The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1898-08-06

An American newspaper correspon-
dent, writing from the Philippines,
gives an interesting description of the
islands and their natives and cites
some OF the causes that have led up TO
the revolution. Speaking Of the sit
uation he says that Admiral Dewey Is
in complete command, and, continuing
says:
Communication with the shore Is
easy, thanks 10 the permission OF the
admiral who has shown most remark
able powers Of administration under
anomalous circumstances. 1t must be
understood that Spanish rule still pre-
walls, and that there are about $4,000
troops in the capital. 1t Is said that
the government has enrolled about
100000 volunteers, but this, take Il, is
brag. II would mean that IL had reen-
forced the insurgents with that mum
Der OF men.
Here, then, is Dewey, with his small
squadron, not only oyerawing the
heavy odds of Spanish troops, but in
possession OF the harbor and prevent
ing the arrival Of supplies. Hunger, or
rather famine, will render any man
desperate, but, although there is some
stealing and robbery, yet the city is
kept in remarkably good order, but
only on account OF Dewey's presence.
1t is, however, not safe for stranger
TO perambulate the almost deserted
streets, and more dangerous, of course,
to 60 openly as an American CORE
spondent. Letters Of introduction
from Shanghai friends TO an old and
wealthy German resident left the inn
preston that am here i'm the interest
of German paper, and have taken
excellent care not 10 destroy that illu-
sion. The consequence is that the
Spanish officers 10 whom ] have been
introduced talked with freedom.
A walk through the business part OF
the city has depressing influence.
The Plaza del Padre Morago and the
Rosario are deserted save for the
staggering, ierce-loohng Spanish
officer, who has not yet realized that
Othello's occupation is gone. These
officers, one and all, are convinced that
Europe will interfere 20 prevent the
despoiling of Spain They talk of kin
mention the absolute certainty OF Ger
man Intervention. 1T is all nonsense,
of course, the attitude Of England is
such thatno European power will dare
obstruct Admiral Dewey's measures.
only mention the tenor Of these con-
versations 10 show that all self-reli-
ance OF the Spaniards is utterly gone.
| doubt very much il cur troops will
have to fight, Notwithstanding the fact
that the very existence OF the Span
iards Is NJ stake There is no ghost of
doubt that every inhabitant Of Ma
Mia, excepting those who boast Of be-
ing born in Spain, is an insurgent or q
sympathizer with the insurrection.
These people will not talk 10 me, being
suspicious Of the company frequent,
but | can readily account for the
hatred prevailing against all that is
Spanish.
Native PHILIPPINES, residing in Mad
rid, expressed their grievances in an
address to the Spanish people. II con
tains extracts from the Philippine
budget for the last administrative year
1s06-07) and enumeratcs the follow
ing crying complaints Quoting from
the budget IL states that the Philippine
treasury pays Il heavy contribution TO
the general expenses OF the govern
ment at Madrid; pays pensions TO Duke
de Vnragua (our guest dnring the CO.
lumbar exhibition) and 20 the mar
ouis OF Bedmar, besides those OF the
sultans and native chiefs Of the Islands
of Sulu and Mindanao; il provides for
the entire cost OF the Spanish con-
sulates at Picking, Toxic, Hong Kong.
Singapore, Saigon, Yokohama and Mel
bourne; for the staff and material OF
the minister OF the colonies, including
the purely ornamental council OF the
Philippines; the expenses OF support
ing the colony of Fernando Pc, in
Africa, and all the pensions and retir-
ing allowances Of the civil and military
employees who have served in the Phil
ippnes, amounting to the sum Of ST.
10000 year.
What n mich cow these islands have
been TO the Spaniards! What n host
of ignorant, idle hidalgos have fat
tened upon huge sums diverted from
the unfortunate workers.
And what has Spain done in return?
The document from which translate
this states the facts with scathing
bluntness: "More than Sl1000,00O is
the amount consigned in the Philip
pine budget for that year, but not
penny is allowed for public works,
highways, bridger, or public buildings,
and only $4,000 for scientific studies,
indispensable repairs, rivers and ca
nails, while the amount set apart for
religious purposes and clergy amounts
to nearly 81, 100000. This sum does not
include the amounts paid TO the clergy
for baptisms, marriages, sale OF i'm
dulgences, papal bulls and scapularies'
which exceed the government allow
ances. The magnificent sum of S4O.-
900 is set apart MS a subyention TO rail
way companies and new projects OF