is not actually followed, for in the case
of the Philippine Islands it takes a long sweep, and passes to the west
of them, and, in consequence, there is a difference of nearly a whole
day between Manila and Hong-Kong, although the actual difference of time
is but about half an hour. This difference causes all kinds of
complications there, in that Hong-Kong and Manila are so near each
other. A telegram dated at Hong-Kong, say, the 1st of May at one
o'clock, will reach us April 30th; if sent direct to Manila it would
reach there apparently nearly twenty-four hours before it was sent, for
when it is Monday in Manila it is Tuesday in Hong-Kong. This will
account for the receipt of the despatch in reference to Commodore
Dewey's victory dated Hong-Kong, May 2d, stating that the bombardment
was then taking place, whereas it was really Sunday, May 1st, in Manila.
The necessity for having an international date line can best be
understood if you will imagine yourself travelling around the world in
some sort of a conveyance which enables you to keep pace with the sun;
say, for instance, your start is on a Monday, with the sun directly over
your head. If it were not for the international date line it would
always be Monday to you; instead of this, each time that you cross the
180th meridian the day changes.

* * * * *

[Illustration: A NATIVE OF THE PHILIPPINES.]

A report has been received from Hong-Kong that the insurgent chief
Aguinaldo, at the Philippines, has issued a proclamation that would seem
to show that he hopes to make himself leader or dictator over the
island. The report goes on to say that he has issued orders that the
lives and property of Europeans and all Spanish non-combatants are to be
protected. It is said that his treatment of the captives has been very
fair, and that he is conducting the campaign against Spain in a very
able manner. Since he has taken charge of affairs the Spanish soldiers
have lost battle after battle, and it is said that there are now in
Aguinaldo's hands over two thousand prisoners, including many officers.
Aguinaldo reports that the Governor of Cavite (cae-v[=e]-t[=a]) has
surrendered to him. One of the American captains has written to
Hong-Kong, stating that it is his opinion "that the rebels have
undergone a radical change since the arrival of Aguinaldo; the Spaniards
have lost every engagement, and if our people do not hurry, there will
be no Spanish