Evening star., 1899-03-17
GENERAL VIEW OF SITUATION.
Associated Press Correspondent Gets
Through an Incensored Telegram.

HONG KONG. March 1.-THE following
general view Of the situation is from a cor
respondent of the Associated Press at Ma
Mia and has evidently not been subject 10
censorship:
The most remarkable feature of the stu
alton is the inability of the Americans and
residents TO estimate the numbers. re-
sources and plans of the Filipinos. Promi-
nent generals think that two three dis
astrous battles will break their spirit and
make them sue for terms. A majority of
tine English and other residents are Of the
opinion that the eXterminatiO of the Ia
gals is the only guarantee of peace. that
they can easily be whipped if they give
battle. but that they will dodge a meeting
with the Americans in force
Some people think they will risk battles
at Malab0n and Paranaque. where they are
strongly intrenched, and that if they are
defeated they will resume bushwhac ckirg
as long as any Of them are left"
United States Consul Williams says: II
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.
Estimates of the Enemy.
The correspondent questioned several
generals TO the number of the rebels
and the replies ranged from 2OOo0 to 100
coo The estimates OF the quantity of arms
possessed by the rebels are equally uncer-
tain The best authorities say 10000
Large sections of the armed natives are
ignorant Of the use of their weapons.
The country beyond the American lines
Is composed of rice fields. cane and brush.
The rebels are familiar with every inch of
II and 1t affords fine hiding places
The residents say the Tagals are unani-
mousIy rebels. and they predict the Amer
leans viii be r,$isted at MirdOro and Min
dana" and that they viii be obliged to
subdue them
The extent of the support which the
other LuZon tribes are giving AguinaIdo is
a mystery II is known that several regi-
menjs were under arms before the out
break. but the majority of them are sup
posed - be jealous of the Tagals who are
reported 10 be treating the other tribes in
the fashion of the Spaniards. dominating
the islanders N all the Offices.
Think They Are Winning Victories
Reports from the rebels are 10 the effect
that the recent tactics of the Americans in
retiring TO their established lines after pur-
suing makes the rebels think th4y are win
ming victories.
The oriental character Is so deceptive
that the residents Of Manila are ignorant
to whether their own servants syrnpa-
thize with tha rebels not. 1t is known
that a rebel organization exists in the city
and the evidence is growing that there was
u widespread plot TO assaSsinate the Amer
leans the signal being the commencement
OF hostilities. The servants were instructed
"a klIi their employers but they Were ter
~ N4Lt NSIs -dnCe dealt cut TO Of
lthdefs ana they weakened. Every Tagal
would nave cut his employers throat if he
dsred' or at least this is a current saying
Inc 1alth!essneSs of the natives is il
lEstrated by the action of the commission
ers who came here To offer the allegiance of
the Island of NegroS 1t Is now known that
they were in friendly communication with
Aguinaldo while here.
Ihe rebeIs nave been reSuppIied with am
mun1tlon and are using smokeless powder
s Se%iS eNSiy nous here is displaying a
nag Tor protection. whether it is entitled TO
II or not. All flags except the Spanish IA @
are seen. From The native housas hang
white towels or shirts
Natives Work Under White Flag.
The natives working in the fields plant a
white flag on a bamboo as a protectio1
against being mistaken for active rebels
Every house between the city and the
American line is heap of ashes
The residents are the chief sufferers from,
the present state of affairs. Food commod
itieS have doubled and trebled In prices and
any lines OF business are at a s1andstfIt
Continued or Second Page)