New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-01-07
SMUGGLER.S AID THE REBELS.
DIFFICULTIES IN CHECKING ILLICIT
WORK IN PANAY.
THREE GUNBoATs AT woRK-A PRoA's
CAPTURE-MEANs OF EvADING THD
REGULATIONS.


uoilo, Nov b. 1s9s-The geographical disposition
of islands and coast line near Iloilo and the
proximity Of the insurgent forces in need of pro-
visions and contraband of war made the smuggling
and blockade running Of stores and munitions from
Iloilo to the rebels possible and profitable in
dustry. In Iloilo there many men ready and
anxious engage in this occupation for the profits
to be derived from the successful landing Of q
cargo Of rice kerosene and matches in rebel ter
ritory were large and until the Navy took the
matter of its suppression strongly in hand the
attendant risk of capture was not great enough
TO deter men of adventurous turn OF mind It
is not so easy since the Concord and the two gun
boats Paragua and Pampanga have been exercis-
ing great vigilance this smuggling and the
man who can run a cargo to-day is either skiful
lucky.
Three miles south Of uoilo and forming the south
shelter OF Ioilo Bay. is the island of Guimaras
II is twenty-five miles long and about ten miles
wide. and thus skirting the southern shores of
Panay. it forms Ilolo Straits which must be
traversed by all vessels coming to this port.
Guimaras is not American territory, because
America has never attempted to occupy It. The
inhabitants Of the island. ten thousand
Visayans, and they would be glad of the protection
of the United States. AS 1t is. they are subjected
to the raids OF insurgents from Panay, who come
and levy a tribute of money and food and
make use OF GuimaTas way station for pro-
visions between Iioo and the insurgent territory
Immediately surrounding it. Running north from
Icilo the coast Of Panay is full of bays. indents
and small islands. all of which are helps to the
smuggler and to render the work of pa
trolling gunboats more difficult.
Gumaras Island is full of miniature valleys and
mountains, and from the it's aspect is most
pleasing. 1t was formerly popular plessJEe
Sort parties being made up for Sunday excursions
across the harbor to Guimaras, and foreign resi-
dents had bungalows and summer homes there.
The island produces lme which is essential IN the
extracting of sugar from the cane, and also the
truck garden for noilo. Milk, fruit, chickens and
vegetables came over ea9h morning to the Iloio
market.
In exchange, Guimaras drew its supply of rice
from Ioilo, and, being insurgent territory.
a proper market for rice and other provisions. 1t
was. however. short step back to Panay insurgent
territory where rice was in great demand. The
beats used in this traffic known locally as proas.
proa is narrow canoe. with wide bamboo out
riggers each side. II is propelled by square
lateen sail and steered by rudder dangling over
the starboard stern, which the helmsman cleverly
nanipulates with his feet. The boats range in
length from 20 20 so feet and with good wind
astern easily distance the coast patrol
NEGROS AIDS sMUGGLERs.
The nearby island of Negroes also offered a good
excuse for smuggling into Panay. Negroes Is at
peace, all her coast towns being occupied by Amer
lean troops, and hence merchants in Iloilo have
right clear schooners with provisions to points
Negros. To reach Negros ships pass out the
northern entrance Of Iloilo Straits, between Gui-
and the mainland. schooner. bent on
Panay watching for a slant of wind to carry her
over near the insurgent town of Donate, for in
stance, where her cargo can be sold at SUCH good
profit that the schooner be beached until these
troublous times over. even burned Many
coasting schooner Is missing from Iollo port
day. and the merchant owners naively declare they
fear these must be lost. If the schooner finds
chance to get into Panay she will continue on to
Negroes and unload with all signs OF honesty. From
certain points on Negroes it is only sail
to Panay, and proas carry cargo over to the In
surgents under cover of darkness.
This method possible because the garrisons
on Negros are small. Many towns have only
dozen or SO American soldiers. and it is impossible
for these to watch long reaches of coast well
cut up into bays and inlets. This the field for
profitable smuggling out OF folio back into Panay
and the field was actively occupied when the Navy
represented by the Concord and the former Spanish
gunboats Pampanga and Paragua developed
tivty and watchfuness that have put phase
upon the industry. The former Spanish gunboats
here mentioned were built for service in these
waters. and are consequently more useful in their
present occupation than any vessels OF
own They are both Of about two hundred tons