The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-08-28

The Philippine rebellion IS stif in prog
fess. The public might forget that
state of war exists on the islands but
Tor the Spanish authorities at Manila
Periodically there is telegraphed TO the
spanish consul at Hongkong the thrill
ing announcement that the valiant sons
of Spain have won another series OF VIC
tories. IL Is amusing 10 note the deilsht
of the Spaniards when their troops
capture" a village. 1t may be some
miserable little place, wholly undefend-
cd hut when IL falls" there Is reJolc-
ing lust the same as II victory quite
sufficient TO break the backbone OF the
Insurrection had been won.
The rebels are taking things easy.
They have suffered a number OF de-
feats of some Importance during the
mast few months. But the engagements
have not been as important by any
means or the rebel loss of life as serl-
Gus as the Spanish authorities would
lead the world to believe.
The insurgents are acting on the ue-
tensive. They appear to be In excellent
spirits and entirely confident OF hnal
success. even I'm the face Of dozen re-
verses during the past two months.
The insurgents feel that their cause Is
a righteous one and that as such IL
must win. Their secret agents in Hong
Kong--and they have many-say sehu-
nent in favor of the rebels is constantly
increasing. II is evident the rebels IN
,end 10 take things easy, hoping TO wear
the government out
The expense of the rebellion TO the
Spanish government must be al least
5000 900 a day. and it Is the opinion or
the rebel leaders that this severe strain
cannot be endured very long. Ii Is
also the opinion of the rebel leaders
shat the hot sunshine and the severe
rains, which come alternately during
the rainy season. have told severely on
the Spanish soldiers. most Of whom are
young and undeveloped lads, many Of
them conscripts direct from the plow
who are wholly unfamiliar with a cli-
mate that is particularly severe on
strangers. The natives are quite at
nome during the rainy season and seem
40 prosper even in the lowlands and
swamps.
The fighting has been confined wholly
20 Luzan, the severest engagement be-
ing In Cavite province. IL Is impossible
20 give detailed figures as TO the strength
OF either force. The Spaniards have been
getting re-enforcements right along.
They claim to have $1,000 men under
arms in the Philippines. There was
.ome talk about $4,000 rebels being In
the field, with arms that were good. bad
and Indifferent, but these figures are
exaggerations without doubt. There
are probably 2U.UU0 spantsh soldiers in
the islands and perhaps nearly that
number of insurgents under arms.
II the insurgents had money and could
get arms. IL would not be three months
before $4,000 natives would be in open
vevolt.
When the rebellion broke out a year
ago, General Blanco was governor gem
eral and commander in chief. General
Blanco was not aggressive enough to
satisfy a good many. particularly the
clericals, and sentiment was created
against him not only in Manila, but in
Madrid. He was recalled soon after the
famous ''b1acK hO1e' nOTrOr, early in
the winter season. 1t was evident from
Blanco's demeanor that he was con-
WINGED that the rebels had grievances
serious and numerous enough to call for
respectful consideration on the part OF
the Spanish authorities at Madrid
This rather conciliatory attitude very
greatly displeased the archbishop, and
General Blanco was denounced as who'll
ly incompetent. He was succeeded by
General Polavieja. whose rule of five or
six months was characterized by cruel
ties calculated TO strengthen the cause
of the insurrectionists. 1t was during