touch the water. The captain speaks a word in a voice-tube, and away aft on the poop deck the officer in command at that place gives a low order to the men at the after light, which quickly veers around till it, too, is focused on the spot where the forward one is pointed. It is nothing — merelj' the wreck of an old boat that has been floating about the bay ever since May 1st. Other similarly unimportant discoveries are made, but they bear witness to the watchfulness of our seamen, and are, therefore, not as unimjwrtant as they may seem. Nearly every man is wet all over, and the breeze — now fresh and cool — makes the remainder of the watch anything but comfortable; but there is no relaxation of the vigil. "And so wears the night away. Dawn comes upon a calm sea, blue sky and zephyrlike airs ofi* the land. No enemy has appeared, and no disturbance has made an even temporary excitement. The ships' com- panies take up the customary work of the morning without a murmur, 74 AFTER THE BATTLE. aiiiiaiciitly indifferent to the strain and liardsliii) of a whole night of waiting for the torpedo tliat never came." A Voyage with Aguinaldo. On May 17th the McCulloch, haviuj^- returned to llong Kong with dis- patches, again sailed for Manila Bay, having on board as passengers, with the consent of Admiral Dewey, Emilio Aguinaldo and about fort^^ of his subordinate followers, who had begged permission to come to Cavite and resume their insurrection against the Spaniards. I re- turned to the fleet myself iu the McCulloch on this trip, and was thus able to make Aguinaldo's acquaint ance under very favorable circum- stances. General Aguinaldo landed iu Cavite May 19th and issued three proclamations on May 21th. In the first, he gave as the reason for his return to Luzon the fact that the Spaniards seemed powerless in the hands of the priests, who constantly placed obstacles iu the waj' of progi-ess. None of the promised reforms in the government had been carried out. He also stated that he had suiTendered his arms and handed over a strong army believing it would be more beneficial to the couutiT than carrying on an insurrection with poor resources. Now, he said, as the great and powerful United States had come forward to offer disinterested protection that the natives might gain liberty for their country, he had returned to command the army, and i)roposed to estab- lish a dictatorship, with an advisory council, until the islands were com- pletely independent. In the second proclamation he forbade all negotiations for peace be- tween the rebels and the Spaniards, in view of the failure, both civil and militarj', of all previous negotiations. He also announced that all Spaniards coming to parley without credentials and a flag of truce would be shot as spies. If a Filipino undertook such a commission he would be condemned to be hanged with the placard "Traitor to his country" attached to his body. Aguinaldo's Proclamation to the Filipinos. Tlic thii'd and most iiiipditaMt proclamation, because of its humane inti-ntioiis, addressed directly to the FiIi])ino!<, read as follows: AFTER THE BATTLE, 75 "The great North American nation, a lover of true libertj-, and there- fore desirous of liberating our country from the tyranny and desjDOtism to which it has been subjected by its rulers, has decided to give us disin- terested protection, considering us sufficiently able and civilized to gov- ern ourselves. "In order to retain this high opinion of the never to be too highly praised and great nation of North America, we should abominate such acts as pillage and robbery of every description, and acts of violence against persons and property. "To avoid international complications during the campaign, I decree: "1. Lives and property of all foreigners are to be respected, includ- ing Chinese and those Spaniards who neither directly nor indirectly have taken up arms against us. "2. The lives and property of our enemies who lay down their arms are to be equally respected. "3. In the same way, all hospitals and all ambulances, together with the persons and effects therein, as well as their staffs, are to be respected, unless they show themselves hostile. "4. Those who disobey what is set forth in the three former articles shall be tried by summary courtmartial and shot, if by such disobedi- ence there has been caused assassination, fires, robbery, or violence." Aguinaldo's Movements against the Spanish. As the prospects for fighting between the United States naval forces and the Spanish troops on shore were now practically nil, I devoted my time to watching the proceedings of the Filipinos under Aguinaldo. \yithin a week after his arrival in Cavite he had about 1,000 men under arms. Admiral Dewey gave him a large number of Mauser rilies and a considerable quantity of ammunition, captured from the Spaniards, and in a day or two a small steamer called the Faon — an assumed name, by the way — came into port frcun Canton, bringing about 3,000 stand of Remington breechloading rifles and a large stock of cartridges for these pieces. On the night of May 2Gth Aguinaldo sent 600 men across Bakor Bay to land between the detachment of Spaniards who were holding Ca- vite Viejo (Old Cavite) and the detachment quartered in the powder magazine, a little to the east of Cavite Viejo. The garrison in each 76 AFTER THE BATTLE. of these strong positions was about 300 men, so that the insurgents were represeute. DQ -o-^ f- W •G (U m E d, 3 -i H be =i a ct: 5S ■^ w D. g S z 0) ■T3 o 3 H D. (/) *J () rt 11 CQ b ^ W o g tU DC c> <: H ^ l-> O "3 ■a .2 'H o w (U O s a 01 <: < 5J en c o a < Q a ■a nl 3 t: o JZ o a: a 0) CO AFTER THE BATTLE. 81 made, and I saw many meu fall either dead or wounded. Some of the latter would drag themselves down to the water's edge to bathe their wounds. At last a savage assault was made upon the church. Once, twice, the field piece spoke, and then was silent. The rattle of the rifles, which had been more rapid for a time, stopped simultaneously, and suddenly all was quiet. No one remained on the beach but the dead and wounded Filipinos. In a few moments two or three wounded men staggered to their feet, waved their hats in the air, and then sank down, exhausted but vic- torious. Presently the rebel flag — a band of red above and blue below, with half a w^hite diamond near the flagstaff — fluttered from the roof of Bakor Church. Everything on the beach had been captured except Old Cavite. As night was coming on and as there were indications of a typhoon, which rapidly passed over Luzon within the next thirty-six hours, I reluctantly returned to the fleet. Later, when I visited some of the Spanish officers who had been captured in previous skirmishes, I found that the rebels treated their prisoners with consideration and gave them comfortable quarters. Allowed to Go to the Front. On June 2 Aguinaldo gave me a pass through all his lines, and that day I took a native canoe and crossed the bay to the rebel camp near Old Cavite. There I sought out Brigadier-General Tomas Mascado, who was in command of the troops. A guide to the front was provided for me, and when I I'eached the bridge where the rebel flag had been hoisted a few days before I found that it had been barricaded with large stones taken from the coping on the rebel side. The insurgents had whollj^ surrounded the solid stone church at Old Cavite and had pre- pared to starve out the garrison. The country about here was most difficult to cross on account of the thick tropical growth with which it was covered. There were few roads penetrating this dense mass of vegetation, and the water was every- where covered with heavy green slime. As I passed through several villages I saw many natives idling about the low thatched hguses, and all looked half starved. The young meu, however, who formed the bulk of the rebel fighting material, were enthusiastic aud brave. g2 AlT];i{ TIIK l!ATT!,K. Bi'in;;- an Aiiicriiaii and haviiij;- no right to take any part in the operations of tlie natives against the Spaniards,! was interested in mere- ly tlie news features of the eanipaigu that was then going on in Cavite Province. While I expected to go wherever it might be necessary or desirable for me to go, in order to witness the fighting, I had promised Aguiualdo, when lie gave nie my pass, that I would not run any un- necessary risks and particularly that I would not go to the Old Cavite bridge; because, he said, the fighting at that point was likely to be very hot, and, if I should be killed, my death might have a bad influence upon the Filipino cause. When, therefore, my pony stopped at the in- ( line to a bridge about noon, I walked forward to the stone barricade iJKit was built across the bridge at the highest point of its arch. I had crossed several bridges en route to this one, and therefore I did not connect this particular bridge with the warning Aguinaldo had given me. The heat was intense and the stillness of the tropical noon per- vadtHl everything. Perhaps a dozen natives were in the barricade, look- ing through the portholes that had been left between the large stones, and near a roadside house there were many Filipino soldiers loung- ing in the shade of bamboo sheds covered with coarse straw mats, lu front of the house was a new Krupp field-piece, unlimbered. Within Short Range of the Enemy. I noticed that the soldiers were greatly iuten-sted in nie, and as I went up the incline of the bridge they all stood up and saluted, while one or two said they would call an officer. I was accustomed to receiv- ing the salutes of the Filipino soldier.s, as they knew iiic to l)e an American serving with our fleet , and it was natural that tiiey should suppose me to be an officer of our navy. But on this occasion they showed a great deal more curiosity and respect combined than I had ever before noticed. On looking thi-ough the loop-holes in the stone barricade, I saw that I had, unintentionally, broken my promise to Aguinaldo and that I was on the crest of the bridge where I had seen such a hot tight in progTess only a few hours before, when I was Avatch- ing the sliore from the poop-deck of the Petrel. About 200 yards away was the church of Old Cavite, and I could easily distinguish the features (if the Spanish marines who were watching the rebel barricade over the top of tlie rliui" li ]iaiapei. I jiad walked "into the lion's den" without AFTER THE BATTLE. 83 the slightest suspicion that I was approaching the advance posts of the insurgent position. As the distance was an easy point-blauli range for the Mauser rifle, I felt that, as a non-combatant, I had no business there. But, of course, I was anxious to see what was going on; and, besides, it would have been impossible for me to withdraw until I had done what I came to do — namely, learn the situation and get what information the Filipinos in the fighting line were able to give me. Looted Articles from Cavite. So I unslung my camera and asked the soldiers to group themselves in rear of the barricade so that I could take their pictures. Only one or two of them spoke Spanish, and they not fluently, so that I had some difficult}' in getting matters arranged to suit me. But they brought me from the house near the bridge a black walnut table and a very com- fortable bent-wood Vienna chair, and one of the older men held over my head, to shield me from the almost intolerable rays of the sun, a fine silk umbrella. All of these articles were a part of the "loot" taken out of Cavite and San Eoque. A great number of the natives crowded into the narrow sjiace on the bridge, anxious to see what the "Americanong" was going to do. I may here remark that my photograph was a failure, because my films had been sijoiled by the climate. However, after getting a. large amount of interesting information from Captain Sallafranca, who was in command of the post, temporarily, and after attempting to get a photo of the bridge barricade, I was ready to continue my trip through the rebel lines around the Spanish posi- tion in Old Cavite. As I rose from my comfortable chair and turned my eyes toward the bay, I saw the Petrel about a mile and a half away, lying off Cavite. As I mentioned before, I had been aboard the Petrel earlier in the day, watching the fierce fighting that had then been going on at this bridge; and, thinking that perhaps some of the Petrel's officers might have their glasses still turned on the bridge, it occurred to me that I would let them see that I was there. Accordingly, as I stood up, I waved my white helmet two or three times toward the Petrel. It must be remembered that it was as peaceful and quiet in that neighborhood as a country church-yard on Sunday. Not a shot had been fired since I arrived at the bridge, and momentarily I had forgotten that I was within point-blank range of 250 Mauser rifles. 84 AFTER THE BATTLE. This was oue of the usual couditious at that time of year, for the heat was so tjverpowerini'- that there was sekloui auy fighting between ten o'clock in the forenoon and sunset. The Spaniards Open Fire. But the Spaniards in Old Cavite church had, evidently, become dis- turbed at the unusual gathering of men behind the Filipino barricade, for they had massed nearly their whole force opposite our position, probably fearing a suddeu charge. When, therefore, they saw my hel- met waved three times, they felt sure the rush was about to begin; and bang! br-r-r-r started off the rolling fire of their Mausers; and ping! ping! ping! came the shower of their bullets on the rocks around us. The air seemed full of little whirring scorpions, and as I sat down again in my chair to chronicle the incidents passing before me — and, incidentally, of course, not to expose myself any more than was neces- sary to the swarm of projectiles whistling close about me — it seemed impossible that any of us in that redoubt would ever come out of it unhurt. For, although the barricade gave considerable protection, the port-holes were six inidies high by three inches wide, and one side of the bridge was wholly unprotected because the stones had been removed to make a place for the field gun, which had been used to shell the church earlier in the day. The Filipinos returned the Spanish fire promptly, and their men flocked into the redoubt in such numbers that they soon silenced the Spaniards. And, except for one man, who went by picking a lot of loose teeth out of his mouth, where a bullet had raked his jaw, and another, who was shot in the leg, there were no casualties on our side. Having rt-aited till the firing had AvhoUy ceased, I moved away to the left of the rebel lines to see (ieneral Mascado, kindly but firmly declining the invitation of Captain Sallafranca to train the field-piece on the church and show his men how to aim it. He told me that they had fired twelve shots at the church at that short range and had hit it only three times. As the piece had been captured from the Spaniards at Imus only that morning, it was not strange tliat they should have been unfamiliar with its use. This little experience gave me a good idea of the inefficiency of the Spani.sh force, for at the distance of 200 yards they ought to have killed and wounded a large number of the natives, in spite of the pro- tection afforded by the stone.s. AFTEE THE BATTLE. 85 All the Spaniards Surrender. Five days later the garrisou in Old Cavite church surrendered un- conditionally, and by that time not one Spaniard was left uncaptured in Cavite Province. Aguiualdo's men had taken them in one detach- ment after another, and the net result was that about 1,600 Spaniards became the prisoners of an equal number of Filipinos. It is easy to see how these victories encouraged the natives and made them imagine that they were irresistible. Thousands of rein- forcements flocked to Aguiualdo, and he was able to arm them partly with the rifles he had captured from the Spaniards and partly with Kemingtons, bought in Hong Kong and shipped to him in chartered craft from Canton or Amoy. From this time until the arri^•al of the first detachment of United States troops, on the 30th of June, Aguiualdo maintained his head- (luarters in Cavite, but his troops were continually pressing the Span- iards back upon Manila. Every night fierce musketry fire was heard along the road that ran around the bay from Cavite to Manila, and every fight showed that the native troops had made considerable ad- vance in their position beyond that of the preceding night. It was not long before they reached the fort near the beach at Malate, one of Manila's suburbs, and then they continued their movement for invest- ing the citv to the east and north. CHAPTER IV. PREPARING TO TAKE ilANILA. The American People Rise to an Emergency — General Merritt Chosen to Command an Expedition to the Philippines — Gathering an Army ut San Francisco — Complications with the Germans in -Manila Bay — Another S])anish Gunboat Captured — Prisoners Become a Nuisance — Arrival of Transports and Troops — First Battle Ashore — Ready to Take Manila. By Dewey's victon- in JIauila Bay, there were suddenlj created obli- •xatious to be met by the United States'siich as had never been con- templated by the people, and hardly by the administration. The coun- try rose to meet them with notable enthusiasm and promptitude. Con- sidered in its influence upon our national standiupiues. He also protested against the German admiral's disregard of the American blockade of Manila. Admiral Dewey Asks an Explanation. The Gennan naval oflicers had taken pains to show particular friend- liness toward the Spaniards. The German officers had visited the Spanish fortifications and trenches and the Manila newspapers had asserted that the presence before the city of so many German ships enabled the Spanish anthorities and the people of Manila to regard the American fleet with complacency. Finally the German admiral told Admiral Dewey that three of his ships were to depai-t, but they went only as far as Mariveles, Subig bay and Cebu. On June 27 the McCuUoch met the Irene, one of the German fleet, at Corregidor island, preparing to enter the bay, and signaled to her: "We wish to communicate with you." The Irene paid no attention to the signal, and proceeded on her way until a small boat was sent out to her from the McQilloch. The captain of the Irene explained the matter hj saying that he had misunderstood the signal. The action of the Irene in interfering with an attack by the insur- gent vessel, Filipinas, on the Spanish garrison at Isla (Jraude, in Subig bay, was in line with the attitude adopted by the German naval oflRcers. As soon as the insurgejits rejiorted the matter to Admiral Dewey he disi)atched the lialeigh and Goncord to Subig bay and captured the Spanish gan-ison, the Irene departing hastily on the arrival of the Amci'ican wai'sliips. S ^ c I § s - ■' (U •3 XI S o S. O < rt bo c ti U w 'a ^ V ^ E Ux£^ ^J O n « oz hich Stic tatue :ano. •S . c E- vT < building •eys aide th Cajita e battle, sh explore (> i o j: 5 '5 Q < s tl re 1) der fter Spa W c c n 7, d: This mmoc surre ming ebrat c5 c s o ^ o H w Q ■< m •^ " 4) ^ 0) 2 cc ii o c c §3 -Sod ^ 0) M M I U o H O o PQ Q Z < w D H Q o w p: H E "3 ;zq " ^ cj C a o '^ S -5 S c n c '3 o ex o ■•-> coo as SQ n ^ .2 5i a> 4) a SB" c- o n .rt .i « c S^ !S — 2 -S § fc: '3 ■c a: 2.H H -si o K z s E i ■" *• ;=: o c. « E i « S g- c > a U -5 O « o c „ ■" o * c 0) .2 II E ^ -^ -fl PREPARING TO TAKE MANILA. 93 At last Admiral Dewey sent an officer to the German flagship with a request that Admiral Diederichs make a statement of the German atti- tude in the matter of the blockade of Manila. At the same time he delivered a protest against various actions by German officers, such as have been mentioned here. The German admiral sent an immediate I'xplauatiou. Two days later, however, he sent a protest to Admiral Dewey against the action of American officers in boarding German ships coming to Manila from Mariveles. lie cited the incident of the Mc- Culloch and the Irene at Corregidor. Admiral Dewey replied to this very courteously but firmlj'. He ])()inled out to the German admiral that international law gave to the commander of a blockading fleet authority to communicate with all the ships entering a blockaded port. As international law permitted warships to fly any flag they chose in order to deceive an enemy, the nationality of vessels entering the bay could not be determined abso- lutely without communicating with them. He announced his intention to communicate with all ships entering the bay. For the German admiral's further information Admiral Dewey told him that if Germany was at peace with the United States the German naval officers would have to change their methods, and that if Germany was at war with his nation he desired to know it at once in order that he might act accordingly. With little delay the German changed his point of view and manner of conduct, and harmony once more ruled when Dewey said the word. Capture of the Gunboat Leyte. One of the most interesting events of the period of waiting was the capture of the Spanish gunboat Leyte which came to Manila bay and chanced capture, because that was the only escape that offered from an exceedingly dangerous position elsewhere. About 4:30 o'clock on the afternoon of June 29 the Boston sighted smoke near the northern shore of Manila bay. She signaled the flag- ship, and in a few minutes the order was signaled to the McCullocli to get under way and communicate with a Spanish steamer bearing north by west. The McCulloch's anchor was hastily hove up and the vessel steamed out toward the distant cloud of smoke. The stranger was heading for Manila, but when she approached the foreign man-of-war 94 PREPARING TO TAKE MANILA. anchorage she slowed down. On the McCuIloch there was great ex- citement. This move was interpreted to mean that the Spaniard was going to stand and tight instead of attempting to run into the Manihi harbor. General quarters was sounded, guns were manned, ammunition was hurriedly got up and eA'erything was ready for the battle that all felt sure was to follow. The Spanish flag by this time could be made out flying from the staff of the stranger. Over on one side, just beyond the foreign ship, were the Manila batteries of 8- inch and G-inch Krupp guns, and the distance was very short for guns of their caliber and range. It was felt that an attemjjt to take a Spanish prize under the Spanish forts would precipitate an indignant fire from shore. The Spaniard lay waiting, and the yellow and red ensign flaunted impudently from her stern. As the McCulloch bore down on her a white flag appeared at the Spaniard's foremast. A half-mile away the officers and crews of the German and other foreign ships were looking on as at a drama. The officers of the American ship prepai'ed to send a boat off to communicate with the Spanish shij), but a pulling boat in the meantime had left the gang-way ladder of the latter. A Spanish officer sat in the stern, and when he reached the McOulloch there was a reception waiting him that was quite Chesterfieldian. Two side boys were at the gang-way and evei-y courtesy due to the rank of a captain was given him. He was very nervous and perhaps did not ex- pect the kindly greetings that awaited him. His name was lOmmanuel Peral, and his vessel was the gunboat Leyte, and there were 1S3 S]ianiards on her. The Spaniards were from Pampanga province, and as the rebels had become more active and ag- gressive they had been forced to leave the town of San Fernando an of soldiers and sailors. When the ship steamed alongside the wharf near the arsenal twelve marines under Captain Williams were landed. These men were marched out on the dock and lined up in two parallel columns, six in each, about twenty feet apart. The Spanish soldiers, lugging their heavy knap- sacks and rifles, were drawn np in line between the American marines. The officers were allowed to stand in a group near the water end of the landing dock. The hold of the ship was searched and all the stragglers brought out. Then the men were marched a few hundred feet onward and the women and children, the sick and the native sailors were taken 96 PREPARING TO TAKE MANILA. off the vessel. Great piles of trunks were remoA'ed and two heavy strong boxes of silver coin. The amount in these boxes was said to be about §10,000, and the officers claimed that it was personal property. This was hardly believed, however. Another quantity of nionej- was found, and this was given to the crew in payment of back wages by order of Admiral Dewey. These were the first prisoners taken and held by (lie admiral. The officers expressed themselves as preferring to be .Vmerican prisoners with something to eat than to be over in Manila. Tliey knew that the fact of their having surrendered their ship and money unnecessarily was seen in Manila and that they would be shot if they entered the city. Arrival of Pirst Troopships. It was (in .June 'M that i lie lirst of the transports reached Manila bay. On that day the troopships City of Peking, City of Sydney and Australia arrived from San Francisco under the convoy of the Charleston, which had made the trans-Pacific voyage with them, and the Baltimore which had been sent to the north of the island of Luzon to meet them. After calling at Honolulu thej' had touched at Guam in the Ladrone islands. Here the captain-general had surrendered to the Charleston, and the officers and soldiers of the Spanish garrison there had been taken aboard one of the transports as prisoners. Tlie arrival of tlie troopships brought great rejoicing to the Ameri- can fleet and dismay to the people of Manila, who believed that an iiuuiediate attack would be made on the city, which probablj' was to be destroyed by bombardment. The transports named brought General Thomas M. Anderson of the United States army, who had with him four companies of the 14th infantry of the regular army and the 1st California and 1st Oregon regiments of .volunteers. The next troop- siiips, under (leneral Frank V. Greene, arrived July 17; General Merritt himself came on July 2."), and when General MacArthur's quota arrived on July 30 the force was considered complete, Ihougt it has been re- enforced often since that time. Disembarkation was hastened as rapidly as possible and Cavito be came an exceedingly busy place. Drills were kept up faithfully and the men were prepared for whatever emergency might arise. General Anderson requested Aguinaldo to evacuate Cavile, as there was not PREPARING TO TAKE MANILA. 97 sufficient room in the town for our own troops, and the Filipino dic- tator removed his headcjuarters to Balior, just across the bay of Bakor. At this place Aguinaldo called together a number of natives upon whosb loyalty to himself he could depend and organized a provisional gov- ernment. He ceased to sign himself "dictator," and appointed a "cabi- net." These men assumed the executive authority of the Filipino re- public, but Aguinaldo remained, as before, the sole power in the Filipino camp. Manila was finally fully surrounded by the rebel troops, and fighting at long range and without much effect went on every night. It was impossible for the insurgents to take the city either by siege or by assault, and so during the month of July the Spaniards were on the defensive against the natives. The troops of the United States were advanced from Cavite to Paranaque, only a short distance from the walls of Manila, and preparations were made by the United States forces for compelling the surrender of the city to General Merritt. First Engagement of American Troops. The first clash of arms between Spanish and American land forces in the Philippines resulted in the killing of ten Americans and the wounding of forty-three. The Spanish loss was not known. The con- flict occurred late in the night of July 31. It was the result of a reported effort on the part of the enemy to flank the American trenches near Malate, an effort which failed, if, indeed, it was ever intended. The fight was a vicious one, but the men who were having their baptism of fire never flinched. They showed the stuff of which they were made, as truly as they did two weeks later when Manila was the objective point. The engagement occurred in the midst of a driving rain, ac- companying a furious typhoon which had been raging for several days and the conditions were peculiarly trying. When finally the men of the three fleets of troopships were disem- barked and placed in position, General Merritt calculated that the time had come for final action. He had about 8,500 men ready to attack the city of Manila. He and Admiral Dewey united in a joint letter to the Spanish commander-in-chief, under date of August 7, notifying him that operations might begin at any time after forty-eight hours, or 98 PREPARIKG TO TAKE MANILA. sooner if made necessary by an attack on his part, and that all uon- combatauts should therefore be removed from the citj-. In replying, Governor-General Jaudenes said in part: "As your notice is sent for the purpose of providing for the safety of non-com- batants, I give thanks to your excellencies for the humane sentiment you have shown, and state that, finding myself surrounded by insur rectionary forces, I am without places of refuge for the increased num. ber of wounded, sick, Avomen and children who are now lodged withiu the walls." Dewey and Merritt Demand Surrender. Two days later a second letter was sent to the captain-general by Admiral Dewey and General Merritt, reading as follows: "The Governor-General and Captain-General of the Philippines. "Sir: The inevitable suffering in store for the wounded, sick, women and childi'en, in the event that it becomes our duty to reduce the defenses of the walled town in which they are gathered, will, we feel assured, appeal successfully to the sympathies of a general capable of making the determined and prolonged resistance which your excel- lenc}' has exhibited after the loss of your naval forces and without hope of succor. "We therefore submit, without i)rejudice to tlie high sentimenls of honor and duty which your excellency entertains, that, surrounded on ever}' side as you are by a constantly increasing force, with a powerful (leet in your front and deprived of all prospect of reinforcement and assistance, a most useless sacrifice of life would result in the event of an attack, and therefore eveiy consideration of humanity makes it imperative that you should not subject your city to the hoiTors of a bDuibardment. Accordingly, we V:i CHAPTER V". MERRITT AND DEWEY CAPTURE MANILA. Approach of the Time when Waiting Was to End — Efforts to Obtain a Sur- render Without an Engagement Fail — Story of the Battle of August 13 — Dramatic and Picturesque Features of the Assault on the Forti- fications — Talking Possession of the City — The Part Played by the Navy — Captured Spanish Gunboats Distinguish Themselves — Organ- izing the T^ow Regime in Manila — Waiting for the Declaration of Peace. The most concise story of the taking of Manila is that included in the official report cabled by General Merritt to the war department at Washington. It read as follows: "Hong Kong, August 18. — Adjutant-General, Washington: Manila, August 13. — On the 7th inst. Admiral Dewey joined me in a forty-eight- hour notification to the Spanish commander to remove non-combatants from the city. On the same date a reply was received expressing thanks for the humane sentiments, and stating that the Spanish were without places of refuge for non-combatants now within the walled town. On the 9th inst. we sent a joint note inviting attention to suffering in store for the sick and non-combatants in case it became our duty to reduce the defenses, also setting forth the hopeless condition of the Spanish forces, surrounded on all sides, with a fleet in front and no prospect of re-enforcements, and demanded surrender as due to every consideration of humanity. On the same date we received a reply admitting their situation, but stating the council of defense declared the request for surrender could not be granted, but offered to consult the government if time was granted necessary for communication via Hong Kong. A joint note was sent in reply declining. On the 13th joined with the navy in attack, with the following result: After about half an hour's accu- rate shelling of the Spanish lines, MacArthui^'s brigade, on the right, and Greene's on the left, under Anderson, made a vigorous attack and car- ried the Spanish works. Loss not accurately known — about fifty in all. 104 MERRITT AND DEWKV CAPTrRE MANILA. JU'liavior of troops excellent; co-operatiou of the uavy most valuable. Troops advanced rapidly ou walled city, upon which a white iliv^ wa.s shown, and the town capitulated. Ti'oops occupy Malate, Biuondo aud the walled city of San Miguel. All important centers protected. Insur- gents kept out. No disorder nor pillage. "MERRITT." Just Before the Capture of the City. The facts are there but the details are uot. The details themselves were highly interesting. Tlie Spaniards knew they were whipped weeks before the battle. There was nothing to be expected from their long aud stubborn obstinacy except the possibility that peace might be declared before the Americans had captured the city. They were hemmed in on the south and the sea by the American troops aud by the insurgents on the east and north. For more than three months little food had been received, and they had been gradually reduced to tinned meats and then to rice and grain. Business was choked to a standstill and one by one the shops were closed. The only places that thrived Avere the cafes, which daily held their throngs of iSpauish officers cursing their misfor- tune and heaping their wrath on the Americans and the natives for obvious reasons; on the Euglis'^ because of the hitter's sympathy with the United States; ou the Germans because no help was given and on Spain because she had apj)arontly deserted them. The water works then fell into the hands of Aguiualdo's men and no water came to rid the town of its stenches and bring relief to the sick. Sickness came on quickly with the stopping of the water supply, the hospitals were filled and then the churches, and finally other public buildings. Over 3,000 sick and wounded soldiers were in the walled citj when it fell. The sanitation was wretched, and the prolonged diet of rice aud coarse foods told fearfully on the delicate stomachs of the sick. A sentiment in favor of surrender sjtrang up. Captaiu-General Augustin was convinced of the folly of further resistance. The archbishoji, who had always been regarded as the most bitterly opposed to submission, was said to have favored it from the first. Madrid routed Augustin aud appointed Gen- eral Jaudencs his military successor because the latter was understood to favor fighting for iiis beloved flag and mother countrj- as long as a drop of blood flowed in his subordinates' veins. The newspapers printed MERRITT AND DEWEY CAPTURE MANILA. 105 fearful things about the Americans and rioted in the most shameless fabrication of official telegrams. The soldiei's had been deceived into believing that a fleet from Spain was expected for over a month, and each detachment of American troopships was heralded as the long- expected relief expedition until they were seen to join the ships of the admiral's fleet. Negotiations for Surrender. A feeling of discontent sjn'ead among the soldiers, and Admiral Dewej, acting through the Belgian consul, Mr. Edward Andr^, as in- termediary, began a series of communications with Governor Augustin which promised to result in the peaceful transfer of the Philippines without bloodshed. The admiral believed that such a transfer could be accomplished, and he hoped that by delaying until an ovenvhelming force arrived the Spaniards would submit and the American forces es- cape without losing a single man. At any time he could have taken the city. Had it been necessary to make a move it may be certain that he would have made it without waiting a moment. But acting on the belief that the same result could be obtained by diplomacy and patience, and feeling that there was no immediate hurry before the Monterey arrived, he was gradually reaching a satisfactory understand- ing with the Spanish authorities. General Greene, at this nervous crisis, when the scales were waver- ing, crowded his lines up against the Spanish works at Malate and pre- cipitated the general night fight of July 31, in which the ultimate death list reached a dozen, with a long roll of wounded. At that time it seemed that the admiral would be forced to act with sledge-hammer aggressiveness, but he still clung to the hope that the city could be taken by diplomatic negotiations and a general attack avoided. On the night of August 1 another American was killed in the trenches and two more were wounded. The American troops were ordered not to answer the Spanish firing unless the Spaniards came out to storm the trenches, which to any one familiar with the conditions was very improbable. There was a general feeling that the advancing of our troops had been an unwise move, because nothing was gained by it which could not have been easily gained at any later time should the necessity arise. Night after night the killing continued — one or lor. MERKirr and dewey ('apture Manila. two or three a uiylit, uutil the little bamboo aud acacia and mango trees in the convent yard at Maricaban waved over nearly a score of new-made <^raves. Then began the exchange of correspondence between the American and Spanish conimanders, ending with the demand for sun-ender which was made and refused. Saturday, August 13, was the day of the taking of Manila. Plan of the Day's Fighting. The army was divided into two brigades, (leneral Greene had the 2d brigade and his men were strung along on the extreme right extend- ing to the beach. As his advance fighting line he had the Utah light artillery, with Captains Grant and Young; the 1st Colorado, under Colonel Irving Hale, and a battalion of the 3d artilleiy. The last- named, although in the tiring line, was not under fire. Back of the fu'ing line, in immediate support, was the 2d battalion of the 1st Cal- ifcn-nia, under Colonel Smith and Major Sime. As reserves there w'er? the 18th United States infantry, 1st California, 1st Nebraska, 10th Pennsylvania and a battalion of United States engineers. The 1st brigade, under General MacArthur, further inland, was distributed in a similar manner as firing line and reseiTes. The Astur battery, 13th Minnesota and 23d infantry were in front, with one battalion of the 14th infantry, two battalions of the 1st North Dakota. tAVo battalions of the 1st Idaho and one battalion of the 1st Wyoming as reserves and support. The Spanish line of defenses consisted of a continuous intrench- ment, broken by three strongholds — the fort at Malate, blockhouse li and the fortified English cemetery. General Greene's brigade was to attack and take the first and strongest, while General ^lacArthur's brigade was to attack the blockhouse and cemetery. The entire field of operations covered little more than a square mile, but the Amer- icans had a fearful country to fight in. Barb-wire fences, bamboo jungles, paddy fields, swamps, streams and sharpened pickets had to be passed before I'eachiug the Spanish line. The taking of the trenches and fort at Malate by the 1st Colorado was the most brilliant and spectacular act of the day, but a savage ambuscade over at Singalon, near bhtcklmuse 14, was the most deadly, for four men were killed in tlie .\sl(ii' battciy ami l.'itli Minnesota and 23d infantry, while nearly MERRITT AND DEWEY CAPTURE MANILA. 