AL∴ G∴ D∴ G∴ A∴ D∴ U∴Liberty.—Equality.—Fraternity.Universal Freemasonry. Spanish Family.The Resp∴ Log∴ Nilad, No. 144 of A∴ L∴ and A∴ masons of the Philippinesregularlyconstituted in the Federation of the Gr∴ Or∴ Español (seat in Madrid).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The letter goes on to speak of the new foundation and the number of initiations.“It pleases us much,” says the Gr∴ Sec∴“to see the activity and zeal which you employ in the labors, and for it we greet you. Nevertheless, we must remind you always of the greatest care in the election of the laborers.Not all men, although they professour ideas and doctrines, serve for good masons,...”Morayta, writing on the 12th of June 1892 to bro∴Panday Pira, says: “... But do not forget an advice which I believe Ruiz gave you also:be very careful; do not open your arms to any except they be of full confidence....Remember that, even though things have changed there (in the Philippines) you run all the danger consequent upon the domination (sic) of the friar and of the General.” The general was Despujols, an upright, honest and sincere man who was too apt to measure otherpeople’scorn by his own bushel. The filibusters took advantage of the fact, and by their lying protests of love for Spain, captivated him and fooled him out and out for a time.Note 35.At that time liberty of association was not allowed by law in the Archipelago. To attain their ends this was the thing most necessary for the separatists. Without the shelter of the law of association nothing could be done except by stealth. It was for want of thisprivilegethat the shelter of the masonic lodge room wassought.Note 36.Blumentritt, Fernando; of German race, Austrian by nationality, resident in Bohemia and therefore spoken of by various writers sometimes as a German, at others as a Bohemian or an Austrian. Like Foreman24, Blumentritt claimed to be a ferventCatholic and yet was an open enemy of the Church. He claimed moreover to be a great friend of Spain and yet openly sided with her enemies. He was one of thecollaboratorsof theLa Solidaridad.Isabelo de los Reyes writes of him: “Thesavant (sic) Blumentritt thebrotherof theFilipinos, has always served us with disinterest (except in what concerned his pocket) and opportuneness. He was the first who did us justice by publishing many valuable articles to demonstrate, under all points of view, the superiority of theFilipino(Isabelo does not say over what) and defending our cause against the ambition of the imperialists (that is the Spaniards).”Blumentritt was a member of the society known as the “Amigos del Pais”25, and remained so till his actions and writings caused well thinking Spaniards andPhilippinos26to call for his dismissal from its membership. The patriotic outcry against him caused him to resign on the 14th of November 1889; the Solidaridad of the 31st of December of the same year published his resignation. The press of Manila was exceptionally bitter against him and only suchFilipinosas those who continue up to the present time forming part of thejuntasinHong-Kong, Madrid, Paris, London and other places looked up to him for the assistance they could not find at home.Note 37.It was naturally in thePeninsulawhere the chief work of the propaganda had to be carried on, and it was there also that the propaganda had the least effect. The principal instrument for thedisseminationof the seed of separatist aspirations was theSolidaridad(See note24). TheFilipinoshere, who gave their subscriptions and other sums of money for the support of the bi-monthly, were kept under the impression that the official organ was making a great noise in Madrid; but as it never reached the official world it was supposed to influence, its publication was practically useless. In the Philippines it served the same purpose as theLa Independencia: that is, it served to keep alive the spirit of unrest, and by the lies it published, made the people believe that their leaders were going to lead them to a promised land which “flowed with milk and honey.” They eventually got into the promised land, only to find that the milk was very much “condensed”, and that the honey was only to begotafterthose who secured it had been exposed to the very unpleasant operation of being stung by the bees which produced it.Instead of serving to keep together the subjects and their rulers in a bond of peace and tranquility, and helping them to come to a mutual understanding, in which state the progress and advancement of the islands and their inhabitants could be the easier and the better accomplished, the separatist element, by their propaganda, caused more and more strife by attacking national institutions and by casting slurs upon national honor. The discontent stirred up against the Spanish authorities was identical to that which, until the passing of the law of sedition and even since that time, was stirred up against the American sovereignty. In its propaganda against the Religious Orders, inciting the native clergy against the lawful authority of their Bishops, it was the precursor of modern Manila’s American press. History tells us what was the result of the lessening of the moral influence of the Religious Orders in the days of Spanish rule, and to-day History repeats itself. The inciting of the native clergy against their Bishops is encouraging the natives, as a whole, to resistlawful authority. The cry to-day is “down with the friar,” tomorrow it will be “down with the American.”In 1888 it was down with the Religious Orders, in 1896 it had become “death to all Spaniards”. In 1898 the American was blessed as a deliverer from oppression, in 1899 cursed as an intruder. To-day...? Who knows the opinion of the people? Who but a fewignorantestrust the great men of the late revolution?In Spain the work of theseparatistsproduced no effect upon the people; a few here and there of the least patriotic of the scum of Barcelona and Madrid aided them but apart from these and the Bible Societies, no one interested themselves in their cause.Note 39.From the earliest to the latest days of the period of the revolt, that is from ’88 to ’98, this was one of the greatest obstacles to be overcome. Money was collected for propaganda in Spain and in Japan; what became of it all? Money was collected for the purpose of releasing or stealing away Rizal; what became of it? Funds were collected for the purchase of rifles and ammunition for the Katipunan, and, at the last moment, Andrés Bonifacio fled withsome20,000pesos. This continual squabble over the administration of the funds is a proof clear enough, of the existence of organized exploiters whose pockets were of more concern to them than were the interests of their country.Note 40.It is almost needless to say that this latter was in the minority; later on Pilar suffered a marked change oftemperamentand became more decidedlyseparatistthan Rizal. Rizal was willing to give the goose a chance to lay her golden eggs; Pilar becoming impatient killed the goose with the scheme of the Katipunan.Note 41.