The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1898-06-16

Americas Display of Force Likely to
Stimulate the Development of its
Trade With the Countries of the
Orient-Increased Trade as Well as
Respect for Uncle Sam Will Grow
Out of His Showing His Fighting
Stock.
Especial Correspondence Baltimore Sun. }
Shanghai, China, May 3. Amid
the rumors which l have been able
to trace to reliable source are a
number which relate to the patriotic
conduct of United States Consul Will
liams, of Manila. When that gentle
man received official notification of
the impending state of belligerency
he visited the American shipping in
port to urge and hasten it's departure.
He then gave warning to the Ameri-
them, unable to wind up their affairs
at so short notice, preferred taking
up their residence on neutral vessels
in port.
The Spanish governor maintained,
to the last moment that there would
be no war and urged MIR. Williams to
remain. But the consul had business
elsewhere. He had secured splendid
maps of Manila and its harbors and
was anxious to place them in the
hands Of Commodore Dewey. The
British consul assumed charge of
American interests and Mr.. Williams
left. The friendly feeling of the
English is manifest wherever l have
been; you would think that they con-
slider our cause as their own.
When the story of misrule, OPP
preston and wanton cruelty of Span
ish sovereignty comes to be told,
every American will feel proud of
his share in putting an end to it..
Only few weeks ago, last month, in
fact, the Spanish forces bombarded
Cebu, the third city of the Philip
pines. The island of Cebu produces
enormous quantities of hemp and
sugar and contains much mineral
wealth. Only recently company
was formed, with a capital of 81 ,6oo,-
600, to develop the oil and coal fields
there The cause of the lombard
ment, it is alleged, was that the
friars had taken forcible possession of
valuable lands belonging to the ma
tives. They did not dispossess the
owners, but allowed them to occupy
their own property upon payment of
an exorbitant rent. The owners OBJ
InntoA orA fhn ao11ant.,,r of
rents proceeded under difficulties,
aided by the authorities.
The sugar crops, seized by a collector,
were fired, and troops were called
upon to aid the law.
There was not the slightest OPP
position when the Spanish landed :;
the rebels decamped, after helping
themselves to 100000 in hard cash,
and the Spanish proceeded to show
their courage and chivalry by pour
ing in hot fire upon non-combat-
ants. The peace-loving Chinese resi-
dents paid the bill. About thirty of
these inoffensive people were killed,
but the Spanish heroes took great
care not to interfere with houses pro-
tected by foreign flag. This ac-
true in every particular, ar
CUES for the cry, s'Down with Span
ish rule in the Pacifc!'
Our dear friends and allies, the
rebels of the Philippines, are for the
most part as great scoundrels as
their late masters and will bear a
deal of watching. Pa
triotism is word of which they do
not know the meaning.
Japan has declared neutrality and
is prepared to enforce it. The de-
cree is rather vigorous and remark
able, because foreign residents are
mentioned. 1t seems that
in this proclamation Japan has not
forgotten Spain's efforts to prevent
the acquisition of Formosa after the
war with China. At all events, Mar
quis Ito does not favor any little
scheme which Spain is
said to nurse. Here is the preamble
to the official notifications:
"War having unfortunately broken
out between Spain and the United
States, we cause the following regu-
lations as to neutrality to be issued,
with a desire to maintain the peace
and friendship at present existing
between this empire and the two
countries above named. Our sub
jects of this empire and all persons
who are in the dominion Of this en-
pire should observe strict neutrality,
in accordance with the principles Of
law and with these
until the war is ended.
Offenders will not only be denied the
protection of this empire against the
actions of belligerent countries, but
will be punished according to the
provisions of law in the courts of the
empire"
The proclamation then enumerates
the several regulations, and says, re-
ferring to privateers:
"No privateers are allowed to
enter the dominion of this empire un-
less they are compelled to enter on
account of rough weather or want OF
material necessary for navigation or
of unseaworthiness but they must al
once leave a port when such obstacle
ceases"
Coal and other necessaries may be
procured, but only in such quantities
las are necessary for navigation to
reach the nearest harbor of either OF
the belligerent countries" Since
Seattle, our nearest harbor, is 4.20O
miles from Yokohama, our ships
should have, no difficulty in securing
needed supplies.
The attitude of the United States
government in forcibly taking Spain
to task is exerting an incredible
influence upon affairs in the fai
East. There is not little appre.
hension in certain quarters that
this new factor may combine with
Great Britain. The immediate con
sequence, now plainly perceptible. il
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