107 thirty were wounded. Had it not been for the timely advance of the 13th Minnesota and 23d artillery the Astor battery would have been almost wiped out. Beginning the Advance on Manila. Early in the morning the two brigades began the advance from Camj) Dewey. Eveiy man carried rations for one day and went in light marching order. The story told by Major Bell of the bureau of in- formation, who acted as one of General Greene's aids during the day, gives a good idea of the operations of the 2d brigade. The men in the camp were up at 5 o'clock, ready for the start. General Babcock arrived from the Newport soon after the main body of troops had advanced from the camp, and he and Major Bell followed on horseback, soon passing the troops. Major Bell, sheltered by clumps of bamboo, crept up from the farthest American trench, where the Utah artillery, the 1st Colorado and a battalion of the 3d artilleiy were waiting the order to attack, along the beach to a position barely 500 yards from the fort at Malate, to make a reconuoissance of the Spanish guns. Two days before he had done the same and had re- ported that one of the Spanish guns had been removed. On this later reconuoissance it was his object to determine where that gun had been placed. Orders were then given for four companies of the 1st Colorado to begin an advance. Two companies, C and D, were sent out in front of the trenches, and two otljers, I and K, were sent along the beach under cover of the fire of Companies C and D. As C and D took their places out in a skirmish line in front of the trench, I and K, advanc- ing from the rear of the trenches, proceeded along in the surf at the beach, wading an intervening stream and boldly entering the fort. Companies C and D fell in behind; then came the 2d battalion of the 1st California, under Colonel Smith and Major Sime, who were in reserve behind the firing line, but who advanced directly behind the Colorado troops. A Race for the Spanish Colors. Major Bell was ahead of the Colorado soldiers, bent on reaching the fort first to take down the Spanish flag, but, the Spanish opening 108 MERRITT AND DEWEY CAPTURE MANILA. fire from their iutrenchments, he was called bac-k to allow the Colo- rados to fire several volleys. This cost him the flag, for Colonel McCoy and Adjutant Brooks, in the van of their troops, reached the Spanish position, dashed over the trenches, followed by a rushing mass of Colo- rado men, plunged into the old fort and took down the Spanish flag and hauled up the American. Just behind the Colorado men came the regimental band, wading the stream and playing their instruments with wonderful persistence and questionable harmony. The band made the hit of the day. The Colorado troops then began an advance toward the city, but the 1st California, by not stopping at the fort, had passed them and were cari-ying everything before them in a rush through Malate, with the Spaniards retreating in broken order and firing from dooryards and windows and from the protection of houses. A heavy fire met the 1st Colorados after passing the fort and seemed to come from the marshes over to the right of the road. It was in this fire that Charles Phoenix of Company I was killed and several others were wounded. Taking Care of the Insurgents. The four companies of the 1st California proceeded on through the Calle Keal in Malate, Colonel Smith dropping guards at every house flying the English flag, to protect it from the insurgents, who were scrambling along in tiae wake of the Californians' victorious advance. The insurgents were firing as they came along. It was here that Major Jones of the transportation department and Interpreter Finlay distinguished themselves. The insurgent firing had become hot for even the Americans, and Major Jones took an American flag, planted liimself in the middle of the road and with drawn revolver stopped the entire advance of the insurgents. Captain O'Connor, with a small guard, advanced to the very city walls in the face of large bodies of Sjjanish soldiers and posted himself on the Puente Espafia, the principal bridge of tlie city, h'ading from the business section to tlie walled city. The Californians advanced to the road leading around the walled city and intercei)ted tlie insurgents who were flockiijg in along tlie road from Santa Afia. The latter were firing on the retreating Si)iiniards, and the Californians came in direct line of the fire. The Sjianiards were returning the insurgent fire, and the Americans were between MEBRITT AND DEWEY CAPTURE MANILA. lOD the- too forces. It was here that Private Dunmore of Company B, 1st California, was killed and H. Ammerson wounded. The California men held their fire, and by doing so avoided a general conflict which would have been as disastrous as it would have been useless. The in- surgent advance was stopped. Colonel Smith then advanced to the roads leading from Paco and stopped another troop of insurgents who were attempting to enter the walled city. One pompous insurgent in a gorgeous uniform announced that they were going on, but when Major Bell drew his revolver and threatened to kill any one attempting to pass, the insurgent officer became submissive and polite. The Ameri- cans then formed in line and forced the insurgents up the street and into a side street. They next attempted to get in by another street, but were forestalled. General Greene Enters the City. General Greene came up under a scattering fire with hig staff and met a Spanish official who awaited him at one of the gates of the city. The general entered the city alone with the Spaniards and the arrange- ments for the occupation were made. Over to the north of the city there was hot fighting between the insurgents and the Spaniards, but the latter held them back. The Spaniards in those trenches remained at their guns, resisting the insurgents, until 7 P. M. the following day, and were among the last who gave up their arms. They complained at being compelled to fight after the city had surrendered. General MacArthur's brigade was having a hot fight over in the Singalon district. The Spanish deserted their trenches at the advance of the Americans, but retreated to dense clumps of bamboos and am- buscaded the Americans as the latter advanced. In was in this ambus- cade that August Thollen of the 23d infantry. Sergeants Cremins and Holmes of the Astor battery and Archie Patterson of the 13th Min- nesota were killed and a great number wounded. The Minnesota men, the Astor battery and the 23d infantry did brilliant work in this sec- tion, and their record in the fight is the most brilliant of the day. As MacArthur's brigade in regular order swept the Spaniards out of blockhouse No. 14 and the English cemetery, driving them back, the brigade fell in behind General Greene's brigade and entered Malate from the east. 110 MERRITT AND DEWFA' CAl'TURE MANILA. The Battle as Seen from the Bay. At 9 o'clock sharp the Olvmpia's cngiues began to throb, and as the flagship moved slowly forward the national ensign floated from all mastheads. The Charleston, which had been lying near Malate for several days, steamed slowly over and joined the squadron, and a few minutes more saw the Olympia, Baltimore, Monterey, Charleston, Boston, Petrel, Raleigh, McCulloch, Callao, Barcelo, Zafiro and the Kwonghoi bear- ing off toward Malate. It was a magnificent sight. When the Olympia passed the Immortalitt' the band on the latter struck up a few bars of "See, the Conquering Hero Comes," swung into the swell of "Star- Spangled Banner" and then broke into the lively, inspiriting "El Capi- tan." It was gi-eat. As the American ships left the ships in the Cuvite anchorage the Immortality and Iphigenia got under way, and, steam- ing swiftly across to the German and French ships, took up their sta- tions directly between the Gorman flagship and Admiral Dewey's ships. The German admiral as promptly got under way, and took a place in line with the Englishmen. It was only an incident, but the significance of the British move was tremendously apparent. Navy Begins Its Share of the Work. At 4,000 yards the order came to commence firing when ready, and at 9:35 o'clock the Olympia opened with a G-pounder, and almost simultaneously one of the forward 8-inch guns crashed and every glass was turned toward the target. The shots fell short, due to a mistake in the range, which was caused by a miragic effect, making the shore line appear closer. The order was then given to get the 5-inch guns ready, and the range was made for 4,200 yards. Two 5-inch guns from Ensign Taylor's battery blazed out, then one of Stokely Morgan's 8-inch forward guns and then another 5-inch gun. Then came the order to cease firing. Up to this time — 9:50 o'clock — the Spaniards had not returned the fire, and it was suspected that they were reserving it for a closer range, or else, as appeared probable, the fort had been deserted. The Raleigh and Petrel had joined in, the Raleigh's magnificent battery of MERRITT AND DEWEY CArTURE MANILA. HI rapid fire 5-inch guns and the Petrel's 6-inch guns plowing holes in the landscape and altering the sky line of the fort. At 9:50 o'clock the army, which was advancing toward the fort, began firing, and the smoke from their volleys hung in white clouds over their position. Five minutes later there was almost incessant firing from the army, and masses of white smoke w'ere seen leaping out from the fort and the Spanish trenches in answer. At 3,500 yards the order was given again on the Olympia to commence firing, and at 10 o'clock she opened again, but the shots fell short and to the right. The rain now- began to fall in a steady drizzle, and the Admiral and Lieu- tenant Brumby put on raincoats, the former changing his naval cap for a cloth traveling cap. Work of the Captured Gunboats. At 10 o'clock the Callao, very close in shore moving along parallel with the army's advance, was raking the Spanish trenches with a deadly fire from the machine guns. Lieutenant Tappan was doing wonderful work with the little gunboat, and several Spanish volleys were fired on him as the vessel advanced. A number of bullets struck her, but no one was hurt, and she kept up a steady grind- ing out from her Nordenfeldt and Hotchkiss. The little Barcelo, close behind, was pumping her machine guns in with magnificent effective- ness. Like the little Petrel in the battle of May 1, the Callao and Barcelo seemed to be in the thickest of the fight, and on account of their nearness to shore to be most aggressive and daring. From the Olympia the movements of the land forces now became distinguishable. Where a few moments before their position was marked only by the smoke which rose above the trees from the bat- teries and volley firing, now 't was plainly seen that a great number of soldiers were boldly advancing up the open beach and straggling for- ward in the heavy surf. It was a gallant sight to see the long line of brown uniforms streaming up the beach, some waist deep in the surf dashing out along the unprotected strip of sand which lay between them and the old fort, where the Spanish guns were expected to blaze out any minute in their faces. A scattering fire came from the Spanish trenches, and at 10:15 o'clock the troops on the beach stopped and answered with three A^olleys. JlL' MEKlilTT AND DEWEY CArTURE MANILA. Admiral Dewey Pays a Compliment. When they crossed the little stream about 200 yards in front of the fort, holding- their guns high in the air to keep them fi'om being soaked, with the regimental Hag and national ensign tlying bravely at the front, with their regimental band valiantly following and i)laying for dear life, there were thousands of eyes watching them from the ships with silent, almost breathless, anxiety. Slowly they drew nearer the fort, with the Mausers spattering along before them and the baud playing. The Ad- miral said that it was the most gallant advance he had ever seen. The Colorado regimental band was playing "There'll Be a Hot Time in the Old Town To-night." Just before the trooj)s I'eached the powder magazine there was a tremendous explosion and a dense column of black smoke sprang up behind the fort. It was thought that a mine concealed in the road had been exploded. The smoke hung in the air and it was seen that the explosion was followed by a fii-e. The fort was now deep in smoke from other explosions and the Spanish firing. As the troops advanced along the beach and approached nearer the fort the army signaled the fleet to cease firing. The fort was still silent. At 10:5S a storm of cheers broke out from the Olympia, for the soldiers had passed the zone of fire and were clambering over the Spanish trenches and swarming into the fort. Hardly a moment passed before the yellow and red Hag was seen to be coming down, and the next minute the American flag was raised in its place. Preparing for tlie Surrender. This was evidently the lime agreed upon for the city to surrender, for an order was at once given by the Admiral to fly our international signal, "Do you surreiuler?" At 11 o'clock it was fluttering from the forward signal halyards of the flagship. With the hoisting of this sig- nal came a general .shifting of the positions of the fleet, and all the vessels, with the exception bf the Callao, Concord and Barcelo, took their positions before the heavy batteries of Manila. The Monterey .-teamed to a very close range and waited. Every gun in the fleet that could be trained in that direction was pointed on the Manila guns. If MERRITT AND DEWEY CAPTURE MANILA. 113 any one of those four 9.2-iiicli Hontoria guns had let loose at least n hundred shells would have been launched in on them in less time than it takes to read about it. A huge Spanish flag was floating bravely over the city walls near one of the heavj^ batteries and it did not seem to come down with any particular haste. Nearly every one was watching that gorgeous piece of bunting and hoping that it would be lowered, but in its persistent waving there was certainly no indication of surrender or weakening. The Zafiro, with General Merritt, approached the Olympia, and as if by a preconcerted agreement the flagship signaled that Flag Lieutenant Brumby would report on board the Zafiro. At 11:45 the Admiral left the bridge to meet Consul Andre, the Belgian representa- tive, whose launch had just reached the flagship. Lieutenant Brumby took the largest American flag on the ship and went aboard the launch. General Whittier of General Merritt's staff came over from the Zafiro in a pulling boat, and also went aboard the launch Trueno. A few minutes later the launch steamed away toward Manila, 1,.500 yards away. At 12 o'clock the international signal "C. F. L.," meaning "hold conference," was hoisted over the city walls. Then followed a long wait. The ofiicers and men on the ships had dinner, the guns were kept trained on the Manila batteries, and the big Spanish flag still swung in the breezes above the beleaguered city. Soon after 2 o'clock the Belgian consul's boat was seen to be re turning. This seemed to mean that an agreement had not been reached, for the presence of the Spanish colors certainly did not look like capitulation. When the Good News Came. At 2:33 o'clock Lieutenant Brumby, climbing up the sea ladder to the Olympia's quarterdeck, called out to the Admiral: "Well, they've surrendered all right." The Admiral quickly answered, "Why don't they haul down that flag?" "They'll do that as soon as Merritt gets COO or 700 men in there to protect them," explained Lieutenant Brumby. The Admiral then said: "Well, you go over and tell General Mer- ritt that I agree to anything." 114 MKItRlTT AND DEWEY CAPTl'RE MANILA. As (he news jtassed that the city had suiTendered, (he riggiiifi; was manned and tremendous cheers broke out over the dull sea. All the ships of the fleet were cheerinf^- as the news was signaled. At 5:45 the Spanish flag in the city was seen slowly coniiug down. and a minute later the enormous American flag was hoisted in its place. Just as the huge flag went up, the sun, which through the greater por- tion of the. day had been obscured, now burst through the clouds hang- ing over Manilii and illuminated the banner with a blaze of light. It was as opportune as the calcium light in the theater which falls on the center of the stage when the star enters. The ships of (he lleet saluted the new Hag witli I wciity-nnc guns each. In ten minutes 189 saluting charges were tired. At G o'clock the band on the ilag(;hip struck up "The N'iclory of Manila," and Manila was ours. American Soldiers in Manila. By 10 o'clock 10,000 soldiers were in the ci(y. The 2d Oregon patrolled the walled city and g-uarded its nine entrances. General Greene marched his brigade around the walled city into Binondo. The 1st California was .sent east to the fashionable official residence disti'ict of Malacanay, the 1st Colorado was sent into Tondo and the 1st Ne- braska was established on the north shore of the Pasig river, Mac- Arthur's brigade patrolled Ermita and Malate. In the walled city the Spaniards had surrendered their arms at the governor's palace. By nightfall over 7,000 rifles had been surren- dered, and by the following evening nearly 1,000 more were turned in. The big American flag Avas hoisted by Lieutenant Brumby, and a.s (lie Oregonians entered from the Kwonghoi the afternoon of the fight llieir band struck up "The Star-Spangled Banner." The women wept as llie Spanish ensign went down, and the soldiers cheered as (he American flag went up. The night of the hat lie was iiiiiet. E.\cei)t for a few cases reported of the insurgents lootijig (he houses of Spaniards, (here was no dis- order. The American .soldiers at once began to fraternize with the Spanish soldii-rs. Terms of capitulation were agreed upon promptly between American and Sjianish commanders and the occujjation of the Spanish ca]pital nf tlie I'liili]i]iines was comiilet(\ General MerritCs MERRITT AKD DEWEY CAPTURE MANILA. 115 first great task after that of safely transporting an army across tlie Pacific was accomplislied. His own report is but a just appreciation of the excellence of the work done by his men. Its expressions of ap- proval are no warmer than those given to General Merritt himself by those who know his work. It closed as follows: General Merritt Praises the Army. "Immediately after the surrender the Spanish colors on the sea front were hauled down and the American flag displayed and saluted by the guns of the navy. The 2d Oregon Regiment, which had pro- ceeded by sea from Cavite, was disembarked and entered the walled town as a provost guard, and the colonel was directed to receive the Spanish arms and deposit them in places of security. The town was filled with the troops of the enemy driven in from the entrenchments, regiments formed and standing in line in the streets, but the work of disarming proceeded quietly and nothing unpleasant occurred. "In leaving the subject of the operations of the 13th I desire here to record my appreciation of the admirable manner in which the orders for attack and the plan for occupation of the city were carried out by the troops exrtctly as contemplated. I submit that for troops to enter under fire a town covering a wide area, to rapidly deploy and guard all principal points in the extensive suburbs, to keep out the insurgent forces pressing for admission, to quietly disarm an army of Spaniards more than equal in numbers to the American troops, and finally by all this to prevent entirely all rapine, pillage, and disorder, and gain en- tire and complete possession of a city of 300,000 people filled with na- tives hostile to the European interests, and stirred up by the knowledge that their own people were fighting in the outside trenches, was an act which only the law-abiding, temperate, i*esolute American soldier, well and skillfully handled by his regimental and brigade commanders, could accomplish." President McKinley Sends Congratulations. As soon as possible for messages to pass by steamer between Manila and Hong Kong and by cable to and from Washington, the following were received from President McKinley: 116 MERRITT AND DEWEY CAPTURE MANILA.. "Executive ^lansion, Washington, D. C, August 21. — Admiral Dewey, Manila: Receive for yourself aud the officers, sailors and ma- rines of your couiuiaud my thanks aud congratulations and those of the nation for the gallant conduct all have again so conspicuously dis- jjlaved. "WILLIAM Mckinley." "Executive Mansion, Washington, D. C, August 21. — Major-General Merritt, U. S. A., Manila: In my own behalf and for the nation I extend to you and the otUcers and men of your command sincere thanks and congratulations for the conspicuously gallant conduct displayed in your camijaigu. "WILLIAM McKINLEY." Formal Terms of Capitulation. The formal terms of capitulation signed by the American and Span ish officers designated for that purpose at Manila were as follows: The undersigned, having been appointed a commission to determine the details of the capitulation of the city and defenses of Manila and its siiburbs and the ^^panish forces stationed therein, in accordau'-e with agreement entered into the previous day by Major-(5eneral Wesley Merritt, United States Arm\', American commander-in-chief in» the Philippines, and his excellency Don Fermin .laudenes, acting general- in-cliief of the Spanish army in the l*hilipiiines, have agreed upon the following: 1. The Spanish troojis, ICuropcan and native, caiiitulalc with the citj- and defenses with all Ininurs of war, depositing Ihcii- arms in the l>laces designated by the authorities of the United States, and remain- ing ill the quarters designated and under the orders of their officers and subject to control of the aforesaid United States authorities, until the conclusion of a treaty of peace between the two belligerent nations. All persons included in the capitulation remain at liberty; the officers remaining in their respective homes, which shall be respected as long as they observe the I'cgiilations jircscrihcd for their government and the laws in force. 2. Ofliccrs shall retain ihcir side arms, horses and private urop- MERKirr AND DEWEY CAi'Tl KE MANILA. H" erty. All public liurses aud public property of all kiuds aliall be turued over to the staff officers desiguated by the United States. 3. Complete returns iu duplicate of men by organizations and full lists of public property and stores shall be rendered to the United States within ten days from this date. 4. All questions relating to the repatriation of officers and men of the Spanish forces and of their families and of the expenses which said repatriation may occasion shall be referred to the government of the United States at Washington. Spanish families may leave Manila at any time convenient to them. The return of the arms surrendered by the Spanish forces shall take place when they evacuate the city or when the American army evacuates. 5. Officers and men included in the capitulation shall be supplied by the United States according to their rank with rations and necessary aid, as though they were prisoners of war, until the conclusion of the treaty of peace between the United States and Spain. All the funds iu the Spanish treasury and all other public funds shall be turued over to the authorities of the United States. G. This city, its inhabitants, its churches and religious worship, its educational establishments and its private property of all descrip- tions are placed under the safeguard of the faith and honor of the Amer- ican army. F. W. GREENE, Brigadier-General of A'olunteers, United States Army. B. P. LAMBERTON, Captain United States Navy. CHARLES A. WHITTIER, Lieutenant-Colonel and Inspector-General. E. H. CROWDER, Lieutenant-Colonel and Judge Advocate. NICHOLAS DE LA PENA, Auditor-General Excts. CARLOS REYES, Colonel de Ingineros. JOSE MARIA OLAQUEN, Felia de Estado Major. 118 MERRITT AND DEWEY CAPTURE MANILA. "War with the Spanish Ended. The American army was encamped where most available for service in the event of any sort of an uprising or other emergency call. The commanding general assigned various officers of his staff to civic duties in the organization of a new regime. Spaniards, Americans and Filipinos dwelt side by side in a measure of peace and harmony. Major-General Merritt issued a proclamation to the people informing them that his intention was to protect them in all their rights. There remained only the necessity of waiting for peace to be declared to end all difficulties. But the Filipinos were yet to be reckoned with. Copyrighted, 1899, by Josepn L. Stickney. AFTER DEWEY'S GUNS FIRED. The face of the Malate battery, south of Manila, after the warships had fired upon it, August 13, 1898, the day Manila was fallen. FILIPINO INTRENCHMENTS This picture shows a large, old-fashioned gun taken from Cavite arsen^i before any difficulties arose between the United States and the Filipinos. CHAPTER VI. ANCESTRY AXD CHILDHOOD OF GEORGE DEWEY. "The Child Is the Father of the Man" — Origin of the Dewey Family — Nine Generations Born in America — The Grandfather of the Admiral — Dewey's Father and His Traits — Stories of the Home Life and the Youth of the Coming Hero — Boyish Pranks and Their Punishment — A Voyage in a Buggy — School Life and Schoolmates — Appointment to the Naval Academy at Annapolis. The greatest biographers of the greatest men have recognized al- ways that there is a large element of wisdom and truth in the old adage, "The child is the father of the man." Every child contains within him in embiyo the qualities that he displays in maturity. Environ- ment and training will develop certain latent qualities beyond others according as the influences are directed, but it is to be doubted if they can ever create in the man any capacity which was not born in him. Any study of man which fails to take cognizance of both environment and heredity will fail in completeness. So it is that although in America we are proud to feel that ancestry has little influence in establishing a man's station among his fellow men, and that each must be judged for liimself by his own works, it is impossible to ignore the factor of family in discovering the soi;rce of the qualities which gain any station for their possessor". The American Deweys came to the colonies from England, but they Avere immigrants to England as well some generations earlier, for the family was of French extraction. In its original form the name was spelled Deueua. Early records of the family show worthy service in many walks of life, one of the ancestors having been a successful general in the French armies. George Dewey a Real American. George Dewey is of the ninth generation from the first Dewey who ■came to America. This progenitor of the American branch oi the family 131 V2-2 AN'CKSTKV AND (1 1 1 1.1 H !<)( )|) Ol" ( i !■;( )|{( ; I'. 1 i|;\\"K V. emifirated from Saudwich in ltt:33, bcariiij;' liis aiiccsiial anus ami motto, "To the conqueror a crown is due." He settled in Doicliestcr, in the ^Massachusetts Bay cohjuy, and from there the family scattered, in later years one branch locatin<»' in New York and one in Veniioiil. It is from the latter that the i^reat admiral is descended. One of the chief characteristics of these two eider hrauclu^s of the family in America was their mathematical ability. They Avere keen business men as well, able to fi;;ure out the chances iji enterprises involviuji' great risk, and willinj;' to take any risk necessaiw when the chances had been once satisfactorily calculated. Another character- istic was their exceeding independence. They preferred to make their own calculation and accept the responsibility for their own actions, rather than seek advice. They were not even clannish with their rela- tives, seeming to choose their friendships within or without the family, as was most congenial to them, irrespective of the degree of consan- guinity and not assuming intimacy in the family if there happened to be none. Admiral Dewey's Immediate Ancestry. Simeon Dewey, th(» grnudiathcr ni (leuigi' Ucwey, was born in Hanover, New Hampshire, wlicn tlie peojile of America were learning the value of freedom and realizing that they could never submit to government from over the sea. In early manhood he bought a farm in I'erlin, Vermont, only four miles from Montpelier, the capital of the (Ireen Mountain state, and there the admiral's father was born in ISOl. This grandfather, Simeon Dewey, was one nf the long-lived membei's of the long-lived family. One ant-cdote relates that Mr. Charles Dewey, the admiral's brother, when in Kuglaud some lime ago, happened to hear a British theory for American degeneracy. '•American.s," said the critic, "are undersized and die early because they live upon pork and ice- water." Mr. Dewey hastened to thank his informant, replying that until then it had always been a niysieiy \n liini why his grandlather Simeon had been i)rcmalurely cul nlV .ii I lie early age of iiinety-ihree. Tn hiiii pork and ice water weri' essentials. ANCESTRY AND CHILDHOOD OF GEOR(iK DKWKV 12:: Montpelier Becomes the Family Home. When the admii-al's father, Julius Yemans Dewey, was twenty-one years ohl, in 1822, he left the farm and removed to Montpelier, settlin^i there and man-ying Miss Mary Perrin three years later. Of this nniou four children were born, Charles, Edward, George and Mary. Th(» mother died when George was but five years old, but the father was married twice more before his own career on earth ended ;it the age of seventy-six years. Here in Montpelier, the capital of Vermont, George Dewey was borij on December 26, 1837. The house of his birth still stands almo.st as it was then, a modest, neat New England home like thousands of others out of which have come strong men and women to do their part in the- battles of life. Characteristics of Dewey's Father. The father of the family was a man of the highest New Englamf type, a man who must be credited with much of Avhat his son became. He was worthy of observation for his sterling qualities. He had been a. school-teacher in Montpelier and in that way had earned money which enabled him to study medicine and take his degree. It is still re- memberwl that he was an early riser and that he taught his childi'cn to follow his example. He was a man of deep religious convictions and as active and energetic in the practical work of the church as he was in all other duties that rose before him. He was the founder of Christ Episcopal church in Montpelier, where his children were bajitized, con- firmed and went to Sunday school, George with the others. Family prayers and grace before meals were the practice of tJie Dewey home. Hymns were sung on Sunday evenings, the doctor leading (lie singing. Dr. Dewey a Valued Neighbor. Dr. Dewey possessed exactly the characteristics thai make meu remembered and loved wherever they live. He loved not only his own children but all children and this trait the admiral inherited fron? him. He told stories and brought siiiisliine with him wiu-rever lie went.. 124 ANCESTRY AND CHILUUOOD (^F GP:ORGE DEWEY. so that all over the suiTouiuling couutrj he was a welcome vi.sitor in spite of the fact that his visits signalled the presence of sickness in the house. He was fond of music and poetry, the works of Burns, Shakespeare and Cowper standing tirst in his literar3' choice. The doctor was a busy man all his life. When by his practice he had earned and by careful administration had saved a considerable sum of money, he was fifty years of age. Then he organized the Na- tional life insurance company of Montpelier, which prospered under his direction until before his death he had seen it grow to be an institu- tion of great jtrosperity and some financial magnitude. He was still in active labor when he died in 1S~~. The Little City of Montpelier. The Montpelier into which George Dewey was boi-n on the day after Christmas, 1837, was not immensely diflerent from the Montpelier of to-day. There were the same white cottages with green blinds, the same picket fences, the same river and the same New England hills. The people were prosperous and thrifty as they are now. Fine elms lined the streets as they do to-day, and the town was clean and well- kept. The Deweys always have been leading men in the jilace, at the head of movements for education and improvement of all sorts. The cottage which was the admiral's birthplace has been moved from its former site just opposite the capitol building, to another posi- tion down the street. In former days the Onion river, now called the Winoo.ski, ran just behind the house, and many of the tales of Dewey's childhood are connected with this river. One (dd friend in a reminiscent frame of mind recalls his lirs) introdmtion to little George when he was brought from the river, a barefoot boy, to meet the stranger in the parlor. The boy was fortunate in having a loving sister Mary, two years yoiinger than hims«'lf, who admired his prowess and imix'rsouated wliatever character was necessary to make his own i)lay comi)l('te. They lislied tdgethcr and took iiiniintaiii (ramps (dgcliicr as other child- ren do to-day. Childhood Sooks and Sports. George was not a great reader, but "Hobinson Crusoe" won his favor and suggested new games. Tiien when he was ten, his big twelve-year- old biolher Charles gave liini a "i>ife of il;iiiiiil)al." A big snow-drift ANCESTRY AND CHILDHOOD OF GEORGE DEWEY. 125 answered for the Alps, and the two yoimf>er chiklren set to Avork to emulate the Carthaginian invader. Marj suffered a week's sickness in bed thereby, but George escaped unscathed from the adventure. By the older people of Montpelier, George Dewey is remembered las a good deal of a rogue. He was a harum-scarum lad, always in •mischief, and more than one of his pranks are remembered to this day. He was the best swimmer among all the boj-s of his age and nothing- was too reckless for him to undertake. At winter sports he was re- garded as one of the best in the village. In the summer one of his chief pleasures was climbing such trees as contained the earliest apples and the choicest cherries, and it was never observed that he was over particular whose orchard he visited. Young Dewey a Fighter. He was something of a lighter too, and while details are lacking of such contemporaneously trivial things as a boj^'s battles, yet the memory of the people of Montpelier is that George always was the victor. They declare that he was a born leader in everything that rose for discussion and execution. A favorite amusement of the youngsters was the giving of circuses, dramas and minstrel shows in the DeAvey barn. George was impres- sario, director, prompter, business and stage manager and usually star of the performances. The same kind sister was at his service there as elsewhere, though she did not enjoy participating in the shows. On one occasion, however, she relates, the ten-year-old leading lady was missing and George drew her into service as an understudy to play the part at a moment's notice. To her protest that she did not know all the lines, he answered that that made no difference, as he would fire his pistol at any place where she stumbled and that would conceal her difficulty. The solution was a happy one. The audience was de- lighted at the interpolation, failing to discover the depth of the scheme, and the affair passed off without a hitch. Then the neighbors made a protest on the pistol feature of the play, and Dewey's father forbade further shows of the sort. The First Cruise of the Admiral. Among the stories related by his old friends at Montpelier is one of what has been known jocularly as the admiral's first cruise. One V2(; AM KSTHV AND CHILDHOOD OF GEORGE DEWEY. day wlii'u hi' was uot mere than cloven, says a writer iu the Review of Iteviews, he started out in his father's buggy, accompanied by his friend, Will l\<'dlield, bent upon an overland trip of adventure — to drive the cows home, it has been said. But when they came to the Dog river, which enters the Winooski some distance from the town, they found it higher than the oldest inhabitant ever had seen it, the ford impassable from recent rains. William jirndently counseled turning back, but to tbi»the future admiral would nol listen. When Dewey went Ahead. "What man has done, man can du,'' he said, and went at the ford "four bells." Needless to say, he found no bottom; the superstructure of his frail craft, which in this case was the buggy body, went adrift and floated swiftly away toward Lake Champlaiu, while the admiral, serene as ever, and the thoroughly frightened William, clambered on board the horse and nninaged to land in safety. When the boy reached home, the doctor was away on a professional call, and an innate sense of strategy bade George go directly to bed, without waiting for supper. The father found him apparently asleep, but was not deceird, and immediately began to chide him for his rashness, when his son replied from tlie depths of the covers: "You ouglit to be thankful tliat my life wa(li tiipared." When the School Teacher Whipped Dewey. When the time came for (ieorge Dewey to begin his scliool days, he was sent first to the Washington county grammar school in Montpelier. Like manj' another school it had a bad reputation for order and more than one teacher had been compelled to give up the effort to control the youngsters there. Young Dewey was not backward in the troubles. There seems no doubt that he was a "sassy," obstinate schoolboy and (hat he deserved the punishment that came to him at last. The person who "licked" him was a weak, undersized scho(d teacher, weighing lunely pound.s. Tiiis school teacher is now Major Z. K. Pang- born, editor of the Jersey City Journal, and tliis is the story he tells of how he took charge of the school, found it in a condition of chronic ANCESTKV AND OIIILDHODL) OF GEOKGE DEWEV. 127 revolt a,i>;uiiwt autlunity, with Dewey as the riugleader, and of how he queHed the joiiug rebels: "I took charge aud for the first week there was no outbreak, (xeorge Dewey was one of the boldest and brightest of the younger lads, aud above all things loved a fight. He Avas ever looking for trouble. He had the personal qualities of a leadei", and while there was nothing you could call bad about him, he resented authority aud evinced a sturdy determination not to submit to it unless it suited him. The Young Man Becomes Impudent. "The crisis arrived in this fashion. After the usual afternoon recess one Mondaj^ Dewey did not return to the school room. I sent for him, but the messenger returned with the message that George had declaretl that he wasn't coming and that I might go to the devil. After school that day, George, who had climbeK(;K i»i;\\i;v i.\ riii; cin u. war. in tlif rt'iidinji-nnnii and iinothcr decisive viftciry f(ir the "YaiiktH'" followed fast. Hut Soutlu'iu blood, however, was uot williu.n to drop the matter at that point. The antaj^oiiist sent a ehallen<:e to Dewev, snjigestiufr that he wouhl prefer pistols at elose ranj^e and that the dnel must be to the death. The chailenj^e was aeoepted promptly, principals and seconds were at the desi out of such ancestry and such enviidument. First Cruise After Graduation. Tlie young midshipman's first cruise after graduation was alioard tiie (dd steam frigate "Wabasli," under the comnuind of Cajjtain liarron of Virginia, who afterwards went witli his state in the war and served in the Confederale navy. The "Wabash" was on the l^uropean station, most of the time in the .Mediterranean, and Dewey saw those southern whores to go(»d advantage. He made a visit to Jerusalem, cutting there GEORGE DEWEY IN THE CIVIL WAR. 137 an olivo-wood caue, which he sent to his j;i'aiidfather in A'ermont. It is rehited that the old gentleman died with that cane by his side, h,is last wui'ds being a message of affection to the grandson who had sent it to him. In ISGO Dewey returned to Annapidis for his final examination. The two years had been fruitful of valuable experience. This time he led his fellows, a standing which, combined with his former one, gave him a final rating of third in his class and .the rank of Passed Midship- man. He obtained a furlough and journeyed to his home in Vermont to visit his father before beginning another cruise. A Period of Rapid Promotion. In February, 1861, he received his first commission. Owing to the resignation of many Southern offlcers he was promoted to the grade of Master, a title no longer in use, corresponding to that of a lieutenant of the junior grade in the modern navy. Resting here in the old home- stead at Montpelier, the news came to him that civil war had begun. His furlough was at an end. Six days after Fort Sumter was fired on, April 18, 1801, Dewey received his commission as lieutenant and was assigned to duty aboard the "Mississippi," then lying in Boston harbor, a steamer of twelve guns, (oramanded by Captain Melancton Smith. In the organization of the Tuited States Navy for the Civil War she v.-as made a part of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under command of Captain David G. Farragut, and on January 20, 18G2, the fleet sailed for the Gulf of Mexico, for the purpose of capturing the Confederate stronghold, the City of New Orleans. The first act of Flag-officer Farragiit upon reaching the mouth of the Mississippi river was to dispatch his chief-of-staff. Captain Bell, up the river with two gunboats on a scouting expedition. After a careful study of the enemy's position, Captain Bell i-eported that the approach to the city was strongly fortified and that a dangerous and difficult undertak- ing was before them. The Defenses of New Orleans. The United States government had in former years erected two forts about thirty miles above the head of the passes — Jackson on the right 138 (iK('i;t;K DKWKV IN TIIK ('I\ll. W A 1{. or sdtith bank, and St. I'liilip a little fiirtlicr up the stivaiii on the left. Kurt St. IMiilip was oiied 1*00 sharjishooters to j:ed over by tug-boats through a loot nt luuti. On the afternoon of Ajuil IT, llie mortar-boats were placetl in jiosi- tiou and opened flic on ihe loits. The bombardment continued with little interru])tion for six days, when Farragut decided that the con attacking fleet, but they GEORGE DEWEY IN THE CIN'lL WAir 139 being ovenuutihed were easily disposed of. One hour and ten minutes after weighing anchor the A'essels had passed the forts and Farragut was on his way to NeAV Orleans. As the fleet was nearing quarantine, some distance above the forts, the "Manassas," an iron-clad ram in the Confederate service was seen coming up the river in pursuit. Captain Smith was ordered to turn the ''Mississippi" and run her down. The order was instantly obeyed, and the "Mississippi" started at full si)eed. It seemed certain that the ram would be annihilated by the shock of the contact, but when the "Mississippi" was within fifty yards of her she suddenly shifted her helm and dodged the blow. However, the man- euver resulted in disaster in another form, for she ran ashore, where Captain Smith's gunners poured two broadsides into her and sent her drifting down the river, a total wreck. Thus was accomplished one of the greatest feats in the history of naval warfare. Farragut started with seventeen wooden vessels against the swift current of a stream but little more than half a mile wide, be- tween two powerful earthworks that had been prepared for his coming, his course impeded by burning rafts, and meeting the enemy's fleet of fifteen vessels, two of them iron-clad, he either captured or destroyed them all. And all this with the actual loss of but one of his own squad- ron. Preparing to Attack New Orleans. On the morning of April 25, the fleet arrived at a point less than three miles below the City of New Orleans. Here was Jackson's old bat- tle-ground of January 8, 1815, and here Farragut's right-of-way was dis- puted by the Chalmette batteries. These works — on both sides of the river — mounttKl twenty heavy guns, and were prepared to receive the approaching vessels. However, they were silenced in short order, and at last the City of the Ci'escent was fairly under Federal guns. The haven had been reached at a cost to the fleet of thirty-seven men killed and 147 wounded. From this point resistance ceased, and about noon the fleet anchored off tlie city, which the retreat of the Confederate forces under General Lovell had left defenseless in the hands of the civil authorities. Meanwhile Lieutenant-Commander John Gurst had been sent to Fort Jackson under a flag of truce, to demand from its commander the im- mediate surrender of the forts and the remnants of the Confederate navv 140 GEOKUE DEWEY IN THE CIVIL WAK. at that place. Geueral L)uiu-au, the commaniliiiii- olHrer, refused to com- ply with the demana, whereupon Coiumauder Porter opened a rapid mortar-fire upon Fort Jackson. This caused a nmtiuy among the garrison, who refused to be longer the targets of the conqueror's guns, and many deserted from the works and retreated up the river out of range. Finally, realizing that further resistance was worse than use- less, the Confederate geueral signified his willingness to surrender, and on the 29th the capitulation was signed. A Daring Visit to New Orleans. Immediately after reaching Xew Orleans Farragut sent Captain Bailey and Lieutenant Perkins on shore to demand from the mayor the surreiuder of the city. These two officers went on their perilous service without an escort, and passed through a crowd of vagabonds, thieves, ragpickers and all the inhabitants of the slums, paying no attention to the threats of the howling mob, but walking as steadily as if they had a regiment of soldiers at their backs. They reached the mayor's home, and were shown into his presence. "We have come," said Captain P.ailey, "to demand the surrender of Ney Orleans. The state flag must be hauled down from the public buildings, and the United States flag must be hoisted there." "You have llie ])nwer in your own hands," the mayor replied, ";uid can do as you please, but I doubt if there is a man in Xew Orleans who would haul down that flag without being assa.