New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-08-11
TAKING BATANGAS AND LIPA.
HOW PHILIPPINE INSURGENTS CAPT
TIRED TOWNS IN COFFEE-RAIS-
ING DISTRICTS
ING DISTRICTS.
JRY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.


Cavi,e Manila Bay. July .. via Victcria B. c..
Aug. 10-Reports Of the overrunning Of the
rrovince of Eatangas by the troops of Aguinado
are slowly reaching headquarters and they
show that while the city of Batangas fell with
out struggle there was a prolonged and
bloody contest about the city Of Lipa, perhaps
the richest coffee centre in the island Of Luzon.
I,ipa was attacked first. and the Spanish garri-
son offered a stout resistance The rebels
fought their way TO the city. and then dug
series OF trenches in commanding positions. The
investment Of the place lasted for ten days. dur
ing which the fire from the trenches swept the
city.
The Spaniards took refuge behind the walls
OF churches and other well-built structures. but
were forced out by hunger Their food supply
was cut off, and eyewitness in describing
the scenes says that the Spaniards kept to their
fortifca;ions during daylight. but at night
came out like jackals and wandered about in
search Of food and water. They ate decayed
fruit and the crusts that they found in kitchens.
and drank rain water from the cutters
The rebels kept up fire both day and night.
and IN the end the Spaniards were forced to
surrender. Lpa was looted at once. and when
the victorious insurgents marched into Batangas
ignorant natives offered diamonds gold and
silver jewelry and other vauabes at absurdy
low prices. Lipa boasts OF prettier homes than
Manila and but little escaped the horde that
sacked the town
AGUINALDOS SUCCESSFUL TRICK
The pent-up desire for revenge against a ira
ditonal enemy and natural instinct for free
booting given full sway.
Batangas was taken largely by strategy on
the part of the rebel leaders simultaneously
dya1 Of he
steamer Ruusan, given to Aguinaido by
WEALTHY insurgent came steaming into the har-
bor The crew had lined her decks with heavy
bamboo fashioned ike guns. and although she
had nothing heavier than Mauser aboard the
effect was the same
The Spanish feared a bombardment and has
tlly raised white flag. The surrender Of Ba-
tangas and the capture of Lipa gave the in
eurgents GOO prisoners. nearly one thousand
rifles. several field pieces, q large amount Of
stores and complete control Of the rich and
populous province OF Batangas.
Most Of the rifles and ammunition were sent
TO Cavite but 1t decided TO keep the pris
oners at home. The latter could he guarded
more readily and fed with greater ease than at
Cavite
With the complete triumph Of the insurgent
arms. ali Of the troops that could be spared
were dispatched to other provinces.
In the zenith Of the trade days Lipa made an
annual expectation Of coffee TO the value OF
100000 But two years ago a pest attacked
and killed most Of the plants Recently
ond insect. that IL is hoped will kill the first.
brought from Brazil. and the growers are pre-
pairing to replant- Lipa has long been noted as
a coffee centre. and at time boosted
fifty thousand inhabitants.
TOWN DESTROYED BY VOLCANO.
II was originally founded in 1906 but has been
moved twice and twice rebuilt. The original
town was located on the shores Of Lake Bomban.
but was totally wiped out by an eruption OF
Taa volcano in 1851. The site was then moved
to a place called Paninsinguin. but there was a
scarcity Of water and the town was soon moved
10 the present site. which is seventeen miles
from Batangas.
The temperature is exceptionally cool. the city
being high above the level of the sea- but It is
not a healthy place. 1t is very damp. and severs
and malaria prevalent The dampness is
ascr1bed to the presence existence OF the
coffee plantations.
The most attractive structures stone
viaduct crossing a deep ravne north Of the
town and the Roman Catholic Church and con-
vent. Up TO the close Of the eighteenth cen
fury the Lipa district a great wheat pro-
ducer. but none is raised The district
grows a small amount Of sugar
Batangas. although the capital OF the prov
ince. the home OF the principal officials. and the
set OF justice, is not as important place as
Ppa. or other cities OF the province. l. is poorly
located. has miserable water. and half dozen
very severe fires have further marred H. 1t is
fairly well built. and there several sugar
mills near II. The insurgents have restored par
tial order to Lipa and Batangas, but trade has
suffered immensely.
Sugar, coffee, cOpra and oil can be bought far
below their market value. and local business is
still at a standstill. 1t will take force OF
American troops 10 finally restore order