The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-07-22
He Sends a DeputatiOn
to Augusti.
DEMANDING SURRENDER


s.S
Manila, July 3. Via Hong Kong,
July 1s.-An important interview has
just been held between General Aguin-
aldo's SECRETARY, Legarda, a prominent
native white man, and the Spanish
commander. Captain General Augusti.
The insurgent representatives urged
Genral Augusti 10 surrender the city,
asserting that $4,000 insurgents sur
rounded Manila and were able TO en-
ter il any moment. Thus far. they
added, the insurgents had been re-
strained with difficulty but IL the Span
iards continued stubborn, the result
would be hat the insurgens would b.
compelled TO lombard and storm the
city with he inevitable slaughter. un-
paralleled in history. because in h ex-
element of battle they cannot dis
eliminate"
Continuing, the captain generals
visitors advised him TO disregard the
official fctions regarding alleged
Spanish victories in Cuba and rein
forcements coming to the Philippine
islands. and proposed a reconciliation
between the ~Spaniards and the Phil
ippines, under a republican flag. and
Americans to abandon hostilities in the
a joint endeavor to pursuade the
Philippine islands. Finally the repre-
sentatives of the insurgents proposed
IN appeal TO the powers To recognize
the independence of the Philippine is
lands.
The captain General replied that he
must fight, however hopeless the Span
ish cause.
Legarda then turned to Cavite. TAX
ing with him the native who is a
paroled prisoner.
The natives inside the city say they
received, a fortnight ago, "A concerted
signal to prepare for storming the
walls. A second signal, fixing the
date Of the assault, has not yet been
issued and they are tired of waiting
and are losing faith in A~guinaldo. The
latter, it is alleged, finds it extremely
Difficult to capture the town fortifica-
tiOns. His previous successes, IL is
pointed out, were easy because OF the
nature of the country, which suited his
skirmishers. 1t is further alleged
that the principal points captured by
the insurgents were obtained posses
sions through treachery.
The insurgents are now bringing ar
tillery around by sea from Malabon,
which is tedious and troublesome
work. They are also obtaining de-
o. ia ~n.Dt- 90 a.. IN Fas-e frop, tho
inside of the city.
Admiral Dewey is establishing a
strict blockade, lest it be invalidated
by permitting neutrals to visit Cavite
and Malabon, n SEND and receive
mails enclosing surrepitlous Spanish
dispatches. He has threatened to
station warships opposite the city,
which might precipitate hostilities. as
the Spanish officers declare they will
certainly fire on any America within
range, regardless Of the consequence.
A Spanish steamer, the Philippians,
has just been bought in here in the
hands Of the insurgents. 1t appears
that she was on the northern and
escaping to China with a native crew
on board when the latter revolted,
killed the Spanish officers n brought
the vessel to Cavite.
The Spaniards are daily employing
| convicts to fell trees and burn huts on
the outskirts Of the town. Fusillades
continue; but otherwise the position
is unchanged. The stock OF flour Ia
practically exhausted, but the supplies
of rice and buffalo meat will last for
months longer.