<;sinated on the spot." The officers returned to the flagship and reported the result of their mission. Soon after their return, Captain Charles II. 15ell, with a guard of marines and two boat howitzers loaded with grape and canuister, were landed, wilh instructions to pull down the Confederate flags and restore the Stars and Stripes to their accustomed i)laces. The same mob met the marines at the levee, but gave way before them, and they marched to the state-house and to the custom-house, where Old Glory was flung to the breeze, amid the cheers of the boys in blue who were watching from the ships. Dewey's Service on the Mississippi. A few days afterward the steamers of tiie mortar flotilla towed the fraiisiMirts willi .Miijnr-( icuiTal lliillcr's aniiy nii huard to New Orleans, DEWEY'S FIRST CRUISE When his father began to chide him for his rashness he replied, "You ought to be thankful that my life was spared." DEWEY SAVING THE LIFE OF A SAILOR AND THE EXPLOSION ON THE MISSISSIPPI aEORGE DEWEY IX THE CIVIL WAR. 143 and under the guns of Farragut's squadron the troops landed, and order was re-established in the city. For several months the "Mississippi," in conjunction with other ves- sels of the fleet, patroled the river between New Orleans and Vicks- burg, frequently ascending the bayous, and doing good work for the Federal cause. Lieutenant Dewey was still second in rank aboard the "Mississippi," a favorite of the admiral, even then showing himself to be a man, not only of great personal bravery but of remarkable executive ability as well. From January, 1SG3, the "Mississippi" Avas employed in assisting General Banks to force his way into the interior of Louisiana, and bring- ing all of the country that could be secured under subjection. This was a difficult task, for the enemy opposed the Federal forces at every step with a courage and determination very difficult to overcome. In March it was decided by Rear-Admiral Farragut and General Banks that the former should move with his fleet past Port Hudson, which was at that time well fortified with nineteen heavy guns bearing on the water approaches. General Banks was to make a diversion with his army against the forts, and the mortar flotilla was to open on the bat- teries prior to and during the passage of the fleet. Movement Against Port Hudson. Farragut brought with him from New Orleans for the purpose of passing Port Hudson the following vessels: Hartford, Captain J. S. Palmer 28 guns Richmond, Commander James Alden 25 " Monongahela, Captain J. P. McKinstry 11 " Mississippi, Captain Melanctou Smith 19 " Essex, Commander C. H. B. Caldwell 7 " Albatross, Lieutenant-Commander J. E. Hart 7 " Genesee, Commander W. H. Macomb 8 " Kineo, Lieutenant-Commander John Waters 6 " Sachem, Lieutenant Amos Johnston 5 " Five mortar schooners 5 " Total 121 guns The first four were sloops-of-war, the "Essex" a river iron-clad, the other four were gunboats. The order of battle prescribed that each of 144 GEOKCK HKWKV IX TIIK (IN II. WAU. the larger vessels — except the "Mississipiii," wliiili \\;is;i sidt'-wln't'lcr — should take a gunboat firmly lasiied on the port side, away from the batteries, and that they should jjroceed u}) the river in the order named al)iiv(', the Hartford in the lead. The mortar-boats wi'Vc anchored near the east bank, about a mile below the batteries. The captains were reminded that the object of the movement was to pass the battt'ries with the least possible damage to their vessels, so as to secure as cftlciciit a force as possible for patroling the river above. Desperate Night Engagement. At 9 o'clock, on the night of March 14, tUe signal was made for the ships to get into line, and as soon as this was accomplished the Hartford slowly steamed ahead. At 11 :20 p. m. two rockets were fired on the east bank, and almost immediately the batteries opened tire. The fleet and the mortar-boats (juickly answered and for more than an hour the noise of ir)0 guns firing as i'ai)idly as possible was incessant. The enemy built bonliri'S at different i)oiut.s, to ])erfect their aim, and tliese ndch'd to the illuminati(»n and enhanced the grandeur of the scene. The "Hartford" passed within one hundred yards nf I lie muzzles of the enemy's guns, delivering an effective lire as she steamed n\) the river. The "Richmond," with the "Genesee" as her oousort, reached the last battery in safety, and was about to jiass when a shot carried away the safety valves of her boilers and allowed so murh steam to es(a]ie into lier fire-room that she was entirely di'i)rived of her nu)f ive i»ower. Her con.sort was not able to drag both vessels against the <-urrent of the stream, and they w<'re allowed to float down again below the forts, where they were anchored. The "Monongaluda" and "Kineo," the next in line, also mei with dis- aster. The firing from tlie "Hartford" and "iiichmond" had by this time so filled the air with siimke lliat it w.is imiiossiblc to distinguish objects near by, and the pilots wci-e (diuiilctcly at sea. At 11:;}0 the "Monongahela" grounded mi the west shore of the river and was ex- posed to .severe fire for nearly a lialf an hoiii-. llei- consort finally suc- ceeded in i)ulling her off, and she in liiin diified down the stream and anchoi'eil beside the "Kichiuond." GEOliGE UEWEY IN THE CIVIL WAR 145 Loss of the " Mississippi." The "Mississippi" followed in the wake of the "Monongahela," firing wherever her guns could be brought to bear. At 12:30 a. m. she grounded hard and fast, and it was found necessary to abandon her. Her engines were destroyed, small arms thrown overboard, the sick and wounded landed on the shore, and fires kindled in several parts of the ship. When these were Avell under way the captain left the ship, and with his crew in open boats went past the batteries to the fleet below. The task of getting the men to safety devolved on Lieutenant Dewey. Twice he went to the "Richmond" and twice came back, until at last he and Captain Smith stoixl alone on the deck. "Are you sure she will burn, Dewey?" the captain asked as he paused at the gangway. Dewey risked his life to go to the ward-room for a last look, and to- gether they left the ship, sorrowfully, with the shot splashing all around them. Captain Smith's report of the catastrophe was in part as follows: "Our approach was signalled by the rebels on the west bank of the river, and at 11 o'clock p. m. the batteries opened fire upon the flagship. At this time the 'Essex' engaged the lower batteries, the bomb-vessels com- menced shelling, the flagship opened fire, and the engagement became general as the vessels came in range. At 11:30 p. m. the 'Richmond' passed down the river and owing to the darkness and smoke was for some time taken for an enemy by the crew of the 'Mississippi,' who were with difficulty kept from firing into her. When the "Mississippi" Grounded. "The 'Monongahela,' which was the one next ahead, could not at this time be seen. Supposing that she had increased her speed, the order was given to 'go ahead fast,' that we might close up. We had now reached the last and most formidable batteries, and were congratulatin"- ourselves upon having gained the turn, when the 'Mississippi grounded and heeled over three streaks to port. The engine was immediately reversed and the port guns (which had not been fired) were run in, to bring her on an even keel; after which her own fire from the starboard 14(5 GEORGE DEWEY IN THE CIVIL WAR. batteiy was lecomineucod. The engine was backed for tbirtj--five min- utes, and the steam was increased from 13 to 25 pounds, which was con- sidered by the chief engineer the greatest pressure the boilers would bear, when the pilot stated that it would be impossible to get the vessel ott". I then ordered the port battery to be spiked, and the pivot-gun to be thrown overboard; but the latter was not accomplished before I deemed it most judicious and humane to abandon the vessel, as the enemy had obtained our range and Ave were exposed to the galling and cross-fire of three batteries, tlieir shot hulling us fref|uently. Abandoning the Wrecked Vessel. "The sick and wounded were now ordered up, at which time we ceased firing, and three small boats (all we had) were immediately em- ployed in landing the crew, while preparations were being made to destroy the vessel. Up to this time the men had been working the guns in the most splendid style, and aiming at every flash, which was the only guide to the location of the rebel works. It was by no means certain that the officers and crew would not, even after landing, fall into the hands of the enemj-, as musketry had been fired from the west shore on our passage up; but, as this was of less consequence than the capture of the ship, the crew were directed to throw overboard all the small arms, the engineers ordered to destroy the engine, and the ship set on fire in the forward store-room. To be positive that this was effectually done, the yeoman was sent below to make an examination, Miien threi^ shots entered the store-room, letting in the water and extinguisliing the flames. She was then fired in four different places aft between the decks; and, when the combustion had made sullicient progress to ren- der her destruction certain, I left the ship, accompanied by the first lieu- tenant, all having now been landed, and passed down to the 'Richmond' under the tire of the rebel batteries. High Praise for Lieutenant Dewey. "At 3 o'clock a. in. llic '.Mississippi' was observed to be afloat and drifting slowly down ilic liver, and at half past five she blew up, pro- ducing an awful concussion, which was felt for miles around. "I consider that I sliould be neglecting a most important duty should I omit to mention the coolness of my executive officer, Mr. Dewey, and &EORGE DEWEY IN THE CIVIL WAR. 147 the steady, fearless and gallant manner in which the officers and men of the 'Mississippi' defended her, and the orderly and quiet manner in which she was abandoned after being thirty-five minutes aground under the fire of the enemy's batteries." Dewey is next found in the capacity of first lieutenant of a gunboat used by the admiral as a dispatch boat. This established closer relations between the two men, and Farragut formed a sincere regard for the young lieutenant. The Confederates had a trick of suddenly appearing on the high banks of the river with a field piece, firing point blank at any boat that might be within range, and disappearing as quickly as they came. Upon one of these occasions a shot came within a hair's- breadth of Dewey, and involuntarily he jiimped aside trying to escape it. The admiral happened to be near at the time, and said: "^^'hy don't you stand firm, lieutenant? Don't 30U know you can't jump quick enough?" "When Admiral Farragut Dodged a Shot. Soon afterward Farragut dodged a shot under similar circum- stances. The lieutenant smiled but held his tongue. But the admiral had a guilty conscience. He cleared his throat, shifted his position and finally said: "Why, sir, you can't help it, sir. It's human nature, and there's an end to it!" Dewey was afterwards given the command of the "Monongahela," a post made vacant by the death of her commander, Abuer Reed, who was killed by a rifle-shell fired from the batteries a few miles below Donald- sonville, La. This appointment was only temporary, however, as the lieutenant was shortly- afterwards transferred to the steam gunboat "Agawam," which was attached to the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. At the time of the two attacks on Fort Fisher he was first lieutenant of the "Colorado," Commodore Henry Knox Thatcher commanding. Operations Against Fort Fisher. At the entrance of Cape Fear River, North Carolina, the Confederates had erected a huge fortification, which was called Fort Fisher, and here the principal operations of the blockade runners were carried on, supply- ing the Southern armies with clothing, food, arms and munitions of war. 148 GEORGE DEWEY IN THE CIVIL WAR. It finally became evident to the Tainted States Navy Department that nnless these su})i)lies were cut off the war would necessarily l)e i^roatly jirolonped. The Secretary of the Navy made an aiijilication to the War Department, in September, 1804, for troops to co-operate with the navy in an attack on the Cape Fear River defenses, and being encouraged to expect assistance, began to assemble a proper force of vessels for the occasion. The command of the squadron was tendered to Rear-A paralyzed. lie went before the captain at the mast the next morn- ing. He gave Dewey the 'two-beers and sun-struck' yarn. Dewey Has No Patience With Lying. " 'Y^ou're lying, my man,' said Dewey. 'You were very drunk. I my- self heard you aft in my cabin. I will not have my men lie to me. I don't expect to find total abstinence in a man-o'-war crew. But I do expect them to tell me the truth and I am going to have them tell me the truth. Had you told me candidly that you took a drop too much on your liberty, you'd have been forward by this time, for you, at least, re- turned to the ship. For lying you get ten days in irons. Let me have the truth hereafter. I am told yon are a good seaman. A good seaman has no business lying.' "After that there were few men aboard who didn't throw themselves on the mercy of the court when they waltzed up to the stick before Dewey, and none of us ever lost anything by it. He had to punish us in accordance with the i-egulations, but he had a great way of order- ing the release of men he had to sentence to the brig before their time was half worked out." In ISSO, Captain Dewey was made chief of the Bureau of Equip- ment and Recruiting, with rank of commodore. Four years later he was made a member of the Lighthouse Board, of which he had been secretary in 1877. In 1890 he got his commission as commodore and was made president of the Board of Inspection and Survey. This is the place that he held when ordered to sea duty in the late fall of 1897, with in- structions to assume command of the Asiatic station, where he hoisted his flag on the Olympia on January 3, 1898. Sent to Command the Asiatic Squadron. It is said that Admiral Dewey was reluctant to go to the station chosen for him. If it was to be peace, shore duty in Washington was 158 DEWEY FROM WAR TO WAR. quite as tempting as chill service in the Orient. If it was to be war witii Spain, he regretted being sent so far from the probable field of action in the Atlantic. However, he made no protest. His friends felt, as he did, that his health would be improved by a return to sea duty. He noted the fact in conversation with friends when leaving New York that he was to be the first commodore in Asiatic waters since Perry, who opened Japan to the world. The remark was significant. He proved to be the right man for the place. Farewell Banquet to the Commoaore. Commodore Dewey's long residence in Washington made him a prominent figure in ollicial and social circles there, and no officer in the navy is perhaps more widely or agreeably known than he. On his de- parture for Yokohama last November, a dinner was given for him at the Metropolitan club, at which the following verses — then scarcely ap- preciated at, perhaps, their true prophetic worth — were read by Colonel Archibald IIo])kins: Fill all your glasses full to-night; The wind is off the shore, And, be it feast or be it fight. We pledge the commodore. Through days of storm, through daj's of calm, On board Pacific seas, At anchor off the Isles of Palm, Or with the Japanese, Ashore, afloat, on deck, below, Or Avhere our bulldogs roar. To back a friend or beat a foe, W^e pledge the commodore. We know our lujnor'll be unstained, Where'er his pennant flies; Our right respected and maintained. Whatever power defies. "GEORGE DEWEY WAS THE LAST MAN TO LEAVE THE BURNING MISSISSIPPI" CORNET THOMAS DEN E)^DyED APRIL 2 y. AM0.l6pa*iM THE 5 Z Vf ARE OF HIS AGE: AN INTERESTING MONUMENT This monument is standing in the old cemetery at Westfield, Mass., and was erected in 1690 to the memory of the first Dewey born on American soil. DEWEY FROM WAU To WAR. IGl And wbeu lie takes the homeward tack Beneath an admiral's Hag, We'll hail the day and bring him back, And have another jag. Colonel Hopkins afterwards added this postscript to his toast: Along the far Philippine coast, Where flew the flag of t^pain, Onr commodore to-day can boast 'Twill never fly again. And up fi'om all our hills and vales, From cit}', town and shore, A might}^ shout the welkin hails: "Well done, brave commodore! "Now, let your admiral's pennant fly; You've won it like a man Where heroes love to fight and die — ■ Bight in the battle's van." What McKinley Said About Dewey. When the victory of Manila bay fully dawned upon the minds of the American people, there was a unanimous call from press and pulpit for some prompt and official recognition for George Dewey and his gal- lant associates. President McKinley responded to this popular feeling with the following message to Congress: To the Congress of the United States: On the 24:th of Api"il I directed the Secretary of the Navy to tele- graph orders to Commodore George Dewey, of the United States Navy, commanding- the Asiatic squadron, then lying in the port of Hong Kong, to proceed forthwith to the Philippine Islands, there to begin operations and engage the assembled Spanish fleet. ' — Promptly obeying that order, the United States squadron, consist- ing of the flagship Olympia. the Baltimore, the Raleigh, the Boston, \^ 162 DKWRV FHO.M W'AK To WAR. the Concord ami the Petrol, with tlie reveinie lutter McCullocli as an auxiliary dispatch boat, entered the harbor of Manila at daybreak on the 1st of May and iumiediately engaged the entire Spanisli fleet of eleven ships, which were under the protection of the lire of the land forts. After a stubborn fijiht, in wiiich the enemy suffered great loss, these vessels were destroyed or completely disabled, and the water bat- tery of Cavite silenced. Of our brave officers and men not one was lost, and only eight injured, and those slightly. All of our shijts escaped any serious damage. By the 4th of May ('onimodore Dewey had taken jiossessiou of the naval station at Cavite, destroying the fort iticat ions there and at the entrance of tlie bay and partdling their garrisons. The waters of the baj" are under his complete control. Fie has established hospitals within the American lines, where 250 of the Spanisli sick and woundi'ay ans bt'gan, the results of which are now intertwined with oui- own liistnry. The period of ex- ploration which made Hie lifteenth century notable and which Avas crowned by the voyages of Columbus, stimulated the navigators of Spain, Portugal, Holland, England and France to the utmost rivalry in tlieir search for new lands and new seas. Halboa's discovery of the Pacilic ocean induced many efforts to find the passage which pre- sumably would give access to it from the Atlantic, but venture after venture ended in failure. Spain was in pinfit once more by the w'ork of an alien, Avho, like Columbus, had turned from his own country to a strange ninnari li for encouragement and means. Ferdinand Magel- lan or Hernando Maghellanes, as the name stands in its original form, was a nobleman of Portugal, who liad campaigned fle. Iveseiiting his sov(>reign's ingratitude, Magellan left Portugal, became a citizen of Spain and finally won the favor of King Charles I. In those days muuarchs were not exempt fimu the comuiercial THE pniLirrixE islands in history. 173 spirit, and an agreement was made by wliicli Magellan undertook the discovery of mw spice islands. The king provided live vessels fully equiiiped and was a partner in the venture to the extent of sharing the larger part of the prospective profits. It was on the tenth day of August, 1519, that the explorer set sail with his modest fleet, and four mouths later the first stage of the voyage terminated with safe arrival at Kio de Janeiro. Hardships of Magellan's Voyage. Magellan had lo Tiudergo an experience like that of his illustrious predecessor and face a mutiny. Sailing from the Brazilian capital southward, in the endeavor to find a passage to the Pacific, he encoun- tered severe cold weather and resultant restlessness. The commander planned to enter one of tlie rivers which came down to the ocean from the interior of South America and there pass the winter, but his otficers and crews disagreed on this proposition, some wishing to sail for home, some willing to follow their leader's plan, and others anxious to form plans of their own. It was the captains themselves who were most difficult to discipline. One of them was executed, in punishment for an attack made u^wn the commander, and another was set ashore in irons. Then the fleet entered the river as Magellan willed and passed the winter there in safety and comfort. The expedition moved slowly southward after spring opened, losing one ship by desertion and an- other by wreck, but on the 28th of October, 1520, the remaining three reached the straits separating Patagonia from Tierra del Fuego, which ever since has been known by the name of this first European com- mander who passed through them. Sailing westward and northward for many weeks, on the 101 h of March, 1521, Magellan discovered what we now know as the Ladrone or Marianne islands. Magellan gave them a more musical name, call- ing them the Islas de las Velas or islands of the sails, because of the resemblance of some of the sharper hills, from a distance, to the sails of his vessels. After a short stay on these islands Magellan sailed southwestward, reaching for his next landfall the north coast of Min- danao, the largest island of the southern Philippines. 17i TUi: I'illLll'l'INE ISLANDS IN HISTORY. Natives Welcome the Strangers. Like Columbus iu the West Indies, the exi)lt)ref lnuiul tlie natives friemlly and 5,'lad to furnisli the Spaniards with plentiful i)rovisious. The local chief, who was, perhaps, the king of the island, related enticing tales of the riches of the other islands in the archipelago, par- ticularly of Cebu, and offered to pilot the expedition there because the king was a relative of his. Naturally this generous i)roposition was ac- cepted with alacrity, and Magellan, after taking formal possession of Mindanao in the name of his Spanish patron, sailed away for the neighboring islands. He reached Cebu on tin' 7th of August, his arrival spreading alarm among the natives who saw from the beach the strange craft. The chieftain from Mindanao, however, gave them assurance that the strangers were but seeking food and were without any hostile design. The king of Cebu thereupon pi-oposed to make a treaty with Magellan with both Spanish and native ceremony. This proposition wa.s wel- comed by the Spanish commander, who brought his men on shore, where impressive ceremonies w'ere performed. The Spaniards erected a hut and celebrated mass in it, much to the interest of the impres- sionable natives. The members of the royal family and their retainers and other influential men were baptized and swore allegiance to their new master, the King of Spain. Then the native custom followed and the ceremony of exchange of blood in token of brotherhood was cele- brated. Xo time was lost in beginning the activities which were to follow this offensive and defensive alliance. The king was in the midst of war with some of his neighbors and Magellan entered into the con- flict with his own men and arms with apparent pleasure. The result was fateful to him. AVilhin a few months he was wounded during an unimportant skirmisii (Hi liic iillh- island of Madau, and died there iu a short time. First Circumnavigation of the Globe. When (he domiuanl fdrcc of .Nhigellan's ])crsoiialily was los), lh« ex]M'(lit ion's dillicuKies l)cgan to multiply. Trouble rose ImIwccu S|panish an^; TX nL^TORY. chilrlren weiv killed iiidiscrimiuatt'ly, tlu^ Spanianls at first intending; to kill every (ine of the Chinainwi. Before they had carried out this intention it fortunately occurreil to them that the resulting- lack of tradesmen and mechanics would cause inconvenience, so those who re- mained alive were ji;ra«-iously pardoned ou condition of layinj;' down their arms. Some of the Chinese escaped to Formosa. In 170!) another massacre of Chinese occurred, this time only a few hundreds of the luckless Mongolians being killed. The rest of them, however, were deported, and after the fashion ilial liad been estab- lished, all their propcniy was conliscated and ilividcd between the church and the state. Between l(i2S and the middle of the next century nine attempts were made by the Sjtaniards to comiuer the Sulu islands, but in every in- stance they were repulsed with heavy losses. Three Centuries of Insurrection. The liistnry of insurrection and revolt iu tlu' I'hilipiiines does not begin with ISDG. Although our interest has not been sufficient to be re said to have been executed. The war indemnity which had been agreed iipon was not forth- ccming. The British forces were harassed by attacks from without the city and by fear of treachery within, and at last the officers fell to quarreling among themselves. Meanwhile the war had come to an end iu Eurox)e, and the evacuation of Manila had- been provided for by the terms of the treaty of Paris concluded on the 10th day of February, 17G;'.. Anda, however, refused to consider the war ended until his authority was recognized, and hostilities in the Philippines continued for some months. Finally a new governor-general came from Spain, The British commanders Avere quite ready to turn the difficult problem 1S4 TLJK !'l!ll.li'i'lNK ISi.AND^S IX ULSTORY. over to bim, aud they ])romi)tlj evaeuated the city and saiknl away, although a considerable portion of the indemnity still remained unpaid. It is more than likely „that England would have kept the Philippines at that time if the European war had continued much longer, but Spain and France both sued for peace and the same ti*eaty which ended the French and Indian war, as it was known in the American colonies of Great Britain and of France, provided for the restitution of Manila to the governnient at Madrid. The Cholera Panic in the Philippines. A crisis of anothi-r form came to the Philippine islands in 1S20, which almost destroyed civilization in the colony. For the first time in its modern history the archipelago was invaded bj' Asiatic cholera. It began at Sampaloc, near Manila, spread to the capital city aud thence went into every part of Luzon. The mortality was frightful, some records declaring that over one-half of the population died from the disease. In the height of the epidemic the ignorant Spaniards aud motives were seized with the idea that the disease was the result of a wliolesale plot to poison them in the interests of the foreigners of the community. Mobs rose all over tlie island and massacred Chinese, French, English, Americans, and finally the Spaniards themselves. Houses were burned, citiz(>ns rolihcti and l)nildiugs looted. TTltimatel}' the ilisordei'S were quelled. Since tlie revolt of Xovales and Ituiz in 1823, the career of the Philippines has been comparatively- calm and quiet except the Burgos rebellion at Cavlte in 1S72. There have been many minor uprisings, riots and revolts, but the policy of the government has grown sterner with the years and merciless measures have been put in effect. The smallest riot has been the signal for martial la;n'. Small gunboats have made it possible to rush troops to the scene of every insurrection and not too much care has been taken to be sure of the guilt of those ar- rested. Every one involved or suspected usually has been tried by court martial and shot without delay. It was this condition that led up to tlie revolt of 1890. Beginning with that revolution the hi.story of the Philippines has an American point of view to be considered. CHAPTER X. ISLAND GEOGRAPHY, CONDITIONS AND RESOURCES. The Native Tribes of the Philippines — Islands Comprising the Group — Cli- matic Conditions — Safeguards Against Disease — Earthquakes and Volcanoes — Animal and Vegetable Life — Land and Water Reptiles — Beasts and Birds in Countless Numbers — Extensive Pearl Fisheries — Mineral Wealth of the Islands — Chinese Interests in the Mines — Valuable Discoveries and Future Development. It has been the general impression among travelers in the Orient that the Philippines contained little of interest to them outside of the island of Luzon, and to many of them the city of Manila has been the only objective point. Possibly the tourist would make a few trips into the interior of Luzon, and on rare occasions a hurried visit to one or two of the adjacent islands might be included in the itinerary. The traveler who has made these excursions is usually of the opinion that he has seen all of importance that is to be seen. This x^pular con- ception of the islands is greatly at variance with the facts in the case. There are more than eighty distinct tribes of the natives who form the bulk of the eight million inhabitants of the island. These tribes are scattered throughout the valleys, the hillsides and the mountain forests of a thousand islands widely separated from one another. The Philippines, beginning at the south, are within five de- grees of the equator and extend northerly nearly thirteen hundred miles, equal almost to the distance from New York to Omaha. From the ex- tremes of the east and west they cover an expanse of water nearly six hundred miles across. The limits of longitude is from 117 to 127 east of Greenwich. The principal towns and cities are comparatively easy of access, but the traveler or explorer who seeks to be well informed on this far Eastern country and its people by visiting only these places in beaten paths, is only deluding himself. It is only by extended visits to the remote localities that an adequate idea can be had of the mysterious processes of 185 186 ISLAND GEOGKAl-nY, CONDITIONS AND RESOURCES. the works of nature in her prodigality of gifts to this garden-land of the tropics. It can be seen that the tourist in the interior of the Philippines must get over the ground very slowly. The number of islands and the area of the Philippine Archipelago is not accurately known. More than a thousand miles of w^ater separate the Caroline and the Ladrone islands from the Philippines, and they cannot any more be considered as of the Philippine group than New Guinea or the Solomon islands. The prin- cipal Islands Composing the Group are as follows, compared in area Avith our own states: Luzon, 41,000 square miles Ohio, 41,0G0 Mindanao, 37,500 square miles Indiana, 30,350 Samar, 5,300 square miles V Panay, 4,G00 s.iuare miles Connecticut, 4, around bamboo poles, to which their heads are tied. The Philippines contain sevei-al varieties of bulTalo which are not found elsewhere. They are known in the language of the natives as carabaos. These water buffaloes are found wild in most of the larger islaud.s. They are often caught young and tamed, after which they are employed for beasts of burden. They do most of the heavy haul- ing and carting of the country' and are \erj docile although extrava- gantly slow. They require a daily mud bath and will not work without it. The price of the full-grown carabao broken to Avork is not more than thirty dollars at the outside and sometimes as low as ten dol- lars. There is a smaller buffalo, found only in the island of Mindoro, where it lives in the densest jungle. This little animal, called the ISLAND GEOGRAPHY, COXDITIOXS AND RESOURCES. 193 timarau, is a creature of most vicious temper, ai^pareutly untam- able. It is graceful in shape aud movement and runs ver}' swiftly. Hair and skin are black aud horns large and extremely sharp. The timarau if trapped will usually kill itself in trying to escape, and in any event will refuse to eat. It voluntarily attacks and kills the much larger carabao. Animal Foods in Abundance. Several species of deer are found in the archipelago, in some localities suiticiently numerous to become a valuable addition to the meat supply. One species is hardly larger than a goat and another is still smaller. It is known as the chevrotain or mouse deer and is ex- ceedingly rare. Wild pigs are found in the islands in great abundance. They live on food which produces very dainty flesh and the meat is much favored in Luzon. There are no wolves nor foxes in the islands and no wild dogs. Cattle are extensively raised for beef on some of the islands. They are of a small humped variety, and in the Visayau islands bullocks are often used as draft animals. Milk is always very scarce, while fresh butter and cheese are not to be had at any price. Goats are common and are prized both for their milk and their flesh. The Philippines are poor in carnivorous animals. A small wildcat and two species of civet-cats are the most conspicuous representatives of the order. The marsupials which are so numerous in the Austral- asian colonies are not found here. In Luzon and some of the other islands are numerous varieties of bats in great numbers. At nightfall in some places they are so numex'ous as to resemble a great flight of birds. The little vampire, which prefers blood for its diet, is there. Then the large fruit-bats occur in enormous colonies. Their fur has some commercial value and the natives occasionally eat them. Smaller insec- tivorous bats are numerous. Birds in Countless Numbers. Nature has been as generous to the Philippines in birds as she has> been niggardly in animals. About 590 species have been identified by ornithologists. Some of them are of great value as food aud others are notable for their beauty. There are pheasants, pigeons, eagles, par- rots, ducks and song birds of great variety. Here in the Philippines 194 ISLAND GEOGKArHY, COXDITIOaS AND KESOUKCES. is found that species of swift, or sea-swallow, which builds the nest so favored by the Chinese as a food. These nests are found at the proper season in caves or upon almost inaccessible cliffs, and the gathering of them is attended with considerable risk. They are made from a salivary secretion which rapidly hardens on exposiire to the air into a substance resembling white glue in appearance. The best inondo, a great trading center, where all the foreign merchants have their places of business. Here m^ny of the streets are faiidy well paved and in some instances as wide as those we are accustomed to at home. Tlie retail shops are nearly all in the hands of Chinese merchants, many of them of great wealth and prominence. Their countrj'men of humbler station are seen on every street, performing much of the manual labor of the city. Cliinese coolies carry burdens, drive carts and do much of the heaviest work. Chinese tradesmen are the leaders in most of the mechanical industries and trades, this in spite of the fact that Chinese labor is supposed to be discountenanced by the people and the laws as they have existed under the Spanish rule. The great show places of Manila are the Santa Lucia and the Luneta. These drives run from the Pasig river, along the sea front of the walled city, and then out across the immense open parade ground which separates the walls of Manila from the suburbs of Ermita. They are practically one continuous road, but the mile that fronts the city- walls is called the Lucia and the broader oval park-like extension is the Luneta. Rows of waving, stubby palm trees mark the edges of the drives and electric-light poles line the borders throughout their entire 204 MANILA AXl) LUZON UNDER SPANISH RULE. length. In the old days these avenues were famous for their beauty and disphij. It is doubtful whether any other city in the Orient could rival them for brilliance and fashionable luxury. Tragic Memories of the Luneta. It is also doubtful whether another drive exists which is so grim in tragic memories as the beautiful Luneta. Hundreds of Filipinos have been executed there. In the mornings the crowds would thi-ong the drives to see the Filipinos shot and in the evening they would gather again to hear the music at the bandstand. But the war stopped all of that. The Luneta became neglected as the insurgents kept advanc- ing closer and closer to the borders of the city. The Spanish officials who had robbed and murdered to their hearts' content were afraid to venture out at night beyond the walls of the city for fear of being assassinated by natives who hungered for revenge. Strong barricades were built at the corner of the walled city just where the Lucia merges into the broader Luneta, and the Spaniards never ventured beyond that barricade of railroad iron and sacks of earth. When the Americans took the city it was days and days before the proud Spaniards would show themselves. In the evening when the sun is sinking behind the Mariveles moun- tains the wealth and fashion of Manila emerge from the gloomy streets of the walled city and show tliemselves on dress jjarade on the water front. Carriages roll up and down and back and forth through the short length of the Lucia. Rows of other vcdiicles are drawn up along the edges, the occupants smoking and lazily watching the passing show. Pretty women, bareheaded, and dressed in cool, refreshing white, look enchanting to one who has seen nothing but yellow and brown Malay girls all summer and whose experience in society has been confined to young, barefooted Philippine ladies who smoked cigars and wore gauze waists with rags reefed around them. Beauties of a Summer Night. The surf mils in long curling ridges, the palm trees wave in the fresh evening air, the shijis of the fleet lying out in tli(> bay twinkle with lights, and the Mariveles mountains and Corregidor away to the west fade into MANILA AND LUZON UNDER SPANISH RULE. 205 purple shadows. When the full moon comes out it lights up the domes and towers of the citj and spreads a radiance of white across the bosom of the bay. The air is full of the music of crickets and grasshoppers, and the fragrance of flowers steals out of the verdure along the drive. The Americans take little part in the showy display which comes each evening along the Santa Lucia. Occasionally a soldier in service-w'orn buff clatters along on a little Philippine horse, but there has been no general inclination to mix with the brilliant show on the avenue. Dr. Farrell, one of the surgeons of the 1st California, as- tounded the Spaniards by appearing on the Lucia driving a carriage four-in-hand. When it is considered that the Spanish laws here forbid any one besides the archbishop and the governor-general appearing behind a four-in-hand, the extent of the sensation that Dr. Farrell caused may be imagined. At 8 o'clock it is all over, for that is the dinner hour in Manila. The carriages gradually disappear within the somber sallyports of the old moss-covered walls. At 8:30 hardly one remains, and then the Lucia and Luneta are quiet. Only an occasional caromata rattles over the beautiful di'ive. Between the Luneta and the district of the city where the w^ork- ing classes live, the contrast is startling. The tilth of the latter is ap- palling and the houses are hovels crowded with human beings, animals and vermin. Here start the epidemics which are so fatal to the city population. Modern Improvements are Found. The public improvements of the citj- have not been as meager as might have been expected. There is an excellent system of waterworks and a fairly good fire department. Fortunateh' the comforts that are most essential are the least expensive, and consequently in reach of many people. Rents are very low; serA-ant hire is so cheap that one can have a retinue at the cost of a single house maid at home. Carriages and horses are likewise inexpensive, whether one keeps his own vehicles or hires them at his Avill. The equipages, however, are very queer in appear- ance measured by American standards, and the horses by no means equal to those Ave drive at home. The sports of Manila are materially different from those to which we are accustomed, for their favorites have been bull-fighting and 206 MANILA AND LUZON UNDER SPANISH RULE. cock-figbting. The bull ring of Manila, in the suburb of Pato, draws great crowds when the entertainment is offered, in spite of the fact that the performances are by no means spirited. Neither Spanish bull fighters nor Spanish bulls are brought to the island, so that native talent has to be obtained to phi}' both roles. The bulls are timid and lazy, the bull-fighters are little better, so that the traveler does not see bull- lighting of the same sort that he would in Spain, Cuba or Mexico. The Sports of the Natives. Cock-fighting, on the other hand, is maintained at as high a station as its rival is low. The clergy of the island have been among the best patrons of the sjKM't. They are successful breeders, skillful handlers and regular bettors. The galleries are always well patronized and on Sundays and feast days crowded to suffocation. Music and the drama are po])ular in some forms and in others are neglected. The three theaters of Manila give rather dull performances of comedies, farces and melodramas. When the city is visited by I'ea! dramatic companies from Hong Kong or by an Italian opera company, patronage is generous. Military music is specially favored by the peo- ple and some of it is of more than average (juality. The Filipinos have organized at least one notably fine band of ninety pieces. The most popular of all amusements brought by strangers to the city is the American circus. As is well known, e\('vy circus in the far East is called American in order to obtain the advertising which ac- companies the name. AVlien these organizations come to Manila from Hong Kong or Amoy, they are almost OA'erwhelmed by the warmth of their reception. No company plays a shorter season than three weeks, while some remain two and three times that long. Race "Week in Manila. Horse-racing in Manila is directed by the jockey club, which holds a week of races every year. The membership includes nearly all of tlie European and Anwrican colony, as it was constituttKl before the war. The club has a fine track and generous purses are awarded. The riding is done by gentlemen jockeys, there being no professionals in the country. The animals are very small, much nftei- the fasldon of Ameri- MANILA AND LUZON UNDEK SPANISH RULE. 207 can polo ponies, but the races are popular and afford excellent sport for the social world. The club entertains liberally during the race week. The water front of Manila affords interesting and picturesque sights for the stranger. The anchorage is usually crowded with steamers and sailing vessels. In the river, huge cargo barges or lighters move slowly up stream conveying freight from the vessels in the harbor to the warehouses on shore. Along the banks of the river are the smaller steamers, schooners, and other craft from the island prov- inces, which are of sufficiently light draft to cross the bar and reach the docks. Then there are huge canoes, small dug-outs, ferry-boats for Cavite and places up the river, so that the scene is always a busy one. One of the oddest institutions encountered upon landing in Ma- nila is the Filipino public cab. There are three different styles. These three grades are employed by people according to their means, or tastes. The Carruage is a two-horse vehicle, and the elite people look upon it as the strictly proper thing to ride up the street in. The quells has two wheels, and has a body resting on its axle shaped like a dry goods box. A door opens from the back, and four passengers may crowd in- side. The driver has a little imitation of a seat in front, right over the shafts, with one little native scrubby pony toiling away with his load. The Hotels of the City. Thei-e are various hotels in Manila with varying degrees of excel- lence, although none satisfy an exacting American traveler who is un- willing to put up with Filipino customs. The best hotels in the city are the Hotel de FOrient and Hotel de TEurope, either of which will answer till something better is constructed. The others, however pre- tentious their names may be, such as Hotel de Madrid, Hotel de I'Uni- verse and La Catalanta, are of the next grade lower and hardly to be considered by the American traveler. It is very likely that even if the Philippines were not subject to earthquakes there would be no high buildings. For the most part the buildings are all constructed cheaply and of inexpensive materials. Of course, the fear of earthquakes has much to do with the kind of ma- terial used and the method of construction. The heavy tile roofs 208 MANILA AND LUZON UNDER SPANISH RULE. formerly much used aro seldom seen now. Corrugated iron is now used e.xtensively for rooling. It protects the house from the great deluges of rain that fall, and the earth's quaking will not shake this kind of a roof off. It has the great disadvantage, however, of attracting the heat duriTig the hot weather. The Filipinos usually have a side hut or two with thatched roofs and can move out from under the metal roof when necessary. Most of the streets of ilanila are wretchedly paved or not paved at all. They are iuadeciuately lighted, some by kei-osene lami)s and others even by wicks suspended iu dishes of cocoauut oil. There is, however, an electric light system, which will be extended rapidly. Diminutive street cars, each drawn by a single pony, run on two different lines into the suburbs. The native houses are lighted by shai)iug into little squares the beautiful and lustrous shells that abound in the I'hilippines. These are fastened into long narrow frames that extend all the way around the sides of the upper stories and often com])rise nearly all the wall. They are not fastened to the framework, however, but are arranged to slide back so that the entire room can be thrown open. The making of this substitute for windoAV glass is an extensive industry in the I'hilippines. The Natives Inveterate Gamblers. The Manila lottery was one of the notable institutions of the islands, the Spanish government formerly deriving from it an annual prolit of half a million dollars, the tickets being distributed not only through- out the archipelago, but in ITong Kong and along the China coast. The inborn gambling instinct of the Filipino is thus fostered and many a poor fellow sjieiids his last cent for lottcT'v tickets and then go(»s to jail fill' iinl jiayiiig liis luxes. Estimates of ihei)o])u]ati()n of .Manila have been va]-i(Ml and doubtful. The mo.st authentic information, however, places the total population at about ^00,000, of which natives number 200,000. The Chinese are credited with 10,000 of the remainder, the Chinese half-breeds 4.