The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1898-07-20
SITUATION
IN MANILA.
Insurgent Leaders Interview
With Captaln.General.

Manila, July 13, via Hong Kong.
July 18 An important interview has
jost been held between Gen. Aguin-
aldo's secretary, Legarda, and a prom
inent native white man. aud the Span
isb commander. Capt Gen. Augustiu.
The insurgents representatives urged
Gen. Augustin to surrender the city.
asserting that $4,000 insurgents sur
rounded Manila aud we're able to enter
it at any moment. Thus far, they
added, the insurgents had been re-
strained With difficulty, but if the
Spaniards continued stubborn, the re-
suit would be that the insurgents
would be compelled to lombard and
storm the city with the inevitable
slaughter, unparalleled in history, be-
cause in the excitement of battle they
canuos discriminate"
Continuing, the captain generals
visitors advised him to disregard the
officials 6csions regarding alleged
Spanish victories ia Cuba and rein
forcemenss coming to the Philippine
islands, and proposed a reconciliation
between the Spauiards and the Phil
ippines, under republican flag, and
joint endeavor to persuade the Amer
leans to abandon hostilities in the
Philippine islands Finally, the repre-.
seuta:ives of the insurgents proposed
an appeal to the powers to recognize
the independence Of the Philippine
islands.
The captain general replied that be
must fight, however, hopeless, the Span
ish cause.
Legarda then returned to Cavite,
taking with bin the native, who is
paroled prisoner.
The natives inside the city say they
received, a fortnight age, concerted
signal TO prepare for storming the walls
A second signal; fixing the date Of the
assault, has rot YET been issued, and
they are tired Of waiting and losing
faith 10 Aguinaldo The latter, it is
alleged, finds it extremely diff cult to
capture the town forti6cations. His
previous successes, it is pointed out,
we're easy. because Of the nature of the
country which suited his skirmisbers.
1t is further alleged that the principal
points captured by the insurgents we're
obtained possession Of through tEeach-
Grey.
The insurgents are bringing artillery
around by sea from Malabou, which is
tedious and troublesome work. They
are also obtaining detailed reports Of
the condition of affairs from the inside
of the city.
Admiral Dewey is establishing a
N ore strict blockade, lest it be invali-
dated by permitting nsutrals to visit
Cavise and Malabop, aud send and re-
ceive enclosed surrsptitious Spanish
dispatched. He has threatened to sta
ton wa.ships opposite the city. which
might precipitate hostiiities, as the
Spanish officers declare they will Ger
tainly Ere oa any American within
range regardless of the consequence.
The second instalmeut of American
troops is expected here daily. aud the
last detachment are booked to arrive
here early 10 August Probably mill
tary operations will be deferred until
the September dry season, when it is
cooler, and possibly then bloodsbed
may be unnecessary.
a Spanish steamer, the FiliipiHas,
has just been brought 10 here 10 the
baods Of the Insurgents 1t appears
that she was on the northern coast aud
escaping to China with a oetive crew
on board when the latter revolted, kill
ed the Spanish and brought the vessel
to Csvlte
The Spaniards are daily employing
convicts TO fell trees and burn huts ou
the outskirts of tie town. Fusillsdes
cou,ioue but otherwise the position is
uuchanged The stock Of -four is prac-
ticaIiy exhausted, but the supplies of
rice ADD Buffalo meat will last for
months longer.