It is thought the trouble brewing in Macedonia may flame out into the much-dreaded European war. On April 4 a proclamation was issued by the United States Philippine Commissioners to the people of the islands. It set forth the position of The Proclamation the Americans, and showed what to the Filipinos. they were willing to do for the people, provided they submitted peacefully to their new rulers. The proclamation stated that a treaty had been made with Spain by the terms of which the Philippine Islands became the property of the United States, and that because the President was anxious that the Filipinos should enjoy the blessings of peace and good government, he had sent out a Commission to inquire into the wants of our new subjects. Further, that the United States Government was convinced that under proper guidance the people of the Philippines could make progress, and might in time become the equals of the most civilized of nations; that it was therefore the aim of the new owners of the islands to aid the inhabitants in their efforts towards this desirable end. With this object in view the United States offered the Filipinos religious and civil liberty, the establishment of justice, the cultivation of letters, and the uninterrupted pursuit of useful objects. The proclamation promised reforms of every kind, and invited the natives to acquaint the Commissioners with their wants and necessities, and to help them Proclamation to the Filipinos 529 to discover the form of government that would be best for the future of the islands. The document ended by stating that, unfortunately, the high aims of the United States had been misunderstood by the Filipinos, who had been taught to regard the Americans as foes, instead of considering them friends. It also expressed regret that the natives were fighting against their own best interests, but added that the United States was determined to establish its supremacy in the islands, and would do so at all hazards, but that as soon as peace was restored self-government would be granted to the natives, and the heavy taxes that at present so harass the people would be abolished. The proclamation is said to have had an exceedingly good effect on the people, and in Manila they are becoming reconciled to the new order of things. There has been some difficulty in placing copies of the document in the hands of people in the disturbed parts of the country. Aguinaldo's agents have suppressed them wherever they could, but several hundred natives who learned the contents have returned to their homes as a result of the promises conveyed in the proclamation. In spite of this fact, a number of persons who are in a position to know claim that the war in the Philippines is likely to last a long time. They declare that the weakness of the proclamation lies in the fact that the natives have been accustomed to the fair promises of the Spaniards for so many years that they have ceased to believe that proclamations are intended for any other purpose than to induce them to lay down their arms. They fear they may be treated worse than ever if they consent to disarm. Santa Cruz Taken. On April 10 General Lawton captured the town of Santa Cruz, a Filipino stronghold on Laguna de Bay, forty miles southeast of Manila. It is the capital of the District of Laguna, and occupies the same strategic position on the eastern coast of Luzon that Manila does on the western. It is therefore a very important point, and its capture gives us great advantages. In spite of the success which is following their efforts, reports from the Philippines state that our soldiers are not satisfied. Some of the volunteers complained that they had not enlisted to fight colored people, and others stated they had only enlisted until the close of the war, and that the war ended with the signing of the peace treaty with Spain. It does not seem possible to spare any troops at this juncture, and there is a very general impression that large reinforcements will have to be sent out before the war can be brought to a successful close. The Twenty Million The manner in which the twenty million dollars purchase money for the Philippines should be paid to Spain was discussed at a recent Cabinet meeting, and the method which met with general approval was that the money should be paid in New York to some person chosen by Spain to receive payment, and that the Twenty Million Dollars for Spain 531 amount should be handed over in gold coin of the United States. The difference between the value of the money in Spain and its value in the United States will be considerable, and our government does not think we should be called upon to pay this difference. To land such a large amount in Madrid would involve the loss of considerable interest and heavy expense for ocean and inland carriage and insurance. Spain shows signs of recovering from the severe strain of the war. Money is plentiful in Madrid, and business appears to be flourishing there. There is said to be no alarm felt in the Spanish capital in regard to the Spanish prisoners held by Aguinaldo. Premier Silvela says that they are being well treated, and that the Filipinos are only holding them in the hope of obtaining a large ransom. As soon as the twenty million dollars are paid, the Spanish government will demand of us the return of Spanish prisoners, according to terms of the protocol. It is probable that when this demand is made, we will answer by demanding an explanation of the surrender of Iloilo, when it was known that an American force was on its way to occupy it. There is no doubt that this act greatly encouraged the rebels, and in a measure led to their subsequent defiance of us. The long-threatened Carlist rising is said to be imminent. The northern Spanish provinces are overrun with rebels, and extensive military preparations have The Carlists been made to check any outbreak, Señor Silvela, the Premier, announced that he is not in the least alarmed over the rumors, and has everything well in hand. He is especially hopeful for the future on account of the rumor which is now current that when the Cortes reassembles it will not censure the Queen Regent for signing the treaty, but will accept the situation without complaint. The ex-Premier, Señor Sagasta, stated that he only endeavored to obtain the consent of the Cortes in order that he might shield the Queen Regent from the attacks which the Carlists and republicans would surely have made on her if she alone had been forced to assume the responsibility. If this storm blows over, it is possible that Spain may enter upon a period of peace and prosperity which will in time wipe out sedition and Carlism for ever. Extensive preparations are being made for the reception of the cruiser Raleigh, which has left the Bermudas and will soon enter New York harbor on her home voyage from Manila. Welcome to the U.S. The Raleigh was one of the vessels which took part in Admiral Dewey's victory in Manila Bay, and will be the first vessel to return. The officials of New York City felt that something should be done to show the gallant fellows aboard how deeply their countrymen appreciate the work accomplished. The plan for the reception is that the Mayor and members of the Special Committee shall meet the cruiser in the Lower Bay, and, accompanied by craft |