The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-12-21

Manila, Dec IL. via San Francisco,
Dec. 20.--It is reported on reliable
authority that the Filipinos are impos-
Ing burdens on commerce within the
very walls of Manila. For instance, a
per capita tax is levied on every pas
senger who IL foolish enough to accede
to the demands on the ferry across the
bay to Cavite. Collectors stand at the
gates of all the large factories on pay
day and mulct the employees according
to their salaries as they leave OF
course that affects only the FilipinOs.
but il tends to show that the insur-
gents can and are doing pretty much
a. they like in spite Of the authori-
ties.
Their troops are for the most part
amenable to reason. Some of them
who are quartered I'm the suburbs pre-
sumed to exercise their authority. but
after Aguinaldo had summoned Pho De-
Pillar and one or two other turbulent
spirits to Malolos and kept them under
his immediate supervision there was no
further trouble. They still surround
the city. but at such a distance as to
no longer be a menace to the peace or
safety of the suburban residents OF
Manila.
The Nos Espanola, a rabd anti
American paper, has been suppressed
by the authorities and its editor ar
rested for printing libelous articles.
The Dario de Manila, which was
founded in 1S49. has suspended publi-
cation, and two Spanish newspapers,
the Oceania Espana and Commerce,
II is expected daily will follow suit.
On the other hand, half a dozen Fill
ipino papers are in circulation and any
number of American publications.
FIRST PAPER.
The Manila Times. an evening paper,
was the first newspaper in the field,
Its first issue being the 12th inst. Two
days later The American, a morning
newspaper, which asserts that it has
the only Associated Press news in the
east, appeared. Then came The Free
dom, tri-weekly: Uncle Sam and sew
eral more weeklies.
What with the uncertainty as IA
the future disposition of the islands
and the state Of affairs existing out
side the city of Manila, which are
the bounds of American jurisdiction
business in the Philippines is in almost
as bad condition as ii was six months
ago. From May 10 until the surren-
der of Manila, on Aug. 81, last, the only
means of communication between this
city and other ports in the Philippines
was entirely cut off, since all coastine
vessels were under the Spanish flag and
had to tie up during the blockade.
With the advent of the American army
of occupation il was hoped that trade
would be resumed almost Immediately
but in spite of the fact that arrange
ments have been made by the Ameri-
can and Spanish authorities toward
that end, the fact remains that the
inter-island trade, which in time OF
peace amounted annually to more than
$500 O00, 900, has dwindled down to less
than one-fifth of it's normal volume.
The largest import firms have enOr-
nous stocks but cannot dispose OF
them for the reason that COmmunica-
ton inland is blocked by the insur-
gents, and also because buyers ara
holding off in the belief that the pro-
posed change in the tariff will be Il
their advantage. Exporters have moth.
ing to export because the hemp grow
ing provinces are up in arms against
the Spaniards. and both sugar and to-
bacco plantations are idle for the same
cause. 4 few shipments of hemp haVi
r. been made. but the insurgents collect.
ed heavy duty on it in the southern
provinces and taxed the vessels carry.
ing it tonnage duties in addition to the
ratio.