New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-04-19
IN INDEMNITY SUIT COMPROMISED.
THE SPANISH GOVERNMENT HoNoRs THOMAS

THE SPANISH GOVERNMENT HONORS THOMAS
+. COLLINS'S CLAIM FOR DAMAGES.
Ex-Judge Henry W. Leonard, counsel for Thomas F.
Collins in his claim for 100000 indemnity against
the spanish Government, for losses sustained while
resident in Manila, Philippine Islands, has received
word from the State Department at Washington that
tho claim had been compromised for sum not yet
made public, but thought to be about 100000. Mr..
Leonard said that he anticipated further trouble in
the longdrawnOut suit, and looked for speedy pay
ment of the sum agreed upon.
The claim for indemnity grew out Of the spolaton Of
timber lands belonging to Mr. Collins, in the Island Of
Luzon, of the Philippine group Mr.. Collins was
lumber merchant in Philadelphia. but on the close Of
the Civil War he won't to Manila, and engaged ex-
tensvely in the ivory wood trade shipping large quap
titles OF that commodity to the United States and
China In 1871 he went into partnership with Mr.
Clark also of Philadelphia, who owned large tract Of
land in the island of LuZOn, which covered with
this valuable wood. Having large contract with the
Chinese Government, Mr.. Collins went to another
island, called Tabas, and began cutting wood there
leaving Mr.. Clark In charge Of the LuzOn tract
Mr.. Collins soon found that his interests conHcted
with those of priest, Padre Fede Moreno, who also
dealing extensively in this timber. The priest
endeavored to the supernendency of the Tabas
island tract for himself and offered Clark inducements
to dissolve partnership with Collins, and turn the
superintendency himself. AS Clark refused to
do this, the priest made things uncomfortable for
the American that Clark finally sold out his interest
to Collins, and returned to America in disgust
While Collins in Manila chartering vessels and
securing contracts for ivory wood, the priest and q
notorious Spanish outlaw, Barcelo, securing the
pianoe the authorities it is said, by bribes
stole the Americans plant for cutting timber together
with 900 feet Of cut and squared timber, all his
household furniture, boats, buifaoes and supplies.
Collins brought the before the courts but the local
authorities delayed the proceedings until the priest
and brgand had without any attempt at cOnceament,
made away with every stick Of timber the American
possessed in the Philippine Islands
Collins protested against these outrages, but
mBtreated and thrown into prison. When released
determined to leave the Islands, but the Spanish
authorities informed him that they would not give him
the necessary passports until he had paid $4,000
damages. on his refusing to pay this, they burned his
house his head with all his household effects.
The American Consul at Manila Mr.. Roberts, APP
pealed to- and investigating the case papers
forwarded to Washington, and claim Of 100000 in
demnity brought against the Spanish Govern ment.
Mr. Blaine ordered the United states Minister at Ma
drd to make thorough Investigation Of the case, and
the results OF the inquiry showed that Conss rights
TO life liberty and property had been shamellly out
ragged.