New-York tribune., 1899-02-16

ministration was. however. removed to Manila
in 1919 Its population at present is over thirty
five thousand and IT Is considered the natural
mercantile centre If the archipelago, being
about three hundred and sixty miles from Manila.
1t is well built. and the neighborhood possesses
fine roads Although its climate is better than
that of any other town in the group. the natives
have been devoid Of commercial enterprise.
The trade Of Cebu consists principally Of hemp
and sugar. the neichboring islands of Leyte,
Mindanao and Bohol having extensive hemp
plantations. most Of the product Of which finds
its way to Cebu for shipment. There are some
valuable and extensive coal deposits not far
from the town. but the mines have as yet been
worked only superhclally and without much en-
terprise. According to the Hong Kong Direc-
tory the trade Of Cebu in 1896 is represented
by the following figures: Imports. 5000; ex-
ports, f3173oS compared with none and
f3lL5S3, respectively in 1895. The principal
exports I'm 1896 were: Sugar. 12322S peculs,
hemp. 1005lS bales, and copra, 1920 peculs.
From this Directory. which gives the names ~
over a hundred officials, residents and firms in
Cebu, it appears that the United States con-
sular agent is an American. G. f. 4. CadelI
Germany. Great Britain. Denmark Hawaii and
Venezuela also have consular agents or vice
cOnsuls. Mr.. Cadel is the senior member Of the
branch establishment OF Smith Bell & Co.. and
IS also an agent Of Lloyds and a number OF Brit
ish life and fire insurance companies The Ger
man Nice-Consul Is q merchant, commission
agent and shp-chandler. as well as proprietor
OF the NIabolo Dstery. The Venezuelan agent
is also a merchant A number Of American in
terests are represented in the Directory at
Cebu, including the New-York Board Of Under
writer's
The town IS built on a large plain at the foot
Of the chain Of hills that traverses the island
throughout its length. is well constructed and
Of late years has been a thriving place The
merchants quarter, situated along the port, in
cludes some well-built stone houses. though
many are old. The huts Of the Malays. for the
most part fishermen. are on the beach east and
west Of the city, There are a fine cathedral a
bishops palace, a courthouse. a postonce and
a telegraph station. The port is formed by the
narrow channel which separates Cebu from
MaItan Island. It on this little island that
Magellan was killed in 1921 after making the
first passage across the Pacific.
PLANS OF OTIS AND DEWEY.
It Is not the intention Of General Otis and Ad-
mral Dewey TO establish gauisons for the pres
ent at other towns in the Philippines than
Manila Iloilo and Cebu. although soon
these ports and their revenues are thoroughly
under control Of the United States the smaller
vessels Of Admiral Dewey's feet will make
systematic cruises throughout the Islands 10
command respect for the American flag. ON the
visits Of these ships to various ports their Off
GERS will learn positively whether the commerce
Of such ports Will warrant the establishment
IN them Of custom houses and American repre-
sentatives. but at present there IS not sufficient
Information to warrant the dispatch Of forces 20
any other ports except, possibly. at the north
err terminus Of the railway line extending from
Manila 70 Lngaycn.
II will be General Ots's effort 10 open this
railroad throughout its length as possi-
bic. It is owned by a British corporation, and
in addition to the commercial advantages ac-
cr,Iing from IT'S operation its strategic value can
hardly be overcstimated. especially as Agui-
naldo's adherents I'm the Island Of Luzon are
enDarently confined 10 the immediate neighbor-
hood OF It's lines.
one Of Admiral Dewey's ships will soon go TO
tbe ovtreme south Of the archipelago 10 secure
,b. alliance Of the Sultan of Sulu. and 70 report
on The barbors Of that miniature group. while
another ship Will explore the comparatively un-
do,eloned Island Of Palawan IN the China Sea.
,.hicb many naval officers say will turn out To
ho the most important island in the Philippines.