“Previous to his returntoManila Rizal lived some time in Hong-Kong. From there he forwarded to Moises Salvador Francisco the statutes and instructions for the “Liga Filipina”.”—Testimony of the said Francisco. (fols.1,138–1,143.)Note 42.“It resulting that after some years of voluntary expatriation ... a Spanishcitizen(Rizal) born in the Philippines, directed a first letter, dated some months back in Hong-Kong, to the superior Authorities,offering his aid and assistance for the better government and progress of the Philippines, at the same time in which his latest book commenced circulation, for which reason no reply was given; and in a second letter dated in the month of May,in which, recognizing the policy of generous attraction, of morality and justice here implanted ... announced his intention of returning to his native soil to dispose, together with his friends, of the property they possessed, and to go with their families to found, in Borneo, a filipino agricultural colony under English protection....”“A few days afterwards, the Spanish citizen ... disembarked with his sister in Manila....” (See also note8.) Extracts from the Decree of Deportation issued against Rizal by Governor Despujols, 7th July 1892.Note 43.“In the year 1892, Rizal being in Manila, recently arrived from Europe, several people of the country were gathered together, among them Andrés Bonifacio, Numeriano Adriano, Timoteo Paez and Estanislao Legaspi, in a wooden house in calle Dulumbayan, were a society known as the “Liga Filipina” was founded.” Testimonyof Valentin Diaz, native of Panay, Ilocos Norte.“In May or June 1892 José Rizal reached Manila; and encharged by him, Paez and Serrano invited a large number of persons to gather on a certain day ... in the house of Doroteo Ongjungco where Rizal manifested to those present, among whom was the witness, that it was necessary to form an association which should be called the “Liga Filipina”, the object and of which should be the attainment of the separation of these islands from Spain.” Moises Salvador y Francisco (fols.1,296–1,299).“The reunion was called by Rizal, and the witness was invited byTimoteoPaez, who conducted him to the house of DoroteoOngjungco.... That José Rizal addressed those present, manifesting the convenience of establishing an association under the name of the “Liga Filipina” with the object of collecting funds by different means, to the end of securing opportunely the independence of these islands”.... Testimony of Domingo Franco y Tuason (fols.1299–1303).Note 44.It was not the aim which Rizal had in his mind, of delivering his country from disabilities but the manner in which he set to work to accomplish that end, to which objection must be raised. When a people suffer under the oppression of its rulers, all the world admires the man who rises to throw off the hateful yoke. But when the oppression is imaginary and when the so-called hero is but a marionette in the hands of political schemers who seek their own advantage under the shelter of a pretence to throw off a yoke which does not exist, one cannot admire the part played by the deluded “tool”. The emancipation from the mother-country was the key-note of the revolt. It was the aim of theFilipinofreemasons, of the Liga Filipina, of the Compromisarios and of the Katipunan.Note 45.Rizal was deported to Dapitan, in the island of Mindanao, by decree of Governor Despujols, part of which has been quoted in note 42. The decree goes on to say that, by reason of the fact that “the veil under which, up this present, he has succeeded in hiding his true intentions has been torn asunder,” ... “that he adduces noother defence but useless denials, having recourse to throwing the blame of the discovery of the leaflets upon his own sister (see page 99)....”“Infulfillmentof the high duties which devolve upon me as your General and Vice Royal Patron ... I decree the following:...”“1st: that José Rizal shall be deported to one of the islands of the south....”“The responsibility of these vigorous measures which a painful duty imposes upon me, falls entirely upon those who by their imprudent aims and ungrateful proceedings come to disturb the paternal cares of this general government making the ordinate march of Philippine progress the more difficult.”27“Manila, 7th July 1892.—Despujols.Note 46.“In the month of April 1893, upon the initiative and invitation Juan Zulueta, now dead, and of Deodato Arellano, cousin of Marcelo del Pilar, a new gathering was called in the house of Deodato Arellano, with the object of establishing anew theLiga Filipinaunder the same bases and for the same ends....”Note 47.The determinate ends of theseparatistshave already been spoken of in note 3, which see.Note 48.See note102.Note 49.“The object of the society (the Liga) is the establishment of shops, workshops, businesses, industries and even a bank if possible, with the end in view of collecting funds for an armed rising.”