The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, June 5, 1898, Page 20

THE SAN FKANUIDUU UALL, SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 1898 19 Sovernor-Seneral Wlerri Governor-General Merritt Studyi the Philippine Islands. WMerri o tt, the Ma B . n and and How He Won His Very Important Position. IERRITT, who =« e and honor as B er in the great bat- t was an elent- | g nine battles re or less on life little has t's father, John New York lawyer, at Na born, De- North Moore He was one of eight broth the law office was the family hav- rooklyn. years old his rge and increasing thers, a Catholic institution, at Bell- The Merritts were not of that faith, but t ent the boy thither be- > it was a good school. 1 on the farm for thr g brotk raise , for which that section has alws rs, his en miles to town, getting a bushe: for his corn farmer produced in thc dirt, and there be in circuls ks circulated in their merchanc se it took so much corn.and and a man of d, the boy’s f besides local evening , called the Ad- and later a weekly of the same re Doug name at Lebanon th w Democratic or nd, like most the Democratic journals of that day, 5 re for territorial nsion, the an- nexation of Texas and the settlement of vexed an formidable “Oregon sion of the Ocean. by taking poss I ic 1 his father and brothers publish this kind of a Demo- He mastered the ing a country newspa- his turn in looking after detalils, ides learning to set becoming an expert printer boy. of 16 he went to read law aynie in Salem. cratic mewspape ness of rur but hile 1 At the age > office of Judge F s making rapid progress when or Bissell, then a member of ., secured him a cadetship for Point ral Merritt to a Herald re- resterday: “Up to that time I A no idea of becoming a soldier. My to be a good lawyer and enter public life. I be- forte lay in the direc- on and public speaking. . when my father pointed out and t my nn COCVVOCOOONTTEED d law for agricultur bought a m at “Looking Gla irie,” near Bellville, Ill., not far mi St. Louis. Young Merritt at- ded the school of the Christian | Later he | tt often drove the farm | ng the Plans of nnNNnNNNR the Soldier, {aiefuteluteTuTatutn] nown 1istorian, G t nt chief of B al; tephen D. Ramseur of Scuth It 8 n s ke that having entered the ( . army, he was killed by my and at Win- chester. While 1sly wound ed and d nxious to see m t, being in hot pursuit of the enemy, it was ssible | for the messenger to reach me in time. I hurried back to sece my wounded smate, but he was dead re 1 ral Merritt has no family. His e nephew, Eaton Merritt, he is educating at a Connecticut school, with a view of sending him to West Point. General Merritt was married in 1871, in Europe, to Miss Caroline W ren of Cincinnati. She died in 1893 St. Paul, and was buried at West Point, where the general was superintendent for five years. The Merritts originally sprang from three brothers, who came to America 1600, their descendants settling in stchester, and from that family, it is said, all the Merritts bern in this country have descended. Of General Merritt's military his- | tory much has been written. A mere | record of his battles, engagements and campaigns would fill columns of The | Call. He had many narrow escapes from death, a notable one at the battle of Beverly Ford, in 1863, when he was attacked by a Confederate officer,anda | desperate "hand-to-hand contest lowed. He was sabered over the d, {and w 1d have been killed but for the | big soft felt hat which he wore, con- | taining_a big army pocket handker chief. In this engagement he was sur. rounded and his troops nearly captured. He fought with a courage and desper- ion that won a great victory. The swspapers of the day were fllled with ioits in that particular engagi and on the earnest recommen- ment, dation of General Buford he was made adier-general. the greatest ride of his life | J s famous dash through the| "ky Mountains, when he rods night | R | and day to the rescue of Major Thorn- | | burgh’s command, hemmed in by the | Ute Indians at the time of the White | River massacre. The soldiers were | surroun ded and being slowly shot and arved to death. A single man man- | aged to crawl out one night and escape, | and after incredible suffering reached Rawlings Station on the Union Pacific Railroad, nearly two hundred miles to the mnorth. A “hurry” telegram was sent to Gen- eral Merritt, then golonel of the Fifth | Cavalry at Fort D. A. Russell, near Cheyenne. After reaching Rawlings or the nearest railroad point to the White River Indian .agency, General Merritt had to ride four days and nights con- tinuously with-a light supply of food and ammunition. Thornburgh was dead and his men were on the point of starvation, wounded and barely able to cling to their guns behind their in- trenchments. Merritt arrived at the break of day, advanced with yells and scattered the the great advantages of a West Point education, a careful consideration of the subject in the light of his experi- ence and arguments convinced me of his wisdom. I accepted his views and entered West Point. At that particu- jar time the course of study at the Military Academy was five years. I got along very well. I did not stand, high in.my class except in English. Was rather glow in mathematics. I think I Indians, who were waiting like coyotes for the 'soldiers to