The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-07-31
THE UNCERTAINTY AT MANILA.

When the war with Spain broke out COM
paratively few people had more than a
very vague idea about the Philippine ISL
ands. There is reason to believe that the
government did not at first contemplate any
movement against that portion of SPAIN
possessions. But events over which the
United States had no control forced the
Philippines upon US. Admiral Dewey was
at Hong-Kong with his squadron neutral
port controlled by Great Britain He was
ordered to leave under the British con-
struction of the laws of neutrality. He
could not have reached San Francisco with
his supply of coal. He was forced to go to
Manila, whether Spanish squadron were
there or not. He found the enemys squad
ron there and destroyed it. The situation
was such that we could not then abandon
it; indeed, 1t was decided, with the approval
of the country, to make the conquest of the
Philippines. General Merritt was selected
to command the army and to be military
governor. 1t was at first given out that
only 10000 men would be sent, so unimpor-
tant an affair was the conquest of the
Philippines regarded. When General Mer-
rift set forth that 10000 men were needed
for the work most people were certain that
he was magnifying his position.
If General Merritt and his army could
have been at the Philippines full month
ago, 1t is possible that he: could have taken
the principal island without difficulty. But
the situation has changed. Dictator Aguin-
aldo, when Admiral Dewey occupied the
waters about Manila, had started one Of
those periodical revolutions which seem to
have been a reliable source of revenue to
paid him a part of large amount, which
was his price for peace, if not for loyalty
The dictator, who appears to be a shrewd
rascal, made friends with Admiral Dewey
and revived his revolution, pushing It with
great energy. Natives focked to his stand
ard, and, with arms furnished, in part by
the United States, he pressed the Spaniards
with vigor and success
For some time 1t has been suspected that
his professed friendship for the United
States would be. thrown aside when it
should appear that it was to his advantage
to do so. Such has been the opinion of those
whom the correspondent of the Journal at
Manila came in contact with weeks ago. He
has been suspected for quite time, but the
latest intelligence is that he is now openly
defiant With the position his army occupies
and its considerable number, he is able to
interfere with our plans for the capture of
Manila. While it is scarcely possible that he
will join the Spanish, he may be disposed
to resist our efforts to capture the city and
occupy the country. Indeed, that fear is ex-
pressed in the latest advices. 1t is intimated
that we shall need much larger army in
Manila to defeat dictator who has de-
clared for such an independence for the
Philippines as the Cubans have been fight
ing for for years.
Just now the situation at Manila appears
to be so critical that further advces will
be awaited with anxiety. Thus have two
unexpected events caused solicitude re-
garding the war which does not exist re-
garding Cuba, namely, the forcing of Ad-
miral Dewey to Manila by the British au-
thorities and the appearance as a formid-
able opponent of a young man to whom
Spain has paid money to quiet revolts
raised by himself.