—Testimony of Juan Dizon Matanza, (fols.1,132–1,138.)Note 50.The ceremonies practiced by theLigadifferedbut little from those practiced by the Katipunan. The chief difference lay in the fact that the ceremonial of the Katipunan partook more of the grotesque, of the absurd, of paganism.Pio Valenzuela in recounting the forms and ceremonies practiced upon his initiation, said:“Once in the house28, they spoke of many things,en résumé, that the aim ofthe association was to obtain the independence of the Philippines, oppressed and enslaved by the Spaniards. Placing, later on, a dagger at his breast, they obliged him to throw himself upon it, a thing which the witness could not pluck up courage enough to do; whereupon they placed it in his hand, leading him to a man whom he recognized to be seated, and ordered him (the witness) to strike him with the dagger, a thing which he dare not do either. He was then conducted into a room and addressed by a person he knew to be Bonifacio by the voice, who informed him that he could not retrace his steps because he knew of the existence of the society, but he could not assist at thejuntasnor could they teach him the signs of recognition till he had been re-initiated; they moreover made him sign two sheets of blank paper, causing him to swear never to reveal the existence of the society to anyone, under the pain ofassassination. They then removed the bandage which he was blindfolded and he saw around him eight or nine individuals dressed in cloaks and hoods; he signed the two sheets of paper and was again blindfolded and conducted to a considerable distance from thehouse where the bandage was again removed.Another member of the Katipunan in his declaration made on the 22nd of September 1896, stated that during the month of February 1893, one Sunday morning, a certain Estanislao Legaspi entered his store, telling him to accompany him in acalesa.He listened to tirades against the Spanish Government till their arrival at the house of a certain Tranquilino Torres, in calle Elcano.Here “his eyes were bandaged by Legaspi and he was handed over to the care of another individual who conducted him to the upper story of the house and made him sit down; he then heard a person whom he knew to be Legaspi by his voice speak, saying several things against the Spanish Government, demanding of him an oath of blind obedience, and a defense of the Philippines till the shedding of the last drop of his blood, threatening him with fearful punishments if he should turn traitor. This ceremony being terminated, his eyes were unbound and he saw, on a table, a skull which they made him kiss, and Legaspi handed him a lance commanding him to wound himself in the arm; but he felt a feeling offaintheartedness come over him, and manifested to those present that he had not courage enough to wound himself and wished that the oath he had taken be enough; he was dispensed from the operation. When the bandage was removed the eight individuals composing thejuntawere masked with black hoods, but after he kissed the skull and attempted to wound himself they removed the hoods and he then recognized Estanislao Legaspi who presided, Mariano de Vera, Teodoro Plata and Juan de la Cruz who was a clerk of the Tabacalera, and who had led him upstairs; he did not know the other three. The witness paid two pesos as entrance fee promising to pay 50 cents monthly. He asked Legaspi what association it was, and he replied that it was theLiga Filipina.”In the daily report of the secret police department made to General Blanco on the 30th of June 1896, is the following notice:“Herewith is given translated most faithfully from Tagalog, the result of an interview held with a well-to-do indian who belonged to the most popular of the masonic lodges, who tried to draw into it a friend. Questioned upon certain affairs, he said: “In the masonic lodges of San Juan del Monteand of Pandacan, the whole pueblo, rich and poor, is inscribed.”“In the reunions the brethren attend blind-folded, and the chiefs with the face covered.”“The person who desires to enter the lodge is obliged to have his face covered and his eyes bandaged in sign of blind obedience; the proofs are carried out and signature made as follows. The person receiving the initiated takes a dagger and gives it to him saying to him: do youswearto be steel like that which you hold in your hand and not to bend in the exigencies which oppress and vex us, and to labor in pro of the independence of your enslaved country? I swear answers the person to be initiated. Do youswearnot to have father, mother, wife, child nor any relative but the revenging arm which shall sleep and live with you? I swear. They then surround him with arms of all classes and say to him: here is thy family, thy only work, and may it give thee thy life and open thy eyes for thy good of the country. They then make a small incision in the form of a cross in the right arm near the shoulder.”“At present our meetings are held at night and in the most lonely fields, withthe object of not being surprised.”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .“It is well known among us masons that Rizal is attributed with the faculty of being able to translate his person instantaneously from one point to another.”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Note 51.Juan Castañeda testified on the 21st of September 1896 before the Chief Inspector of the Corps ofVigilancethat “he was recommended to make the greatest amount of propaganda possible, of Japanese ideas in the pueblo of Imus.” The Japanese ideas here spoken of were those of the foundation of the Japanese protectorate.Note 52.Money! money!! money!!! was the great cry in the majority of the masonic correspondence between the workers in Spain and those who had to supply the funds here. On the 8th of June 1892 Morayta wrote to bro∴ Panday-Pira informing him (afavoritecustom of Morayta’s) that what was wanted was “money to invite journalists (to dine ortake a drink) and to pay articles in the papers.” Morayta,probablywith tears in his eyes, in ending his letter, heaves asigh, whilst his fingers itching for the touch of gold, nervously clutch the pen which scrawls these words: “if we only had here a good administrator with funds then you would see how we should advance!”On the 22nd of June 1892 the secretary of the Gr∴ Or∴ Esp∴ wrote to the same explaining how “in a few meetings, a couple of banquets and a few presents made at the right time” much could be accomplished.Note 53.Rizal had money troubles previously with Pilar in Madrid (see note 39). The excessive earnest and zeal displayed at the time of the foundation of theLigaby Rizal died away on his deportation. This zeal was owing to the captivating manner in which the founder demonstrated to his audience the brilliant future to be attained by such an undertaking. Rizal had the advantage of a ready oratory and like Bonifacio, drew his hearers to his cause in spite of themselves. And then again, the same as in masonry, the association