The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-07-31

Defenders of Manila Realize They
VIII Receive No Aid from Home.


VIII Receive No Aid from Home.
MANILA, July 25. via Hong Kong, July 30.
The Spaniards are gradually realizing that
Spain has not been victorious, that the ex-
pected reinforcements are not coming and
that the contest is utterly hopeless. The
insurgents are in overwhelming numbers
and the Spaniards can only obtain the bare
necessaries of life. Only fortnight ago
Spanish national pride was rampant; but it
is merging into indignation at spain's
feebleness and regret that they were born
Spaniards. While they will never surrender
without a fight, the Spanish officers will
jump at the first honorable opportunity to
surrender. They fear national disgrace too
much TO give in without fight.
The fighting in the suburbs is desultory
and the Americans are idle. This has given
rise to a report that they have determined
to suspend operations until September and
by that time peace will probably be con-
cluded Then, it is asserted here, the Amer
leans may permanently annex the Caroline
islands and the Ladrone islands and possi-
bly, abandon the Philippines, with the ex-
ception of keeping a coaling station here.
Although the insurgents have redoubled
their efforts they have hitherto been unable
to capture the citadel. On the other hand
the Spaniards are not able to re-establish
their suzerainty. Under the circumstances
it seems evident that somebody must inter-
vene in the name of humanity. Some insur-
gent shells have been thrown into the cita-
DEL but they do not appear to have done
much damage. The natives are reported to
be starving by thousands and the Euro
peans are also hard pressed for food.
Conversation with a considerable number
of natives has failed to disclose the exist
ence of any perceptible anti-American feel
ing among the Philippines. These. people
are apparently satisfied to accept annexa-
ton to the United States. Their principal
desire is for peaceful existence with the
minimum of trouble. They. however earn
estly wish the abolition of oppression Incl
dent to Spanish official rapacity and the
tyranny of the religious bodies. The natives
have no objection to the church apart from
the order OF Friars. The Philippines are
scarcely interested in any particular form
of government, but only desire to be left
alone.
The rebels who recently captured Caloo-
can shelled the Spanish blockhouse at Mai,
pago. where, after having smashed the
Spanish cannon, they stormed the place
and bayoneted twenty Spaniards.
German officials here explain that the
landing of food at Manila recently was
merely a trife and was for the relief of Ger
man residents. 1t has now been decided to
discontinue this mode of aiding the subjects
of Germany at Manila.
General Merritt assumed command of the
American forces Immediately after he had
reported to Admiral Dewey. He has estab-
lished headquarters at the Cavite arsenal
The Newport was escorted to an anchorage
near the cruiser Charleston by the gunboat
Concord, the crews of the vessels of the
American fleet giving her rousing vel
come. AT the close OF his official visit to
the Olympia. Admiral Deweys flagship.
General Merritt was ofIicialIy recognized BY
a salute OF thirteen guns.
untii he shall have reeeiyed the reports