~,000, the S])anish and Spanish Creoles .",000, the Spani.sli half-castes about as many, and the Euro])eans and Americans other than Spanish about 100. Nearly all i>uroi)eaiis wear white duck suits over very thin under- MANILA AND LUZON UNDER SPANISH RULE. 209 wear. The Chinaman sticks to his national costnme, while the people of mixed blood almost invariably adopt the native dress, which (or men consists of hat, shirt, pantaloons and slippers. Civilians (Europeans and Americans) usiialh' Avear white duck suits, v.-hite duck shoes and very light underwear every mouth of the year. Like the native women themselves, their dress has been written about as being pretty. The women may look pretty in the selected costumes we see printed, but as we saw them every day about Manila they are, as a rule, the most unattractive women to be found any- where. It is true that their novel dress and appearance may make them interesting for a time, but their filthy tobacco and other repulsive habits make them anything but attractive. Their dress is decidedly trop- ical and consists of Camisa or waist, with great, bloomer-like sleeves. A fancy hand-stitched chemise, which the coarse-meshed Camisa does not hide, seems to have been made with a view to the fact that it is to be seen. A small silk wrap, not larger than a good-sized handker- chief, is brought around the neck, the ends forming a sort of bow over the breast. A big square piece of black cloth envelopes the lower part of the body to the kuees, and below it is revealed a skirt wdth all the colors of the rainbow. Their bare feet are placed on slippers that have a single strap over the foot holding them on. Attractive Native Women. Many of the Mestiza or half-caste women and girls are very attrac- tive, and, like the native women, they have beautiful hair, which not in- frequently reaches to their heels and of which they are inordinately proud. They also take pride in small feet, if they happen to possess them, and it is not at all unusual to see slippers which are quite too small for their owners and leave some of the toes dangling helpiessl,y outside. Coffee and fruit are served in the early morning. An exceedingly light breakfast is provided about S o'clock. Tiffin, which is a sub.stan- tial luncheon with several hot dishes, is taken at noon, and dinner is served at S o'clock in the evening. In deference to the earthquake and the typhoon, architecture in l\Ianila takes peculiar forms. The only high buildings are the churches, and these are built with very thick walls. The public buildings are heavy and gloomy. In the business quarter the houses are of two 210 ^LVNILA AND LUZON UNDER SPANISH RULE. stones with enormously thick walls and partitions. The Malay bunga- lows in the suburbs are one-storj', supported with tiles or stone founda- tions and covered with thatch. In the Chinese quarter the buildings are chiefly one-story and where two-storied have the lower one of gi'eat soliditj' and the upper one so light as to be almost fragile. Another enemy of houses never to be ignored is the white ant. This energetic creature, as well as two or three of his allies, is so vo- racious that the wooden beams and floors of houses frequentlj' must be renewed after their attacks. Every effort has been made by the people to aA'ert the ravages of the ants; they have tried varnishing the woods and painting them with poisonous compounds, on all of which the ants seem to thrive. There are some woods which are less subject to the xipst than others, but none is entirely exempt. Arrangement of the Bwellings. Houses follow the example of those in Spain and the Spanish- American countries for their interior arrangement. Almost always the dwelling is built around an open quadrangle or else there is a drive- way' through the house with a courtyard in the interior or at the rear of the building. Sometimes the house sits back from the sti*eet, se- cluded by a high wall. Rooms, halls, can-iageway and courtyard are smoothly paved with blocks of stone brought from quarries in China. The walls are covered with whitewash and stone stairways lead to the second floor, where the choicer living apartments always are found. Windows iind doors are left open as much as possible and refreshing breezes moderate the heat of nearly all seasons. It requires no exer- tion on the pai't of a householder to make his home beautiful. Natun* will do it all. Mosses, vines and flowers cover every wall, and trees sprout everywhere, all Avilh blossoms and blazes of color in every place, exjjected and unexpected. Stocks of goods kept by the merchants of Manila are small, because of the excessive and indiscriminate taxation which was applied under the Spanish regime. The dealer made as little displaj- as possible, in order to avoid the appearance of wealth and consequent taxation. IIow- Gver, the stocks of goods are now fiurly well selected and anything ordered can be obtained ])romptly from the lionded warehouses. Cloth- ing for men and women alike is made to order in less time than any MANILA AND LUZON UNDER SPANISH RULE. 211 where else on earth, and the goods themselves are brought to the home of the customer for selection instead of requiring a shopping expedition. Native Merchants and Their Wares. Silver and gold jewelry, made by native workmen and sold in the stores of Manila, is peculiarly interesting and attractive. Basket- work of all sorts and fancy matting are other offerings of the shops of peculiar interest to strangers. Confections of guava and other fruits prepared with native sugar, appeal to those fond of sweet- meats. Chinese stores offer fans of all sorts from the highest to the loT\'est price. Parasols and umbrellas, which are required by every- one, whether in dry or rainy seasons, form a large part of the wares of the shopkeepers. Altogether, the stranger in Manila may find plenty of novelties to buy for souvenirs of his journey, characteristic of the country and exceedingly interesting to the people at home. One of the most interesting spots of Manila is the old Paco ceme- tery, with its massive walls suggestive rather of a defense for the Hy- ing than of a last refuge for the dead. The cemetery is in a circular space inclosed by a huge wall of masonry eight or nine feet thick and ten feet high. The only entrance' is through a gate of iron and wood of great strength, which still further adds to the appearance of fortifi- cation. Within this circular wall is a second wall built in the same manner, presenting a solid front to the exterior. The interior is a honeycomb of crypts in which the coffins of the dead are placed, the entrance being sealed by small ornamental tablets of stone bearing the names of the dead. In many of the crypts there is a double door, the outer one being of glass, through which quaint images of the Virgin and the infant Christ or some other decoration such as rudely fashioned artificial flowers are seen. Each crypt rents for about $35 yearly — a small fortune for these people — and when the inmate is for- gotten or the relatives become impoverished or for any reason this rental is unpaid the remains are immediately swept from the tomb and cast into a common receptacle for all like unfortunates. The Town of Cavite. Just southwest of the province of Manila lies the province of Cavite, which is one of the most important on the island of Luzon. At the 212 MANILA AND LUZON UNDER SPANISH RULE. noilhorn end of the province the land runs out into Manila bay in a lonp; peninsula, which in turn divides into two smaller ones pointing toward the mainland. This is the site of the city of Cavite, which, be- sides beinj;- the cai)ital of the province, also has been the northern naval station of the riiilipjiine government. Here was the scene of the de- struction t)f the Spanish fleet by the American squadron under Ad- miral Dewey. The city of Cavite is about eight miles and a half from Manila, measuring in a straight line across the bay, and is connected with the capital by frequent ferryboats. In Luzon are river and lake sj'stems second only to those of Min- danao. The Kio Grande de Cagayan, which rises near the center of the island, flows into the ocean at the northern extremity and di'ains an immense area of great fertility. Here is grown the best tobacco raised in the archipelago. The river is navigable for some distance, although the bar at the mouth obstructs the entrance for steamers of more than ten feet draft. The Pantanga, river also rises in South Cara- ballo mountain but flows in the oi)posite direction, emptying into Manila bay by a delta with more than twenty mouths. The low ground along its banks is extensively cultivated and produces good crops of rice and sugai" cane. Water Courses of Luzon. A few miles back of and east from Manila bay, with the city and its suburbs extending almost to it, is a fresh-water lake almost as large as the bay itself. This is Laguna de Bay. There are twenty-five miles in its extreme length and over twenty at its widest point. The Kiver Pasig connects this lake with the bay and all sorts of native craft, such as cascoes, flat-bottomed steamers and small gunboats navigate the river and lake. Lake Bombou, half the size of Laguna de Bay, is the fresh- watei" lake mentioned in a previous rliapter as surrounding tlie active volcano Taal. Luzon includes among her wondcnful resources gold, coal and other minerals. The sugar production of Luzon e.xceeds that of all the other islamls combined, and her wonderfully itroductive soil gives up a great wealth of hemp, coffee, rice, cocoa, tobacco and fruits and vegetables each year. Lxizon is the most jnqtulnus island nf all llic riiili])pine archi|)elago, some estimates as to (he uuinhcrs of its inhabitants running as high as' MANILA AND LUZON UNDER SPANISH RULE. 213 5,000,000. The most important of the uumerous tribes into wliioli the people are divided are the Tagalogs and the Ilocauos. Both are civil- ized and as a rule orderly, although brigandage is not uncommon in the Tagalog territory. It is from this tribe that the greater part of Aguinaldo's support in the insurrection of the Filipinos has been drawn. In a later chapter on the people of the Philippines, more detailed infor- mation will be included on the races inhabiting this island. Luzon is the most populous island of all the Philippine archipelago, some estimates as to the numbers of its inhabitants running as high as 5,000,000. The most important of the numerous tribes into which the people are divided are the Tagalogs and the Ilocanos. Both are civil- ized and as a rule orderly, although brigandage is not uncommon in the Tagalog territory. It is from this tribe that the greater part of Aguinaldo's supijort in the insurrection of the Filipinos has been drawn. In a later chapter on the people of the Philippines, more detailed in- formation will be included on the races inhabiting this island. The absence of proper railway facilities is not as great a handicap in the Philippines as it might be in some other countries, for the remark- ably irregular coast-line and tfie extended interior water systems en- able the traveler to reach the greater part of the archipelago by boat. There are little, light-draft steamboats which go almost everywhere and which charge very low fares, w^hile upon every navigable stream, lake and bay ai-e small boats which can be hired for an insignificant sum. Steamship Service of the Island. A steamer runs from Manila northward along the west coast of Luzon nearly to Cape Bojeador. At any one of several ports the traveler who is willing to undergo discomfort may begin an excursion into the interior of the island, where scenery of gi'eat beauty will be found and native manners and customs may be studied in their most primitive condition. There is very little danger to the traveler in the extreme north along the coast, for the natives are hospitable to the limit of their means and quite docile. The country is little cultivated by civilized methods except in the more accessible portions. CHAPTER Xn. THE CENTRAL ISLANDS OF THE ARCHIPELAGO. The Visayau Archipelafio — On an Island Steamer- — A Typical Spanish Town — A Fort Witliout a Gun — Yellow Journalism in the Philippines — Beautiful Women Who Smoke — Cebu and Its Commercial Import- ance — The Island ot' Panay — The Sulu Sea and Its Boundaries — Prim- itive Modes of Life in Palawan — Among the Savage Tribes. Second to Manila in commercial importance and population is the city of Iloilo, which is situated on the island of Panay. Panay is one of that group of islands lying north of the gi'eat island of Mindanao and south of the eastern portion of Luzon, knoAvn as the Visayan archipelago. Other important islands of the group are Guimaras, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Samar and Leyte. Iloilo came into familiarity because of its importance in the Spanish- insurgent complications. After the cai)fure of Manila by the American forces, Iloilo was the seat of Spanish government in the Philippines. It was then surrounded by the insurgents, who besieged the city until the Spanish commander surrendered to them. This situation was a con- siderable puzzle to the American authorities in the island. It placed the insurgent forces in possession of the second city in the archipelago, with an ample supply of arms and ammunition. They proceeded to organize a government of their own, quite distinct from that of which Aguinaldo was the head, announcing it as the Visayan republic. When American troops were hurried to Iloilo from Manila, 300 miles away, they were forbidden the jjrivilege of landing and the situation became more than critical. Tliis was at the time the ratification of the treaty of peace wnth Spain was under discussion in the Ignited States Senate and the state of affairs at Iloilo was brought into ])articular prominence. There was a general sentiment of reluctance throughout the country to see American arms turned against an insurgent body who had expelled their enemies from the second stronghold of the island, and were standing u\um their rights as victors over the Spanish to demand consideration and inde- THE CENTRAL ISLANDS OF TUE ARCHIPELAGO. 215 pendence. Let Mr. McCiitcheon, the artist con-espondent, describe his interesting journey from Manila to Iloilo, made last September, when conditions were strained but before the insurgents had talven the city. On An Island Steamer. "The trip between the two cities is one of the most charming ex- periences that a traveler could ever hope for. Some day, when the army of tourists invades the Philippines and the red guidebook and the personally conducted tour become established features, there will be pages and pages in the steamship j)rospectuses devoted to it. The island sea of Japan, the Thousand Islands of the St. Lawrence, the castle- capped peaks of the Rhine and the beautiful Golden Horn of Turkey will have a new rival. During the forty hours that it takes one of the small steamers of the Companla Maritima to make the run, the sight of land is never lost, and the scene is constantly shifting, and is always new and wonderful. The vessel passes by dozens of islands, every one of which is glorious in the richness of its foliage, the splendor of its mountain sides or the dazzling whiteness of its long stretch of sandy beach. Sometimes you are in a narrow channel, with great uplifts of brilliant green rising on either hand; then you are carried into an open sea, with only the blue hills of distant islands breaking the serene horizon or clusters of waving palm trees or some lonely coral atoll swimming on the skyline like a mirage on the desert. On one side may be the lofty purple heights of an island mountain range, standing out against the angry, ominous blackness of the storm clouds which seem to be everlastingly rioting in imposing tumult around the crests; on the other side may be gleaming strips of beach, with tangles of trop- ical verdure lining them; then long, easy slopes of rich, brilliant moun- tain sides fading away to a jagged skyline of distant blue. There are several volcanoes that are active, and may be marked by the hazy smoke that lifts lazily against the clouds. "Just now there are wvj few vessels venturing on the run, for the Compania Maritima, which is a Spanish concern, has only two of its vessels put under the American flag, and those that carry the Span- ish flag are afraid to venture out of Manila or Iloilo for fear of the insurgent steamers that lie in hiding among the coves of the archi- pelago waiting to dash out and seize any floating thing that shows the red and yellow at its peak. 216 THE CENTRAL ISLANDS OF THE ARCHIPELAGO. "In coiuiiany with three otlier oorrespoudents, I started for Hoilo several days ago. Up to this tiuie no America u had made tlie trip siuee peace was declared, and we had a good deal of curiosity to know how wo would be received. The officers of the Buluau, one of the Spanish steamers recently placed under our flag as an insurance against insurgent attack, looked on us with considei'able suspicion, for they were all Spanish and in wholesome fear of the governor-general now at Iloilo. "Mr. Balfour, a young Scotchman and manager of the Iloilo branch of the llong Kong and Shanghai bank, was the only other pas- senger on board who spoke English. As the vessel reached the island of Panay and steamed along down the coast he pointed out the posi- tions held by the insurgents. When she reached Concepcion, the ])lace of the farthest advance of the revolutionary forces, the Spaniards looked with anxious eagerness at the distant shore line and the word 'insurrecto' occurred with much frequency. It was noticed, too, that with Mr. Balfour there was a disposition to conduct all references to the present operations on the island in a decided undertone. A Typical Spanish Town. "Iloilo was reached in the middle of the afternoon. It is a typical troi)ical Spanish town, situated on a flat, sandy point of land which juts out into the strait. Guimaras island lies two miles to the east- ward, and beyond it were the volcanic mountains of Negros island. A number of Spani-sh vessels were lying in the harbor and a greater number could be seen in the river. A small boat came out of the river and approached the Buluan. As she stopped alongside, the pilot came aboard and made i)re])arations to take the vessel into the river, but when he found tiiat there were Americans on board he proceeded im- mediately back to the town. There was a long wait, and then we realized that an obstacle had evidently reared its horrid front and that an objection hauzon lies the Sulu sea, forming a great diamond-shaped body of water, of which the angles virtuall.y coincide with the ]ioints ])ines; the northeast by Xegros, Paiiay and Mindoro; and the northwestern by the island of Palawan and its neighbors. THE CENTRAL ISLANDS OF THE ARCHIPELAGO. 227 This latter island, the fifth in size of all the Philippines, with the smaller ones adjoining it to the north and south, forms one of the greater divisions of the whole archipelago, known by the Spaniards under the name of Islas Adjacentes. Palawan is the native name for the island and the one whieh is considered geographically con-ect, although the Spaniards long have dubbed it Paragua. The other islands properly included in the same general division are Busuanga, Calamianes, Culion, Nengalao, Linapacan, Cuyo and Dumarau in the northeast, and Balabac in the southAvest. The traveler for the Islas Adjacentes sails from Jlanila on one of the inter-island steamboats, which carry the mail, passengers and freight throughout the archipelago. The first stop in the journey usually is at the Calamianes islands. The same name is applied to one of the provinces, which includes the numerous islands lying between Palawan, Mindoro and Panay. Cuyo is the capital of the same province and the second port of the journey. Here, strangely enough, the popu- lation is composed almost altogether of women, who consequently monopolize all the trade. They come ofT to the passenger steamers with fruit, provisions and curios and a man is seldom seen by the traveler. A Prosperous Town. Palawan is one of the least known and least settled islands of the Philippine archipelago, of which, except for some little neighbors to the southward, it is the westernmost. The island is nearly 300 miles in length, its breadth ranging from six to thirty-five miles, with an. average of twenty miles. The capital is Puerto Princessa, which is situated on the^ eastern side about midway between the northern and southern extremities. Spain secured Palawan from the Sultan of Borneo by conquest and finally by treaty. A garrison was then established to protect the Span- iards who had settled in the north. There was great danger from the war-like Moros. After being maintained for a few years, it was left without the necessary supplies and was finally abandoned after many of the troops had perished miserably of hunger and want. A few years later the sultan gave the island to the Spanish. Troops were sent under a captain to take formal possession. All of them died ultimately, some from eating rotten food and others in war with the iloros. Still later a third garrison was established at Tay Tay. At first a little settlement 22S THE CENTRAL ISLANDS OF THE ARCHIPELAGO. grew up around it, Miiich ultiniatoly sharfd tbo fate of its predecessor. After centuries of effort to settle the island and protect the settlers, a renewed atteuii)t was made on the part of the Spanish authorities. Efforts to Colonize an Island. The IMadrid government in 18S5 issued a royal order establishing military posts in Palawan to protect the people already there and to encourage emigration. All Spaniards or others who were willing to move there were transported at the expense of the government, would be exempt from taxation for six years, and were assisted with agri- cultural implemeuts and seeds. Even these liberal inducements did not settle and develop Palawan, which the Spanish government so much desired. A new plan was then adopted. Each of certain thickly popu- lated provinces were to furnish twenty-five volunteer families, who were to have their debts to the government cancelled and free transportation in consideration of their taking up their residence there. Besides, each family was to be given a few acres of land and heli)ed for several months. In addition the government was to build highways and estab- lish free ports. All these glowing promises were ne^'er materialized into anything beyond the establishment of some small military posts. No emigrants arrived, and if money was actually appropriated to fur- ther the scheme to develop Palawan, it "disappeared." The savage native people of Palawan include various tribes, some of them quite distinct from those found in the other islands of the archipelago. In the southern part Jloi'os are found, in the northern mountain region, Battaks, and in the central portion and along the northern coast Tagbanuas. The latter are commonly believed to be a half-breed race, a mixture of the Negritos and some Malay tribe. They are quite dark and their hair is inclined to be curly. Under the advice and direction of a Spanish engineer who was constructing a highway across the island, they have established a village called Tagbarus, in which they show a surprising capacity for civilization. They have actually organized a form of local government under his advice and started small plantations of rice, bananas and cocoanut. Their house.s are built after the style of the Paupauan houses in New Guinea, away up high on stilts. They stand from six to twelve feet above the ground on bamboo i)o]cs, and the material used through- out is bamboo and palm. ^\'lu•u the effort to stimulate voluutarv imniigration into Palawan THE CENTRAL ISLANDS OF TUE AKCHU'ELAGO. 229 failed, the Spanish ooutiuued to fostef their policy of providing wltlers by force. Puerto Princesa for a long time has been a penal settlenn^nt. From other parts of the colonj convicts are sent to sen'e their ter-ju in the island. As in most other penal settlements, when their sen- tences expire they have no money to pay for a passage back to their homes, so thej^ make tlie best of it by remaining as colonists. While they are serving their terms in Puerto Princersa, they are obliged to work on government enterprises of various sorts. Formerly a sugar plantation was maintained to furnish them employment, and when that Avas abandoned they Avere set to clearing timber land near the city. As is to be expected, the convicts have suffered the same abuses that have been the curse of other penal settlements, aggravated ]ier- haps by the fact that in this case the administration was Spanish. The convicts at Puerto Princesa suffer a very high death rate, amount- ing sometimes to about twenty-five per cent yearly, as the result of tlicir hard labor, poor accommodation, insufficient food and ill treatment. Primitive Modes of Life. Manners of life in Palawan, even in the capital of the island, are essentially primitive. The servants are all convicts, who can be hired fi'om the government, or by a special concession, "trusties," men Avho have a certain degree of liberty, may be obtained. Their houses are poor, furniture scanty, and the markets provide an exceedingly lim- ited bill of fare, consisting chiefly of rice and fish. The water supply is contaminated by surface drainage, so that rain-water preseiwed in large tanks must be employed. A large part of the death rate of the con- victs must be charged against the water x^rovided lor them. The savage native people of Palawan include various tribes, some of them quite distinct from those found in the other islands of the archipelago. In the southern part Moros are found, in the northern mountain region Battaks, and in the central portion and along the northern coast Tagbanuas. The latter are commonly believed to be a half-breed race, a mixture of the Negritos and some Malay tribe. They are quite dark and their hair is inclined to be curly. Under the advice and direction of a Spanish engineer Avho was constructing a higlnva}' across the island, they have established a village called Tagbarus, in 230 THE CENTRAL ISLANDS OF THE ARCHIPELAGO. wliirli (bey show a surprising caparity fur i,'iviliz;itiijn. Tiioy have actually organized a form of local governmeut under bis advice and started small plantations of rice, bananas and cocoanuts. Among the Savage Tribes. Here is a government witbin a government, so to speak, for a comical old man deals out justice according to the tribe's traditions, regardless of Spanish intervention. At one time they were governed by a I'ulcr whose sovereignly could terminate only in his death. In that case his eldest son would become ruler, if acceptable to the people; if not, one would be chosen from among the chiefs. A trial for a grave offense is very simple, and the punishment generally more novel than harsh. The judges meet with the relatives and friends of the one who prefers the charge and the one to be tried. Both are ordered to dive into deep water. The one holding his breath or staying under the longest is declared to be in the right and the one who has shown his head fii*st is declared to have spoken falsely. After that he may be punished beyond the public exhibition given of his guilt, if the crime is a serious one. It is in the island of Palawan that dammar exists. A large tree goes through a sweating process and the gum is taken from it. Some- times it runs into the ground, one year's overflow on top of another, until extensive deposits have accumulated. In some respects it resem- bles the kiraw gum of the north island of New Zealand, except that in New Zealand there is doubt as to how the gum got there, for if from a tree, it is now entirely extinct. The dammar gatherers add consider- ably to the yearly exports from the archipelago, it being estimated that nearly 500 tons are shipped annually. The preponderance in numbers (jf women over men in some of the New England States has been a live topic with social economists, but in the island of Palawan ninety per cent of the population is female. This is accounted for because of the lack of business ()])portunities in Palawan for the men, .so when very young they emigrate to other islands, leaving the poor women to shift for themselves. The ca])ital is Puerto Princesa. It has also been the Spanish naval station for Pala- wan, for the town has the best harbor on the island. A lighthouse and a small ship for repairing vessels are the only improvements. THE CENTRAL ISLANDS OF THE ARCHIPELAGO. 231 Eflfects of Spanish Misrule. At times the Spanish government would adopt what appeared to be a policy of great liberality to those who would essay to develop the latent resources of the Philippines, particularly Palawan. Grants of lands would be given in some instances, but none of those receiving grants could ever accomplish anything, for the widely heralded gen- erous intentions of the home government never took any sliape beyond mere talk. Those who were led into attempting extensive improve- ments under the tempting bait usually lost everything they put in. Under American control these conditions will, of course, be reversed, and the hidden treasures of Palawan, as well as of other islands, will be brought to light to benefit mankind. It is unfortunate, however, that only Asiatic coolies can do hard work in that climate and the white laborer or even the negro of the United States cannot derive any of the benefits of this untouched wealth. Any estimate of the natural resources of the Philippine islands and the possibility of profit to energetic immigrants must be incomplete because of just such facts as the foregoing. The Spanish policy has been a handicap altogether insurmountable. The honest man could not face the corruption that surrounded him and compete with it. The dishonest man, however willing he might be to bribe and use improper influences, would find the demands upon him growing more and more as his ability to pay more increased, so that in the end there would be little left for him. Americans always have been a pioneering people, accustomed to endure hardships without complaint and resourceful enough to create comfort for themselves even in the wilderness. It is this fact that justifies the belief that the development of the remarkable latent resources and varied possibilities of profit in the Philippines will be rapid and constant as soon as peace settles down upon the islands and a regime of law and order, with assurance of protection to life and property, is established. CflAI-TER Xin. SULU AND MINDANAO, THE HOME OF THE MOROS. Origin of the Sulu Mohammedans — A \Yar for Supremacy — Fighting the Pirates — Insurreclious iu the Islamls — Au EUicieiit Uoveiuor — Where the Slave Trade Fk)urishes — How to (Joverii the Siilus — An Ishind Comparatively Unknown — Construction of the Native Houses — Pe- culiar Systems of Local Government — Hospitality of tlie Filipinos. Between the islands of Borneo and Mindanao, extendinij; from north- east to southwest, lies a chain of 150 islands, and innumerable islets and rocks rising from the water, known as the Snlu archipelago. Their coasts are washed on one side by the Sulu sea aud on the other by the Celebes sea. According to Spanish authority ninety-five of these islands are inhabited. The people are known as the Moros, and it is more than likely that they will one day play an inqiortant pai-t in the annals of American history in the Philippines. The history of the Sulus is the histoiT of the Moros, for there is their stronghold. After the Spanish discovery of the Philippines, as the invaders endeavored to extend their sovereignty southwestward from Mindanao, they found as an obstacle in their way the settlements of Sulus. Strangely enough, however, there was in the early daj's of Philippine history a short alliance between the opposing forces, on which Spain in after years based her claim of sovereignty over the Sulus. The Mohammedans reached this chain of islands as a result of civil warfare in Borneo. Two sultans who were brothers were in con- flict in that great island, and the unsuccessful one, with his followers, Jled across the channel into the Sulu islands. It Avas another exodus of the same sort from Borneo that brought the Mohammedan element into Palawan and the adjacent islands. This defeated sovereign, establishing his capital at the tf)wn of Sulu, or Jolo, as tlie Sjiaiiish name it, began a Mohammedan civilization which rajiidly became a strong power in that part of the world. A cousin of this sultan settled on Basilan, which is the nearest to Mindanao of the Sulu chain, and SULU AND MINDANAO, THE HOME OP THE MOKOS. 233 soon became its sole ruler. He was loyal to the sultan at first, but in time plotted against him and attacked the capital city unsuccess- fully'. After many fights on land and sea he retired again to his own possessions in Basilan. Then the sultan himself went to Manila and pledged his vassalage to the Spanish on condition that they would help him subjugate his rebellious cousin. The promise was promptly made, but the squadron Vi'hich was equipped under the agreement was delayed several months beyond the promised time before it sailed southward. In the mean- time the sultan, tired of waiting, attacked the rebels and routed them completely, although he was himself killed in the battle. The Span- iards in due season arrived at Sulu, and, not finding the sultan, turned and went back to Manila. Thej- preseiwed the treaty with great care and upon this has been based the Spanish claim of sovereignty over the Sulu sultanate. A War for Supremacy. The next ruler, however, Adasaolan, extended his influence far and wide. He developed the archipelago, made alliances with the Moham- medan king of Mindanao and the chief of nortliorn Borneo, and com- pelled all his subjects and tributaries to adopt the Koran at the point of the sword. He built the first mosque in the city of Sxilu and received honors and titles all the way from Turkey, from the head of the Mohammedan church, the Sublime Porte, in recognition of his services to the faith. It would seem that his claim of sovereignty and his posses- sion of the territory gave him a better title to the islands than the treaty of Manila gave to the Spanish. Nevertheless, in 1595 the Spaniards sent an expedition to take jiossession of their property and incidentally to spread the gospel among the heathen. Nearly all their officers were killed, half the men incapacitated by sickness and wouncis, while the war-ship which carried the expedition was so shattered that it was able to get only as far as Cebu on the return joiirney. From this time on, the Sulu pirates carried their daring incur- sions throughout the waters of the archipelago, hardly int34 Sin; AXJ) .MINDANAO. THE HOME OF THE MOROS. peninsula of Cavite. At one time the Sulu pirates held Bohol, CebUj Negros, Leyte and even a part of Panay under tribute. When com- munities refused to pay tribute they were attacked by these daring invaders, their men slain, their houses burned, their property looted, and their wives and dauulilers takeu as slaves awav to the south. Attempts to Suppress Pirates. Undoubtedly the Madrid government did the best it could under the circumstances. It appropriated large sums of money for men-of- war, forts, weapons and ammunition, and directed the Philippine of- ficials to exterminate the piratical communities. But the money was diverted into the pockets of colonial office-holders. Thousands of in- offensive natives were slaughtered in the wars, while the governors wrote home accounts of imaginary victories and glowing descriptions of the blessings of peace. At the end of their terms they came back rich for life. The most pretentious effort made by the Spanish to terminate the constant warfare between Spain and Sulu was the establishment of a settlement at Zamboanga, at the extreme southeast point of Min- danao. Here they built a walled city, constructed strong forts and made it a naval station and arsenal second only to Cavite. Directly opposite Basilan, and in such close proximity to the Sulu archipelago, it provided a fine base of operations, offensive and defensive. But so little care was taken of the sanitation of the place that it soon became known as the sepulchre of Spain. The absence of sewerage and sanita- tion, combined with the heat and moisture, dev('lo])ed malaria] dis- eases whose deadliuess astonished even the Spaniai'ds. Of one gan-ison of a thousand men, 850 died in a single year. In 1750 the governor-general of the Philippines sent a large expe- dition from Manila to attack Sulu, but the fleet returned to Zam- boanga having accomplished nothing. The islands were continually ravaged by the Mohammedan sultan. At last, in 1770, there was a tacit agreement for peace between Sulu and Spain, because botli par- ties were exhausted v/itli warfare. From that time until 1851 pirates occasionally raA'aged Spanish cities and Spanish gunboats destroyed Sulu craft, liut imtliing ainnimling to war occurred. SULU AND MmDANAO, THE HOME OF THE MOKOo. 231 A Temporary Peace Declared. In the latter year troubles began again and for twenty-five years affairs got more and more intolerable. The bold ravages of the sultan llironghont the archipelago compelled another Spanish expedition in 1S70, which destroyed several forts and killed many natives, but lost more men than it destroyed. Nevertheless, it brought about a tem- porary peace. The sultan admitted the sovereignty of Spain over the Sulu domain and Spain induced Great Britain and Germany to sign a protocol recognizing the treaty. In 1S80 a British company colonized a large tract of land in Borneo, recognizing the suzerainty of the sultan of Sulu. Spain made a vigorous protest, but the British government decided in favor of the sultan. After some negotiations, Spain gave up all claim to land in Borneo belonging to the Sulu sul- tanate. In 1887 insurrection again broke out in the islands and in Min- danao itself. The Spanish government sent its fleet at post haste to Hie seat of disorder and also forwarded re-enforcements for the vari- ous garrisons which had been established in the enemy's country. A few mouths after this insurrection was put down another broke out. In 1888, however, comparative peace was established throughout the Sulu archipelago and since that time the Spaniards have been in legal possession of the country. They have ten garrisons scattered at different points throughout the islands. Outside of the coasts they have no authority nor power whatever. The sultan of Sulu rules the same as ever, and the native, not Spanish, laws are observed. The population of the group is estimated at 1.50,000, but that is probably less rather than greater than the actual population. As a matter of English law, the sultan of Sulu exercises sovereignty of a qualified soii: over several Borneo sultans. According to Spanish law, he exercises some feudal authority over the chiefs of Palawan, a large Mohamme- dan sultanate in Mindanao, and over several small tribes on that island and the island of Basilan. Nevertheless, they have done what they could to reduce the authority to a minimum, regretting every point that they have been compelled to yield to his influence. l';JS SLLU AND MINDANAO, TUK IIUMK OF TUE MOROS. A Royalist with Republican Tendencies. The history of (ioneral Arolas is a leinaikable one. As Spanish governor in charge of the situation in Sulii, he did all and more than could be expected of him. He was a man of sound conviction and always readj' to speak the truth. He has told American callers in Sulu of his warm admiration for the United States as a type of what a republic should be, adding that if he were not a Spaniard he would be an American. In the days when the republican party triumphed in Spain, Arolas is said to have cast the royal throne out of a window with his own hands in order to show his respect for its former occu- pants. After the fall of the Spanish republic, he continued to display what was considered unseemly activity, and there seems little doubt that when he was honored with an appointment as governor of Sulu, it was with the intention of exiling him. In undertaking the governorship, he found the town in a bad con- dition, so far as health was concerned, the defenses were inadequate and the garrison in constant danger of annihilation. He compelled the Moros to work and made the defenses impregnable. He improved the sanitary condition of the town, changing it from a fever center to an unusually healthful place. lie established the free school system, buili a hospital, a good market and water works. Through his inlluence the Sulus soon became the wonder of the far-off islands. Later on he attacked the Sultans and succeeded in defeating the ^loros. The Sultan made every cn'ort to escape and (inally succeeded in doing so. His most important chiefs, however, were killed, their heavy guns were taken and the fortifications were pretty much destroyed. The new governor followed up his advantage, and attack succeeded attack, until the Moslems were subdued as never before. As Arolas escaped unharmed from many perils, the Moros looked upon him as one who bore a charmed life. They had the greatest respect for him, for he was always just, but without mercy. Fortunately the Suluanos had met a man they could not master. 