The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-06-11

@. PENNsYLvANIA ST.

the native officials have no initiative and
their efficiency without the paternal vigi-
lance OF the American soldiers would be
doubtful
The theory that the Fflipinos outside OF
the Tagalog provinces were friendly TO
American rule has been deeply shaken by
recent events. All of the northeastern
coast beyond Dagupan Is I'm a state OF war
and there are frequent fights with heavy
losses to the Fflipinos. All of the southern
provinces inhabited by the visayans are
also turbulent and in the Camarines. Nue.
va Carceres and Albay provinces the
Americans control only the territory with
in the picket lines of the garrisons in the
coast towns. while these garrisons are the
objects of frequent attacks from large In
surgent forces.
With the exception OF Negroes. which.
being the wealthiest island OF the Philip
pines, is the most friendly 10 American
rule the Visayan islands show similar con-
ditions. There are guerrilla bands in Me-
gros which are preventing the sugar plant
ers from putting I'm their crops by threats
of burning the buildings, but American au-
thority controls throughout the island and
the planters are organizing against the
bandits.
Panay is overrun by the insurgents out
side of the American garrisons. They have
1,500 1000 rifles they levy tax of 50
per cent. on all the crops planted which
keeps the great majority of the inhabitants
from putting in more than enough rice TO
keep them alive and the insurgent pay
collected for their troops.
American officers from Cebu report that
conditions there show no change from one
year ago; that outside of the dozen towns
held by American troops the insurgcnt
forces control the country, while the troops
in the garrisoned towns are under arms
constantly repelling attacks. Soldiers can
not even venture out Of the city OF Cebu
In smaller parties than eight, according to
official orders and they the frequently fired
upon in the city. An occasional expedition
is sent into the country. but the Filipinos
merely scatter before IL, harrassing IL as
much as they can I'm small way. and re-
turn TO the towns when the soldiers with
draw.
Similar conditions prevail in the great
Visayan islands of Samar and Leyle. where
large insurgent forces under Gen. Luck
ban have been repeatedly attacking the
garrisons. and the Americans lack suf-
flcient troops TO send punitive expeditions
TO drive them into the country. Modoro
and Patawan. two of the largest islands
of the archipelago. have not been visited
by American soldiers
Throughout much of the Philippines the
same sort of destruction and terrorizing
prevails that Cuba saw before the Amer
lean intervention The peaceful native
rather than the armed insurgents bear the
brunt of the suffering. In this sort Of
struggle for the mastery OF the people
the insurgent holds the biggest cards. They
do not hesitate to burn house wherein
rice or shelter has been given to Ameri-
cans. nor to cut the throat Of head OF
the family who has informed upon their
movements. Americans, on the other hand.
are more soft-hearted and the most a ma
tive caught by them aiding the guerillas
expects is few weil-fed years In a COM
Portable prison. which is no dishonor. How
long the present conditions may continue
is a discou-a gfng question