was secret, and its true end and aim were but whispered; and whilst many of the associated were laboring to assist, as they thought, in the fomentation of theculture and advancement of the country, they were in reality playing with the toyallottedto them by the society, whilst the chief members, those membersbest suited to be masons, as says the Gr∴ Sec∴ of the Gr∴ Or∴ Esp∴29, carried on the true work of theLiga. As in the lower degrees of any secret society, and of masonry in particular, the members are unaware of what is aimed at in the degrees to which they have not attained, to which all cannot attain, and the secrets of which are zealously guarded, so it was in theLiga.Upon its re-establishment the Liga counted among its members several who aimed at the leadership. The absence of Rizal, deported to Dapitan, left open the door for unbridled ambition. Everyone wanted to be the head. This together with money troubles brought about considerable ill feeling between the absent founder and those continuing the work of the association. Rizalhad so far kept up a continual secret communication with the Liga, thanks to the liberty allowed him by his keepers in Mindanao, who guarded him with scandalous carelessness; and thanks also to theemissariessent to him from Manila in search of instructions and advice. The result of the ill-feeling thus brought about was the rupture in official relations between theLigaand its founder.Note 54.See note39.Note 55.One of the facts clearly developed in the trials of those suspected of treason, was that the guilty ones had taken the utmost care not to leave behind them traces of their work. This was principally the case with Rizal and the other chief workers of the revolt, and of those who formed the association ofCompromisarios.Note 56.Both Pedro and Francisco Roxas were honorary councillors of the Administration. On the 19th of September 1896 Blanco published the following decrees:“In as much as Sr. D. Francisco Roxas, honorary councillor of the Administrationis found under process in the courts of law: in the use of the faculties in me invested, I decree that he cease from the exercise of his functions etc., etc.”And on the 30th of September the following:“In as much as the Excellent Sr. D. Pedro P. Roxas, honorary councillor of the Administration has been found under process in the courts of law, for rebellion; in the use of my faculties, etc., etc.”Moises Salvador y Francisco testified (fols.1138–1143) that “among the persons who sympathised with the cause and who aided it with their means for its realization, he remembered D. Pedro Roxas and D. Francisco Roxas ... (and others); and there existed in the provinces others whose names he could not remember.”Domingo Franco y Tuason testified on the 30th of September 1896 (fols. 1332–1337) that “in another of the several interviews he had with Francisco L. Roxas, he asked him if in the circle of his relations (with the association) he counted with persons who had offered to aid the objects and ends of theLiga. Sr. Roxas replied: Yes. And in proof thereof he drew from adrawerin hisdesk a record which he read, and among the names he read the witness remembered those of don P. Roxas and others.”When Francisco Roxas found himself in danger of arrest, he attempted to flee to Hong-Kong, but was captured on board the ship which was to carry him there. From the ship he was conducted under arrest to theComendanciaof theVeteranawhere he remained several days, at the end of which he was transferred to the Fort of Santiago.Francisco was amillionairewho had received from Spain a name and reputation superior to his personal merits, and yet in spite of all that the mother-country had done for him in raising him up to a position to which he could never have attained without her aid, he was found to have placed himself in thevanguardof the bitterest enemies of his country. He was the director of the workings of separatism and was the chief provider of arms for the revolt, as was testified by innumerable witnesses.30On the eve of his execution for treason Francisco pennedthefollowing abjuration:“I, Francisco L. Roxas, on the eve of my death, in reparation for what in my words and actions may have offended my neighbor; for warning of others of my person and in order to satisfy my conscience, to the end that no one, and especially my children, fall into the net of freemasonry, or of any other secret society, all of which I detest and curse, and be not in a day to come ungrateful sons of our Mother Spain, beg pardon for all my faults and bad example.”“I die in the Holy Roman Catholic Apostolic faith in which I was born and educated in a christian manner. I admit all that she admits and condemn all that she condemns.”“This I sign with my own hand with entire liberty.”Jany. 10th 1897 in Manila, Royal Fort of Santiago.—F. L. Roxas:—Witnesses: Antonio Pardo and Felix García.On January 11th Gov. Gen. Polavieja telegraphed to Madrid as follows:“Sentenced by council of War, to-day there have been executed (shot) twelve personsguilty of treason ... among them Francisco Roxas, Councillor of Administration; Nijaga, Lieut. of native infantry; Villaroel, Villareal, Moises Salvador and others.”Pedro Roxas was also a millionaire who inherited a good fortune, which, under the shelter of official protection multiplied considerably. Spain honored him with the grand cross of Isabela la Católica. Like Francisco he was a Councillor of Administration. He possessed a large estate in Nasugbu which, when the revolt broke out, became an insurgent hornet’s nest. There the rebels had a cannon, three falconettes and a large number of arms.After having been deprived of his office by decree previously mentioned, Pedro Roxas secured in some way or other from Blanco, permission to go to Spain. On arrival at Singapore he landed and remained there. Later on he was defended in the Spanish Cortés by Sr. Romero Robledo31. In Manila, to those who could judge of the facts on the spot, this defence came as a thunderbolt. However, the Spanish paperElCorreoin the issue of August 15th said:“The conduct of Sr. Roxas results satisfactorily cleared, so that no doubt remains in respect to his complete disconnection with the revolt.”Among the separatist element Pedro Roxas was known as the Emperor Pedro I.Note 57.Maximo M. A. Paterno was the