LUKBAN
which they could not do without. By cutting off traffic in the sea, the Americans thought they could weaken the revolutionary forces, isolate each island’ s resistance movement, prevent reinforcements and the establishment of sanctuaries. 18
While there were conflicting positions among the American generals on the issue of blockade, it was finally decided by the Commander-inchief of the Asiatic Station Admiral Watson on August 19, 1899 that the purpose of cruising was“ the annihilation of trade with Philippine ports not in the possession of our own forces”- this, in an instruction for gunboats operating from the Cebu port, the Americans’ base of operation for the Visayas. According to Watson,“ illicit trade” meant vessels flying the Filipino flag, trading with closed ports and carrying contraband. Since only three ports were open( meaning, controlled by the Americans) at this time – Cebu, Manila and Iloilo, the rest of the country were considered“ illicit” and were therefore to be destroyed or towed to the nearest American port. 19
Vessels thus seized were stripped of their papers, the usable cargo taken, and boat destroyed. The crew was taken to the nearest barrio with their personal belongings, unless it was practical to turn over the vessel to the provost guards at Manila or a nearby garrison. 20
Here is a list of the items taken from one of the bancas( Boat No. 15780) seized by the American gunboats in the blockade.
Table 2. Appraisal Report for Banca No. 15780
35 boxes Bread 20 sacks Limes 4 sacks Flour 3 Shovels 5 gallons Linseed oil 7 bottles Vino 5 pounds Onions 10, 000 Cocoanuts 9 boxes Sardines 250 pounds Soap 32 packs Playing cards 4 cases Matches 3 boxes Cigars 1 package Brown linen 4 bottles Varnish 12 Umbrellas
1 box Pepper 4 bags Good tobacco 1 box Cigarette tobacco 17 bags Course cut tobacco 50 pounds Sugar 7 pounds Sweets 1 Lantern 20 Torches 1.5 pounds Linen thread 2500 packages Cigarette papers 120 yards Cotton drilling 30 yards Bleached drilling 1 lot Assorted Cotton cloths 1 lot Yankee rations 2 Glass jars 1000 packages Cigarettes
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