'I'liey realized this to the full extent, and after a little gave up the idea of having tlicir own way. SULU AKl) MINDANAO, THE IIO.ME (il THE MOKOS. 289 An Unpopular Decree. In 1892 Governor Arolas returned to Spain and Lis successor proved to be by no means as capable, although he did not have long to prove his ability. Finding things apparently quiet, he decided to ie(iuire the Moros to pay taxes and issued a decree to that effect. The sultan himself, with a band of his men, presented themselves armed, offering to yield to the order. The sultan came forward, presented the gdvernor with a bag of pearls, and then, suddenly drawing a baroug, s])lit the Spaniard's skull to his teeth. The Moros fell on the sur- jirised soldiers and won a complete victory. But two or three of the Spanish soldiers escaped by hiding in a subterranean passage. The town was destroyed by the Moros. The second island of the Sulu group in importance and population is Tawi Tawi, which is inhabited by piratical, slave-hunting Moros. It is not strange that little is known to civilization about the character- istics of the islands of this archipelago when danger lurks at every hand. However, it is known that Tawi Tawi is covered from end to end with forest. In the old days when slaves were more numerous in the Sulu islands, the virgin forest was cleared from a large area near the towns and fruit trees were planted in its place. The result is that the forests near the settlements are composed almost entirely of trees which produce edible fruits. Wild hogs are abundant likewise, fobP there is almost no one to hunt them, and, with plenty of food and little molestation, they have multiplied astonishingly. Where the Slave Trade Flourishes. The surface of Tawi Tawi is uneven, but the hills, though steep, are low and of quite uniform height. Xear the center a precipitous mountain rises to an elevation of some 2,000 feet. The slave business still flourishes in Tawi Tawi and to some extent in the other Sulu islands, although not so much as here. Girls of fifteen years are valued at about five bushels of rice. The slave dealers of Tawi Tawi are said to have no difficulty in selling all the able-bodied men they can cap- ture to the Dutch planters in Borneo. The subjugation and possession of the Sulu archipelago Avill pro- 240 SULU AND MINDANAO, THE II(»ME OF THE MOROS. vido imub iutercstiug aud euorgotic labor for the Uuitod States. It is to be doubted if eveu tlie most persistent office-seekers will make stren- uous effort to obtain ai)i)ointment to authority there, under the con- ditions that they will have to meet. The ilohammedau Moro of the Sulu sultanate seems to value life not at all, and to be quite willing at anv time to die if in the process he can take the life of two or three Christians into eternity with him. Politically and geographically this gnmp must go with the Philippine archipelago itse!f,bnt it will be the most puzzling part of the possession to govern. The Sulu Mohamme- dans of Borneo have given no trouble to the British who hold the sover- eignty, and, on the other hand, they have been treated with great tact and caution by their British rulers. The authorities let them alone in their religious views and advise the mis.sionaries to use all possible tact in their endeavors to introduce Christianity. It is difficult to dis- cover any middle grouiul in the methods of governing these peoples between the English system in effect in India, of leaving the natives in full liberty to practice all customs and religious observances which do not conflict with life and human safety, and the energetic policy of General Arolas of exterminating eveiy one in reach, at the first sign of irritation or disagreement The Least Known Island of the Group. Mindanao, the largest island of the ]'iii]ii)iii7ie archipelago' except Luzon, and the most southerly except the Sulu grou]), has been the least explored by the Spanish and the slowest to subjugate, in spite of the great loss of life and effort that have been expended in the attempt. The island has an area of 37,500 square miles. Its savage peoples, high mountains and dense forests have made exploration dilllcult, aud until within a short time little has been known of its interior. Of all the numerous monastic ordere the Jesuit I'^'athers have ren- dered more real service to science in the Philippines jirobably than all the others combined. In ilindanao their industrious and intelligent researches have given to the world practically the only tangible data in the shape of reports and mai)s in existence. The Jesuits report twenty-four tribes of people, each distinct in its own dialect, as well as (itlicr tribes. Xi-ariv three-fourths of the tribes of Mahiv orijiin are SULU AND MINDANAO, THE HOME OF THE MOROS. 241 Pagans and the balance Moros (Mohammedans). The Visayans are adherents to the Catholic missions, but they are comparatively few in number. They have intermarried to some extent with the Malays, which means that the latter, either a Pagan or a Mohammedan, must become a Christian before the priest will perform such marriage cere- mony. This has sometimes brought ou much trouble with the iloro warriors, and they are the most dreaded of all the tribes in Mindanao. The Moros inhabit the southern end of Mindanao, and have followed the most desperate piracy, which was pretty well broken up, along the coast, at least, by the drastic measures of the Spanish army and navy. In the interior, however, Spanish authority has been ineffective, and they have been able to control but a comparatively small area. Theoretically, Mindanao has been districted into five provinces by the Spanish, but in reality they have materialized on paper only. One of Weyler's Undertakings. It was General Weyler who sought to make a record with his gov- ernment by conquering the fierce Moros in Mindanao. Accordingly he sent all the available Spanish troops as a conquering or an extermin- ating expedition against them. Their arrival in Mindanao had no more than been announced until the victories reported against the savages that had puzzled Spain so long were made the occasions of great cele- brations at Manila and the subject of much rejoicing among the people of Spain. But this kind of victories has been Spain's wont. They never made the least impression on the Moros on the roadless and almost pathless interior of Mindanao. The sickness and mortality among the S])anish soldiers, sent there for service away from the principal coastal points, has always been appalling. A Fertile Island. While Mindanao is much less developed than Luzon and a number of other islands, principally because of these savages, enough is known of its resources to class it as one of the very richest in its fertile river valleys and numerous lake regions. Its forests contain the most valu- 242 SULU AND MINDANAO, THE HOME OF THE MOROS. ;ihlo coimuercial timber, and groat mineral wealth is known to exist. (Juki is mined in paying quantities and only awaits the introduction of modern methods to yield results of the largest scale. The sea around Mindanao, especially to its west, is noted for its placid waters. The scenery of the island, with its tropical foliage, makes it a fairyland. The name of Mindanao signifies "man of the lake," the natives e.xplaining that the name was given because the island is so well watered. Its river and lake systems are even more important than those of Luzon. The largest river, the Buluan, Avhich rises near the southeastern extremitj- of the island, runs north through a great valley of remarkable fertility, travei-sing the whole island aud flowing into the seat that bounds the north shore. The Kio Grande, on the other liand, rises near the north coast and flows .south and west, while there are other rivers of lesser imj)ortance. Both of the rivers named have their sources aud tributaries in large lakes and there arc many others which find an exit to the sea by smaller streams. The forests of the islands are of great extent, the splendid trees iuiluding many of great commercial value. Beside the valuable products of the forest which Mindanao has in ((immon witli most of the other islands, gutta ])cr(lia is abundant in certain localities. Beautiful Vales and Lofty Mountains. The scenery of Mindanao is notably fine. There are several moun- tain chains separating the river valleys, and the peaks include a number of active volcanoes. The most famous of these is Jlount Apo near till' |ii)rt of Devao on the south coast. The summit of this volcano rises Ilia luight of nearly 9,000 feet. ICxtinct volcanoes are numerous. .\ glance at the map shows Zamboanga to be on the extreme end of the long, narrow arm of [Mindanao that extends fai- to tlie southwest, aliiiiist to Basilan. ISasilau chauucl separates ilic ishind of the same iiaiiic fi'om the town of Zamboanga. Through this channel the three steamship lines which i)ly between Sydney, X. S. W. (Australia), and Jajjan have their course. A trip through this always perfectly smooth channel reveals to the traveler a i)erfectly fascinating dreamland. These ships pass SULU AND MINDANAO, THE HOME OF THE MOROS. 24^^ withiu half a mile of Zamboanga, but do not make it a port of call because of the unreasonable harbor restrictions of the Spanish. It has a population of 10,000, and should be an important shipping city, and no doubt steamship lines will welcome liberal harbor regu- lations. Around Zamboanga the Spanish have been able to extend their authority, but this is only a long, narrow strip a long way from the main part of the island. Zamboanga, like all the towns in the Philippines, runs strongly to pretentious church edifices, commodious houses for the priests and the tribunal, the latter being the municipal or town building. Each public building contains a bulletin board on which the local market quotations for produce is posted. The prices for livery and mes- senger services for the first hour and each subsequent one is also posted here. It also serves as an inn for the weary traveler, a barracks for the troops and a lock-up or jail. Prisoners may be punished here in the stocks. Picturesque Village Life. In the neighborhood of Zamboanga are villages of decent civilized natives, resting content under the alien authority. Such villages are picturesque aud interesting to the traveler, although they offer no accommodations for one who is exacting. Every such village has a church, which is the most pretentious edifice in the place, a house for the priest, and an institution of the islands known as the tribunal. This is a sort of town-hall where the head men of the village meet to transact business. It contains a pair of stocks or some other contriv- ance for the detention of prisoners. When troops are quartered there, the place is used as a barracks, ami most important of all to the stranger, any traveler who chooses to do so has a right to put up there. In the neighborhood of Zamboanga is an excellent place to observe the manners of life of the civilized natives and the relation- ship they have held to the Spanish authorities of the Philippines. The native houses there are like those of the poorer civilized natives throughout the archipelago. 244 SULU AND MINDANAO, THE HOME OF THE MOKOS. In the oonstructiou of native houses throughout the Philippines nails, screws or wooden pins are not used, liamboo is the beginning and end of the framework of every house, and this is tied together with strips of rattan. Heavy poles of bamboo rest on the ground, and a bamboo ladder is used to climb up the several feet from the ground to the "ground floor." Underneath this chickens, pigs and dogs may lind shelter. The structure is ''boarded'' and shingled with Nipa palm. The floors are made from bamboo poles split in half Avith the rounded side up. This leaves cracks in some places wide enough to stick one's fingers through. I'sually the house consists of but one room occui)ied by a large family for cooking, eating and sleeping. This style of house is as safe as a tent would be in the i-vcut of ar. earthquake, a cyclone or a typhoon. But Mindanao, as stated heretofore, is too far south to be within the range of typhoons. These primitive houses, on account of being so open, not only in the floor, but on all sides, are infinitely cooler than the residences of the wealthier Filipinos, who, regardless of earthquakes and storms, build their houses of boards, with a galvanized iron roof, on a stone foundation. Native Systems of Government. If it has been interesting to study tiie native government under Spanish rule, it will certainly be more interesting to us to compare the AmcricaTi methods that must now be inaugurated to the former govern- ment. What corresponds to our mayors in American towns are known in the Philippines as cai>tains. Their headtiuarters are at the ti-ibunal, and Ihey are responsible to the governors of the ])i'oviiui- in which (hey are located and make their reports to him. This town ruler is known as a gobernadorcillo, or "little govenmi-." The towns' peoi)le Inolv upon him as a person who has had very high honors bestowed upon him. The gobernadorcillo is the tax-collector for his toAvn, and is per- sonally res]>oTisil)l(' fur all taxes, including the "cedula'' or head tax from every male. .Ml pelly cases in dispute ai-e settled by iiini. Ib- is expecied lo eiilertalii \isiling Sjiaiiish ollicials, and as a means of SULU AND MINDANAO, THE HOME OF THE MOROS. 245 holding their frieudship and influence, obliged to make them presents. Salaries of Local Officials. When it is explained that his salary is two pesos (one United States dollar) a }-ear the reader must infer that the officeholder is either a man of wealth or forced to be cori-upt. There is a great deal of writing to be done at the tribunal, and, as the allowance for clerk-hire is usually utterly insufficient, the gobernador- cillo must make up the difference. In return he is allowed a salary of two dollars per month, and is permitted to carry a cane! It is indeed often the case of the office seeking the maji rather than the opposite, as yve understand it so well in the United States. The office is elective, and the aim is to secure a man of means. He looks upon the place as involving a great expense and greater responsibility • — as much against his will as it is to seiwe on a jury in our country — but he is compelled to serve. For the purpose of systematizing the collection of the "cedula" and other taxes neighborhoods are grouped together and the names of some fifty families are given to the proper official, known as a "cabeza de Baraugay." This officer is held personally responsible for the imme- diate payment of an amount representing the total tax assessed against the group in his charge. No explanation and nothing but the full amount of money will answer, whether the people have paid him or not. If he is a "hustler," he may ha^e been able to overcharge several, and with those who could not pay him f(5r the entire year at once he would arrange to accept the amounts in monthly payments, in this way getting many times the amount actually due. The difference he pockets for himself. The "cabeza de Baraugay" has the power to send the delin- quent taxpayer to jail, so his payments are apt to be prompt. The officer has what might be called deputies in his "ministry." It consists of two tenientes, who take his place during his absence, depend- ing upon the size of the town, and one or more others, who act as chief of police and patrol the outlying districts. Owing to the danger of a town being pounced upon at any time of the day or night by the pirates and bandits Avho infested ^liudanao and other islands near it, a squad of cuadrillers (police) are always ou duty at every village ready to defend it. 246 SULU A.\D M1^■DA^•A0, THE HUME OF THE MOROS. The Responsibilities of OflBce. Men who have enjoyed the honor of an election as teniente or iTobernadurcillo or a "cabeza de Baraugay" of ten years' service ai-e hxiked upon as the wise men and advisers of the community. These, together with the priests, comprise a sort of town committee and have stated meetings at which all matters of public interest are discussed. These meetings are held at the tribunal. On Sunday morning at an early hour they meet at the same place, and, forming into a procession, headed by the gobernadorcillo, they parade the streets, stirring the people with the lively airs of the village brass band. In this manner they escort the friar (missionary priest) and tile into the church, the populace following. On dress occasions these town leaders make quite a pictures(iue appearance. They do not believe in hiding the great length of the shirt under the pantaloons, even on "state'' occasions, for it is worn outside. The shirt is white and reaches almost to the knees. At the waist a closely fitting affair no longer than a vest is fastened around the loosely hanging shirt, which puffs out below. To the native this dress is the height of fashion, and they are not troubled about looking to Paris for the "styles." The hospitality of the South may be applied to the South of the Philippines as well as to the South of our own country, for many of the natives met by the traveler in Mindanao are extremely hospitable and friendly. They will share the last they have to eat with the stranger, and produce the best they have, borrowing from the neigh- bors, if necessary, to do all the honor they can to the visitor among them. ^ CHAPTER XIV. THE FILIPINOS AND THEIK CHARACTERISTICS. Savage Tribes in the Islands — The Oi'ij;inal Inliabilants — The Commencement of the Insurrections — Native Weapons and How They are Used — Picturesque Dress of Men and Women — Religious Ceremonies — Beliefs of the Mores — Some Civilized Characteristics — A Tribe of Head Hunters— How Some of the Natives Live. Inhabiting the Philippine islands are at least eighty distinct and separate tribes of people, which in a broad classification may be grouped as Negritos, Mohammedan Malays, Pagan Malays and civilized Malays. Many of these tribes are virtually unknown to explorers, and are still in a state of barbarism, unimpressed by any mark of civilization. The population of these islands is unknown, and there are no means by which a close estimate may be made, as even in those districts where the Spanish authorities had complete control of the affairs of state the census returns were notoriously unreliable. But it is probable that the entire archipelago contains between eight and ten millions of people. The original population of the Philippines was the tribe know^n as Negritos. These aboriginals are at the bottom of the scale in mental- ity and in phj^sique, little black felloAVS, who are rapidly disappearing and seem destined to speedj' extinction. The best judges of island char- acter declai'e them to be incapable of civilization, a fact Avhich lessens the regret that they are vanishing. The largest number of them re- maining are in the islands of Mindanao and Negros, where they people the splendid forests clothing the mountain slopes. There are also a few of the NegTitos left in Mariveles mountain, near the mouth of Ma- nila bay on the island of Luzon, while in the vicinity of Cape Engano, at the northeastern extremity of the same island, they are still quite numerous. Even at the time of the Spanish conquest the Negritos were becoming decimated bj^ their conflict with the Malay invaders. Now they have become a wretched, sickly race of almost dwarfish 247 248 THE FILIPINOS AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS. statiuv. Alllioujili uot of the Africau typt.', their hair is oiirly, tlicir skins blade and their features coarse and repulsive. Agriculture is lit tic j-raeticed by them, but they depend fur food ujxin the ])roduets of the forest and ui)on the j:;anie whieh falls before their poisoned arrows. The Moros, ov Mpanish dominion, where this practice is prevented. Their weapons aie ol' excellent steel, beautifully linislied and admirably adapted for the vio- lent use for which they are intended. The barong, the campilan and the kris are those most favored. The first is somewhat after the fashion of a butcher's cleaver, witli thick back and thin edge. The strong and skillful warrior prides himself on being able to cut an opponent in half if he can get a chance for a fair blow. The campilan is a straight-edged, two-handed sword, with a blade wide at the tip and steadily narrowing towards the hilt; it is used only for cutting, for which it is thorough- ly effectual. The straight kris is a narrow-bladed, bevel-edged sword used for cutting and thrusting. The serpent kris, with its wavy, dou- ble-edged blade is used for thrusting and inflicts a horrible wound. The men are of medium height and superb muscular development. They dress in pantaloons, waistcoat, jacket, sash and turban, all gaud- ily colored and showily embroidered. Their pantaloons are usually skin-tight below the knee and loose above. The rank of a Moro is in- dicated by the way he ties his turban. Under all circumstances a Moro carries barong, kris or campilan thrust into his sash. If he expects serious trouble, he has in addition a shield of light wood and a lance with a broad, keen head. His conveniences for working steel are of the simplest, but the blades which he produces are highly tempered and often beautifully finished. He sometimes works silver in with the steel or even inlays it with gold. The hilts of his side-arms are of hard, polished wood or ivory and are sometimes handsomely carved. He is crazy to get hold of lire-arms, but seldom succeeds, and at any rate is usually a very bad marksman. How the Women Dress. Moro women are exceedingly fond of bright colors, scarlet and green being their favorites. Their garments are a skin-tight waist, a baggy divided-skirt, and a novel garment called the jabul, made by sewing together tlic t \vn luds of a long piece of cloth. This is draped about the body in various ways and may be thrown over the head to keep off the sun. Moro children usually possess clothes like those of their elders, but they make very little use of them. The men are veiy skillful boatmen and sailors. The boat that THE FILIPINOS AXD THEIR CHARA(^TERISTICS. 251 tliey us«e, the prau, is of the type familiar among all the islauds of the south Pacific, a frail-looking affair, skillfully carveil out of a log, with outriggers which guarantee its stability. They are swimmers of marvel- ous skill and their performances in diving for pearls are almost incredi- ble. Other than that, however, the men consider it beneath their dignity to engage in manual labor. The Moro is a born warrior and chafes under restraint. He dis- dains to work and expects his wants to be supplied by his wives and slaves. lie gives much time to the care of his arms and to perfecting himself in their use. He tries to terrify an opponent hj making hideous faces, uses his shield very skillfully, and in battle is the bravest of the brave. Inhuman cruelty, however, is one of his characteristics, and he will cut down a slave merely to try the edge of a new barong. An Unpieasant Eeligious Rite. One unpleasant phase of life among the Moros has been the system by which the orthodox native proves the merit of his religion. The Moros believe that one who takes the life of a Chtistian thereby in- ( reases his chance of happiness in the future life. The more Chris- tians killed, the brighter the prospect for the Moro, and if he is only fortunate enough to be himself killed while slaughtering the enemies of the faithful, he is at once transported to the seventh heaven. From time to time it happens that one of them wearies of this life, and, de- siring to take the shortest road to glory, he bathes in a sacred spring, shaves off his eyebrows, dresses in white and presents himself before a pandita to take solemn oath to die killing Christians. lie then hides a kris or barong about his person and seeks the nearest town. If he can gain admission, he snatches his Aveapon from its concealment and runs amuck, slaying every living being in his path, until he is finally him- self dispatched. The number of lives taken by one of these mad fanatics is sometimes almost incredible, but he is eventually killed himself and his relatives have a celebration when the news of his death reaches them. The religion of the Moros is a modified Mohammedanism. They believe that the sun, moon and stars are the light of God. There are Ko other worlds than this in the universe, but there are beings which inhabit the air above us and the earth beneath our feet. They worship 252 THE FILIPINOS AND TniCIli CnARACTERISTICS. God like ourselves. There is one God called Tooban. Man ditiers from the brutes in bis bigber intelligence and in bis ability to speak. Animals have spirits, but tbey are not like the soul of man and vanish into thin air when death comes. The soul of man lives for- ever. It enters bis bod}' at the top of bis bead when he is bora, an opeiung being left between the bones of the skull for that purpose. It leaves the body at death once more through the skull. When one dies bis soul, according to some panditas, goes directly to the place of God; according to others it goes under the earth to sleep until the last day. A bad man's soul eventually goes to hell, which is a place of torment where one is punished according to his sins. If be has talked too much his mouth i)aius him; if he has been jealous, cruel or treacherous, it is liis heart; if he has been murderous or thievish, his baud. In tlie course of time every man's puuislniiL'Ut is finished aud be goes to heaven. Some Tenets of the Moro's Faith. Some panditas say that one's iniuislimeut consists in misfortune, disap{)ointnient and suffering here below, and that atonement comes l>efore death. Others declare that the good souls wait in the air and tlie evil ones in the earth, and tliere is neither hell nor judgment until tlie end of the Avorld. Then all souls, good and bad, will be swept uj) as by a great wind and carried to the Mount of Calvary, where tbey will meet Gabriel, Jlichael and the Weigher, who will weigh each one. Souls heavy with sin Avill be sent down to bell. The Moros believe in all the Old Testament characters like "Ibrahim," "No," "Adam," "Mosa," f'Sulaiman," "Yakub," and others. They know the outlines of the stories of Adam and Eve, the flood, etc. According to them, Jesus Oirist, called by the Moros Isa, was a man like ourselves, but great and good and very powerful. He was not a son of God. The Moros hate and kill the (Mm is- tians because they teach that nu'Ti conid imnish and kill a son nf God. The Tagalogs are the people of the lMiiiii)pines who are likely to come most closely in contact with Americans in the beginning because it is they who have been most active in the insurrection against the Spanish in Luzon around Manila. In the Philippines are, perhaps, live million civilized natives, belonging for the most part to three tribes, Hie Tagabigs, Ilocanos and Visayans. While the tribes differ and there are even dilTerences within tiie same tribe under varying comlitious, CAPTAIN CHARLES V. GRIDLEY. Commander of the Flagship Olympia. AVhen the fleet was read}- to sail from Hongkong, Captain Gridley was already- a dying man : but he kept his sufferings to himself and performed his duty until sent home by medical sur\-ey several weeks after the battle. He died at Kobi, Japan, June 4, on his way to the United States. THE FILIPINOS AND TSEIR CHARACTERLSTICS. ^ 255 still the ciTilized natives are sufficiently similar to be considered as a single class in looking toward the future of the islands. The best students of the islanders believe that the natives are naturally fairly intelligent and often most anxious for an opportunity to get some education. The fact that the great mass of the people are ignorant affords no proof that they are stupid, for they have been deliberately kept in ignorance from the time of the Spanish discovery until now. Some Characteristics of Civilization. The moral obligation to tell the truth does not weigh heavily upon the Filipino. The civilized natives often lie to conceal the most trivial shortcoming, or even without any excuse whatever, and the detection of a falsehood brings no regret except chagrin that the practice has not been more dexterously carried out. The Filipino cannot under- stand punishment for falsehood, because it is not to his mind an offense. For a fault which he recognizes, however, as such, he will submit to punishment without a murmur, and indeed he thinks more of a master w^ho applies the rattan for punishment when it is deserved, than of one who does not. On the other hand, he is quick to resent what he considers to be injustice and will bide his time in silence until his vengeance is certain. The natives of the Philippines have not made eminent contribu- tions toward the advance of science, literature and art, but that proves little as to their capacity under a regime of development. Even as it is, the Tagalog race has developed one painter of merit, one author of excellent ability, and some wood-carvers who have done admirable work. But the average native, situated as he is, could not be expected to make any advancement along such lines. Within his own sphere he is certainly ingenious and ever ready with a remedy for any mishap that may occur. The Filipino frequently shows himself irresponsible in financial affairs, spending money that he should save and borrowing what he is not likely to be able to repay. On the other hand, he seldom repudiates his debts, and if called upon to meet them does his best. The charge that the Filipino is indolent does not weigh heavily upon those who know the conditions. The man who would exert him- self unnecessarily in such a climate, whether white or native, would 256 THE FILIPINOS AND TUEIR CnARACTERISTlC^^. be subject to much curiosity. No one can work there as he wtuiui in a temperate climate and live. Nature has done so much for her child- ren in these islands that they have no need to labor hard in order to supply their few and simple wants. Spanish administration has not been such as to encoura«>e the natives to pile up money for the tax-f^atherer and the village friar. Once they are made to realize new wants of their own, they will work to satisfy them. In Siquijor, Bohol and (ither islands where hard natural conditions make it difficult to earn a livelihood, the people are noted for their industry and are, conse- quently, in demand as laborers. Good Qualities of the Natives. It is well to emphasize that the civilized Filipino has many good qualities to offset his defects. He is hospitable to the limit of his means, and will go to any amount of trouble to accommodate some perfect stranger who has not the slightest claim on him. Every village has its bath and the people are notable for their personal cleanli- ness. The homes are well regulated and the family life is peculiarly happy. The children are orderly, respectful and obedient to their parents and respectful to strangers. Wives are allowed an amount of liberty hardly equaled in any other eastern country, and they seldom abuse it. They have their share of the work to do, but it is a just sliare and they perform it without question and without grumblirg. The civilized native is self-respecting and self-restrained to a re- markable degree, patient under misfortune and forbearing under provocation, ^yhen he does give way to auger, however, he is as likely as not to become for tlie moment a maniac and to do some one a fatal injury. He is a kind father and a dutiful son. Ilis aged relatives are never left in want, but are brought to his home to share the best that it affords to the end of their days. Among his fellows the Filipino is genial and sociable. He loves to sing and dance. lie is a born musi- cian and his performances upon the instruments at his disposal are often very remarkable, lie is naturally fearless and admires nothing so much as bravery in others. Under good officers he makes an excel- lent soldier, and he is ready to fight to the death for his honor or his home. THE FILIPINOS AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS. 257 A Tribe of Head Hunters. Out of the manj- wild tribes of the Philipi)ines other than those that have been mentioned in connection with the descriptions of the various islands, it is necessary to mention here but a few more, the names of which will become familiar to American students of conditious in the Philippines. The word Igorrote, which was originally the name of a single tribe, was extended to include all the head-hunt- ing tribes of Luzon, and later became almost synonymous with wild, so that when one speaks of the Igorrotes at the present day he re- fers to a number of fierce hill tribes which differ widely. Head- hunting is practiced by the Gaddanes, but it is for the most part con- fined to the season when the fire-tree is in bloom. It is said to be impossible for a young man of this tribe to find a bride until he has at least one head to his credit. There are a number of other head- hunting peoples, among whom may be mentioned the Altasanes and Apayaos. Not all of the wild peoples are warlike, however, the Tingui- anes, for instance, being a peaceable, well-disposed race. The large island of Mindoro, which lies directly south of Manila bay, is the island least known in the northern Philippines and is almost universally avoided by white men. The natives frequently refer to it significantly as the white man's grave. At the present time it is celebrated chiefly for the unsavory reputation of its people, the heavi- ness of its rainfall and the deadliness of the miasma in its fever-smit- Ten lowlands. Once Mindoro was famous for its splendid crops of rice and its people were peaceable Tagalogs. Their prosperity attracted the atten- tion of the Moros, who raided their towns. Then an epidemic exter- minated the buffalos, leaving the natives without means of tilling their land, and cholera did the rest. Now the few poverty-stricken villages by Professor Worcester, who declares that the bad reputation of the MaugAans is by no means justified. Instead of being the dreaded head-hunters and cannibals of whom such alarming reports are circulated, they proved to be as harmless as children. The houses of the Mangyans are of the crudest sort, huts which are mere platforms of poles with shelters of leaves above them. Na- tives wear but little clothing and live in the rudest fashion in the depth of the forest. The Mangyans are found both in the lowlands and in Ihi^ mountains, the mountaineers being in every way superior to the low- landers. They are physically well developed and comparatively fi'ee from disease. Their noses are very (lat. Their heads are covered with great shocks of black hair, often showing a tendency to curl. Pro- THE FILII'INOS A:ND THEIR OHAKACTERISTICS. 259 fessor Worcester reports that the tallest of the meu was five feet and one-half inch in height. How Some of the Native? Live. Besides vegetables and grain they eat roots and tubers, as well as any birds they can get, civet-cats, rats, monkeys, snakes, lizards and fish. Ci'ocodiles they consider a great luxury, although they are seldom able to catch one. In hunting they use bows and poisoned arrows, and occasionally manage to bring down a wild hog. All of the Mangyans who have been questioned, emphatically deny any belief in a future life. They do not show the slightest evidence of iilolata'y or any wor- ship or religion of any sort whatsoever. They are, howevei", moral in their personal relations and honest in the extreme. Professor Worces- ter says: "On the whole, after making somewhat extensive observa- lions among the Philippine natives, I am inclined to formulate the law that their morals improve as the square of the distance from churches and other so-called civilizing influences increases." Mindoro is infested with many bandits known ns Tulisanes, who hunt in parties, robbing and murdering in the boldest manner, after the fashion of bush-rangers in the earlix?r history of Australia. They make travel in Mindoro exceedingly dangerous. The natural resources of this island are undoubtedly' great, but the combination of its dan- gerous Tulisanes and its exceeding unwholesomeness makes it far from attractive for the American traveler. CHAPTER XV. COMMERCIAL AND NATIVE INDUSTRIES. New Fields for Americau Enterprise — Where Rope is Made — Needs of the Hemp Growers — An Opportunily for Inventors — Magnitude of the Sugar Industry — The Tohacco Factories of Maniki — lutlucnce of the Chinese in Industrial Matters — Window Panes Made From Shells — The Uses of the Bamboo — Rice the I'rincipal Article of Food — How to Reach the Islands. The most notable and profitable industry- of the Philippine islands, the one that is actually essential to the world's convenience, Is the production of Manila hemp, from which rope is made. This archipelago has long furnished the world with its entire supjily of the fiber. The only attempt to produce hemp outside of the Philippines that has met with any success Avhatsoever, is one recently made in North Borneo, but this has not been continued long enough to affect the industry in the Philippines. The product is something enormous. The average num- ber of bales e.\i)oited for the years 1888 to 1897 was 651,^1)7, but the ©utput has been steadily increasing and in 18{)7 it reached a total of 825,028 bales. Manila henij), known in the Philippines as abaca, is the fiber of a wild plantain. Its plants so closely resemble those of the edible banana that only an expert can distinguish them. Abaca will not live on swampy land, yet, as it requires considerable moisture, it must be shaded by trees that can resist the sun. The best plants are grown at a moderate elevation, on hillsides from which only the smaller forest- trees have been cut. The best thus far grown has been raised in Leyte, Marinduque and the districts of Sorsogon and Gubat in Luzon. Excejit Manila itself, the principal hemp ports are in the central and southern islands of the archipelago. Iloilo is one of .some impor- tance. The gi-eatest, however, is Cebu, and others of large commerce in heiiij) are Catbalogau, on the island of Samar, and Tacloban, on the island of Leyte. Every port among those neighboring islands finds its 260 COMMERCIAL AND NATIVE INDUSTRIES. 261 commerce in the hemp industry. Surigao, at the northeastern extrem- ity of Mindanao, is not a large port, but it ships some of the best hemp that comes into the Manila market and it is of consequent importance in the islands. How Hemp is Produced. The slender stem of the wild plantain is enveloped by overlapping, half-round petioles, which produce the fiber. In order to extract it the plant is cut and the leaf-stems are separated and allowed to wilt for a short time. Each is then drawn between a block of wood and a knife hinged to the block, and provided with a lever and treadle so that it can be firmly held down on the stem. By this means the pulp is scraped from the fiber, which is wound around a stick as fast as it is drawn from under the knife. The whole little machine is so absurdly simple, with its rough carving knife and rude levers, that it hardly seems to correspond with the elaborate transformation that takes place from the tall trees to the slender white fiber. One man can clean only twenty-five pounds of hemp a day. When it is remembered that the harvest for 1897 was more than 825,000 bales, weighing 240 pounds each, it seems the more remarkable that so rude an instrument should have such an important part to play. After being drawn from the leaves the hemp is next spread in the sun for at least five hours to dry, when it can be immediately baled. Most of the hemp presses are run by man power. Abaca is usually propagated by transplanting the suckers that spring from its roots. It reaches maturity in three years from these cuttings and in four years from seed. It should be cut when it flowers, as fruiting weakens the fiber. There are no insect pests that injure the growing plant to any extent. It is necessary to employ native laborers and they must be closely watched, as they are inclined to allow the petioles to rot and to use serrated knives in drawing the fiber, thus decreasing the labor of extracting it, but sacrificing its strength. An Opportunity for Inventors. About thirty per cent of the fiber is wasted by the present method of extraction and a fortune undoubtedly awaits the man inf!,enious enough to devise a suitable labor-saving machine to take the place 262 COMMERCIAL AND NATIVE INDUSTRIES. of the simple device at present used for drawing it. Numerous attempts to meet this want liave been made in the past, but the various cou- trivances have all failed through either breaking the fiber or discolor- ing it. To be of practical value a machine must be light enough to be readily carried about by a few men. Under existing conditions abaca plantations are estimated to yield under careful management an an- nual return of thirty per cent on the investment. The second commercial industrj- of the Philippines in its impor- tance as an export is sugar growing. The best sugar land is found in the island of IS'egros and not more than half of it is under cultiva- tion. Good uncleared land sells for |50 per acre and cleared land for $75. The value of land suited to raising sugar varies with the facili- ties for drainage and the distance from market. Partially exhausted land near Manila brings as much as |115 an acre, while Luzon laud producing a third more sugar, but at a distance from the capital or any other good port, sells at |30. All of these values are estimated in the silver currency of the islands. The construction of railways would do much to open up new country and readjust values. The sugar estates in the Philippine islands usually are small, not more than a dozen of them producing above 1,0U0 tons each per annum. In spite of this fact, the crop has been a large one. In 1888 exports reached their maximum with more than 200,000 tons. Since that time they have fallen off, owing to the increased production of beet sugar and the consequent depreciation of that obtained from cane. Magnitude of the Sugar Industry. There are local variations in the i^roductiou of sugar in the Philip- pines, although the essential processes are about the same as iu other countries. Tahiti cane is planted in Luzon, and Java cane in the south- ern islands. Nearly all the Negros grinding mills are of European make. Antiquated wooden or stone crushers, run by buffalo power, are ex- tensively used in the other sugar-producing districts. Transportation to the coast is by buffalo cart or by water. Negros has no port which will admit large vessels, and sugar u.iist be shiiiped to Iloilo in small steamers or schooners. In the northern Philippines the synip from the boiling pans is poured into porous earthern pots, holding about 150 pounds each, and COMMERCIAL AND NATIVE INDUSTRIES. 