father of the well known Pedro Paterno.Maximo was in his latter days the leading spirit of the celebrations held in honor of the amnestyproclaimedin 1900, by the late President McKinley. He died at the age of 76, just before the celebrations took place.This amnesty celebration, like most things attempted byFilipinosalone, turned but a fiasco, the speeches which were to be delivered on the occasion not being in any way in keeping with the oath of allegiance taken by the speakers. The speeches contemplated were in advocation of practically the same thing as that for which the rebels had been keeping up an armed struggle, and so, when the U. S. Commission was invited by Pedro Paterno to be present thereat, it naturally was unable to accept the invitation.The whole celebration was an abortive attempt on the part of its organizers to antagonize the Military and Civil authorities. Mr. Taft, as president of the Commission, at first accepted the invitation extended, supposing thespeechesto be given, had been censored by the proper authorities, at that time the military; but on finding that this was not so, he declined in the name of the other members of the Commission, and thus avoided theunpleasantnessof being present at a banquet at which both the Military and the Civil authorities would be insulted and the Government of the U. S. defied.On the 28th of July 1900, the day of the banquet, Mr. Taft on behalf of his fellow Commissioners, addressed a letter to Pedro Paterno on the subject. See Appendix J.Pedro Paterno was one of those who for a considerable time refused to take the oath of allegiance; with him were others, Mabini in particular.Maximo Paterno had received from Spain the Cross of Knight of the Royal and American Order of Isabela La Católica.Note 58.And others: Among the names mentioned in many of the documents I have consulted on the subject of the trials of those guilty of treason, I have frequently come across those of Linjap (Mariano), Chidian (Telesforo), Yangco (Luis R.), and others. Of this latter Domingo Franco was asked during his trial, if Luis R. Yangco had assisted at any reunion of thecompromisarios, to which he replied that he (Yangco) had not assisted at any session (fols. 1381–1382).As I have already remarked in another note, many of those charged with complicity in the affairs of the revolt were latter on proved to be innocent. That considerable number of the wealthy natives and half-castes sympathised more or less with the idea of greater liberality in government, is undoubtedly true, but that they extended their sympathies to the aims of the hordes of cut-throats led by Bonifacio is absurd.The leadingFilipinosand many insular Spaniards sighed for privileges which the Government of Madrid did not deem well to concede. To bring pressure upon the Government some of these combined to support in the metropolis, some of their number whoshould keep up the work of agitation. This agitation however took a form displeasing to many, who thereupon ceased to lend it their aid and consent. But few of the leaders of the people, especially of the wealthy ones, desired to cut themselves adrift from Spain, and not till a few insignificant beings such as Aguinaldo, Bonifacio, Mabini, and Pilar (Pio del) and Buencamino came upon the scene did the idea of independence of the island really take form. A faint idea of such a thing as independence did exist formerly, but the enlightenedFilipinossaw, only too clearly, the probable result.The wealthy proprietors here cited, no doubt sympathised more or less with theLiga Filipinain its beginning, whilst it was under the complete control of its founder Rizal; but as theLigalost the character given to it by Rizal, and underwent the change it did, it is only natural to suppose that many of its former supporters left it as they would a sinking ship. However the fact that they were identified with the originalLigaseems to have been taken as a proof of their connection with the revolt.This is certainly the opinion expressed by Sr. Diaz.Note 59.Mactan is the name of the island upon which Magallanes, the famous explorer, met his death at the hands of the savagehordeswho at that time peopled the land. Names of places and persons associated with the disasters suffered by Spain, were greatly admired among theseparatists. Surely Mactan, an island peopled by savages at the time of its chief notoriety, and Mayon, the site of a destructive volcano, are very suitable names to give to such centers as were the popular councils of Trozo and Sta. Cruz.Note 60.On the 30th of August 1895, the Civil Governor of Batangas asked of the commander of the Guardia Civil of Lemery, information concerning “persons in the pueblo of Taal who were distinguished for theirseparatistsopinions”. The said commander replied that a report on all such persons would be unending, andproceededto cite the case of Felipe Agoncillo topersonifythe saidseparatistelement, as follows:“Among the group of the chief ones and as chief of them, stands Felipe Agoncillo,proprietorand lawyer.” He then goes on to explain how Agoncillo imposed his will uponevery one in the pueblo, even upon the Municipality, no law or regulation sent even by the highest authorities going into force until it had been passed upon by him. “It would be difficult,” says he, “for me to collect any perfect proof of his anti-Spanish tendencies which are, however, self-evident to the Spanish element of this province.”This report, which was a sufficientwarning ofdanger, was sent to the Gov. of Batangas on the 18th of September 1895. He immediately forwarded it to Gen. Blanco. About three months afterwards Blanco looked into the matter, circumstances demanding that some steps should be taken to preserve national honor; and he decided to deport six of theseparatistsas an example to the remainder. Of these six one was Agoncillo. This industrious filibuster had influential andwatchfulfriends in Manila, who, upon seeing the turn things were taking, telegraphed him “Café en baja; fuera existencias.” This was warning sufficient and Agoncillo accompanied by Ramon Atienza succeeded in escaping.On the 14th of April the Japanese Mail Steamer Hiorine left Manila. On this steamer Agoncillo fled, hidden it is said, in a coalbunk. TheHeraldo de Madridof the 16th of September 1896, in speaking of the affair says: “Agoncillo