The Philippine command appears specially weak in artillery. Machine guns would the troops, and field guns would also, o play & most important part in intimidatin course, be of great use, But with the exception of obsolete muzzle-loaders, they are scarcely provided. To see the bright-looking fellows attached to the artillery drilling, with old gun-metal cannon of the days of, King Charles is most interesting, but appears to be a trifle behind the times. The city fortifications consist of numerous battlements defended by these same old picturesque relics of early days. Some few modern guns of small calibre do exist it is true, but it is no exaggeration to say that a single modern battleship could with ease hnd safety enter the bay and destroy the whole city of Manila, No doubt this state of affairs will be somewhat altered, for it has been stated that one of the transports soon to arrive will bring some modern armament. The equipment and strength of the rebels is unknown; they have a variety of rifles, Mausers among them. That in numbers they are more numerous than was at first reported there is not a doubt.
HORRIBLE CRUELTIES, The bulk of the Spanish troops are now in disturbed Cavite province, and the latest news is that they're not having the easy time expected. During the long period when the small handful of Spanish troops were waiting for reinforcements, arrests were made to a great number, until at present it is estimated that over three thousand unfortunates have been corralled. To care for such a great number has taxed the authorities to' the utmost, and foul dungeons unfit for any human being have been used as a last resort, Tt was thus that a horrible death was dealt to the fifty-nine unfortunates, who wer smothered in the ' Black Hole of Manila. It seems the prisoners were let down into this death pit from an opening above. The sentry on guard excused the affair by saying that it was raining and as he was afraid the inmates would get wet he placed boards over the entrance, thus shutting up the only opening for ventilation, leaving over four hundred gasping creatures fighting each other like madmen in their efforts to find a breath of air. (How refreshing to find a Spaniard so considerate of the suifering of the enemy!) The Philippine gaols and prisons are not very good even in time of peace, and it is said that corruption had reached such a state that after a sentenced man had been placed in prison, it was necessary for the injured party to' fee the gaoler that the prisoner might be confined until the end of his term. Now that some of the natives have risen in rebellion against the Spanish very little mercy can be hoped
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.