die or surrender. General Merritt's wild ride through the mountains will long challenge the re- cord. It is considered remarkable that he did not kill a horse or a man dur- ing his mountain march. With Custer, McPherson and Sheri- dan, Merritt was called one of the boy zenerals of the war. Graduating from West Point but a few months before the dis- 7ar broke out, he joined and continuot f in the caval up to the surrouna attle of Five Fork 15 and crushing of Le x brevets from major to 1 for his heroic and ighting at Gettysburg, Vellow Hawe's Shop, Wine and the dying achiev ments in the g t war. title of colonel in the regular the Fifth Cavairy, was bestowed m in 1876, Later, when he was command of the much s0usac issouri, with at Fort Leavenworth, and tly at St. Louis, many so- called experts In military matters thought it hardly fair to bestow so great an honor—to shower the golden stars of war—on the youngest briga- dier-general immediately following his promotion. subseque: | carpets the Philippine w General Merritt's military career in | closely contested engagements, in great and hazardous campaigns, was always that of a soldier and a hero. He was graduated from West Point July1, 1860, just before the R lion, and reached aincy in the ond Cavalry April 2. and was brigadier of volunteers , 1863. . And now in a new and globe encir- cling war this brave, competent man of the people, who in his turn w farmer’s boy, typesetter, publisher, ¢ and then a victorious and always con- | sagacious and | tor, lawyer, cadet, soldier | quering officer in the great armies of | @ again wanted at the front. ho know him best agree th: a judicial temperament and tly fitted for action v affs rs requiring wisdom and appearance Merritt looks much like a distinguished Judge. « s OW that General Merritt is on his way to the Philippines as Military Governor of the islands every one is inquiring about the nature of the great task before | him. . First—The fourteen hundred islands of the group are to be conquered, the Spanish forces defeated and the insur- gents pacified. A tropical empire, cov- ering the latitudes of Cuba and Ven- ezuela, in extent covering 700 miles north and south by 1500 miles east and west, filled with scores of races and tribes, embracing every shade of cross- bred humanity between Spanish, Indian apd Chinese, this territory presents a problem of good government that only a typical American can solve. Some of the islands are yet to be ex- plored and surveyved. Every grade of barbarism and civilization, from that of the Malay pirates to steady going English business men, characterizes the inhabitants of those far off, dreamy isles. Population, 17,000,000; area, 145,000 square miles; mountains, two main ranges, extending lengthwise of the isl- ands; highest peaks from 9000 to 10,000 feet: five peaks above 8000 feet. Char- in civil or| acter of the country, chiefly hilly and | not dialects, are spoken in the slands. | mountainous, with plat between. Dens and broad vegetation 1 from sea to mountain tops; “cuttings” and bar: roc! eldom appsar. Geological as. —Sea shells in hills and mountain: ating volcanic uphe Much of the elevated country atively recent date. Climate—There are three h seasons; cold from November to March, hot from March to June, wet from July to | October. Atmospheric disturbances— Terrific thunder storms in May June, cascades of water fall in floods from the clouds, often devastating mountain verdure, sweeping down trees and rocks in earth shaking avalanches. Mineral deposits—Rich coal fields, ten to twenty foot thick veins extending great distances under bays and pla- teaus. Diamond drills and American enterprise would soon find millions of | tons of fuel. Iron ore is in abundance, of exceptional purity, equal to the Swed- ish ore: no works or smelting furnaces to speak of in the country; extensive copper mines. Gold deposits are diffused through all the isiands, though in what the Span- iards call “small guantities.” Experts declare that American skill and in- dustry would develop millions in pre- cious metals. Freaks of nature—all that is strange and beautiful, unique and hideous—appear in the Philippines. At the numerous hot springs flowing over slabs of marble-like formations one may fry eggs, roast chickens or tropica¥ humming birds on the hot por- celain-like rocks, chemically enameled | & dazzling snowy white by the waters. Animals — everything that moves, , flies and swims inhabits the isl- hite monkeys, thirty kinds of bats, wild boars with tushes a foot long; deer, wild horses, buffalo, moun- tain goats, 287 species of birds; shell fish, of varieties as numerous as the stars in heaven, and big snakes and lizards believed by superstitious natives to keep off earthquakes if respectfully treated. Add to this multitude of animals a wondrous flora, 4479 different species of fiowers. Products (including almost every kind of fruit and groin), coffee, sugar, tea, rice, tropical fruits, with potatoes, European vegetables, a hun- dred kinds of bamboo, and last the fa- mous Manila hemp. so useful at Amer- ican hangings. ries of many kinds, including silks and cotton, fine hats, mats, baskets, ropes and twine, exquisite bamboo furniture, rather clumsy pottery, carriages, and lastly musical instruments, on which the natives play with much skill. Every Indian must pay tribute to Spain of $117; the Chinese pay a spe- cial tax. Spaniards and half-breeds must pay a poll tax of $250. 