gave the captain of the ship the sum of 350 pesos as gratification and on this account had placed at his disposal upon arrival at Kobe, a ship’s boat, whilst the remaining passengers had to hire their transportation.”On the 2nd of May 1896, the secret police of Manila reported to Gen. Blanco, as follows:“Notice is hereby given of the sailing for Japan of Felipe Agoncillo, property-owner of the province of Batangas, who goes to put himself at the disposition of the junta magna (in Japan), carrying with him some 80,000 pesos collected in Lipa, Taal and other pueblos, for the sustainment of anti-Spanish propaganda.”Like most of the leaders of the separatist campaign, Agoncillo was astute. He partook of that peculiar trait of the native character: a sharpness of perception, a cuteness which one not acquainted with the indian would take for intelligence. AnIndianwill often do something remarkable, but in spite of its appearance of being an extraordinary action, a result of a well thoughtout plan, it proceeds in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred, from instinct rather from intelligence. Native peoples are more accustomed to use their common-sense than most of us and hence arises the fact, that frequently theFilipinohasoutwittedboth the military and the civilauthorities. England learned this lesson in dealing with the Oriental in India, Spain learned it here, and America has yet to discover the same truth.Mr. Wildman32, the late U. S. Consul at Hong-Kong, once affirmed of Agoncillo, “Sr. Agoncillo is a very intelligent and daring diplomat (the Government later on found him to be far more daring than intelligent), and could fill the position of chief of any department of State in any civilized country.” But then, it was nothing strange for Wildman to make such breaks!Note 61.Among these honorable exceptions which Sr. Diaz says he has great pleasure in recognizing, might be mentioned several who werefalselyaccused and whose names have gone down to the reading public in the works of various writers who wrote in good faith, branded with the mark of ingratitude which characterized and still characterizes so many natives and half-castes.It gives a careful student of the subject more than passing pleasure to be able to give the lie to those who in their testimony classified as members of the infernal plot to “cut the throats of every Spaniard, without regard even to parentage”, the namesof some of the most prominentFilipinosof to-day, men who although they have not grovelled in the dust before theconquerorand accepted positions under the new Government, are more truly prominent than those who assert themselves as the “leaders” of the people.Among these honorable exceptions there were many who although they came to form part of the so-called Revolutionary Government, did so only when Spanish rule had ceased to exist, and when the accepted opinion was that a government elected by the people would be recognized by the U. S. These, however, were never traitors to the mother country; they were men who treated Spain as every honorable man should treat his country. These were not men who changed their religion as they changed their clothes: to suit the occasion. They were not men who concealed their titles to freemason degrees, at the bottom of their trunks, and exposed them with pride upon the change of sovereignty. These men were never perjurers, never traitors. Born and raised in the bosom of the Catholic faith they remained faithful to it, and faithful to the traditions of the country which gavethem their political being; and it is with great pleasure that, with Sr. Diaz, I also can say, that I have great pleasure in recognizing these honorable exceptions, and in proof thereof have I dedicated this small historical sketch to them.Note 62.Day by day the morality in the administration of the funds became worse, and so intense did the ill-feeling engendered by pride become, that the members forgot all about the fomentation of the culture and advancement of the country. Like a nursery full ofwillfulchildren, they all wanted their own way, and when they could not have it, some cried: “now Ishan’tplay,” “now I’ll go and tellma;” this perhaps was the chief cause of the dissolution of the association, for some did go and tell “ma;” and the wealthy members, and those who had anything to lose, were immediately overcome with abject fear lest “ma” should punish them with a good spanking.“In the month of October 1893, the Superior Council becoming aware that some documents pertaining, to theLigahad been handed over to the offices of the General Government, the dissolution of the societywas determined.”—Testimony of Domingo Franco y Tuason. (fols.1,299–1,303).On the 25th of May 1896, notice was given by the secret police to Governor General Blanco, as follows:“Notice is herewith given of the existence in Manila, of a Society namedLa Liga Filipina, to which are affiliated a large number of individuals....”Note 63.The testimony given by many of the political prisoners as to the foundation, aims and work of theCompromisariosis somewhat conflicting. For instance: Antonio Salazar, (fols.1,008–1,013) testified that on account of the mal-administration of the funds, “the subscription on behalf ofLa Propagandaceased, and under the name ofCompromisarioswas founded an associationcomposedof ... (here follow names of members), and seeing that they could not gather sufficient funds, they agreed to increase the subscription and seek persons to associate with them.”On another occasion the same witness testified (fols.1,014–1,018) that certain persons whom he named were the “Compromisarios, who were in communion with Marcelo(del Pilar), and who remitted money to him.” He also stated that “on account of the bad conduct observed in Madrid by Pilar, ... some of theCompromisariosrefused to send him resources.”In reply to a question as to the relationship between theCompromisariosand theKatipunan, he gave as his opinion, that “there could be no doubt that both societies aimed at the same end.” At fols. 1118–1129 the same witness affirmed that “as the partisans of Rizal and Pilar ... saw that neither masonry nor theLigacould hope for funds33, they formed the society ofCompromisariosamong wealthy persons of Manila and the Provinces.”Domingo Franco affirmed that the outbreak of the revolt came as a great surprise to theCompromisarios.As to the aims of the society, Moisés Salvador y Francisco is authority for the statement that:“in one of thejuntasthey treated of the provision of arms and other material of war; and it was agreed, moreover,to gather funds for the said expenses, and as thejuntareplied that it wasimpossibleat that time, a committee was appointed, composed of José Ramos, Doroteo Cortés and Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, to draw up a petition for the aid of Japan.”Moisés also affirmed (fols.1,296–1,299) that the Supreme Council of theCompromisarioswas formed as follows:
