The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-12-20
AMERICAN MORNING PAPER
With Associated Press Service Start
ed in Manila

Manila Dec. 20.-What with the IN
certainty as to the future disposition of
the islands and the state of affairs ex-
listing outside of the limits of the city
of Manila, which are the bounds of
American Jurisdiction, business in the
Philippines is in almost as bad con-
dition today as it was six months ago.
From May LIST until the surrender of
Manila, on August 81 last, the only
means of communication between this
city and the other ports in the Philip
pines was entirely cut off, since all
coasting steamers were under the Span
ish flag and had to lie up during the
blockade. With the advent of the Amer
lean army of occupation it was hoped
that trade would be resumed almost i'm
mediately; but in spite of the fact that
arrangements have been made between
the American and the Spanish authOri-
ties towards the end, the 1acC remains
that the interisland trade, which in time
of peace amounted annually to over
five hundred millions of dollars has
dwindIed down to less than One-fifth
of its normal volume.
The largest import firms have enor-
nous stocks, but can not dispose of
them for the reason that cOmmunica-
ton inland is blocked by the insur-
gents, and also because buyers are hold
ing off in the belief that the proposed
change in the tariff will be to their ad-
vantage. Exporters have nothing to
export, because the hemp growing pro-
vinces are up in arms against the Span
iards, and both sugar and tobacco plan
A few shipments of hemp have been
made, but the insurgents collected
heavy duty on it in the southern pro-
Vinces and taxed the vessels carrying
it tonnage dues in addition thereto. In
deed, it is stated on reliable authority
that the rebels are imposing burdens on
commerce within the very walls of Ma
Mia. For instance, a per capita tax IS
LEVIED upon every passenger who is
foolish enough to accede to the demand.
upon the ferry across the bay to Ca
Vite. Then, again, collectors stand at
the gates of all the big factories on pay
day and mulct the employees, according
to their salaries as they leave or
course, this only affects the FilipinOs.
but it tends to show that the rebels can
and are doing pretty much as they like
in spite of the authorities.
So far as their troops are concerned.
they are for the most part, amenable
to reason. Some of them who are quar-
tered in the suburbs presumed to eXer-
else their authority but after AguinaldO
had summoned Pho De Pillar and one or
two other turbulent SPIRITS to MalOloS
and kept them under his immediate
supervision, there was no further trou-
BILE.
They still surround the city, but at
such distance as to no longer be a
menace to the peace or safety of the
suburban residents of Manila.
The Vose Espaanolo a rabid anti
American paper, has been suppressed
by the authorities and its editor arrest
ed for printing HbelOus articles The
Diario de Manila, which was founded in
1S49 has suspended publication and two
others. the Oceania Espana and Com
mercio are daily expected to follow
suit.
on the other hand half a dozen Fill
pinO papers are in circulation mere ana
any number of American publications.
The Manila Times, an evening daily,
was the first newspaper in the field, its
first issue being on the 18th instant,
Two days later, the American, a morn
ing paper which claims to have the only
Associated Press news in the east ap
peared. Then came Freedom, tri-week
": Uncle Sam, and several more week
lies. all of which appear to be doing
fairly well.