The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-10-02

pointed, as they fully expected to loot tne
city. The natives would say TO US while
we were in camp: Filipino, Americana,
Amego,' which means Philippines. Ameri-
cans, friends No wthey accuse US or De
ing friends to the Spaniards. but II is not
the custom of American soldiers 10 ROB
civ and xiii the soldiers which II captures.
The Spaniards were only too glad TO sur
render. but were afraid that we would per
nit the natives to rush in and butcher
them Ike so many cattle.
THE prevailing races of these Islands.
of which there are 1900 In an. Luzon being
the largest and principal one are the Ma
laws. Chinese, savage tribes and compare
lively few Spaniards IN Manila, a city Of
about 800 600, are found a large number Of
Germans and English. The town IS in two
divisions, or what is known as old and Few
Manila Old Manila IS surrounded by
wall, about % 70 &c feet in height and %
feet thick. making II very strongly forth
fed The natives who live in the city and
vicinity are much more intelligent than
those living IN the interior. They ali dress
the same Women wear a short, low
necked waist and a kind of skirt that
reaches about 20 the knee. Some of the
men wear shirts and some do not. bat
those who 90 always wear them outside
their pants. Nearly all go baretooted.
| Some few OF the better class wear a kind
of shoe with a wooden sole and a strip of
leather over the toes to hold il on the
foot Women never wear hats. All are
cigarette smokers even down to the child
Of 2 IL years II is very disgusting to see
this tolerated, especially among women
and children. They do not seem to know
what rnodesty or decency IS. 1t shows
poor advance in civilization for Spain. who
has had full control Of these Islands since
1929. although they have been her posses
sions since 1850.
The soil of these islands is very fertile,
and vegetable growth is often gigantic
The principal Industries are agriculture,
mining and grazing. The products are
hemp, sugar. coffee, tobacco, indigo, teak.
ebony. fruits and spices Minerals are
gold, coal, iron, copper and vermillion.
.aThe exports for 1896 were So 900, 900; i'm
ports So, 800 900.
There are seventy miles Of railroad and
72O miles of telegraph The principal cities
are Manila, Cavite, slioilo. The revenue to
Spain for 1896 was sl3 go, 900, while SPANS
| expenditures were SIS. go 900.
THE prevailing religion Is Roman Cath
! Ole. Education Is Of little importance and
| the greater per cent can neither read nor
write, Their principal wants are freedom
! from taxation, schools. roads and harbors.
! The climate is varied. From November
! TO March It is fresh and cool; from March
to June sitting heat. The mean tempera-
ture is about Y degrees. There are two
seasons, rainy. which lasts from July to
October, and dry the rest Of the year. AT
present we are enjoying. II you wish to
call 1t so, the rainy season. 1t rains
nearly every day. and sometimes the en-
tire day, making 1t very disagreeable, es-
pecially when one is stading guard.
at Is strange that there is not more
sickness among the soldiers than there Is.
There is none to speak Of in our regiment.
IAN the talk now is. when will we start
home We are all sick of this place and
are very anxious to set our foot on Uncle
Sans soil again. I hope the United States
will only demand a coalng station here
because If we attempt to hold these islands
then our troubles will begin, for all that
these natives know Is to fight and rise up
in rebellion against their country. Nc
doubt but they have been oppressed very
severely by Spain, but they are hard to
civilize.
"WeIl. I have only given you brief de-
scription. It is almost impossible to write
about all the important things, as it would
occupy my entire time, and when you are
working for Uncle Sam you have to work
at odd times for yourself. I hope, though
this will interest you somewhat. / hope
it win not be long before can once more
enjoy the congenial spirit Of Muivane so
ciety.
This leaves me well and enjoying my
self the best I can. I remain yours sin
cerely, A. L. PHILLIPS.
Co H. Tenth Regiment Pennsylvania Vol
eco H, Tenth Regiment Pennsylvania Vol
unteers, Manila. Philippine Islands"
Anybody May Buy Cheap Tickets
October Sth to 18th. inclusive. over Wanda
lia-Pennsylvania Snort Lines to Pittsburt
account Knights Templar Conclave. Fo
particulars communicate with w. F
Drummer. A. C. P. Agt., St. Louis.