AL∴ G∴ D∴ G∴ A∴ D∴ U∴Liberty.—Equality.—Fraternity.Universal Freemasonry. Spanish Family.The Resp∴ Log∴ Nilad, No. 144 of A∴ L∴ and A∴ masons of the Philippinesregularlyconstituted in the Federation of the Gr∴ Or∴ Español (seat in Madrid).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The letter goes on to speak of the new foundation and the number of initiations.“It pleases us much,” says the Gr∴ Sec∴“to see the activity and zeal which you employ in the labors, and for it we greet you. Nevertheless, we must remind you always of the greatest care in the election of the laborers.Not all men, although they professour ideas and doctrines, serve for good masons,...”Morayta, writing on the 12th of June 1892 to bro∴Panday Pira, says: “... But do not forget an advice which I believe Ruiz gave you also:be very careful; do not open your arms to any except they be of full confidence....Remember that, even though things have changed there (in the Philippines) you run all the danger consequent upon the domination (sic) of the friar and of the General.” The general was Despujols, an upright, honest and sincere man who was too apt to measure otherpeople’scorn by his own bushel. The filibusters took advantage of the fact, and by their lying protests of love for Spain, captivated him and fooled him out and out for a time.Note 35.At that time liberty of association was not allowed by law in the Archipelago. To attain their ends this was the thing most necessary for the separatists. Without the shelter of the law of association nothing could be done except by stealth. It was for want of thisprivilegethat the shelter of the masonic lodge room wassought.Note 36.Blumentritt, Fernando; of German race, Austrian by nationality, resident in Bohemia and therefore spoken of by various writers sometimes as a German, at others as a Bohemian or an Austrian. Like Foreman24, Blumentritt claimed to be a ferventCatholic and yet was an open enemy of the Church. He claimed moreover to be a great friend of Spain and yet openly sided with her enemies. He was one of thecollaboratorsof theLa Solidaridad.Isabelo de los Reyes writes of him: “Thesavant (sic) Blumentritt thebrotherof theFilipinos, has always served us with disinterest (except in what concerned his pocket) and opportuneness. He was the first who did us justice by publishing many valuable articles to demonstrate, under all points of view, the superiority of theFilipino(Isabelo does not say over what) and defending our cause against the ambition of the imperialists (that is the Spaniards).”Blumentritt was a member of the society known as the “Amigos del Pais”25, and remained so till his actions and writings caused well thinking Spaniards andPhilippinos26to call for his dismissal from its membership. The patriotic outcry against him caused him to resign on the 14th of November 1889; the Solidaridad of the 31st of December of the same year published his resignation. The press of Manila was exceptionally bitter against him and only suchFilipinosas those who continue up to the present time forming part of thejuntasinHong-Kong, Madrid, Paris, London and other places looked up to him for the assistance they could not find at home.Note 37.It was naturally in thePeninsulawhere the chief work of the propaganda had to be carried on, and it was there also that the propaganda had the least effect. The principal instrument for thedisseminationof the seed of separatist aspirations was theSolidaridad(See note24). TheFilipinoshere, who gave their subscriptions and other sums of money for the support of the bi-monthly, were kept under the impression that the official organ was making a great noise in Madrid; but as it never reached the official world it was supposed to influence, its publication was practically useless. In the Philippines it served the same purpose as theLa Independencia: that is, it served to keep alive the spirit of unrest, and by the lies it published, made the people believe that their leaders were going to lead them to a promised land which “flowed with milk and honey.” They eventually got into the promised land, only to find that the milk was very much “condensed”, and that the honey was only to begotafterthose who secured it had been exposed to the very unpleasant operation of being stung by the bees which produced it.Instead of serving to keep together the subjects and their rulers in a bond of peace and tranquility, and helping them to come to a mutual understanding, in which state the progress and advancement of the islands and their inhabitants could be the easier and the better accomplished, the separatist element, by their propaganda, caused more and more strife by attacking national institutions and by casting slurs upon national honor. The discontent stirred up against the Spanish authorities was identical to that which, until the passing of the law of sedition and even since that time, was stirred up against the American sovereignty. In its propaganda against the Religious Orders, inciting the native clergy against the lawful authority of their Bishops, it was the precursor of modern Manila’s American press. History tells us what was the result of the lessening of the moral influence of the Religious Orders in the days of Spanish rule, and to-day History repeats itself. The inciting of the native clergy against their Bishops is encouraging the natives, as a whole, to resistlawful authority. The cry to-day is “down with the friar,” tomorrow it will be “down with the American.”In 1888 it was down with the Religious Orders, in 1896 it had become “death to all Spaniards”. In 1898 the American was blessed as a deliverer from oppression, in 1899 cursed as an intruder. To-day...? Who knows the opinion