Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-03-18

KNOW NOTHING OF THE SYM
PATHIES OF THE NATIVES.
AMERICANS INTO A BAD PIECE
OF BUSINESS.
Hong Kong, March 1.-THE follow
ing general review of the situation is
from a correspondent of the Associated
Press at Manila and has evidently not
been subjected to censorship:
The most remarkable feature of the
situation is the inability of the Amer
leans and residents to estimate the
numbers, resources and plans of the
Filipinos. Prominent generals think
that two or three disastrous battles
will break their spirit and make them
sue for terms. A majority of the Eng
lish and other residents are of the
opinion that the determination of the
Tagalos is the only guarantee of peace,
that they can easily be whipped if they
give battle, but that they will dodge
meeting with the Americans in force.
Some people think they will risk bat
ties at Malabon and Paranaque, where
they are strongly entrenched, and that
if they are defeated they will resume
bushwhacking as long as any of them
are left.
United States Consul Williams says:
81 don't expect to live to see the end
of the war" The rebels shift about so
much that it is impossible to estimate
their numbers.
The correspondent questioned sever
al generals as to the number of the
rebels and the replies ranged from 90
600 to 100000. The estimates of the
quantity of arms possessed by the reb-
els are equally uncertain. The best
authorities say 100000 Large sections
of the armed natives are ignorant of
the use of their weapons.
Through and beyond the American
lines are rice fields, cane and brush.
The rebels are familiar with every
inch of it and it affords
FL Re HIDING PLACES.
The residents say the Tagalos are
unanimously rebels and they predict
the Americans will be resisted at Min
doro and Mindanao and that they will
be obliged to subdue them.
The extent of the support which the
other Luzon tribes are giving Aguin-
aldo is mystery. 1t is known that
several regiments were under arms be-
fore the outbreak, but the majority of
them are supposed to be jealous of
the Tagalos, who are reported to be
treating the other tribes in the fashion
of the Spaniards, dominating the ISL
and and holding all the Offices.
Reports from the rebels are to the
effect that the recent tactics of the
Americans in retiring to their estab-
lished lines after pursuing makes the
rebels think they are winning victor
les.
The Oriental character is so decep
tive that the residents of Manila are
ignorant as to whether their own ser
wants sympathize with the rebels or
not. 1t is known that rebel organ
ization exists in the city, and the evil
dence is growing that there was a
widespread plot to assassinate the
Americans, the signal being the com
mencement of hostilities. The SER
wants were instructed to kill their en-
pIoyers, but they were terrorized by
the vengeance dealt out to offenders
and they weakened. Every Tagalo
would have cut his employers throat
If he dared, at least this is a current
saying.
The faithlessness of the natives is IL
Illustrated by the action of the commits
soners who came here to offer the allie
glance of the island of Negroes. 1t Is now
known that they were in friendly COM
munication with Aguinaldo while here.
The rebels have been re-supplied with
ammunition and are
USING SMOKELESS POWDER.
Nearly every house here displays a for
eign flag for protection, whether it is en-
titled to it or not. All flags except the
Spanish flag are seen. From the native
huts hang white towels or shirts.
The natives working in the fields plant
white flags on bamboo as a protection
against being mistaken for active insur-
gents.
Every dwelling between the city and the
American line is heap Of ashes.
The residents are the chief sufferers
from the present state Of affairs. Food
commodities have doubled and trebied in
price and many lines of business are at
a standstill. After seven o'clock in the
evening a death-like stiffness prevails in
the city except for the footsteps Of sem
tries or their challenges as an occasional
civilian is hated. Each sentry calls upon
the passing civilians TO explain their busi-
ness. The shutters are all closed for fear
Of shootings occurring in the streets and
the theatres. restaurants and stores are
all closed.
Uniformed Spanish officers in the pub
lie places sneeringly say: 1T would be
different if we were in control" AS an
instance of the tension prevailing. it is
stated that when the sunset gun was fired
on Sunday, whole regiment encamped
at the Cuneta jumped for its arms as if
al a word Of command.
ABOUT 800 NEW SALOONS
have been opened here since the Anerf-
can occupation. with the result that many
drunken soldiers are to be seen in the
streets. The officers. however. say the
conduct OF the soldiers s better than these
of other nations under similar circum-
stances The chief topic Of conversation
al present is the delay in assigning Major
General Lawton TO conmafad- Every