Evening journal., 1898-11-19
REBELS HOLD PANAY.
whole Island Outside of IIonO In
Insurgent Hands.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19.-News of a
mixed character came to the navy de-
partment yesterday from Admiral Dew
ey touching the situation in the Phil
ippines. The admiral sent two of his
warships the Charleston and the Con-
cord some time ago to the southwark
from Manila to ascertain whether there
was truth in the reports that the insur-
gents have extended their activities in
that direction. Yesterday he cabled as
follows:
Charleston and Concord arrived
from Iloilo. Glass reports that the en-
tire island of Panay is in possession of
insurgents except Iloilo, which is de-
Tended by 500 Spanish troops. All for
eign citizens there beg for American
protection. The island of Negros has
declared independence and desires
American protectorate."
Glass is the commander OF the
Charleston. So far nothing has been
done by the administration toward
curbing the insurgents in their opera
tions save verbal representations from
the American commanders to Agui-
naldo, in which it has been pointed out
to him that it would be good policy in
view of the probability Of the annexa-
ton of the islands TO the United States,
to pursue a course that would not be
obnoxious to the United States. But
the situation Is now realized to be crit,
ical. So far as the Spaniards are con-
cerned, perhaps they can be left to
take care OF themselves, but the for
eign residents at IloilO are differently
regarded. The difficulty in the situa-
ton is that with the best intentions to
E T.. nd
other foreigners and to save the city
OF noilo. the second in Importance in
the Philippine group, from looting the
United States forces appear to be estop-
ped under the rules Of war from NOV
ing from their positions. Such is the
construction placed upon the clause in
the protocol relating to a suspension Of
hostilities.
The immediate effect of this state Of
affairs may be to hasten action in the
Paris conference for It is only by the
q termination of that tribunal that the
United states can come to the relief Of
the beleaguered Spaniards at Iloilo and
at other points.
1t is said to be a fact. however. that
q total disagreement at Paris may re-
suit in speedier action than il the COM
missioners agreed upon the main prin-
ciples of the Philippine cession, for IN
such case several additional sessions
probably would be required i'm order TO
arrange the details of the treaty.
It is now thought to be certain that
the commission at a meeting next Mon
day or Tuesday will do one of two
things-i. e.. either agree TO the cession
of the Philippines or note a disagree
ment and dissolve the meeting, for the
administration is not disposed to toler-
ate further delay and has so instructed
the United States commissioners. The
latter sent long cablcgram yesterday
in cipher. The deciphering occup ed The
entire official day. and meantime there
were wild rumors touching the nature
of its contents. As a matter OF fact IL
was nothing more than an extremely
verbose statement of the Spanish side
Of the case relating to the Philippines.
There was a renewal Of the attempt to
take issue with the American oonten-
ton as to the meaning Of the protocol
clause relative to the disposition of the
Philippines and much Quibbling, accom-
panied by quotations from French
Spanish and other European languages
in the effort to demonstrate to Amer
leans just what an English word might
mean. The latter win take no notice OF
this kind Of hair splitting plea. but al
to-day's meeting will call on the Span
ish commissioners to make answer tC
the American proposition TO cede the
philippines. probably allowing until
Monday or Tuesday only for a final and
responsive answer on that point.