2 Schools—Every pueb® must have a school, though the standard is low. The church controls the education of the islanders, the priests usually being the teachers. The press—Newspapers are under strict civil and church control; discussion of European and Spanish olitics is forbidden by law. General gderrm will soon change all that. The chief newspaper, El Diario de Manila, has been published at the cap- ital since 1848. Languages—It is de- clared that thi=¢> Adictinot lanenages Manufactures—Fab- | and %3 avals from the | s belched heavenward at a compar- | & Year. and | B O O O IR ORI R ORI O ORI CY There were 30,000 Chinese there in 1880, more or less adding to the variety of tongues heard in that land of humming birds and earthqualkes. Revenues—Everything and every- body, except a few officlals and the clergy, contribute to the Spanish treas- ury. The public revenues have fluc- tuated between $15,000.090 and $20,000,000 Commerce — The Philippine trade, with America particularly, would have grown immensely but for. the Spanish restrictions. In ten years, however, American tonnage doubled. In 1895 all the imports were $29,444 000. All Chicago. expedition. some time. pines. ing those nearest to them.” conversation. ideas and sympathies. than she really is. their inhabitants soon. standpoint. abroad. maining several months at a time. near Boston.” PP ROOOPOOOOCWPOPPIOOPVC0V0P000000000000 vere $32,000,000. The following |is the Philippines is ‘Lie captain and S the commercial business | governor general, who resides at Ma- United States and the Phil- | nila. figures stlxqow between the it ippines alone from 1888 t: 1897: rts From. | Exports To. o $10,268,278/1885. 65, 4,383,740(18 Never has an American been honored roblem: | B R R R OO R ORCRORCRCRORCROR RO R R S R A A A R S A A A Al MISS LAURA WILLIAMS ON HER ENGAGEMENT TO GENERAL MERRITT. Miss Willlams is a wealthy soclety belle of old family, and lives in Her engagemént to General Merritt was announced when he passed through that city on his way West to take charge of the Manila HE statement that our engagement was a sudden affair needs cor- rection,” said Miss Williams in Chicago recently. “The announce- ment may have seemed so, but we have had an understanding for Indeed, there was some thought of having the wed- ding take place before General Merritt's departure for the Philip- The time-was short for adequate arrangement, so it was de- cided that the marriage should not take place until war matters per- mit the general to return to the United States. “In any event, I would have remained with my parents, for in such a state of disorder as must for months prevail in the Philippines, would seem the part of wisdom for women to run no risk of hamper- Mrs. Williams, a handsome woman, with brilliant dark#brown eyes and head crowned with snowy hair, was present and took part in the “To those who know them both,” she said, “the difference means less than might be supposed. “yYears of travel and experience with people of many have so matured my daughter's judgment as to make her appear older “The important position she will occupy socially as the wife of Gen- eral Merritt T have no doubt she will fill successfully.” Miss Williams said she had been a student of history, and knew a good deal about the region which, in all probability, will be her home. “Naturally,” she said, “I have recently made a close study of the Philippines, and think I shall understand more about the islands and “1 like.musie, of course, but know little of The languages I acquired easily From my childhood we went over every other| summer, re- of Robert Lincoln, when he was Minpister to England. “I had the pleasure of appearing at one of Queen Victoria's draw- ing-rooms with Mr. Lincoln’s daugnter. childhood, seeing each other much in town and at our summer homes nBVUNHN with so important a foreign mission as | General Merritt. This Philippi realm is an empire of wealth. Exp de- clare the group “the richest islands in the world.” In proportion to the area there are more miles of seacoast, more fertile land, more valuable forests, more fine mountain farming sites and tillable acres, more natural resources, with a marvellously productive climate, than in any other nd domain. jut because of the riotous fertility, the cl e of perpetual summer and the three harvests a year this problem of government there is all the more dif- iicult for even a wise administration to solve. The successful governor should be first a soldier, a lawyer and a il familiar with financial and commercial affairs. Fortunately General Merritt is an up-to-Gate American. He has been farmer, lawyer, soldier, commander and practically a military governor on ou American frontier of Indians—the fierc- est and most unruly of races. General Merritt has been successful and in war never lost a battle. He is a vigorous, | well balanced man, in good health—tall, handsom®. strongly built, courtly, dig- nified, stately \in his manner and every | inch a soldier. The American governor will find scope for all - is genius in this oces kingdom of nearly 150,000 square miles | and 17,000,000 population, representing thirty-nine provinces with names re- quiring two mer and a boy to pro- | | nounce. The head of the