Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-03-10
MAJ SURGEON LUTHER B. GRANDY, OF ATLANTA
DESCRIBES PRESENT LIFE In The philippines

LIPA. Province of Batangas, p. l., Nov.
Is, 1901.-AbOut the Philippine situation
there is little of interest at the present
time. The work of reconstruction on the
one hand and OF acquiescence on the other
goes slowly but surely on, and except in
certain localities the natives are becoming
reconciled to the new order of things hav-
ing learned for themselves that the Amer
leans are not so black as they had been
painted. In this province the insurrec-
ton dies hard. Southern Luzon, or that
portion of Luzon south of Manila, and the
island of Samar, are now about the only
portions of the Philippines in which any
armed opposition remains. In this and
the neighboring province, Tayabas there
are supposed to be about 1000 insurgents
under command of General Malvar. This
stronghold is in the mountains which
abound all over southern LuZon. In ad-
dition to the protection Afforded by the
natural features of the mountains the in
surgents skillfully construct concealed en-
trenchments and upon the approach of our
men from below they can fire several vol
leys almost before they are discovered.
From these places it is difficult almost
impossible, to dislodge them. We have
made several attempts, but at the expense
OF number of officers and men.
GEORGIA OFFICER KILLED.
On the mountain side near this town six
officers have been killed within the last
four months. One of these was a Geor-
gian. Lieutenant Allen f. Crockett, who
was sergeant In the late Third Georgia
volunteers. He was from Albany or Co
lumbus, think. After leaving the Third
Georgia he enlisted in the Twenty-seventh
United States volunteers and became SER
geant-major, I believe. Upon the muster
out of the latter regiment last March he
passed the examination for the regular
service, was commissioned second Heuten-
ant and assigned to the Twenty-first in
fantry, stationed here. He had been at
this post only two or three weeks when
he and his company were ordered out on
an expedition in the mountains. While
following up trail volley was fired at
them from concealed works and Crockett
fell. shot through the chest He died in
stantly. Two or three of his men were
wounded. His death was much regretted
by all who knew him. Even in his short
service here he had become popular among
his fellow officers and very much liked by
his men. In attempting to recover Crock
ett's body two soldiers were fired on, both
wounded. and both have since died.
AMERICAN NEGROES DESERT TO
ENEMY.
1t is known that the insurgents have
with them some American negroes (esti-
mated at six to ten) who have deserted
from the colored regiments, and it is
thought that they are operating as sharp
shooters. especially against our officers.
This explains why in every late fight with
these people the officers in command of
our men have been the first to fall. There
are indications, however. that the oppo-
sition here is disintegrating We have
lately captured and destroyed large guam
Titles of their supplies and killed six
teen of them In a small engagement near
here yesterday. A large expedition will
start out from here and neighboring posts
in a few days in an effort to locate and
capture some of their bands.
The massacre in Samar was a great dis
aster. Samar adjoins the southern ex-
tremity of Luzon. 1t is thought that the
officers at the place of this massacre had
been deceived by false assurances of 10y
atty on the part of the natives. General
Smith is now securing the island from one
end to the other and insurgents are be-
ing successfully rounded up. The coast
Is patrolled by gunboats to prevent their
escape by sea. This campaign will doubt
less end things in Samar. 1 don't suppose
there will be much left except the is
land.
DECLINE OF COFFEE INDUSTRY.
This province used to be one of the rich
est and most prosperous in all the islands,
and in Lipa. which is the most important
town, evidences of a former wealth are
everywhere to be seen. The town is
about fifty miles south of Manila, and
now has about 5000 population. 1t once
had twice that. 1t was once the center
of the coffee industry of Southern Luzon
and millions of dollars were made in this
business. But the trees were attacked
and destroyed by insects about ten years
ago. and since that time the people have
| cultivated Instruction more than they
have their business, so the coffee indus
try has never been revived. Lipa contains
several of the handsomest houses to be
found anywhere in the Philippines occu-
pied by wealthy families who made their
money in coffee years ago. They speak
of the time when the bugs killed their
| trees" just as the people in Florida say
| before the freeze" These houses are
or stone, with barred windows, several
of them have three stories, with hard
wood Ioors and doors and contain carved
| leather-upholstered furniture and bric-a-
| brac from Europe, China and Japan. In
one house 10 a celebrated painting done In
Rome by the talented Filipino artist, Juan
Luna. The owner gave $1,000 for 1T. 1t
should be stated that these people, the
| moneyed and Industrious class. are taking
no part in the insurrection against our
authority as they realize that their busi-
| ness can be safely resumed and conduct
ed only under American protection and
control.
WHERE OSCAR BROWN COMMANDS.
Lapa is garrisoned by four companies
| of the Twenty-first infantry and troop
| M, First cavalry. The cavalry troop Is
commanded by Capt. Oscar j. Brown,
perhaps best known in Atlanta and Geor-
gia as the gallant colonel of the late Sec
| ond Georgia volunteers and as acting al
| jutant general of the state some years
| ago.
He is the same courteous gentleman
here as at home; universally popular and
| highly esseemed.
| SWELL FILIPINO DINNER DANCE.
| We had an opportunity some nights
since to attend what might be called q
swell Filipino social function given by
| the presidente (or mayor of Lipa and his
handsome young wife. The presidente is
/ a man of wealth and culture. He was
| educated in Paris, speaks French fluent
". and has travelled throughout Europe
| and Japan. He now wishes to visit the
/ United States. All the American officers
were invited to this dinner dance" and
the two school teachers who are stationed
there. These teachers and Mrs Grandy
were the only American ladies present
but the elite of local Filipino society were
there, senors, senoritas and caballeros. As
| soon as all arrived, about o'clock, we
| fpxyftad into large dining room