263 is then allowed to drain. The molasses, which is caught in jars, is sold to distilleries for making- alcohol. In Negros the method is dif- ferent. The syrup is boiled longer and is finally poured into large wooden troughs and stirred with shovels until it cools, forming a dry sugar which is ready to pack at once. The sugar produced by the method first described is called "clayed" sugar. It must be broken up and sun-dried before it can be shipped. The cigar factories of Manila are the chief local industry of the city. The manufacture of tobacco products has been the chief source of revenue uuder the Spanish regime, to church and state as well as to the merchants. Including the raising of the tobacco by field laborers on the plantations and the makers of the trade supplies, the industry gives emploj'ment to several hundred thousand people. The famous Manila tobacco is a descendant of plants brought from Mexico to the Philippines by missionaries in the latter part of the seventeenth cen- tury. The plants flourished in their new home and the natives soon became exceedingly fond of tobacco. How the Spaniards Controlled Tobacco. During the first two centuries of Spanish rule, little attention was paid to the cultivation of tobacco, but in 1781 a royal decree of Spain declared the entire tobacco business of Luzon to be a government mo- nopoly. The natives were compelled to raise it against their will, out- rageous abuses arose and rioting often resulted. By one expedient after another and laws of remarkable cruelt.y, the Spanish succeeded in raising the revenue from about two millions in 1840 to five millions in 1859 and eight millions in 1870. Natives were compelled to raise tobacco where before they planted corn and rice. Finally another law was passed whereby any land not cultivated in tobacco was appro- priated by the government and given to any appointee who would devote it to that purpose. Under tyranny and starvation the natives rebelled and great violence was shown by the soldiers who put down the insuri'ection. Finally, on the last day of 1882, the monopoly was aboJished by law and the disgraceful business was brought to an end. Although the best Philippine tobacco is not considered equal to the choicest Cuban crop, it is nevertheless excellent. Thus far compara- tively little systematic effort has been made to improve its quality. 264 COMMERCIAL AND NATIVE INDUSTRIES. There is no question that the quantity of tLie crop might be greatly increased and its (loiality bettered by more careful gi'owing and curing. Until now the best results have been obtained in north Luzon, although tobacco is groAvn also in Panay, Negros, Cebu and Mindanao. In 18117 the leaf tobacco exported was more than 800,000 pounds, while the cigar.s numbered nearly 157,000,000. In addition the home consump- tion is large, for nearly everybody smokes in the islands, native and foreign, man, woman and child. The tobacco is milder and not as well flavored as the Cuban. It comes close to the Mexican leaf, from which it is descended, but, according to experts, is better than the latter. The tobacco factories in Manila range from small shops to estab- lishments employing hundreds and even thousands of operatives. They are large, roomy buildings, well ventilated, with excellent sanita- tion. The operatives are mainly girls and women, mostly half-castes and natives. The largest concern employs more than 10,000 operatives. CoflFee Growing in Luzon. Coffee of excellent quality is readily grown in the Philippines, where the bushes come to bearing in their fourth year. They grow best at a considen-able elevation, where the temperature does not average above seventy degrees Fahrenheit. The bushes require shade and moisture and yield but one crop of bei'ries annually. These are picked from the trees by hand, heaped up in piles for a few days, and then washed to get rid of pulp. The price of coffee at Manila varies greatly from year to year. The most extensive plantations are near Batangas in tiie island of Luzon. The coffee raised in the Philippines is of the same varieties and qualities as that from the Dutch East Indian posses- sions and can be just as favorably marketed. The export trade in coffee has not been exceedingly large, but the local consumption is considerable. Gutta percha of good quality is abundant in certain localities in the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao. It is hardly known as a Philip- pine export, as the two or three men who have dealt in it have kept their knowledge to themselves as far as possible. 1 The export trade in hemp, sugar, tobacco and the other commercial products of the Philippines has been in the hands of European houses. Several important English, German, French and Spanish firms have houses in Manila, but the only American concern in the islands with- COMMERCIAL AXD NATIVE INDUSTRIES. 265 drew from business there the year before the outbreak of war. The trade of the islands is highly profitable and has been well organized by the representatives of these great concerns. Native Industries of the Islanders. The native Filipinos are by no means as indolent as they are gen- erally credited with being, and are quite as industrious as they could be expected to be in such a climate and under such a governmental regime as existed during the Spanish administration. The Filipinos have their own native industries, which are quite distinct from the commercial in- dustries that depend on the rest of the world for their prosperity and their market. It is true that many of the native industries have taken on a commercial form in late years. In many cases their product of one sort and another has been such as to win favor for itself by proving its merit. Many of the native industries are very ancient, especially those involving spinning and weaving and the utilization and manufacture of sea-shells into useful and ornamental articles. The Chinese have done much to introduce various occupations among the Filipinos, fol- lowing the same custom that has been theirs wherever they have found inferior races in their migrations. It is to the Chinese, therefore, that many of the leading industries are credited. The most important of these industries, from a commercial point of view, is the manufacture of a beautiful fabric from the fiber of the pineapple leaf. This cloth, known variously as piiia and nipe, wins favor wherever it is shown, although it is little known in the United States. The cloth has the brilliancy and strength of silk, com- bining beauty with excellence in wearing qualities. The making of the cloth is not a complicated process. The leaves are rotted under water and in the sun, in order to separate the long threads and free them from gum, sap and foreign matter. These threads or hairs are very fine, varying in color from white to grayish and yellowish white. After being carefully washed by the native women, they are woven upon a simple hand-loom which bears a strong resemblance to the native looms used in China. The fabric resulting is considered the most ex- quisite that can be had for woman's dress in the Philippines. The same fabric is produced in Cuba, where it is equally popular. It is 266 COMMERCIAL AND NATIVE INDUSTRIES. the custoiTi there, however, instead of weaving the clotli locallv, to ship the hber in "bales to Spain, where it is woven on more perfect looms. In Spain and in France the fabric is considered one of the most beautiful that can be obtained, and those American women who have seen it quite agree with that judgment. Bracelets and Necklaces from Shells. The shell industries of the Filipinos are peculiarly interesting and altogether novel. Nature has furnished material in endless quantity and variety. The simplest form of shell work is to make bracelets and necklaces out of little shells of great variety, some no larger than chil- dren's glass beads. Live shells are preferred to dead shells in all the work and bring much higher prices, live shells of course meaning those in which the animal is living when taken from the water. The oyster shells of many species are utilized for this work. Some are perfectly flat, while others are deep and large. Conchs are found in numerous variety, widely varied in color and shape. From small shells spoons of all sorts are made. The bowl may be of a bright golden color with a high luster, the outside being pearl-gray or pink. These spoons are very cheap and can be bought in any size for a few cents a dozen. From the conch shells are made handsome bowls, tureens, vegetable dishes, cups, saucers, plates, pin-boxes, jewel-cases, card-receivers, ash cups and tobacco jars. One of the most interesting industries is the utili/,ati(in of the Philippine fresh-water mussel to produce pearls and pearl-covered ornaments at will. This mn.ssel exceeds even the oyster in the quan- tity though not the quality of the liquor which, by evaporation or separation, produces mother-of-pearl. The introduction of a bit of sand into the mussel will result in the production of a pearl in a few weeks, poor in quality of course, but still a pearl. Little images are placed in the mussel in the same way and taken out to be sold after they are coated with pearl. The images thus obtained are sold to Buddhists, who treasure them as excellent representations of their great teacher. Shell Window Panes. The preparation of window ]ianes frdin Ihe flat Manila oyster shells is a large trade among the mitives. The shells are si)li( and cut into COMMERCIAL AND NATIVE INDUSTRIES. 267 small squares and other regular shapes, forming an excellent substi- tute for glass. Thej' shut out, perhaps, half the light, which is not an objection in such a climate, and in addition have the quality of mica of shutting out all of the heat. When fiue qualities of shell are employed, the resulting tints are truly beautiful, offering a suggestion of genu- ine opalescence. On other varieties of shells exquisite engraving is done in low relief, representing landscapes and figures, with a most beautiful display of delicate tints over the whole. Cowrie shells, cats- eyes, little images of native figures and shell cameos are various phases of the native shell industry. In the forests and fields the Filipinos find many of their local industries. The bamboo is as valuable to them as it always is to the natives wherever it grows, becoming almost absolutely indispensable. It furnishes him with frame, siding, and sometimes even roofing for his house, and from it he fashions rafts, out-riggers for his boats, sledges, agricultural implements of many sorts, lance .shafts, bows, bow strings, arrows, spoons, forks, fish traps, water pipes, cups, fences, bridges, musical instruments and almost anything else that he needs. The areka palm, which grows near the native houses, produces the nuts so much used for chewing. From 200 to SOO nuts per year will grow on a single tree, the local demand for them providing occupation for many na- tives, and they are used somewhat in Europe for manufacturing a dentifrice. The cacao tree, which produces the chocolate bean, has flourished in the Philippines since it was imported from Mexico early in the seven- teenth century. The rich seeds are borne in large fleshy pods. Bushes are raised from the bean and bear the fourth year, reaching maturity two years later, by which time they have attained a height of about ten feet. The beans find ready sale for home consumption, but the industry has not yet reached a commercial status. Raising Cocoanuts for Market. The cocoanut palm flourishes throughout the Philippine islands, often growing in soil too poor to produce anything else. Trees come to bearing in six or seven years, and yield on an average twenty nuts per month. The ripe fruit is made into large rafts and floated to mar- ket, wherever possible, but when waterways are lacking it must be 268 COMMERCIAL AND NATIVE INDUSTRIES. baviled on buffalo sledges. There is a stead}- local demand for the oil, which is the illuininant almost invariably used by the natives and is sometimes used in jtlace of lard for cooking purposes. Coi)ra, as the dried meats of the nut are called, is exported in considerable quantity to Europe. Copra is used for making tine soaps and cosmetics. The castor oil beau grows wild on many of the islands, and its oil is extracted in a small way for the local trade. It is not an article of export. A species of tree cotton grows wild on many of the islands. The liber is too short to be of value for weaving, but it is used for stuffing pillows and like purposes. Long-staple cotton was at one time successfully raised in Ilocos, but its cultivation was discouraged by the authorities, who preferred to have the natives grow tobacco. Corn is raised as a staple food article in some of the central and southern districts, esjjeciallj- in Cebu. On good land it yields about two hundred fold and three crops can be grown in a year. The demand for it is quite limited, as many of the natives Avill not eat it. Potatoes are grown in Cebu, Negros and Luzon. Those thus far produced are very small. There is a good demand for them and the price is higii. Rattan is very abundant and like bamboo is put to a thousand uses. Its stems are of uniform diameter, grow to enormous lengtli and are very strong. They are used in place of ropes and cables or are split and employed for tying together the parts of house-frames, canoes, fences, carts, sledges, and agricultural implements, as well as for binding hemp bales and sugar sacks. Split rattan is also used in bed making and chair seating. Demand for it is steady and many natives earn a living by cutting, splitting and marketing it. The Eice Industry. The staple food of the common people is rice, and they are quite successful in raising it. In former years considerable quantities of rice were exported to China, but at present the crop is insufficient for the home consumption. There are more than tAventy different kinds of paddy. They may be roughly divided into two classes, the lowland rice and the highland rice. The former grows on alluvial soil under water. The fields where it is raised are divided into small plots sur- rounded by mud banks for the better control of the water snjiply. Tlie grain is sown on the seeding plot to sprout, and when it has reached COMMERCL\L AND NATIVE INDUSTRIES. 269 proper height is transplanted to the flood fields. As a rule but one crop per year is obtained, the yield varying from fifty to a hundred fold. The highland rice is of inferior quality, but grows without irrigation. The yield is about half as much as the other, but two or three crops can be raised in a year. The methods used in rice culture and harvest are of the crudest. The grouml is prepared for the lowland rice by flooding it and working it with muck rakes drawn by carabaos. The young rice shoots are stuck in by hand and the ripe heads of grain are often cut one at a time with a small knife blade, though sickles are sometimes used. Threshing is usually accomplished under the feet of women or cattle, more rarely by means of w-ooden flails. The grain is freed from the husk by pound- ing in a wooden mortar and flat baskets are used for winnowing. Very rarely one finds simple home-made machinery for pounding or winnow- ing grain, but there is nothing of the sort in general use. The manufacture of hemp and of hemp-rope is partly native and partly Spanish. The natives had learned the virtues of hemp long before the Spanish discovery of the islands. They made an excellent rope, employing nearly all of the methods that are used to-day in that manufacture. Besides twisting the threads, the cords and the strands, they also braided them and with the braids in turn made strands by twisting and a second braiding. The braided ropes were often quite flat and were practically straps. They are still utilized as harness for their ponies and buffaloes and for rigging upon their primi- tive water cart. The same hempen straps are used for the making of sandals and rude rugs and for nearly every purpose to which the leather thong or strap is put hj savage races. Although the native ropes are inferior to those made by Europeans or under European direction, they are strong, durable and extremely cheap, costing only a third to a fifth of the more finished product. At one time these native styles af cordage might be considered as part of the commercial industry of the country, but the exorbitant export duties and internal taxation crushed out the native enterprise. How to Reach the Philippines. It is a journey of more than a month to reach the Philippines from the United States, by the methods of travel heretofore existing. The 270 COMMERCIAL AND NATIVE INDUSTRIES. only fommunicatiou they have had by regular passenger lines with the ports of Asia is b}' steamers running between Hong Kong, Amoy and Manila. Then there was a Spanish line sailing directly from Spain and touching at Singapore. Ilong Kong is the usual port of sailing for Manila, so that it remains for the prospective traveler to reach Ilong Kong, either by way of San Francisco or the Suez canal, as suits him best. The journey eastward is ten days longer than that westward. No doubt a direct line from San Francisco to Manila, via Honolulu, will be established in the near future, but until that time comes one must depend on the older steamship companies. J. M. SEYBA Aguinaldo's private secretary, who returned with him from Hong Kong to Cavite. CHAPTER XVI. AGUINALDO, THE LEADER OF THE FILIPINOS. Personality and Career of the Most Notable Man in the Philippines — The Last Insurrection Against the Spanish and How It Terminated — Bribery and the Consequences — Varying Opinions of Aguinaldo — A Word About the American Consuls — Relations with Army and Navy — Gen- eral Merritt and the Filii)ino Administration. It is doiibtful whether even the name of the leader of the Filipino rebels against the Spaniards was known to a dozen persons in the United States until it became familiar in the days of Dewey's occu- pancy of Manila bay. His title in full, as used by himself, is Don Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy, President of the Revolutionai-y Government of the Philippines and General-in-chief of the Army, but his signature is usually the single word by which he is known to us. Although we knew little of the progress of the insurrection against Spanish rule jn the Philippines prior to the ai-rival of Admiral Dewey, the Filipinos were making histoiy for their islands long before that time, and their leader did not reach his position of eminence by accident, but by his own energies and abilities. For a long time the native inhabitants of the Philippine islands had been restless under the oppressive yoke of Spanish cruelty. Finally, under the advice of the organized Junta Patriotica an insurrection was begun, the principal strength of which was centered in the island of Luzon, as a threat against the city of Manila, the seat of Spanish gov- ernment, and in the island of Panay, in which is situated the city of Iloilo, second in commercial importance in the archipelago. Spanish "Pacification" of the Filipinos. Emilio Aguinaldo, now about 29 years old, is a man of an intel- ligence far beyond that of most of his people. lie comes of a good family in the province of Cavite, near Manila, where he was educated and where he entered the bar. He joined the insurgents immediately 273 274 AC.riXALlX), THE LEADER OF THE FILIPINOS. after tlu' outhivak of the rebellion in the latter part of 1S96, but it was not until after the execution of Dr. Kizal that he became one of the leaders of the revolt. The blockade maintained bj the Spanish squad- ron in rhili])iiine waters against the importation of arms for the in- surgents gradually drove the Filipinos to the wall, and in December, 1897, the celebrated "pacification" of the islands was negotiated, the go-between being Sefior Pedro Paterno, director of the Manila museum, a Filipino who had remained at least passivelj' loyal to the Spaniards. The Filiplna junta at this time was composed of Emilio Aguinaldo, who exercised such executive powers as were possible to so feeble an organi- zation; Sefior Artacho, home secretary; Seiior Montenogi'o, foreign sec- retary; Vito Bilarmino, war secretarj^, and Baldomero Aguinaldo, secre- tary of the treasury. The so-called "pacification" consisted in a purchase of the insurgent leaders for the sum of S800,000 (Mexican), equal to about §400,000 in gold. Aguinaldo and his associates agreed to surrender all the arms in the possession of the natives and to quit the archipelago, remain- ing awa}' at the pleasure of the Spanish government, and to use their utmost influence to disband and disarm all the insurgent forces. Aguin- aldo was to go to Hong Kong to receive the first installment of the Spanish money, amounting to §400,000 (ilexican), and he was then to cable to Artacho, who surrendered himself to the captain-general as a hostage. On receiving Aguinaldo's cable message that the money had been paid Artacho was to dissolve the insurgent organization, disband the troops and give up their arms. This part of the programme was carried out in December, 1807, or the early part of January, 1898, and the treaty of Biyak was signed Avith great solemnity. Then came the time to test the sincerity of the parties to the agreement. The facts seem to show that Spain followed exactly the course that she followed in Cuba in 1S7S to terminate the Ten Years' War. The pro- gramme as carried ont in each case provided, first, for the bribing of the insurgent leaders to use their influence for peace; second, the promising of whatever reforms were necessary to induce the insurgent armies to cease fighting; third, the immediate punishment of all the insurgent leaders on whom they could get their hands as soon as peace was actually established and matters in their own hands; fourth, the re- newed and redoubled severity of treatment to the pacified colony; and fifth, the utter ignoring and repudiation of every detail of the seductive AGUINALDO, THE LEADER OF THE EILIPINOH. 275 promises they had made. A uatural consequence of this chain of cir- cumstances was the renewal of insurrection in each case by the de- ceived insurgents, as soon as new equipment and new organization could be arranged. Reforms Promised by the Spanish, By the terms of the treaty an armistice of three years was estab- lished and the natives were to lay down their arms and turn them over to the Spanish authorities. The Spanish authorities on their part bound themselves to grant certain reforms, of which the most important were the restriction of the power of the religious orders, the representation of the Filipinos in the Spanish Cortes, the future impartiality of justice and law between Spaniards and natives in the Philippines, the participation of natives in the oifice-holding of the islands, and tlie liberty of the press. It was agreed that the governor-general of the islands, General Primo de Rivera, should remain in that position throughout the three years of the armistice as a guarantee that the reforms would be established, and that a general amnesty should be proclaimed. The Spanish authorities were so far from carrying out their agree- ments that it would seem almost as if they had studiously endeavored to go as far as possible from the terms of the treaty and for the further irritation of the Filipinos. In the first place, General Rivera was re- moved from his post very soon, thus withdrawing from the islands the one who would haA'e been best informed on the demands of the natives. The general amnesty was never declared, although a few pardons were given. Instead of establishing the reforms, the very things that were most irritating to the insurgents were aggravated. The religious orders were given increased power, two vacant bishoprics being filled at once by priests of the very orders that were the first cause of the insurrection. In the short time intervening between the signature of the treaty and the removal of General Rivera from Manila, he denied the existence of the agreement and executed many of the very persons whom he had prom- ised to protect, endeavoring by this means to destroy the nucleus of the revolution. In Spain he was given the decoration of the grand cross of San Fernando, as a reward for the peace he had established. By all of these things the Filipinos believed themselves absolved from anv 27C AGUIXALDO, THE LEADER OF THE FILIPINOS. dbligation to Spaiu that had been assumed by the mutual agreements iududed in the treaty. General Greene's Opinion of Agiiinaldo. It is interesting to note what General Francis V. Greene of the United States army in the Philippines thought of the bribery phase of the affair and of Aguiualdo. In his official report to the secretary of war, dated August 30, 1898, he says: "Aguinaldo and his associates went to ITong Koug and Singapore. A portion of the money, §400,000, was deposited in banks at ITong Kong, and a lawsuit soon arose between Aguinaldo and one of his subordinate chiefs named Artacho, which is interesting on account of the very hon- orable position taken by Aguinaldo. Artacho sued for a division of the money among the insurgents according to rank. Aguinaldo claimed that the money was a trust fund, and was to remain on deposit until it was seen whether the Spaniards would carry out their promised re- forms, and if they failed to do so, it was to be used to defray the expenses of a new insurrection. The suit was settled out of court bj' paying Artacho |5,000. ^"o steps have been taken to introduce the reforms. More than 2,000 insurgents who had been deported to Fernando Po and other places are still in confinement, and Aguinaldo is now using the money to cari-j' on the operations of the present insurrection." General Whitlier's statement shows that Aguinaldo even refused l, fire, health and street cleaning dt'jiartnu'nts, and the issuing of licen.ses. The guardia civil, or gendarmerie of the city, proving indilTerent and inef- ficient, were disarmed and di-sljauded; the 13th Minnesota regiment was detailed for police of men and left the harbor. The Concord, when she returned to report the matter to the admiral, bore a letter from Cajitain Coghlan of the Raleigh begging that the Sjjaniards captured be made American prisoners, and that the,y be not turned over to the insurgents, as Admiral Dewey's original orders de- maiuled. The Concord was sent back witli instructions to turn the pris- oners over to Aguinaldo, but he exacted an ironclad promise that they bliould l)e well cared for. PKICTIOX BETWEEK AMERICANS AND FILIPINOS. 291 Germans Appear Unfriendly. This Irene incident was of tlie most absorbing interest to Americans. It was tlie first open move on tlie part of Germany to interfere in affairs about Manila, and opinions differ very much as to her right to go so far as she did. Strictly according to international law, the Irene was right in treating the insurgent steamer as a pirate. Germany had not recognized the belligerency of the insurgent cause, had no official recog- nition of the flag, and might, under many circumstances, be right in stopping a ship with an unknown flag. But the circumstances in the case were peculiar. The Germans were allowed to remain in Manila bay through the courtesy of Admiral Dewey. They knew that the waters around Luzon were practically Amei'ican waters. They knew very well that the insurgent flag was flying with the acquiescence of the admiral, and that the insurgents had been carrying on extensive opera- tions around the island with small steamers flying their own flag. Assuming that the Germans were permitted, under strict construc- tion of international law, to stop the insurgent steamer and make her fly a white flag, their action under existing circumstances was one of delib- erate unfriendliness to the Americans. Whether it was proper for the insurgent flag to fly in the Philippines exclusively concerned the Amer- icans, and such questions of propriety were for Admiral Dewey to decide. This same point recalls an incident in which recognition of the insur- gent flag was involved. The French and German ships refused to allow insurgent launches to come beside their ships. One day the Spaniards, looking out from Manila, saw one of them stop at the English ship Im- mortalite and the occupants go aboard. They at once sent out a hurried protest. Why was the launch allowed to land on the English ship? They construed the action to imply a recognition of the insurgents' bel- ligerency. They demanded an explanation. Captain Chicester at once sent word back that he knew his business, and referred them to Admiral Dewey. The action of the Irene had another significance. For several days there had been persistent rumors that Aguinaldo and the Germans were intriguing. Aguinaldo, it is claimed, Avas anxious that Germany should recognize his belligerency. That two German officers called on I>y2 FRICTION BETWEEN AMERICANS AND FILIPINOS. Aguinaldo gave some show of truth to the rumors. It was evideut from the Irene incident that their negotiations were not effective, and it looked very much as if the Filipinos had been stopped by the Germans because Aguinaldo refused to accept the Germans' terms. If Germany had recognized Aguinaldo's belligerency and the rebels had captured the city, there would have resulted no end of delicate complications. How Dewey Dealt with Aguinaldo. When Admiral Dewey wanted anything from Aguinaldo he always got it, and if the insurgents did anything that didn't please the admiral the latter promptly and emphaticallj' called them down. Admiral Dewey never wrote a single communication to Aguinaldo, sending all his messages orally, and he advised that the military com- manders should follow the same course. General Anderson, however, wrote several communications, and there sprang up a number of written clashes between him and Aguinaldo. General Anderson finally declared that further arrangements should be deferred until the arrival of Gen- eral Merritt, who would have full instructions regarding the relations between America and the insurgents. Major Jones, brigade quartermaster, went to see Aguinaldo July 17 in Bakor, and found it impossible to get an audience. In response to the first request to see him word was returned that the general was busy. After some time the major once more requested an inter- view, and this time was told that the general was asleep. Major Jones then sat down and wrote a note that burned the paper. He said that in America, when a commanding oliicer was asleep or could not be seen, there was a subordinate who would transact business for him. He had come over to get 500 ponies, and he had exi)ected the Filipinos would assist him to obtain them. The Americans had come to drive the Spaniards out of the islands. They were the friends of the Fili- pinos, and expected to give them a good government. Aguinaldo sent over soon aftcrT\-ard, asking if this was an official communication, ami was told by Genei'al Anderson tliat it was. Aguinaldo then sent back a polite note, saying that he was ready and eager to give the Americans any assistance possible, but that he did not have the ponies that Major Jones wanted. He closed his letter by expressing friendship for the Americans, for, as he put it, were they not going to drive tlie Spaniards FRICTION BETWEEN AMERICANS AND FILIPINOS. 293 out of the island and turn the government over to the Filipinos. Gen- eral Anderson, in answer to this, said that he did not understand it that way. Aguinaldo Wants His Status Defined. From the time of the arrival of land forces, Aguinaldo had been anxious to know what share in the battle of Manila would be allowed the insurgents. He was reluctant to be put aside, and resented the request that he evacuate his trenches and permit American soldiers to take position there. After that time, when he and his government were refused any part in the direction of affairs in Manila and his army was turned back when endeavoring to enter the city with the victorious Americans, he became more restless under the restraint and complica- tions began to arise. Correspondent John T. McCutcheon relates graphically the condi- tions as they existed up to and including the withdrawal of the Filipino forces from the vicinity of the city of Manila. He says in part: "When the Americans entered the city the insurgents swarmed in after them, looting and pillaging. They established armed barracks on the Calle Real in Malate and extensive headquarters in the Calle Obst^rvatio. The chief work of the Americans began with the pres- ence of the insurgents. The Americans and Spanish were practically allied to prevent the insurgents getting into the city. Then came an order prohibiting insurgents entering the city armed, and a force of about 300 were disarmed by the Americans. This aroused considerable feeling, and it was noticed that Aguinaldo, who still had possession of the water works, refused to let the water in the city. There then fol- lowed a long parley of negotiation, in which Aguinaldo demonstrated that his rights as governor-general were just about the same as those of General Merritt. The latter had the city, but the former had the country. It must have been rather humiliating for the American gov- ernor to find himself in a position where he could not direct affairs a half-mile beyond the city limits. Filipino Leader Demands Consideration. "In securing the water works, a number of Aguinaldo's demands had to be satisfied. He sent in several conditions which had to be ful- 294 FHirTloN UETWEEN AMERICANS AND FILIPINOS. filled. Among' them was that his troops should have control and sur- veillance of the water works, and as long as the Americans remained the water should be supplied through his indulgence, but as soon as the Americans left, if the islands were to be reliuquislu'd or given back to Spain, he wanted to be in a condition to renew the conflict against the Spanish with the same advantages as he had befoi*e the Americans came into the city. For the same reason he demanded that the troops be allowed to retain their arms until it was definitely decided that the Spanish had forever and beyond doubt been banished from control of the Philippines. He also wanted a specified number of convents within the city to quarter his troops in, he wanted the' Spanish police whom Merritt had retained relieved from duty, and he wanted definite lines established within which the Americans were to control and beyond Avhich he was to control. He demanded that the officers be allowed to wear their sidearms when entering the city, that he himself be given the governor-general's summer palace at Malacanan, now occupied by General Merritt, and that all the products of Filipino labor be allowed to leave the islands free of duty. Where the Insurgents "Were in Control. "Some of these demands were preposterous, but some were reas.in able and logical. He had a right to ask the retention of his arms a-< long as the ultimate position of the islands was in doubt, so tluit if tlu' Spaniards ever regain control he will be prepared to renew his fight. The result of his other conditions is in doubt. It is merely known that outside Manila Aguiualdo's troops are supreme, and that in some quai'- ters Americans ai'e prohibited from going. He also has two sti'ong barracks within the city limits, with big bodies of armed troops. Within a mile of General MacArthur's headquarters it is estimated that there are at least 4,000 armed Filipinos. He also retains control of the water works, but allows them to be operated. He has not been given a palace in the city, and it is not thought that his products will be exempt from duty. The Guardia Civil, which is the local constabu- lary, composed of men Avho have served at least eight years in the Spanish! army and are past masters of every form of corrujjtion and cxtoi-tinu which tiieir long post-graduate course has taught and fitted them for, are relieved and Americans assigned to take their places. So FRICTION BETWEEN AMERICANS AND FILIPINOS. 295 the matter rests, and will probabl}^ remaiu this way iiutil the disposi- tion of the islands is determined." When General Otis sent word to the insurgents that they must withdraw their forces from Manila and its suburbs there was a settled conyiction that trouble would result. The time limit was set at Sep- tember 15, and as this time drew near and no movement was manifest in the native barracks the American lines were strengthened and preparations made for the encounter which then seemed unavoidable. On the 14th, however, it was stated. on official authority that the in- surgent generals had agreed to move out of the city and to vacate the convents and private houses that they had appropriated for their military uses. They had gone to General Otis, and after a long con- sultation this peaceful solution of the difficulty had been reached. With practical unanimity the leaders protested that they were entirely friendly to the American forces and that they did not desire to do anything which would appear unfriendly. They would willingly withdraw their troops from the city provided some assurance were given them that if the Americans left the Philippines they, the in- surgents, would be left in as strong positions as they had occujjied before the city was surrendered. Another point was brought forward very strongly which they, said they were exceedingly concerned in know- ing. This was whether or not the Spaniards would be placed in their former defenses and given the arms that had been surrendered, and whether the relative positions of the Spanish and insurgent forces would be established as they were before the city was surrendered. Ruling Made by Major-General E. S. Otis. General Otis told them that if the Americans left the Philippines the Spaniards would be restored to their defensive positions and their ainns given them. This did not please the insurgents, but they agreed that such an action would be just and was to be expected. Some of them, notably General Pio del Pilar, a lire-eater who had command of the forces at Paco, showed a keen resentment against being sent out of the city, and it Avas thought for a time that General Pilar would rebel against the acquiescence of the majority. At noon on the 14th there was great activity among the insurgents. Officers were riding around and numbers of troops were centralizing in the different 296 FRICTIOK BETWEEN AMERICANS AND FILIPINOS. outlying districts. Even then it was a doubtful matter whether or not they were to retire peacefully or whether a few of the rebellious hot-headed commanders would refuse to abide by the verdict of the majority. A request was made by them of the American general command- ing the Malate and Ermite division that they be permitted to march up the Luneta with their arms and pass along the ground where the Spaniards used to shoot the Filipinos. It was a pretty sentiment and General Ovenshine gave his consent. "When the Filipinos Left Manila. The story of the evacuation is related by Mr. McCutcheon as folloAvs: "At 5:30, out of the Calle Keal in Ermita appeared an officer on a fiery native pony. lie was Colonel CaHais, one of the ablest officers in the entire insurgent army, a man whose whole soul was in the cause, who is well educated and a fine strategist, and who has a nobility of bearing that marks him a soldier and a man of high qualities. Close at the heels of his pony came the magnificent Pasig band, composed entirely of native musicians and numbering ninety pieces. Every man was in uniform and the piece they played was a stirring wild native march that set the horses to prancing and every one who listened tingling with enthusiasm. Then came the troops, hundreds and hun- dreds of them, all in blue drilling and every man with his rifle. There were over six hundred of them and the picture their bright uniforms made as the columns of four wheeled out of the Calle IJeal, down the Calle San Luis, with the bands playing and the horses tearing back and forth, was one never to be forgotten. Throngs of jieople watched the long lines march by. There was something pathetic about the whole incident, for they were being driven out of the city which they had fought so long to get into, and even though their presence within the American lines was a constant menace and their withdrawal absolutely necessary one could not help feeling sorry for them. "Down the Calle San Luis they marched, then down the Paco road toward the walled city, to the Calle Bagumbayan, and then began their triumi)hal mai'ch past the walls of old Manila, where the ramparts were thronged with Spanish prisoners watching the departure of their enemies. This was the neai'est that a rebel flag had ever approached FRICTION BETWEEN AMERICANS AND FILIPINOS. 297 the walled city, and it must have been a source of satisfaction to the insurgents to show their strength to their hated oppressors by parading right under the ancient walls. Scores of carriages were drawn up along the line of march, and many of them contained Spanish ofticers. American Soldiers Cheer Filipinos. "The Wyoming soldiers lined up and cheered the insurgents as they marched by the Wyoming barracks, and it sounded strange to hear one force cheering another which the day before was looked on as half an enemy. It was a good thing, however, and it made the insurgents feel good. "Swinging from the Calle Bagumbayau, which circles the eastern and southern sides of the walled city, the departing native troops turned down the Lunetta and straight on out the Calle Real, never stopping until they left the suburbs far behind. Over in Tondo and in Paco and in Sampaloc and in the other suburbs where the insurgents had massed this scene was being repeated, although not with such a show nor with so many bands. In the twenty-four hours of September 14 over four thousand armed insurgents marched out of the city, and, although many of them returned later, they were unarmed and in con- sequence welcome to stay as long as they chose. "General Otis conducted the arrangements for the departure of the insurgents very skillfully, for it was a delicate situation and an ill- advised move might have thrown the two forces into active conflict. "The next day (September 15) marked the opening of the congress of the Philippine revolutionary government at Malolos. This town is thirty-eight kilometers north of Manila, and it is the place where Aguinaldo has set up his government. Several Americans attended the opening. The train from Manila was jammed with natives, and a great many prominent Philippine merchants and lawyers were on board. About eighty representatives from different parts of the Philippine islands were in Malolos to represent their various districts. The town was decorated with insurgent flags of all colors. Any design that re- motely approached the red and blue of the true flag was made to serve, and every nipa hut had its rudely fashioned flag floating out from the banana and palm freer. Congress was held in a church. The first session was short and nut imposing. 