The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-09-20
FEAR RETURN OF SPANISH RULE.
That Alone Is What Holds the Insurgents
Together.

London, September 2O.-The Manila
correspondent Of the Times says:
1.-THE insurgents, urged by constant
rumors Of the intention of America to re-
establish Spanish rule in the Aronlpela-
go, continue actively recruiting thelr
army. Hundreds from Manila are en-
listing daily and troops are being drilled
everywhere. Great diligence is exhibited
in initiating the American formation and
manual, particularly in volley nring.
The entrenchments in certain positions
are being strengthened and Vigllant
line of piokets Is kept outslde Gne suDuros.
At the same time. the attlIude OF the In.
surgents is much more friendly IMAM IL
was before the evacuation.
"Several thousand rifles have recently
been landed and four new Maxlms have
also been received. The provincial leaders
are paying into the insurgent treasury
certain portion of the FUNDS captured
from convents processing to reserve the
remainder for the pay OF thell troops: 6P
this means they keep practically lnde-
pendent of the central authority, presery-
ing the integrity of their own command.
A general occupying one rich province.
sent to Agunaldo $50. 1000 in cash in the
last week.
"The agitation among the insurgents is
stimulated by the clerical party, which
uses every effort to influence the natives
against American occupation. Evidences
10 this effect is absolutely trustworthy.
although Archbishop Dosal and other
proninent ecclesiastics sbrenuously deny
all knowledge Of such action and solemn
" disclaim personal participation In 10.
"6trikes in all industries are becoming
more extensive daily and the labor ques.
irf onk nd Tho a mari
cans unwisely continue to pay nearly
three times the usual wages, causing dis
content to spread rapidly In every class OF
workmen. All manufacturers are much
hampered, the tramways are frequently
stopped and railway operations are
seriously crippled, and discontinuance
of the service is threatened. The strikers
naturally drift into the insurgent ranks
and consequently labor disturbances are
not discouraged by the leaders.
'sThe news from Washington that the
battleships Oregon and Iowa have been
ordered here and that 1000 tons of coal
would be shipped Immediately Is inter-
preted by the Americans AS proof OF the
Intention of the government to hold the
island of Luzon.
Nothing important Is reported from
the insurgent congress, which holds
sessions daily at Malolos. The chief ele-
ment of..cohesion is confessedly the fear of
the return of Spanish domination. Ii the
insurgents should receive reasonable as
surances of permanent foreign occupa-
ton, 1 believe the disintegration of The
revolutionary government would be
speedy and complete.
"1he Spanish prisoners are now
vigorously confined within the limits Of
the walled town. There is much over
crowding in the small area. and 1t is i'm
possible in the crowded quarters, in the
absence of proper appliances, to improve
the present unsatisfactory sanitary con-
ditions. The urgent necessity for re-
moving the prisoners is fully recognized
by the authorities, but no remedy Is in
sight and the health Of the American
troops and the prisoners is seriously
threatened. Nearly ten per cent of the
former are already on the sick list"