administration @ ® it in age The general is youthful in his countries it from a scientific during our residence Yes, I have stayed with the family We have been friends from PPVPVPPPOPOPPPPPOCPPOIPPVOPIPIPVPOPOPOPOPOPPOPOPOOIPIOPEOR® Next to the Governor of Cuba it has been the most important and lucra- tive position at the disposal of the Madrid Government. But these gover- nors have been the hject o. political removal with every change of the Cabi- net, the official sometimes rer.aining in office only a few months. The church officials, the real rulers of the country, generally remain in | ently of Indian jurisdiction. power from decade to decade. In thirty years there were but two archbishops. Ore SPhilippine Islands. His Four Days and Nights Continuous Ride to Save Thornburgh’s Command From Indian Slaughter. RN ENENLEERENRRERRRES The Marvellously Rich Philippine Islands and the Diversity of In- terests and Peoples There. The supremacy of the ecclesiastical | branch of the Government and uncer- tainty of political tenure, it is said, led the office-holders to loot the treasury {and rob the people remorselessly while | temporarily in power; hence the cor- ruption and oppression, ending in rev- olution. Under the political system in the Philippines the heads of departments consider them es fortunate if able to keep their positio; one-quarter of the time allowed ec astical officials of a corresponding grade. There, as in Spain, a Niagara of bombast and social display is noficeable. It helps hide the rottenness of the administration. The titles alone of the Captain-General fill a page, embracing all the attributes of | government except authority over the fleet, which is subject tc the Ministry of Marine in Spain. The Captain-Gen- eral also has.a limited jurisdiction in church matters. If he dies the Lieu- tenant-Governor takes his place under the title of “second head.” The Philippines are divided into prov- inces subject either to politico-military governors or alcaldes mayores, who usually are civilians. When the Gov- ernment is military an assistant Lieu- tenant-Governor, who must have grad- uated as a lawyer, exercises the pre- liminary jurisdicticn, but the alcaldes hold that jurisdiction in their own own persons. Both dispose in their provinces of the military authority, and have the controiling direction of collecting revenues, being responsible to the general ‘Administrator of Trib- | utes. The provinces are divided into pueb- los (towns or villages). over each of which a native Indian or mestizo (half- breed) is placed. He is called “Gov- ornor”—the little Governor—and as- sisted by native lieutenants and al- guacils, whose number is regulated by the extent of the population. This body 'settles all matters of police and civil questions between natives as to rights of person and property. In districts where the Chinese or their descendants are suffictently num- erous they are allowed by a special au- thority of the Government to select delegates to this local body independ- To a cer- tain extent this body (called Principalia of the Pueblo) is representative and more or less democratic. The members are especially charged to assist the clergy in all matters of public worship and ecclesiastical authority. They de- termine questions involving amounts less than forty-four silver dollars; they collect evidence in, criminai cases, which is submitted to the provincial chief, and assist in the collection of the royal revenues; circulate the ordi- nances of the Government among the people, and last, but not least, are au- thorized to levy an alleged small but specified contribution in support of their office and their dignity. Besides these, there are in every pu- eblo certain functionaries called Ca- bezas (heads)—the barangay. A baran- gay is & collection of, the chief of families or persons paying tribute, usu-+ ally amounting to forty or fifty In number. They are under the charge of the Cabeza, who must dwell among them, and under bond collect the trib- ute due the state. He must settle dis- putes, maintain peace and order, and collect taxes for payment to the “little governor” of the pueblos. This Cabeza also acts as the local lawyer of the community. He has privileges, one of which is to affix “Don” to his name, and in some provinces he can hold of- fice for three years. The “little gov- ernors” of the pueblo are elected an- nually, and next to cock fighting it is the supreme event of the year. There are thirteen electors for each pueblo. A province is rule@ by a civil ecclesi- astical functionary. There are special provisions and concessions allowed the Chinese. who enter largely into the population in some districts. As there are thirty thousand or forty thousand of the Chinese, they are no small fea- ture in the mixed population. The chief end of all this machinary, these local indulgences to the. rural magnates, i to keep the tax millg grinding out revenue for Spain. Taxes, oppressive assessments, fines, for spite or revenge, and confiscation for th ..a in rebellious protest are among the many ways of swelling the vast fund which has kept the Spanish crown aloft for centuries. Spanish rulers are supposed to know a good thing at sight. Historian Mallat has declared that of all the colonies founded by Europeans these regions are the least known and the most worthy of beiag known