29S FlilCTION IJETWEEX AMERICANS AND FILIPINOS. The Filipino Congress in Session. "AguinaUlo, iu swallow tail and a dazzling shirt front, callod the meetiug: to order, read his address and then retired. The session was adjourned until the followiuji' day, and time jiiyen the members to dis- cuss the articles of the new constitution. Throui;h the courtesy of Aguinaldo the American uewsjiaper men, Consul Williams and several other Americans were given an abundant luncheon. Speeches w'ere made by prominent members of the congress and every expression of friendshii> was made. It was hard to realize that the day before the American forces had thrust the insurgents out of the city of Manila. "There were loud 'Vivos Americanos,' and the guests were made to feel that they were among friends. No people are more hospitable than the Filipinos. At one time during the luncheon a Spaniard from Manila, who was connected with a business house there, was arrested on the street near where the Americans were located for attempting to arouse public feeling against the Americans, lie had been circu- lating wild stories, tending to inlhime the more ignorant natives against the visitors, but the insurgent leaders ordered his immediate arrest. The Pasig band was in Malolos, and the city looked gala iu the extreme. "Aguinaldo W'as quartered in an old convent, which had been con- verted into a place of considerable grandeur. Here he received dele- gates and friends with that serene, implacable look which is so peculiar to him." CHAPTER XVIII. FILIPINOS AND THE AMERICAN GOV'ERNMENT. An Appeal from the Junta Patriotica at Hong Kong to the American People — Charges of Bad Faith — General Merritfs Opinion of the Filipinos — General Otis Tries to Secure the Release of Spanish Prisoners Held by the Insurgents — Our Expedition to Iloilo — President McKinley's In- structions to the American Authorities in Jlauila — A Manifesto from Aguinaldo — The Filipino Cabinet — Agoncillo in Washington — Presi- dent McKinle.y Appoints a Commission. Looking forward to the securing of the best conditions possible for his country, Aguiualdo lost no time in sending a commissioner to Washington to represent the Filipinos. Senor Felipe Agoncillo was assigned to this important mission, and he joiu'neTed to San Francisco by the same steamer which carried General Greene. General Merritt at the same time started for Paris to be present at the meeting of the treaty commissioners there. Owing to the American censorship of the cable at Manila, the Aguiu- aldo government maintained an office and organization in Ilong Kong, where, free from restraint, the members of the Junta Patriotica could take such action as they saw fit to support the revolutionists in the islands. The Junta issued from Ilong Kong an appeal to Americans which recited the complaints and grievances of the Filipinos, and begged for redress. Many of the allegations, however, were overdrawn Filipinos Appeal to Americans. This appeal, issued November 15, 1898, was as follows: "W^e, the Hong Kong representatives of our countrymen, appeal to the great and good judgment of President McKinley and the spirit of fairness and justice of the American people as always shown in their regard for the petitions of the weak and oppressed, 299 300 FILIPINOS AN'D THE AMERICAN GUVEKXMENT. ''^'hile the fate of the islands is ^till undecided, and we are doing all in our power to prevent a conflict between the Americans and Fili- pinos — waiting patiently for the conclusion of the Paris conference — we implore the intervention of the President, supported bj^ the will of the people, to end the slights shown our leaders, officials, soldiers and people by some of the American military and naval authorities and soldiers. "Vt'e do not wish to do Admiral Dewey or General Otis wrong, but we presume that reports, under press censorship, will be, as they have been, sent broadcast, alleging that all the mistakes ai'e ours and that the Americans are treating us most kindly. But we must tell the truth for the best interests of both parties, depending upon the American President and people to see that justice is done to our leaders, Aguinaldo especially, having full confidence in ultimately receiving jus- tice from America. Pertinent Questions to be Answered. "What have we done that we should experience unfriendly treat- ment? Are the Americans our friends? The tension becomes greater daily, and any moment a shot may be fired by an irresponsible Amer- ican or Filipino soldier. And the flame thus started can only be quenched with blood dear to us both. "We beseech the American President and people to help us to control our own people by directing the oflicials at ^Manila to temper their actions with friendship, justice and fairness. "We suggest that Admiral Dewey and General Otis and General Merritt, in Paris, be asked : "If, from the commencement of hostilities to the present time, have not Aguinaldo and the Filipinos under him acceded to every request of the American oflicials? "When Manila was captured, although the Filii)iuos had driven the Spaniards iutt> Manila, completely investing the city and occupying some of the roads commanding in part the approaches to Manila, in advance of the Americans, were Filipinos not entirely ignored and even not notified of the intention to attack, or of the time or part they were expected to play, even if such was to stand aside? "\Mien llie Filipinos, seeing the intention to attack, went to the FILIPINOS AND THE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT. 301 assistance of the Americans, were they not stopped by an armed body and faced about, instead of being informed by friendly, peaceful request that they were not wanted? This unexpected action would have placed the Americans between two fires, Spanish and Filipino, if shots had been exchanged in the excitement of the moment, had not then the Filipinos restrained themselves and obej'ed the Americans, although deprived of the fruits of victoiy and participation in the final triumph after fighting all the way to the very walls and bearing the brunt of three months' campaign. Spirit Shown by Filipinos. "After remaining a month on the outskirts of the city, where we had been stopped, quietly, as a garrison, we were ordered away. Did not we cheerfully obey, although having no assurances that the Amer- icans would not give back the Manila posts, vacated, to the Spanish? When located for several months still farther out, we were ordered even beyond the suburbs of the city, where no quarters nor shelter existed for troops and where supplies were difficult to obtain, did not we obey? "Can the cruel allegations that we would murder, loot, steal and commit incendiarism if given a free hand be supported, when we con- ducted a campaign throughout Luzon, capturing all the important points outside of Manila and taking and treating humanely a thousand Spanish prisoners without being guilty of such acts, beyond what ac- companies any military campaign, as the work of irresponsible camp- followers? "We beg that the American officials be asked also if all the Ameri- cans visiting the Filipinos' headquarters at Malolos, traveling in the interior, visiting the camps and lines or seeking favors of our ofiicials, were not uniformly politely treated? Puzzles to be Solved. "In a friendly manner we invite the consideration of other points. Groundless and harmful rumors are being constantly circulated by Spanish sympathizers and malcontents, which are often believed with- out investigation. Our protests are not heard. 302 FILIPINOS AND THE AMERICAN (iOVERNMENT. "All our lannches were seized because of foolihili rumors that we would attack the Americans. \Yo asked for an explanation in seek- ing tbeir recovery, and were not even given an answer. "Our enemies were delighted, thus encouraging further rumors. "Should not some logical reason, other than mere report, be given for suddenly seizing our property in Manila? "The Spaniards, the late enemies of the Americans, are shown every consideration, and the Filipinos, friends and allies, are often treated as enemies. Does this satisfy American ideas of justice? The I'^ilipino people cannot undei-stand it, although their leaders tell them not to protest and that all will end well. "We are asked by the Americans to restrain our people and avoid any outbreak pending the decision of the peace commission. This we gladly do. But we beg that similar instructions be given to the Americans by the Washington government. "From the beginning of our relations, when Aguinaldo was urged in Singapore and Hong Kong to return to Cavite and assist the Amer- icans, until ]\Ianila fell, we acted under the advice and with the knowl- edge of the American ofiicials. During that time we conquered all of Luzon outside of Manila, and were informally recognized and encour- aged by the Americans. When Manila was captured their chief end was attained, we were no longer recognized and were even treated as untrustworthy. Is this just? "Washington Administration Blamed. "We can only attribute this sudden change from friendly encour- agement and co-operation to an order from Washington to the officials at Manila to avoid compromising the American government by any recognition of the Filijjinos or their government. They have endeav- ored to carry out these instructions literally, believing it the ])r()per course to ignore the Filipinos entirely, losing sight of their former friendly intercourse and assistance and of the assurances the American oflicials made to our leader .Vguiiialdo, who in tui-n coinniuuicated the same to his followers. "In concluding our humble but earnest ajjpeal to tlie IMcsidenl and the people of the gi-eat American Republic we wish to ciiipliasii-.c our absolute confidence in him and I hem; t(. make it i)lain that our protests FILIPINOS AND THE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT. 303 r.re not prompted by any feeling of animosity, but are directed against the conditions existing at Manila, and not against the American gov- ernment or people; to acknowledge our gratitude to the American arms for desti'oying Spanish power in the Philippines and permitting the return of Aguinaldo, and to express the hope that America will stand by her determination not to return the islands to Spain. "We await the ai'bitrameut of the peace commission, for whose good judgment we have profound respect, with even greater interest than the Americans, because it concerns our native land, our happi- ness, our freedom and our homes. "In the meantime we pray for peace and a perfect understanding with the Americans." Major General Merritt on the Filipinos. By this time General Merritt w'as in London on his way to the United States and he read with a great deal of interest the long letter of complaint against American officials in the Philippine islands addressed by the Filipino junta of Hong Kong to President McKinley and the people. In discussing the Filipinos, the American general referred to them as "children," and said it would be impossible to establish American government in the islands. He added that they must have some form of colonial government similar to the British colonial governments. Regarding the complaints of the Filipinos the general said: "It was impossible to recognize the insurgents, and I made it a point not to do so, as I knew it would lead to complications. Admiral Dewey after my arrival pursued the same course. What was done before is not for me to comment on. I purposely did not recognize Aguinaldo or his troops, nor did I use them in any way. Aguinaldo did not ask to see me until ten days after my arrival. After that I was too much occupied to see him. "In talking with leading Filipinos I told them the United States had no promises to make, but that thej^ might be assured that the government and people of the United States would treat them fairly. This was because the Ignited States is in the habit of dealing fairly with all struggling peoples, and not because I had been authorized to say anything of the kind. 304 FILIPLN'OS AND THE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT. Criticisms on Aguinaldo. "We purposely did not poinlments; that they are onl}' permitted to follow monastic life, and that the parishes are intrusted to ministers of the indejjendent monastic orders. But, he added, the riiilippiue clericals have deliberately and systematically deceived the pope, pretending that the country' was barbarous, unlit for the regular ministry and Ihat it was necessary that the monastic orders should administer the parishes. Therefore, Aguinaldo continued, he consid- ered it necessary to detain the friars until the pope is undeceived. Affairs About the City of Iloilo, The most threatening complications of all were centered about Iloilo, the second city of the islands, on the Island of Panay, 3.o5 miles south of Manila. This is one of the group kuowu as the Visayas islands. Iloilo was besieged by the insurgents and so closely encircled FILIPINOS AND THE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT. 305 that the Spanish ganison which was stationed there finally was unable to hold out any longer. Several thousand soldiers were surrendered to the native forces, with large quantities of arms and ammunition, on the 24th of December. Three days later an American expedition which had been huiTied southward from Manila under the command of General Mai'cus P. Mil- ler, arrived at Iloilo, and found that the Spaniards had evacuated the place. The steamer Churuca transferred the Spanish forces to Minda- nao. In accordance with an agreement the rebels entered the city and trenches on Monday at noon. They immediately established a municipal government. Guards were placed over foreign property. Everything was quiet and orderly. There was some looting during the night, but five natives were shot, and this had an exemplary effect. The only foreign ship in the harbor was the German cruiser Irene. The Filipinos assured the Americans that they might land unarmed, but that if the latter landed armed the natives would be uncontrollable. Every prep- aration was made for resistance upon the part of the rebels, and re- enforcements were arriving from Negros and the neighboring islands. Instructions from President McKinley. To define the position of the American authorities in the Philip- pines, President McKinlej* issued a letter to the secretary of war, with instructions that it be transmitted to General Otis and by him em- bodied in a public proclamation to the Filipinos. The letter was as follows: "Executive Mansion, Washington, D. C, December 21, 1S9S. — ■ To the Secretary of War. Sir: The destruction of the Spanish fleet in the harbor of Manila by the United States naval squadron com- manded by Rear-Admiral Dewey, followed by the reduction of the city and the surrender of the Spanish forces, practically effected the con- quest of the Philippine islands and the suspension of Spanish sover- eignty therein. "With the signature of the treaty of peace between the United States and Spain by their respective plenipotentiaries at Paris on the 10th inst., and as the result of the victories of American arms, the future control, disposition and government of the Philippine islands SOfi FlLiriXOS AND TOE AMEKirAX GOVERNMENT. are cetleil to the I'uiti'd States. lu fuHilluieut of the i-iglits of sover- eignty thus acquired aud the responsible obligations of government thus assumed, the actual occupation and administration of the entire group of the I'hilippine islands becomes immediately necessary, and the military government heretofore maintained by the United States in the city, harbor and bay of Manila is to be extended with all possible dispatch to the whole of the ceded territory. "In performing this duty the military commander of the United States is enjoined to make known to the inhabitants of the Philippine islands that, in succeeding to the sovereignt}- of Spain, in severing the former political relations of the inhabitants and in establishing a new political power, the authority of the United States is to be exerted for the sovereignty of the persons and property of the people of the islands and for the confirmation of all their private rights and relations. A Message of Friendship. "It will be the duty of the commander of the forces of occupation to announce and ])roclaim in the most public manner that we come not as invaders or conquerors, but as friends, to protect the natives in their homes, in their employments and in their personal and religious rights. All persons who, either by active aid or lionest submission, co-operate with the government of the United States, to give effect to these benefits and purposes, will receive the reward of its support and protection. All others will be brought within the lawful rule we have assumed with firmness, if need be, but without severity so far as may be possible. '^'ithin the absolute domain of military authority, which neces- sarily is and must remain supreme in the ceded tcM-ritory until the legislation of tlie United States shall otherwise jirovide, the municipal laws of the territory in respect to private rights and property and the repression of crime are to be considei'ed as continuing in force and to be administered by the ordinary tribunals so fai- as possible. The operations of civil and munici])al government are to be performed by such oflicers as may accept tlie supremacy of the United Stales bj' taking the oath of allegiance, or by officere chosen as far as may be practicable from the inhabitants of the islands. "^'hile the control of all the public property and the revenues of FILIPINOS AND THE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT. 3U9 the state jjasses with the cession and while the use and management of all public means of transportation are necessai'ily resen-ed to the authority of the United States, private property, whether belonging to individuals or corporations, is to be respected except for cause fully established. The taxes and duties heretofore payable by the inhabi- tants to the late government become payable to the authorities of the United States unless it be seen fit to substitute for them other reason- able rates or modes of contribution to the expenses of government, whether general or local. If private property be taken for military use it shall be paid for when possible in cash at a fair valuation and \vhen payment in cash is not practicable receipts are to be given. Commercial Status of the Islands. "All ports and places in the Philippine islands in the actual pos- session of the laud and naval forces of the United States will be opened to the commerce of all friendly nations. All goods and wares, not prohibited for military reasons by due announcement of the military authority, will be admitted upon payment of such duties and other charges as shall be in force at the time of their importation. "Finally, it should be the earnest and paramount aim of the mili- tary administration to win the confidence, respect and affection of the inhabitants of the Philippines by assuring to them in every possible way that full measure of individual rights and liberty which is the heritage of free people and by proving to them that the mission of the United States is one of benevolent assimilation, siibstituting the mild sway of justice and right for arbitrary rule. In the fulfillment of this high mission, supporting the temperate administration of affairs for the greatest good of the governed, there must be sedulously main- tained the strong arm of authority, to repress disturbance and to over- come all obstacles to the bestowal of the blessings of good and stable government upon the people of the Philippine islands under the free flag of the United States. WILLIAM M'KINLEY." Commenting upon President McKinley's proclamation to the Fili- pinos issued by General Otis, the Independencia, a native paper, de- clared the problem presented most grave. It admitted that there were only two solutions possible — namely, the American abandonment of 310 FILIPINOS AND THE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT. their anncxaliou policj, claimiug that the people here are not desirous of absorption in their nationality, or a prolonged and bloody war. It cited the example of the "noble patriots of Iloilo defying General Miller," expressed hope for a pacific termination of the crisis, but hinted of trouble. Aguinaldo Issues a Manifesto in Reply. Within a few hours of the proclamation issued by Major-General Otis in behalf of President McKinley the agents of Aguinaldo billed Manila with a manifesto which read as follows: "The government of the Filipinos has concluded that it is obliged to expound the reasons for the breaking off of friendly relations with the army of the United States in these islands so that all can be convinced that I have done everA-thiug on my part to avoid it, and at the cost of many rights necessarily sacrificed. "After the naval combat of May 1 the commander of the American squadron allowed me to return from Ilong Kong, and distributed among the Filipinos arms taken from the arsenal at Cavite, with the intention of starting anew the revolution (that had settled down in consequence of the treaty made between the Spaniards and the P^ilipinos at Biak-na- bato) in order that he might get the Filipinos on his side. "The different towns now understood that Avar was declared between the United States and Spain and that it was necessary for them to fight for their liberty, sure that Spain would be annihilated and would be unable to do anything to put the islands iu the way of progress and pros- perity. "My people rejoiced at my return, and I had the honor of l)iing chosen as chiefj for the services I had rendered before. Then all the Filipinos, without distinction of class, took anns, and every province hurried to turn all the Spanish troops outside the lines of its boundary. "So it is easy to understand how mj- government would have had the power over the whole island of Luzon, Bisayas and a portion of Min- danao had the Americans taken no part in the military operations here which have cost us so much blood and so much money. "My government is quite aware that the destruction of the Spanish fleet and giving of arms to them from the arsenal has helped them much in the way of arms. I was quite convinced that the American army was I FILIPINOS AND THE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT. 311 obliged to sympathize with a revolution whitli had been crushed so iiianj times, had shed so much blood and was again working for inde- pendence. I had all confidence in American tradition and history, for they were willing to fight for independence and the abolition of slavery until it was attained. The Capture of Manila. "The Americans, having won the good disposition of the Filipinos, disembarked at Parailaque and took the position occupied by our troops in the trenches as far as Maytubig, taking possession as a matter of fact of many trenches that had been constructed by my people. "They obliged the capitulation of Manila, and the city, being sur- rounded by my troops, was obliged to surrender at the first attack. Through my not being notified, my troops advanced to Malate, Ermita, Paco, Sampaloc and Tondo. Without these services in keeping the Spaniards in the city they would not have given ui> so easily. "The American generals took my advice regarding the capitulation, but afterward asked me to retire with my forces from Port Cavite and the suburbs of Manila. "I reminded the generals of the injustice they were doing me and asked them in a friendly manner to recognize in some expressed way my co-operation, but they refused to accord me anything. Then, not wish- ing to do anything against the wishes of those who would soon be the liberators of the Filipino people, I even ordered my troops to evacuate the port of Cavite and all the suburbs of Cavite, retaining only one, the suburb of Paco. "After all these concessions in a few days Admiral Dewey, without any motive, took possession of our steam launches that were circulating, by his express consent, in the bay of Manila. "Nearlj- the same time I received an order from Gen. Otis, com- mander in chief of the army of occupation, obliging me to retire my army outside certain lines which were drawn and given me, and in which I saw included the town of Pandacan and the village of Singalon, which never have been termed suburbs of Manila. "In the actual sight of the two American generals I ordered a consul- tation of my military generals, and I consulted my assistant counselors 312 FlLiriNOS AND TllK A.MKHKWX GOVERNMENT. aud generals, and the two bodies coufunued iu a desire to appoint a commissioner to see Gen. Ilughes. "The general received my commissioiuM- in a \tiHn- w ay and would not allow liim to speak, but I allowed it to pass, by a friendly request from < ien. Otis, and withdrew my troops outside the given lines so as to avoid trouble and waited for the conclusion of the peace commission at Paris. ''I thought 1 would get my indei)eudeuce, as I was promised by the consul-general of Singapore, Mr. Pratt, and it would come in a formal, a.ssured, friendly jtroclamatiou by the American generals who had en- tered these waters. ''But it was not so. The said generals took my concessions in favor of friendship and peace as indicative of weakness, and, with growing ambition, sent forces to Iloilo with the object of taking that town, so they might call themselves the conquerors of that part of the Phili])- pines, which is alreadj* occupied by my government. "This way of proceeding, .so far from custom and the jnactice ob- seiTed by the civilized nations, gives me the right to proceed, leaving them out of consideration. Notwithstanding this, and wishing to be in the right to the la.st, I sent to (ien. Otis a ciunniissioner with a request to desist from this fearful undertaking, but he refused to do so. War Is Threatened. "My government cannot remain indilVereut in view of a violent and aggressive usuri)ation of its territory by a people who claim to be the (hampions of liberty, and so it is determined to begin hostilities if the .American forces intend to get, by force, the occupation of Visayas, "I denounce these transactions before the world in order that the nniver.sal conscience may give its inllexible decision. Who are the man- slaughterers of liumanily? Upon tlicir heads he all (he blood (hat will be wasted. EMILIO AGUINALDO. "January ('.. ISOO." The Manila .\mericnn (f January 10 thus describes the effect of Ag- uinaldo's proclamation announcing the breaking of frienen- ito Legarda, wlutm I foun FILll'IXOS AND THE AMEKICAN UUVEUNilKNT. allows us to hope that Amoiiia will be our eternal frieud aud that, as her people have contributed very much to enable us to gaiu our inde- pendence, they will also help us to preserve it by defending us against foreign aggression." Lest any reader may imagine that Sefior I'once is more naive than most of the Filipinos in expecting the United Htates to undertake the protection of the Filipino republic against the encroachment of other ]>owers, I may say that nearly- every one of Aguinaldo's lieutenants had exactly the same idea. They seemed to think that we would be glad to do all that they wished and that it would be a sufficient reward to us to know that we had assisted them to free themselves from the Spaniards and establish a republic. The first reports of the formation of the new cabinet included Teo- doro Sandico in the list as minister of the interior, but this proved to be an error, as I presumed at the time. However, his relations to Aguinaldo and to Legarda, now in the cabinet, were such that some information concerning both these personalities may be of interest. Sandico and Legarda. Teodoro Sandico is a rather clever half-caste,educated as an engineer, who was the medium through whom Aguinaldo worked when he was making our consul in llong Kong believe that he (the consul) was a dii)lomat of supreme sagacity aud finesse. Poor Sandico really took our consul seriously for a time and believed that he had assisted in the negotiation of a treaty between the republic of the United States and the Filipino rei>ublic. It is true Aguinaldo was never deceived by the performances of our consuls at Singapore and Hong Kong, but he now finds it convenient to pretend that he was led to "ludp" the Americans by the representatives of our government. As a matter of fact, Aguin- aldo knew jierfectly well the jjowers and the limitations of our consuls — a great deal better, in fai I, than these men themselves knew them. One day the former Initcd States consul to Manila, Mr. O. F. Wil- liams, took on board the collier Nanshan a very nervous Filipino, who announced that he had come to that ship at Consul Williams' request jireparatory to sailing for Hong K<»ng. This man was Sandico, and when I (|iicstinncd him about the puri)ose of his trij) to Hong Kong he ii't tlic rat out of the bag at once for the sake of getting my influence FILU'INCKS AXL) THE AMEKICAX GOVKKXJIKNT. :?!: with Admiral Dewey to let him go in the comiug trip of the Zaiiro. lie said that he was ou very frieudly tenns with t^crior Artar-ho, who had just arrived iu Cavite from Iloug Kong; that Artaeho had been arrested the day after his arrival, and that he was to be shot that day; that he (Sandico) had barely escaped imprisonment because he had ]iasged the night in the same house with Artaeho, and that Consul Wil- liams had saved his life by giving him asylum ou board the Nanshan. About this time one of Aguinaldo's staff, a slight young fellow named Legarda, came off to the Nanshan and told i^audico that Aguin- aldo had sent for him to come ashore. Then followed a most interest- ing struggle on the part of Sandico to escape the fate that he felt sure had been meted out to Artaeho and his four friends. Sandico fell back upon his position of supposed safety on board a United States vessel. Aguinaldo sent Legarda to Admiral Dewey with a request that his insubordinate officer be returned to his service. The admiral's ej'es snapped when he learned that Sandico had taken refuge aboard the Nanshan at the request of Consul Williams, and he ordered Flag Lieu- tenant Brumby to see that Sandico was put ashore. The latter, finding that his asylum was to be taken from him, begged Brumby and myself most piteously to intercede with the admiral to save his life. While Legarda was ashore getting instructions from Aguinaldo, Sandico was sure his last hour had come. He was removed from the Nanshan an hour later, but the delay had been long enough to enable the admiral to let Aguinaldo know, unofficially, that it would be unwisie for him to permit any suumuuy executions in or near Cavite. Cor.ae- quentlj- Sandico was merely "squeezed" for information that could be used against Artaeho; but, remembering how sure Sandico was l/:at Aguinaldo intended to have him shot at sight, it seemed a littlt odd to hear the incorrect report that he was to serve in Aguinaldo's cal '>net. Legarda and His Mission to the Spanish. Benito Legarda, in spite of his youth, is one of the shrewdei»t and most capable of the men in Aguinaldo's entourage. He is small and slight, with regular and pleasing features and very agreeable manners. He was educated in England, he told me, having been sent to a board- ing school at Clapham, I think, when he was very young. He speitks English fluently and French fairly well. 318 FiLii'iyos A^■r) tee American goverxment. It was Legarda whom Aguinaldo sent into Manila when onr troops were beginning to move toward the city and when Agninaldo had just learned that his men were not to be allowed to take j)art in the city's capture. There is no doubt that he carried a proposition from Agnin- aldo to the captain-general at least to let the natives enter the cily in advance of the Americans; and there are many suspicions that a much more treacherous proposition was made. Whatever may have been Legarda's mission there is no doubt that it failed. So he came back to Aguinaldo with the messages intrusted to him by the captain- general and the archbishop of the riiiliiipines. Then, although Aguin- aldo and every one else in that neighborhood knew that the city would be forced to capitulate or would be carried by assault, and that it was <.nly a question of a few days at most, he sent Legarda back into Manila en a secret duty. Legarda was instructed to propose to the Spaniards that the Filipinos should unite with them to crush the "Yankees," and that in return the rebels should receive their independence from Spain. Of course, the Spaniards did not form the alliance with the natives, but it is certain that Legarda was the envoy whom Aguinaldo trusted above all others on his staff. The Spaniards offered him the earth if he would desert to them, and he concluded it wMiuld, perhaps, be a wise thing to do. So he remained in Manila after his second trip thither and lived on the fat of the land in the captain-general's palace. No one in our lines could comitrehend the purpose of his supposed treason, but later it was iiiscovered that he had gone back by Aguiualdo's order to remain in the city until its capture by the Americans, so that he might "bob up serenely" at the moment when the surrender took i)la(e and thus enable him to claim that he had a representative present when the Spaniards capitulated. AVhen there is anything to be gained "by trick or device," as the law reads, tlu- Filipinos can give the heathen Chinee cards and spades and win. Demands of the New Filipino Cabinet. The new cabinet asked for recogiiititm of the inilei>endence of the PhiliiiiiirK- islands, 'i'lie release of the S]ianish ])ris(iinrs held by the Filipinos was denied. An offer was made, how.-ver, of willingness to come to an understanding with the Americans "as allies" for I lie sinren- FILIPINOS AND THE AMEETCAN GOVERNMENT. 319 der of the Spanish military and civil officers and others on the following- conditions: "The negotiations to be opened formally between Spain and the national Filipino government, Spain nominating a delegate to treat therewith. "Exchange of prisoners and Spain to repatriate, firstly, all the Fili- pinos held prisoners; secondly, all prisoners of war condemned as trait- ors, revolters or deserters, and Spain to grant amnesty to all Filipinos and Spaniards accused of conspiracy in the insuiTection. "Spain to defray all the expenses of repatriating the Filipinos and also the cost of maintaining and repatriating the Spanish prisonei's held by the Filipinos. "Friars taken prisoners will not be included in the exchange, see- ing that they acted as papal agents during the war; but their surrender will be made on the condition, firstly, that the apostolic delegate will ask their liberty in the name of the pope; secondly, that all bulls and pontifical decrees granting special privileges to the religious orders be revoked; thirdly, that all rites of the secular clergy be respected; fourthly, that no friar hold any parish, cathedral, episcopate or dioc- esan preferments; fifthly, that all such preferments be held by native or naturalized Filipino clergy, and, sixthly, that rules for the election of bishops be fixed." Conditions around Iloilo became more critical. The streets were barricaded and many buildings prepared for defense in the event of attack. The insurgents threatened to destroy the whole business quarter of the city at the first shot of bombardment by the Amer- icans. The banks sent their funds aboard ships in the harbor. Presi- dent McKinley's proclamation had to be typewritten aboard ship, as the printers on shore declined to do the work, and when the text of the proclamation was read to them they ridiculed the notion that con- ciliation was possible. Agoncillo's Work in Washington. Seiior Agoncillo, the Filipino representative in Washington, had made repeated efforts to obtain diplomatic recognition from the Presi- 320 FILU'INOS AND TUE AMERICA^' GOVERNMENT. (lent and the sei-retiiry of state, always Avitliout success. They had re- ceived him personaiiv aud liad listened to his preseutatiou of alTairs, but had jjiveu him uo oilicial recognition whatever. In his communi- cation of Januaiy 24 to the secretary of state, Sefior Don Felipe Agon- cillo called attention to the fact that on January 11 he addressed a letter to him upon the question of recognition, forwarding with it a memoran- dum demonstrating that, according to all Americau precedents, the Phi]ipi)ine republic was entitled to recognition, aud in the same letter invited the attention of the secretary to the present strained condi- tions at Manila, where overzeal on either side might create a condition resulting in grievoiis loss of life aud urging the necessity of an early and frank communication between the reitresentatives of the two countries. He further called attention to the fact that since his letter was written the very circumstances he feared have brought the two countries to the edge of war. Referring to the continual movement of ships and troops to the Philippines, Agoncillo said he was unable to conceive of any reason why the army and naAy of the United States, lately employed against a common enemy, should be turned against America's recent associate. The United States, he said, had no active enemy in the orient, hav- ing proclaimed an armistice with Spain. It was true, he continued, that Si)aiu had undertaken to convey to the United States its alleged claim against the Philiitpines, a claim which Spain was not capable of enforcing and which never found its origin in the consent of the ])eople of those islands, lie incpiireil: "Are my government and people to be left to suppose that it is because of some desire on the part of the American government to enforce against its late associate this exploded claim that the United States is massing its forces at the late ca])ita] of the Philippine islands?" lie was sure the secretary of state would aip])rcciate, in view of tiie circumstances detailed, the (luieting, reassuring elTect upon the minds of his countrymen to result from a disclaimer upon the part of the American governuient of any intention to altack their lilierties and indei>endence. An American Commission to the Philippines. But by tills time I here wcii- two delegations of Filipinos in Wash- ington. Our- was that hea(lc(l by .\goncillo, representing .\guinaldo and FILIPINOS AND THE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT. 321 the insurgents; the other, wealthy merchants, also Filipinos, who were oijposed to Aguinaldo and regarded him as an adventurer. President McKinlej decided upon the appointment of a commission to visit the Philippine islands and confer with the leading people, both Spaniards and insui'gents, concerning the organization of a government. He believed it would be taking great risks for Congress or himself or anybody to attempt to frame a government for the Filipinos without knowing thoroughly the sentiments and the requirements of the people and the conditions in which tliey were situated. Although he probably knew as much on this subject as any man who had not personally visited the archipelago, he did not feel competent to make any i-ecommeuda- tions. He believed that he should go very slowly. He wanted also formally to assure the Filipinos of the friendly intentions of the United States. He wanted them to understand that the purpose of his government was to give them as large a share of self-government as the circumstances would justify, and that he ^\■ould like to have the views of the people of importance, the intelligent classes, the property-owners and taxpayers as to the form of government most suitable. This commission was composed of Admiral Dewey, General Otis, Colonel Charles Denby of Evansville, lud., who was for thirteen years minister to China; President Schurmann of Cornell University, and Professor Dean C. Worcester of Michigan Universitj-, Ann Arbor. The latter is the author of an exhaustive and valuable scientific work on the Philippine islands, drawn from information which he gained in scientific exploration and study in the archipelago through a period of nearly three years. Native papers and insurgent leaders gave little credit to the appoint- ment of the commission, claiming that it was but a ruse of the Amer- icans to gain time and strengthen their position. This was the state of affairs at the end of January-, 1899, when American men-of-war and American soldiers were being sent as rapidly as ptracticable to add to the forces already in the far-away islands of the east. Then, in the first days of February, occurred the lamentable encounter which marked the beginning of a new Avar, this time the United States of America against the native inhabitants of the remote Philippine archipelago. 