The herald., 1898-10-30

MANILA, Philippine Islands, Sept. 10
Especial Correspondence to lhe Herald
Aside from the fact that armed soldiers
patrol the streets in place OF the munlclpal
police, one would hardly detect the exist
ence of military law, and would find hard
work in discovering that the town Is a
prize of war; for business goes on IN ITS
regular course, the American officers and
soldiers 20 unarmed when not ON duty, and
Spanish and Americans are apparently on
the best of terms, and i'll some cases show
signs of friendship vergng on intimacy.
OF course, occasionally one Will catch
black look from one of the swarthy soldiers,
but it is rare, indeed, and one VIII also
hear hard remarks by an American against
the Spaniards, but those i'll power on both
sides discountenance such exhibitions. and
they are rapidly growing less frequent
lnsurgent officers and men are allowed
the freedom of the city if they enter without
arms. and it is a common sight to see at one
table in restaurant or cafe three or four
insurgent officers at another like number
of Spaniards. and at still another some
Americans, or You may even see all three at
the same table, conversng upon the proba-
BILE result of the Paris conference.-the late
struggle seems to be a tabooed subject-and
various other topics of the time.
UNITED STATES UPPER HAND
The better class of both insurgents and
Spanish seem to recognize the fact that the
United States has the upper hand and are
willing to do all they can to help, or at least
do nothing to interfere with the government
of the place by our military authorities
There is, however, much bitter feeling be
tween the lower class insurgents and the
Spanish The insurgents still feel that they
owe the Spaniards one, and are ANXIOUS to
settle the account. The Spaniards, on the
other hand. are prone to think that we would
not have had such an easy time OF it had il
not been for the help of Aguinaldo and his
followers, and undoubtedly they are right.
for the continual trouble between the ma
tives and the former holders OF the islands
certainly had the effect of undermining the
health of many of the Spanish soldiers.
From conversations with educated Fill
pinos, | gather that the leaders would be
perfectly satisfied with an American pro
.ectorate or colonial form of government for
some years to come. They all hope for
home government in the future. preferably
republic but recognize the fact that at
present the mass of the natives are Incapable
If sef-government. and the formation of
republic now would only retard develop
nent.
Under American supervision they look for
increased educational facilities and the en-
lar9ement of trade and commercial lines
and all hope for the time when they NAV
l
or form free country and add a new flag to
the worlds national emblems.
The educated classes admit that there is
/ certain element that wishes for immediate
Independence, but claim that it is only a
very small minority and could be easily CON
rolled.
TRADE CONDITIONS
The advent of the American troops has
not materially increased the trade of some
Of the merchants, but those carrying mems
furnishing goods. the tailors and others of
/ similar nature, are simply overrun with
business. There is also quite IA business in
souvenirs. but nearly every one seems to
be deferring their purchases in this line till
such time as they know the disposition of
the islands.
Food articles are much cheaper than for
the first few days of American occupation,
as many merchantmen and tramp ships are
now coming in loaded with supplies, but liv-
ing is still comparatively high. Under
normal conditions actual expenses here
should be light, for even now one can get
an excellent meal for the equivalent of 50
cents in American money, and restaurant
and hotc-keepers are unanimous IN saying
that prices now are &c to 100 per cent great
or than before the war broke out.
A good, wide-awake aniee could make
money in almost any line OF business here,
for all the stores are conducted in a kind
of slip-shop manner, and an American is
worth two Spaniards and half dozen ma
tves, so far capabiity for work goes, and