The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-12-20
Der of deaths which have occurred in pri-

ber of deaths which have occurred in pri-
vate houses throughout the city.
What with the uncertainty as to the
future disposition of the islands and the
state of affairs existing 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 condition
as it was six months ago. From May
until the surrender of Manila, on Aug 81
last the only means of communication be-
tween this city and the other ports in the
Philippines was entirely cut off, since all
coasting steamers were under the Spanish
flag and had to tie up during the blockade.
With the advent of the American army of
occupation II was hoped that trade would
be resumed almost Immediately, but in
spite of the fact that arrangements have
been made between the American and Span
ish authorities towards that end, the fact
remains that the ntersand trade which,
in time of peace, amounted annually to over
$50O,OOoOOO, has dwinded down to less than
one-fifth of its normal volume.
The largest import firms have enormous
stocks. but cannot dispose of them for the
reason that communication inland is blocked
by the insurgents and also because buyers
are holding off in the belief that the pro-
posed change in the tariff will be to their ad-
vantage. Exporters have nothing to export
because the hemp-growing provinces are up
in arms against the Spaniards and both
sugar and tobacco plantations are idle for
the same cause A few shipments of hemp
have been made, but the insurgents coll
lected heavy duty on it in the southern prov
inces and taxed the vessels carrying it ton
mage duties in addition thereto. Indeed. 1t is
stated on reliable authority that the rebels
are imposing burdens on commerce within
the very walls of Manila. For instance a
per capita tax is levied on every passenger
who is foolish enough to accede to the de-
mand upon the ferry across the bay to
Cavite Then again, collectors stand at the
gates of all the big factories on pay day
and mulct employees, according to their sal
aries, as they leave. OF course this only af-
fects the FfMpinos, 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 the Filipino troops are con-
cerned they are for the most part amen
able to reason. Some of them who are quar-
tered i'll the suburbs presumed to exercise
their authority but after Agulnaldo had
summoned Pho Depilar and ole or two other
turbulent spirits to Malolos and kept them
uHueI MS SupeINlSlOi lneTe was
no further trouble. They still surround the
city, but at such a distance as to no longer
be menace to the peace or safety of the
suburban residents of Manila. The Vos Es-
pamela, rabid anti-American paper, has
been suppressed by the authorities and it's
editor arrested for printing libelous articles.
The Diario de Manila, which was founded
in 1S49, has suspended publication, and two
Ofh Ho
clio, are daily expected to follow suit On
the other hand, half dozen Filipino pa
pers are in circulation and 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
inst 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-weekly,
Uncle Sam and several more weekles, all of
which appear to be doing fairly well.