322 FILIPES'OS AND THE AMKKICAN GOVEKNMEXT. Sentiment in the United States. The action of the Filipinos in brin<;ing on a conflict, stimulated to prompt action those United States senators who had bc^n in doubt on the treaty question, thereby accomplishing a purpose diametrically op- posed to what the insurgents desired. The treaty of peace negotiated in Paris by the American and Spanish commissioners, was ratified by the senate on Monday afternoon, February G, the vote being fifty-seven to twenty-seven — more than the two-thirds majority required. The tension had been great in the senate and there was considerable doubt whether or not ratification would be carried. The country, how- ever, was gratified that the senate took this action, believing that the time to settle questions as to our disposition of the Philippines was after we had safely taken care of our own treaty of peace. On the same day. Senator McEnery of Louisiana, offered a resolution declaring that there was no intention on the part of the United States to annex the Philippine islands or admit their population to cilizenship; that after we had prepared them for self-government we would dispose of them as will be best for their welfare and ours. This resolution went over for action at a later date. Agoncillo and his fellow-members of tin' I'Mlipino embassy left Wash- ington for Montreal the night before the first news of hostilities was re- ceived in the United States. It was believi'd tliai he had been Avarned by cable of Aguinaldo's intentions. From that time he made his head- quarters in the Canadian city, keeping in touch with tlie Filijjina -Tunta in Pans, London and I long Kong. The policy wliitli had been adopted toward the Filijiiiios met with strenuous opposition from a large and influent i;il (hiss in tlie United States. The McEnery resolution passed fl:e I'niiiil States senate, de- rliiring our ultimate jiurposp was not to annex the I-^ili])in(is. It became evident that the sentiment of the country was by no mwans unanimous for annexation. The military operations which resulted in the death of thousands of FUijiinos who sincerely believed they were fighting for the freedom of their country, aroused a great deal of feeling. CHAPTER XIX. OUR WAR WITH THE FILIPINOS. Commeucemeut of Hostilities Between Americans and Filipinos— The Ad- vance of the Americans — Old ISIen and Children in the Trenches — Shells From Dewey's Fleet — A Filipino Proclamation — Manila on Fire —Cessation of Hostilities — Arrival of the I'hilippine Commission— The Attack on Pasig— Aguinaldo in the Trenches — Arrival of the Oregon. It was ou the night of Hatnrrlav, February 4, that the first outbreak between the Filipino insurgents and the American troops in the Philip- pine islands took place. That evening three of the natives attempted to pass the American picket lines at Santa Mesa in the city of Manila. They were challenged and retired without replying. A second attempt met with the same opposition, and when they approached the line for the third time Corporal Greely,of the First Nebraska Volunteers, challenged them and then opened fire, killing one and wounding another. These shots aroused the insurgent line, stretching from Caloocan, near the bay, north of Manila, to Santa Mesa, in the rear of the city, and a fusillade was started at many points. The pickets of the First Nebraska, the First North Dakota and the First Montana regiments replied vigorously, and hot work began. The American outposts, how- ever, held their ground until reinforcements arrived. At 9 o'clock the Filipinos attempted to rush the lines, and almost broke through the wavering pickets and breathless detachments that had hurried to their suiiport. The Americans, however, grew stronger every minute. The artillery joined in the mel^e and soon from the bay Admiral Dewey's warships began to shell the insurgent positions. The Filipinos then concentrated their forces at three points, Caloocan, Gagalangiu and Santa Mesa. The Attack of the Filipinos. At 1 o'clock in the morning the insurgents opened a hot fire from the three points simultaneously. This was supplemented by the fire 324 OUR WAR WITH THE FILIPINOS. of two siege guns at Balik-Balik and by advancing their 'skirmishers at Paco and Pardaoau. The Americans replied by a heavy fire, but in the darkness they could have little knowledge of its effect. The Utah light artillery at last succeeded in silencing the gnus of the Filipinos. The Third artillery "was pounding away al the Hashes of fire showing the insurgent positions on the extreme left. The engagement lasted over an hour. During much of the time the United States cruiser Charleston and the gunboat Concord, stationed off Mala bon, hammered with the rapid-fire guns of their secondary batteiics upon the insurgent position at Caloocan. At 2:45 in the morning there was another fusillade along the entire line. By this time the United States monitor Monadnock was in position soutli of Manila and opened fire on the insurgent line near Malate. When daylight came the Americans advanced. The First California and the First Washington infantry made a splendid charge and drove the insurgents from the villages of Pato and Santa Mesa. Tlie Nebraska regiment also distinguished itself, capturing several prisoners and one howitzer and a verj' strong position at the reservoir which is connected with the Manila water works. The Twentieth Kansas and the Dakota regiments compelled the enemy's right flank to retire to Caloocan. Fir- ing continued throughout Sunday at various points. The American losses at the end of the battle were approximately 50 killed and 200 wounded. It was impossible to do more than estimate the losses of the Filipinos. Burying the Dead Insurgents. All day Monday, burial i)arties were busy interring the dead who fell dni'ing tlie fighting on Saturday night and Sunday. Hundreds of dead Filipinos were found in tlie rice fields and were buried on the spots where they were found. The most conservative calculation jdaced the loss of the Filipinos at 1,000 dead and 2,000 wounded. Late Monday afternoon, deneral Hale's brigade advanced and took the water works at Kingalon. Four companies of the Nebraska regi- ment and a part of the T'tah bnttery with two field gnus and two Hotchkiss guns met llic ciiciny mi ilir liill a half a uiilc nut, and a sliai']) engagement took i)lace, in which tlie Xcbraskans lost four men. The Filipinos were driven back, retiring in bad order. General Ovenshine's >ENERAL ELWELL S. OTIS GENERAL WESLEY MERRITT OUR WAR WITH THE FILIPIKOS. 327 brigade advanced and took Parafiaque, eaptiiring two field guns. Gen- eral MacArtliiir's division advanced beyond Gagalangin witliout loss, the enemy retreating upon Caloocan. By the night of Tuesday, after three days and nights of inter- mittent fighting, the insurgent forces had been driven back ten miles to the east and south of Manila and five miles to the north, where they still had lodgment in the vicinity of Malabon. The advances of the American troops had neyer once been checked, the enemy being scat- tered like rabbits. First the canebrakes in front of advanced positions were shelled and as the lurking rebels broke from cover to seek safer quarters, they were raked with a withering cross-fire from the rifles of the Americans, who then advanced in irresistible charges. The "Work of the Sharpshooters. The Filipinos did their shooting almost exclusively from behind trenches, or from ambushes in the thickets, except that sharpshooters in the treetops were kept busy. The Filipinos wasted a vast quantity of ammunition, but they almost invariably shot too high, so that while the killed and wounded on the American side made a distressingly long list, the escape of the troops from an appalling slaughter, considering the intrenchments evei^ywhere, the junglelike growths of vegetation suit- able for ambushes, and the short range firing from native huts, was almost miraculous. On the side of the rebels the dead had literally fallen in heaps. Tliere were swarms of armed men everywhere in front of the American lines when the fighting began. Tottering old men and little boys, armed only with knives, huddled in the trenches with the native riflemen, and many of these — how many will i)robably never be known — were shot down along with the more formidable warriors. Caloocan became the scene of fighting as the Filipinos were driven farther from the city. On the evening of February 7, Lieutenant A. C. Alford of the Twentieth Kansas infantry and a private of that company were killed and six others of the regiment were wounded while recon- noitering. The party was in a jungle when it was attacked by the enemy. Two companies of the Kansas regiment were sent to the relief of their comrades and drove the Filipinos into Caloocan, penetrating to the very heart of the town. Meanwhile gunboats shelled the suburbs. 328 OUR WAR WITH THE FILIPINOS. General Otis finally recalled the troops, but the natives, niisuiulcr- standiujj the retreat, failed to take advantage of it. The ontskirts of the town were bnrned. Two days later another conllict ocenrred at Calooeaii. (Jeneral MaeArthur's forces lying north of the Pasig river were swnng into the town and ronted the Filipinos after a lively battle Before the men were iu the field, however, shells were thrown from the guns of Admiral Dewey's ships for a full half-hour. The natives were badly demoralized and had lost heavily before the real fighting began. The American land forces were hurried forward at 3:40 in the after- noon and within two hours the enemy were utterly routed and the village was reduced to ashes. Shells from Dewey's Fleet. The next stronghold where the insurgents made a stand was Malabou, out of which place they were driven by the American troops on February 11, setting fire to the town as they retreated. The monitor Monadnock and the cruiser Charleston shelled the insurgent outposts and drove them toward the mountains, while the American columns were advancing. In the attack the American army suffered a loss of two killed and nine wounded; the insurgent loss was heavy. After the retreat of the insurgent forces, ])lans showing a meditated attack upon Manila were discovered. Fighting before Manila was now interrupted for a few days, e.\cept for unimportant skirmishes between outposts of the opposing armies. The American authorities in Manila, however, had quite enough to do to guard the city from threatened uprisings. It was believed at one time that there was a plan to burn the city and many alleged con- spirators were arrested. It was well iintlerstood that the p(H)])]e of the city and the suburban villages were in sjTnpatliy with the insurgents and would take any chance to assist them. On February 14, some of the rebels took possession of t lie houses near the outposts, a skirmish followed and we lost nine men in a Cali- fornia regiment before the enemy were driven out. Then a gunboat shelled the villages and the jungle, driving the Filipinos toward the famous lake, Laguna de I?ay. By this lime the American outposts wen* extended to a position twelve miles beyond the city. Another skirmish occurred on the Tarirjuina road on February IS, in which about twenty OUR WAR WITH THE FILIPINOS. 329 Americans were killed and wounded. A day later word came that the California volunteers had abandoned Guadalupe church, setting it on fire, and retired to San Pedro Macati. The rebels still held the country in the vicinity of Guadalupe, Pasiy and Patero, despite the efforts of the gunboats to dislodge them from the jungle on both sides of the river. The heat was intense and increasing daily, so that the American soldiers were suffering greatly from the weather to which they were not accustomed. There was a daily list of- casualties cabled to the war department by Major-General Otis and the list of killed, wounded, and those dying from disease grew steadily. The Capture of Iloilo. At Iloilo conditions were equally strained, but hostilities had not progressed to such an extent. After weeks of waiting in the harbor, on the morning of Friday, February 10, General Miller sent an ulti- matum to the commander of the Filipinos on shore, notifying him it was his intention to take Iloilo, by force if necessary. Non-combatants and foreigners were warned to leave the town within twenty-four hours. The insurgents were also warned that they must make no further belligerent preparations. The gunboat Petrel was then moved to a position close inshore near the Filipino fort, while the cruiser Boston took up her station at the other end of the town. Friday passed quietly. During the day many refugees left the town of Iloilo. The majority of them were taken on board foreign ships lying in the harbor. Searchlights from the United States warships were kept all night long illuminating the town and its defenses. Filipinos are Driven Back. At 3 o'clock Saturday morning the gunboat Petrel signaled to the craiser Boston that the insurgents were working in their trenches. In return the Petrel was ordered to fire warning shots upon th'e town from her 3-pounders. The enemy responded with a harmless fusil- lade. The Boston and the Petrel then bombarded the trenches, com- pletely clearing them of their occupants in a very short time. Soon after the bombardment began flames broke out simultaneously 3;{0 OUR WAK WITH THE FILIPINOS. in various parts of the town. Tbi'r(mi)ou forty-eight marines, acting as iufautiT and artillery, were landed from the cruiser Boston, and a com- pauy was sent ashore from the gunboat Petrel. These detachments marched straight into the town of Iloilo, and, hoLsting the stars and stripes over the fort, took possession of the place in the name of the United States. The capture of the town and its defenses having been accomplished, the marines and soldiers who had been sent ashore assisted in saving the American, English and German consulates from destruction by the fire, which was raging among the frail and inflammable buildings of the town. The Swiss consul's residence, which was in the same row as the consulates named, was burned. The entire Chinese and native sec- tions of the town were destroyed, but foreign mercantile property escaped with slight damage. There was some desultory firing by the enemy in the outskirts of Iloilo, but not a single American was injured. On February 12, General Miller ordered a reconnoissance in force to ascertain the enemy's position. Between Iloilo and Molo and beyond no hostile forces were encountered, but midway between Iloilo and Jaro a large body of the enemy was encountered, occupying both sides of the road. They met the advance of the American troops with a severe and well directed fire. The Americans deployed and returned the fire with a number of volleys. Supported by the Ilotchkiss aud (iatling guns the enemy was driven through Jaro to the open country beyond. The Americans lost four men slightly wounded, the insurgent loss was severe. Plan a Terrible Revenge. The following proclamation issued from Malolos, the seat of the insurgent government, on February 1.5, shows the feelings that animated Aguinaldo and his advisers as regards the American army: "First. You will so dispose that at S o'clock at night the individiials of the territorial militia at your order will be found united in all of the streets of San Pedro, armed witli their l)nli)s jiiid riMi.lvcrs or g'Mis, and ammunition if i-onvenient. "Second. Philii)pine families only will be respected. They should not be molested, but all other imlividuals, of whatever race they may OUR WAR WITH THE FILIPINOS. 331 be, will be extermiuated without any compassion after the extermina- tion of the armj- of occupation. "Third. , The defenders of the Philippines in your command will attack the guard at Bilibid and liberate the prisoners and 'presidiarios,' and having- accomplished this they will be armed, saying to them: " 'Brothers, we must avenge ourselves on the Americans and exter- minate them, that we may take our revenge for the infamy and treach- ery which they have committed upon us; have no compassion upon them; attack with vigor. All Filipinos en masse will second you. Long live Filipino independence.' "Fourth. The order that will be followed in the attack will be as follows: The shaiiishooters of Tonda and Santa Ana will begin tin' attack from without, and these shots will be the signal for the militia of Troso Binondo, Quiato and Sampaloe to go out into the street and do their duty; those of Pake, Erraita, and Malate, Santa Cruz and San Miguel will not start out until 12 o'clock unless they see that their companions need assistance. "Fifth. The militia of Tonto w^ll start out at 3 o'clock in the morn- ing; if all do their duty our revenge will be complete. Brothers, Europe contemplates us; we know how to die as men, shedding our blood in defense of the liberty of our country. Death to the tyrants. "War without quarter to the false Americans who have deceived us. "Either independence or death." Manila on Fire. On the night of February 22 the insurgents fired the city of Manila. Flames burst forth simultaneously from Santa Cruz, San Nicholas and Tondo, and from these points the tire spread in all directions. While the American soldiers were fighting the flames, retarded as they were by the natives, who cut the tire hose, who shot at the men from dark corners as they stood exposed in the glare, and who started new confla- grations, boatloads of armed insurgents stole down from the north and crept up the swampy creeks of the Vitas district. There they prepai'ed for an attack on the rear of the American troops. They lurked at the edges of the creeks and amid the salt marshes, gathering their forces together from the city and the bay, until they were ready for serious work inside the American lines. 332 OUR WAR WITH THE FILIPINOS. At dawn the signal for the attack was given by the insurgent cannon on tlie nortli opening fire on Caloocan. The American cannon responded promptly and soon silenced the insurgents' guns. In the meantime the Filipinos had issued from the marshes in an effort to break the Ameri- can line. Cien. Hughes, however, attacked them sti-ongly from the city, drawing off such men as he could spare from polltv work auci fire light- ing. Shells from the Monadnock. Outside the city the Filipiuo forces made a couccntrated attack on General MacArthur's front, near Caloocan. This was shortly before noon. The American artillery was brought into play at the first sign of hostilities, and this, with a deadly fire from the rifles, kept the enemy in check. This fighting was plainly visible fi'om the bay, and it became the duty of the signal corps to indicate the positions of bodies of insur- gents to the Mouadnock. The consequence of this maneuver was that the gunners in the twin turrets of the monitor were soon sending 10-inch shells humming clear over the American lines to fall and burst among the Filipinos, who could in no wa}' escape this long-range bombardment. Many of the monitoi-'s shells set fire to the native habitations and to the brushwood, adding greatly to the desolation of the scene for miles around Manila. There were also other fires in the environs, for the insurgents continued to carrj^ out their policy of devastation by fire, even when it could not possibly injure the Americans. After two hours of shelling from the Monadnock the enemy had practically ceased to trouble our force at Caloocan, and hundreds of them lay dead in their tracks. Meanwhile other bands of natives were being fought off at Santa Cruz and San Niccdas. Indeed, they even attemi)tcd to invade the out- skirts of the city itself in the vicinity of the turbulent Toudo district, with its teeming native population. There was everj' indication of a dcsjx'rate uioveiiiciii li.iving been planned to include every conceivable form of annoyance to (lie Ameri- can forces, inside the city and out. It is evident that incendiarism was designed to throw the invaders into confusion, and that if our sqldiers had not been so prompt to meet the emergency an attempt would have been made to capture the city and put the foreign residents to the OUK WAR WITH THE FHJPIXOS. 333 SAvord. The spirited attacks all along the Hue were a part of this scheme. That it failed in its object was due to American generalship and Ameri- can pluck. A considerable force of insurgents had advanced from Balik-Ralik, intending to force their way through our lines and enter Manila during the conflagration. Finding this impossible they remained in hiding around the edges of a clearing in the woods beyond Sau Juan del Monte. On the 24th several companies of the First Wyoming regiment, which guarded that part of the American line, were sent against them, and after a sharp engagement succeeded in forcing them to beat a retreat. The Filipinos left thirty dead among the thickets where they had fought. Enemy Has Dummy Rifles. A surprising discovery was made when insurgents captured on the skirmish line were brought in. It was found that many of them were armed with dummy rifles, there being about three of them to every Mauser. The bluff made by the dummies having been discovered, the secret of the apparently excellent equipment of the insurgents was revealed. It was a source cf wonder to General Otis where arms could have come from. The Consul-General at Hong Kong insisted that he had suppressed the shipping of rifles and ammunition from that port; but armed bodies of insurgents carrying equipment seemingly of the first class were numerous, and it was asserted by the Spaniards that the insurgents were continually receiving guns. Guerrilla warfare was adopted by the Filipinos. With knives concealed they would lie in wait, and slipping out noiselessly, stab Americans in the back. Americans compelled to be on the streets all carried revolvers and ou a number of occasions were compelled to use them against the assassins. The United States transport Scandia, which arrived at Manila with the Twentieth Infantry on the 23rd, was joyously greeted, and no time was lost in getting the troops ashore. Temporary quarters were speed- ily arranged for them, and the men were wild with joy on learning that they had arrived in time to take part in the fighting. 334 OUR WAK WITH THE FHJl'IXOS. A Period of Comparative Quiet. A cessation of hostilities followed these ag};ressive movements on the part of the insurgents, and Manila had a period of comparative quiet. Frequent skirmishes with small bodies of the enemy end in the following order: The Sixth artillery holding the extreme right, the Oregon volunteers head- ing the center, the Washington regiment keeping to the edge of the lake, and the Twenty-second regulars occupying the right of the line, which sw'ept the whole country along the lake, in a southeasterly direction, toward General Ovenshine's position. The line, thus extended over two miles of countrj-, rough and covered with thick jungle, advanced eleven miles. The enemy fled, and were pursued by the American troops fifteen miles down the shores of the lake to San Pedro Tunoaon. During this GENERAL ARTHUR MACARTHUR •GENERAL WILLIAM LAWTON OUR WAR WITH THE FH^Il'INOir;. 345 exciting foot race the Filipinos and Americans burned ten villages, the former aiJplviug- the torch when forced to retreat, and the latter dis- lodging bj' flames persistent guerrillas who fired upon the troops from the windows of houses. The flying brigade, after making this long excursion into the enemy's territory, returned to its former jjosition at Taguig, exhausted by the hard work under a hot sun. The Oregon regiment had one man killed and four wounded, and the Twenty-second regulars one wounded. The official reports gave no fewer than 200 Filipinos killed. The armed tugs Laguna de Bay and Oeste returned to San Fedro Macati on March 18, and reported the results of their tour of the lake. They shelled the town of Morengo, the Filipinos fleeing without making any response to the fire. The Americans landed a party, which de- stroyed a quantity of stores and all the stone buildings, except the church. The expedition then proceeded to Majayjay, where a sugar mill and saw mill were destroyed. On arriving at Santa Cruz, a town of 1,200 inhabitants, it was found that the enemy was strongly intrenched and prepared to defend the posi- tion, assisted bj- two gunboats and several launches. Moreover, the mouth of the river was blocked with rocks and bamboo. A few shells caused an exodus of the citizens, but not of the enemy's troops. The Americans did not attempt a landing. I CHAPTER XX. CAMPAIGNING IN LUZON. The Fighting Contiinios — Burning Native Huts — Many Killed on Both Sides — The Advance on Malolos — Lawton Captures Santa Cruz — Our Men Wade .\shore Under Fire — In the Hands of the Enemy — General Lawton Evacuates the Captured Towns — General Otis' Opin- ion — Revival of Confidence Among the Filipinos. Severe fighting was begun (iu Iho niiii'iiiug of Marcli 25 ndrlheast of Caloocan. Preparatious for the movenient wore elaboi'ute and arranged with the utmost care and foresight. The general formation was: Gen- eral Ilale's brigade in front; behind it were massed the brigades of Gen- erals Harrison Gray Otis and Hall; General Wheatou's brigade was placed in the rear. This force numbered, roughlj- estimated, 12,000 men — about the same as the estimated strengtli of the enemy, who, however, were strongly intrenched in dense jungles, into which our men would have to force their way after crossing a large open space, exposed to the full force of the Filipino fire. The regiments in our line averaged about 800 men each. These regi- ments were the Third Artillery, Montana Volunteers, Pennsylvania Volunteers, Nebraska Volunteers, Wyoming Volunteers, Colorado Vol- unteers, South Dakota Volunteers, Oregon Volunteers, Third Regulars, Fourth Regulars, Seventeenth Regulars, Twenty-second Regulars, Twenty-third Regulars, Utah Artillery, and the Minnesota Volunteers. This force, excepting General Wheaton's brigade, which had been detached from General Lawton's division south of the Pasig river, rep- resented the northern portion of the original semicircular line back of Manila. The advances of the last two weeks had brought it to Caloocan as a center, while the retreat of the enemy had established its center on Novaliches, a short march to the northeast. The loft of our line extended as far north on Manila bay as Malabon, nearly due west of Polo, the objective point of the movement, the design CAMPAIGNINO IN LUZON. 347 beiug to imprison the eneniv there between the hay and our line to the east and north. Tlie effect of this plan of operation was to drive a wedge through the lieart of the insurgent army and effect its complete disorganization by imprisoning nearly half of it between our line, extending at an angle on the south and the northeast, and Manila bay. Our movement began before dawn. Under cover of the darkness the brigades of General H. G. Otis and General Uale left their trenches and made a rapid advance. They came close upon the enemy's first line without being detected. Their vacated positions were immediately oc- cupied by the brigades of General Wheaton and General Hall. At 4 o'clock the advancing force stopped for breakfast. Our camp fires warned the Filipinos and iheir buglers called to arms. This was the signal for our advance to the attack. Between our front and the enemy's first line there was a mile of rough, open country. While we were crossing this, without any sort of shelter, the insurgents were well protected in the edge of the woods, in trenches four feet deep, behind tangles of underbrush. Advance on Double Quick. Our troops advanced on the double quick, yelling fiercely. Occasion- ally they dropped in the grass for an instant, firing by volley, ad(jpting American tactics for the first time. The Filipinos reserved their fire until we were within 1,000 yards of them. Then they suddenly replied to our volleys with a galling fire across the open stretch we were crossing. The enemy's fire was the more galling for the reason that their aim was better than in previous engagements. They fired lower, their bul- lets driving a cloud of dust into the faces of our advancing troops. But the Americans never hesitated. They rushed forward, cheering and continuing their volleys with appalling effect, carrying everything before them. When we were 200 yards distant from the enemy's line they began to break and run for the woods. At short range our volleys mowed down those who still resisted, so that when our men stood in the enemy's outermost position they saw that their further pursuit would be over the bodies of dead and disabled insurgents. At this stage of the engagement the Montana and Kansas troops 34S CAMPAiaNING IN LUZON. made a splcmlid display of military aidur aud skill. The hottest resis- tance of the rebel Hue was offereil to them from an intrenchmeut from which night attacks had greatly worried the Americans of late. The men of Kansas and Montana rei)aid the debt with interest. At G a. m. — ninety minutes after the start — our line had cleared the enemj's front for a distance of three miles to the north. While ( leneral MacArthur's division swung to the left, driving the Filii)inos into the jungle on all .sides, General Hale's brigade swept in a northwesterly flirection. It put the enemy to rout, and burned the town of San Fran- cisco del Monte. Our line was then opposite the enemy's center at Xovalithe. The artillery was advancing rai)idly, there being a good road from Lalonia, its starting point, to the insurgents' central position. Immediately be- hind the artillerj' came the wagons, carrying pontoons, telegraph sup- jdics, and ammunition. The advance of the infantry was in splendid order. In accordance with instructions General Wlieaton's brigade had re- mained in the trenches. This division joined the general movement at noon, but during the forenoon it engaged the enemy between Malabon and the River Tuliahan. The opposition was .strong, but the enemy was forced to retire. While the brigades of Generals Harrison (Jray Otis and Hale were advancing on the .strongly intrenched towns of Novaliches and Polti in the forenoon and capturing Francisco del Monte and Mariquina, they swept the country clear to the water works and the foothills. The American advance was marked by burning huts of the natives. Chinese, leading ambulances and horse litters, brought in our wounded. Among them were a few Filipinos. Among the nine prisoners taken during the forenoon by the Penn- sylvania troops was a giant cajitaiu of the ^lacabebe tribe. He was stark naked and looked a terrible fellow, tho\igh quite cowed. All tin- prisoners were in a state of abject terror. They autiiipated instant exi'cutiou. Capturing the Railroad. Early in the afternoon the forces of General Hale and General Otis cajitured the railroamposed of the 2d Oregon, 22d infantry, l.'Jth Minnesota and 1st Colorado, acted as support. Two guns umler Lieutenant Fleming, two guns under ilajor Young of the Utah battery and one Colt rai)id- fire gun under Lieutenant Davis of the navy, served by jackies from the fleet, were posted on the railroad track looking toward the station at Mahdos. A strong line of insurgent trenches was visible ai mile to the noi-lh of our position, stretching across the railway track.] Al (!:10 o'clock (Jeur'ral MacArthur ordered the artillery to begin.j For iiiilf an hour the guns she]le<1 the ins'irgenl trenches aud threwj ^ CAMPAIGNING IN LUZON. 353 shrapnel iuto Malolos at 3,400 yards. The fire was prdinptly retuructl by the Filipinos, but it speedily died down and theu ceased altogether. One battalion of Nebraska men began to advance on the right across the open plain and the example was followed at once by the Pennsyl- vania and South Dakota troops. In a few minutes a general advance was in progress. It quickly met with sharp resistance on the right. On the left of the railway track the Kansas troops, with Colonel Fun- ston at their head, and with the Montana men and the 3d artillery well up Avith them, moved forward through dense thickets. Uere no tire came from the insurgents. Kansans Swarm into the City. The advance continued cautiously. At 9 o'clock Aguinaldo's head- quarters were observed to be burning. Colonel Funston and his men then drew forward within a quarter of a mile of the citj'. Major Young advanced his pieces and fired two shells into the heart of Malolos with- out obtaining any response. Then Colonel Funston started on a dead run for the insurgent head- quarters with a small detachment cf long-legged Kansans yelling at his heels. Several scattering shots met them, but these did no damage and did not even check the headlong dash of Funston and his men. The American troops rushed into the main square of the city. There they came upon a scene of great confusion. Many buildings were on fire and sending up great columns of smoke. Only the Chinese inhabi- tants remained and they were in a state of extreme terror. The troops soon garrisoned the city in proper style. They found no insurgents within its borders, as all were fleeing to the north. Lawton Captures Santa Cruz. An army of 1,500 men, under General Henry W. Lawton, left Manila on the nigiit of April 9 with the object of capturing Santa Cruz, the Filipinos' stronghold on the eastern shore of the lake. The expedition consisted of 200 picked sharpshooters, chosen from various regiments Hawthorne's mountain battery. Gale's squadron, three troops of the 4th cavalry, unmounted, with Bronko's and Tappan's battalions of the a34 CAMPAIGXIXG IX LCZOX. 14th infantry, Linck's battalion of the 1st Idaho infantry and Fraino's battalion of the l.st North Dakota infantry. The ilolilla of twenty canoes, towed by tugs and convoyed by the gunboats Lajiuna ay, Oeste and Rapidan, and jirtKi'ded by tlie launch containing (leneral Lawton, started from 8an I'edro Macati, on the Kiver l*asif life. Cleneral Lawton, desiring to make an inspection and to give the CAMPAIGNING EST LUZON. 355 inhabitants an opportunity to snn'cnder, went on board the Lagnna de Bay, and steamed .slo\Yly to the dock, the whole fleet watching anxiouslj-. When it was discovered by the glasses that the trenches and stone build- ings were swarming with white-clad soldiers tiie boat withdrew, receiv- ing volleys from the trenches thrown up on the marsiiy plain north of the city. The flotilla anchored in compact formation for (lie night, ready to re- sist any surprises from the gunboats supposed to be in the lake. At sunrise the following day the assault commenced. The American line south of the city stretched two. miles inland, and with its left sweep- ing the shore it moved north, while the Fourth cavalrymen on the point advanced toward the city, pouring volleys upon the trenches. Simul- taneously the gunboats hovered along the shore, shelling the woods ahead of the troops and driving the Filipinos inland. The Gatlings cleared several trenches. The whole brigade was divided into squads of twelve and the fighting was carried on in the old-time frontier fashion, from behind trees, crawl- ing through bushes or rushing across the open. The trenches that were not cleared by the gunboats gave considerable resistance w^hen the line was nearing the city, and the Laguna de Bay and Oeste bombarded for an hour in thehoi>e of making them too warm for occupancy, but did not succeed in clearing them entirely. General Lawton, with the Fourteenth Infantry Battalions, ap- proached a narrow iron bridge across a creek on the south border of the town. Here a company of Filipinos was intrenched across the stream and behind a stone barricade at the entrance to the bridge. The Ameri- cans rushed foi-ward in single file, in the face of a galling fire, demol- ished the barricade with their hands and drove the enemy from the trenches, killing a dozen. The Filipino soldiers in the town, secreted in various buildings and firing from the windows, gave the invaders an interesting hour. There was a regiilar nest of them in the stone jail, which is hedged in by a wall. This was a veritable pepper pot. The Americans, singly or in pairs, en- tered the houses, and many warriors were taken prisoners. A considerable body of Filipinos fled northward, crossing the open marshes, but the Gatlings poured upon them a deadly hail until they disappeared in the woods, slaying dozens. Major Weisenberger de- ployed the shai-pshooters along the shore, and they crept steadily for- 356 CAMPAIGNING IX LUZON. ward, aiding the Gatlings. Finally a large body was sent against the enemy, driving tliein toward the mountains. Lawton Makes Use of the Palace. General Lawton established iK-aihiuartcrs at the elegant palace of the Governor, and a guard was ininuMiiately phucd in the church, as the sacred edifices are always the first arly on the morning o( CAMPAIGNING IN LUZON. 357 April 11. The enemy made a carefullj planned attack on Mac-Arthur's men, wlio had been guarding the railroad line between Malolos and Manila. Shortly after midnight signal rockets were displayed along the foothills west of the railroad. The attack began immediately. While there was fighting all along the railroad line, the Filipinos had massed their men at two points — Bocave and Marihio. The fighting was sharp and quick. Five American soldiers v'ere killed and fourteen wounded. Before the Filii)inos were repulsed they succeeded in cutting the telegraph wires in several places between Bocave and Marilao. They also tore up part of the railroad track. As day broke the insurgents retreated to tlie foothills. In the Enemy's Trap. On April 12 Admiral Dewey sent the Yorktown to Baler, on the east coast of Luzon, for the purpose of rescuing and bringing away the Spanish forces, consisting of eighty soldiers, three officers and two priests, who were surrounded by 400 Filipinos. The Yorktown, on arriving off Baler, sent up the river a boat containing fifteen men, under command of Lieutenant J. C Gillmore. On April LS Admiral Dewey cabled the War Department at Wash- ington, that Lieutenant Gillmore and his crcAV had been ambushed, fired upon and captured, and that their fate at that time was unknown. On April 20 Correspondent McCuteheon cabled as follows: "I inteniewed Admiral Dewey today as to whether he intended to send an expedition to Baler to punish the insurgents for the killing or capturing of Lieutenant Gillmore and the sailors from the Y^orktown. "The Admiral's answer came quickly and decisively. 'Of course,' he said. Then he added that the plans for the expedition to Baler still were incomplete, but that he intended to send an expedition there which would not only release the Spanish garrison, but which would punish the insurgents thoroughly for the treatment they had accorded Lieu- tenant Gillmore and the men of the Y^orktown. "Admiral Dewey would not say what he believed had been the fate of Gillmore and the sailors. He said he supposed they had been either killed or captured. It could easily be seen from his manner that he believes the American sailors are dead. It is probable that the punitive expedition will start within a few days. 358 CAMPAIGNING IN LUZON. "During the interview Admiral DeAvey talked of the expedition to IJaler, whiih is on the east toast of Luzon, lie said the Yorktowu was dispatrlu'd to Baler on a mission of mercy to rescue forty Spanish sailors and three priests, who were belea<^uered in a church. On arriving at llaler Lieutenants (Jillmore and Standley took fourteen sailors in a steam launch to make soundings. The lauuch was armed with a machine gun. "Lieutenant Standley lauded aud asceuded a hill to recouuuiter, and the launch disappeared behind a bend in the river, continuing the soundings. Presently Standley heard a volley of musketry. Three more volleys followed, and then loud cheering. Ue did not hear the machine gun lire at all. He tried to get to the scene of the fighting, but could not locate the launch. Over the brow of the hill he could see a church in the distance. A Spanish Hag was floating over it. Not being able to see or hear more of the Americans in the launch, he retuiTied to the Yorktown. A scouting party was immediately sent out from the cruiser. "For two days a search was continued for the missing men. Not a trace could be found of them. Then t lie Yorktown ret urned to Manila aud reported their disappearance. "Admiral Dewey is unable to exjdain the fate of the party. He said he supposed they had been captured or killed either by insurgents or Spaniards. He could not say which. "I also secured an interview with (Jeneral Itios, wlio was ignorant of the fate of Lieutenant (Jillmore and his companions. He was greatly surjjrised that tiie Americans should have been attacked. (Jeneral Uios told me that last January he had tried to notify the garrison at IJaler that the Spanish-American war was endei(lin<;- this fire, received a cross-fire from another band of in- surgents who had intrenched theni>elves on a steep hill. Onr troops were divided into sijuads of five men and .sent up tlie hill to take these trenches. They encountered a deadly fire. In one squad only one man escaped without wounds. Finally the artillery and the guns of the liudads were brought to bear on the stronghold of the insurgents, and after one hour's shelling the Filipinos were driven back. (ieneral Lawton continued his march northward along the load be- tween the hills and the lake, with the gunboats Rapidan and Laguna de Bay abreast of his army. Tlie troops crossed the Paghaujan and con- centrated at l^ambun, at the mouth of the river. After leaving two companies of the Fourteenth Kegiment to guard the entrance of the river the troops marched to Longas and found it deserted. Furniture which had bcnm droppeased and sent outside our lines with bundles of iiroclaniaf ions to ractical arts, by the enlargement of intercourse with foreign nations, the expansion of industrial pursuits, by trade and com- merce, by the multiplication and improvement of means of internal communication and by the development of the great natural resources of the archipelago. "Unfortunately these pure aims and purposes of the American gov- ernment and people have been misinterpreted to some of the inhabitants of certain islands, and in consequence the friendly American forces, without provocation or cause, have been openly attacked. Why these hostilities? What do the best Filipinos desire? Can it be more than the United States is ready to give? They say they are patriots and want liberty." The commission emphatically asserted that it was w-illing and anxious to establish an enlightened system of government, under which the people might enjoy the largest measure of home rule and the am- plest liberty consonant with the supreme purpose of the United States. The proclamation then said there could be no real conflict between American sovereignty and the rights and liberties of the Filipinos, for America was ready to furnish armies and navies and all the infinite resources of a gi'eat and powerful nation to maintain its rightful su- premacy over the islands; so it was even more solicitous to spread peace and happiness among the people and g-uarantee them rightful freedom, to protect their just privileges and immunities, to accustom them to free self-government in ever-increasing measure and to encourage those democratic aspirations, sentiments and ideals which are the promise and potency of fruitful national development. In conclusion the proclamation announced that the commission would visit the Philippine provinces to ascertain the enlightened native opinion as to the forms of government adapted to the people conform- able with their traditions and ideals. It invited the leading, representa- tive men to meet the commission and declared the policy of the United •MG TUE I'EACE COMMISSION MEETS HOSTILITY. States in the establishment and maintenance of the government was to ronsuit the wishes and secure the advice and co-operatictn of the people. Intentions of the United States. The proclamation contained ideveu ai'ticles, declaring America's in- lent ions as follows: "1. The supremacy of the United States must and will be enforced throughout everj' part of the archipelago. Those who resist can accom- plish nothing except their own ruin. "2. The amplest libertj- of self-government will be granted which is reconcilable with just, stable, effective and economical administration and compatible with the sovereign rights and obligations of tlic United States. "3. The civil rights of the Filipinos will be guaranteed and j)ro- tected, their religious freedom will be assured, and all will have equal standing before the law. "4. Honor, justice and friendshii> forbid the exploitation of the people of the islands. The purpose of the American government is the welfare and advancement of the Philippine people. ".■». The United States government gimrantees an honest and elVeci- ive civil service, in which to the fullest extent prarti(al)le natives sliall be employeii. "(». The collection and application of taxes and otlier revenues will be put upon a sound, honest and economical basis. The public funds, raised justly and collected honestly, will be ap])lied only to defraying the jirojx'r exi)enses of the establishment and the maintenaiu'e of the I'hilip]tine government and such general improvements as jjublic in- terests demand. Local funds collected for local jiurposes shall not be diverted to other ends. With such prudent and honest fiscal adminis- tration it is believed the needs of the government will in a short time become compatible with a considerable reduction in taxation. "7. The establishment of a pure, speedy and effective administrali(ui of justice, by which the evils of delay, corruption and exploitation will be effectively eradicated. "8. The construction of ro;i