The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1898-09-20
IS AFTER GEBU ISLAND.
Germany Said to Be Ready to Seize
One of the Philippines for
Its Coal Deposits.
PACIFIC SQUADRON TO Be REINFORCED.
The Government Fears No Trouble In
the Solution of the Philippine
Battleships Oregon and Iowa Start
Within a Week.

New York, Sept. l9.-A special to
the Herald from Washington says:
AS an indication that Germany has
been scheming to share in the dis
position of the Philippines, the au-
thorities have heard that, acting un-
der instructions from Berlin, the Ger
man commander in chief of the Ash
attic station has made an exhaustive
investigation of the coal deposits of
the islands.
He was assisted by German en-
gineer who has been temporarily as
signed to his squadron for the spec
cial purpose of locating coal.
That engineer conducted a thor
ough investigation, and his report,
which has been submitted to the Ber-
lin government through Vice Admiral
Won Diedrich, shows that the best
Ignite deposits are located on the
island of Cebu, one of the Visayas
group.
This information has been received
from one of the representatives of
this government in Germany and has
been considered of sufficient impor-
lance to be presented to the peace
commissioners for their considera-
ton.
Officials who We're interviewed re-
garding the matter admit that there
can be only one object which would
lead the Berlin government to direct
such an investigation-the desire to
extend German jurisdiction over the
island which has the largest beds of
coal best adapted for steaming pur-
poses.
Such an island is Cebu, reports which
have been received showing that lig-
mite of good quality is found there in
large quantities. Germany would find
Cebu exceedingly valuable as coaling
station, as it would not necessitate
the establishment of coal pile at
Kiao-Chou, which she recently OBJ
tanned.
Aware of Germany's proceedings,
the authorities are taking precautions
to prevent the contamination of any
new plan which will enable them to
reach fruition. The Berlin govern
ment, by the reduction of it's fleet in
Manila bay, gave an indication of its
desire to remain on friendly terms
with this government.
While regretting the maintenance of
such large force at Manila, no pro-
test was made by this government, and
the action of Germany in reducing its
naval force was entirely voluntary.
The report made by the German en-
gineer explains to the officials why the
German vessels were steaming among
the islands.
1t is no longer secret that Ger
many is the only nation from which
the government apprehends trouble in
the settlement of the Philippine cues
ton, and it was to avert the commit
ment of an overt act that the rresi-
dent determined to so strengthen Rear
Admiral Dewey''s command as to make
it the superior of the German fleet in
Asiatic waters.
The battleships Oregon and Iowa
will start for Manila via Cape Horn
and Honolulu next Saturday or Sum
day, by which time it is expected all
repairs will have been made and the
fleet of Golfers Will be in readiness.
Leaves of absence have been given to
the officers until the latter part of the
week, but no extensions will be given.
it being desired to get the ships away
without delay.