The San Francisco call., 1898-07-09
SERIOUS NEWS FROM MANILA
SENSATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS
 EXPECTED.
Rumors of Contemplated Step by Germany That Might Precipi- tate General Euro
 pean War.
Special Dispatch to The Call.

WASHINGTON July 8.-The Even ing Star has a copyrighted London ca ble which says:
 Developments of high international import may be expected in the Philip pines within the next few weeks. h. formation reaches me to-day from high London diplomatic quarter that the unprecedented action of Germany in marshaling her whole Eastern squadron at Manila is the prelude to decisive steps.
 My informant, who cannot we'll be misinformed. says that the decision has already been arrived at in Berlin to occupy one of the Philippine Islands as coaling station in the far East, which the Kaiser said recently was vital to Germany's position as a great power. further decision as to exactly which island shall be occupied and the ex- act day of the occupation awaits Prince Henry's arrival at Manila, whither he is now ho"rd, but at most it will be only a question of weeks
 My subsequent inquiries in other well informed quarters indicate that Germany's creation of coaling station at the Philippines is confidently ex- pected in German diplomatic quarters.
 NEW YORK, July S.-The Herald's Washington correspondent telegraphs:
 The latest report from London to the effect that Germany is preparing to seize one of the Philippines as coaling station is not credited here, as 1t Is not believed Germany is desirous of bring ing about a rupture with the United States. If such action should be taken a rupture could hardly be avoided, as occupation of any one of the Philip pine Islands by third power at this time, with or without the consent of Spain, could not but be regarded as an act of hostility toward the United States. Not only would Germany by such action be in danger of bringing about war with the United States but there would be grave danger of precipi- tating a general European war.
 HONGKONG, July S.--A dispatch from Manila under date of July 4 says that Admiral Dewey will remain in- active until General Merritt arrives. The rebels are practically doing noth- ing, but the Spaniards are strengthen ing their position, destroying huts and woods and constructing intrench- ments. The authorities have enacted a
 
 shall raise the prices of provisions. The Spaniards assert that, despite the loss of the water works, there will be no water famine during the rainy season.
 CAVITE, P. l., July 4 (via Hong kong, July S).-Floods in the country districts are hindering the advance of the American troops. Rear Admiral Dewey has given notice that he will not allow any more refugees to be removed from Manila on board ship. The Ger man cruiser Cormorant left here to-day for Iloio, where the British gunboats Piggy and Rattler are in the harbor.
 CHICAGO, July S.-A special cable to the Chicago Record from it's corre- spondent, John T. McCutcheon, who is with Admiral Dewey's fleet at Manila Bay, dated July (via Hongkong), says:
 The American troops under General Andersen, which have reached the Phil fppines, are now comfortably quartered in the Spanish military barracks at Ca vite, and are busy preparing for active service against the Spanish. Their health continues good.
 The insurgents control the city water works and have cut off the supply from that source, but as this is the rainy sea- son and there Is a cloudburSt every day, the SpaniardS do not suffer from lack of water. A more serious matter for them at present is that the insurgents have captured San Juan del Monte, few miles to the rear of the city, which had been fitted up with old cannon and a supply of ammunition and provisions to serve as the last stronghold of the Spanish Government after the forces should be driven out of Manila by the bcmbardment of the American war ships.
 ROME, July S.-The Pololo Romano says the Italian Government has or dered the third class cruisers Piemento and Degali to proceed to the Philip pine Islands.