of the people? Who but a fewignorantestrust the great men of the late revolution?In Spain the work of theseparatistsproduced no effect upon the people; a few here and there of the least patriotic of the scum of Barcelona and Madrid aided them but apart from these and the Bible Societies, no one interested themselves in their cause.Note 39.From the earliest to the latest days of the period of the revolt, that is from ’88 to ’98, this was one of the greatest obstacles to be overcome. Money was collected for propaganda in Spain and in Japan; what became of it all? Money was collected for the purpose of releasing or stealing away Rizal; what became of it? Funds were collected for the purchase of rifles and ammunition for the Katipunan, and, at the last moment, Andrés Bonifacio fled withsome20,000pesos. This continual squabble over the administration of the funds is a proof clear enough, of the existence of organized exploiters whose pockets were of more concern to them than were the interests of their country.Note 40.It is almost needless to say that this latter was in the minority; later on Pilar suffered a marked change oftemperamentand became more decidedlyseparatistthan Rizal. Rizal was willing to give the goose a chance to lay her golden eggs; Pilar becoming impatient killed the goose with the scheme of the Katipunan.Note 41.“Previous to his returntoManila Rizal lived some time in Hong-Kong. From there he forwarded to Moises Salvador Francisco the statutes and instructions for the “Liga Filipina”.”—Testimony of the said Francisco. (fols.1,138–1,143.)Note 42.“It resulting that after some years of voluntary expatriation ... a Spanishcitizen(Rizal) born in the Philippines, directed a first letter, dated some months back in Hong-Kong, to the superior Authorities,offering his aid and assistance for the better government and progress of the Philippines, at the same time in which his latest book commenced circulation, for which reason no reply was given; and in a second letter dated in the month of May,in which, recognizing the policy of generous attraction, of morality and justice here implanted ... announced his intention of returning to his native soil to dispose, together with his friends, of the property they possessed, and to go with their families to found, in Borneo, a filipino agricultural colony under English protection....”“A few days afterwards, the Spanish citizen ... disembarked with his sister in Manila....” (See also note8.) Extracts from the Decree of Deportation issued against Rizal by Governor Despujols, 7th July 1892.Note 43.“In the year 1892, Rizal being in Manila, recently arrived from Europe, several people of the country were gathered together, among them Andrés Bonifacio, Numeriano Adriano, Timoteo Paez and Estanislao Legaspi, in a wooden house in calle Dulumbayan, were a society known as the “Liga Filipina” was founded.” Testimonyof Valentin Diaz, native of Panay, Ilocos Norte.“In May or June 1892 José Rizal reached Manila; and encharged by him, Paez and Serrano invited a large number of persons to gather on a certain day ... in the house of Doroteo Ongjungco where Rizal manifested to those present, among whom was the witness, that it was necessary to form an association which should be called the “Liga Filipina”, the object and of which should be the attainment of the separation of these islands from Spain.” Moises Salvador y Francisco (fols.1,296–1,299).“The reunion was called by Rizal, and the witness was invited byTimoteoPaez, who conducted him to the house of DoroteoOngjungco.... That José Rizal addressed those present, manifesting the convenience of establishing an association under the name of the “Liga Filipina” with the object of collecting funds by different means, to the end of securing opportunely the independence of these islands”.... Testimony of Domingo Franco y Tuason (fols.1299–1303).Note 44.It was not the aim which Rizal had in his mind, of delivering his country from disabilities but the manner in which he set to work to accomplish that end, to which objection must be raised. When a people suffer under the oppression of its rulers, all the world admires the man who rises to throw off the hateful yoke. But when the oppression is imaginary and when the so-called hero is but a marionette in the hands of political schemers who seek their own advantage under the shelter of a pretence to throw off a yoke which does not exist, one cannot admire the part played by the deluded “tool”. The emancipation from the mother-country was the key-note of the revolt. It was the aim of theFilipinofreemasons, of the Liga Filipina, of the Compromisarios and of the Katipunan.Note 45.Rizal was deported to Dapitan, in the island of Mindanao, by decree of Governor Despujols, part of which has been quoted in note 42. The decree goes on to say that, by reason of the fact that “the veil under which, up this present, he has succeeded in hiding his true intentions has been torn asunder,” ... “that he adduces noother defence but useless denials, having recourse to throwing the blame of the discovery of the leaflets upon his own sister (see page 99)....”“Infulfillmentof the high duties which devolve upon me as your General and Vice Royal Patron ... I decree the following:...”“1st: that José Rizal shall be deported to one of the islands of the south....”“The responsibility of these vigorous measures which a painful duty imposes upon me, falls entirely upon those who by their imprudent aims and ungrateful proceedings come to disturb the paternal cares of this general government making the ordinate march of Philippine progress the more difficult.”27“Manila, 7th July 1892.—Despujols.Note 46.“In the month of April 1893, upon the initiative and invitation Juan Zulueta, now dead, and of Deodato Arellano, cousin of Marcelo del Pilar, a new gathering was called in the house of Deodato Arellano, with the object of establishing anew theLiga Filipinaunder the same bases and for the same ends....”Note 47.The determinate ends of theseparatistshave already been spoken of in note 3, which see.Note 48.See note102.Note 49.“The object of the society (the Liga) is the establishment of shops, workshops, businesses, industries and even a bank if possible, with the end in view of collecting funds for an armed rising.”—Testimony of Juan Dizon Matanza, (fols.1,132–1,138.)Note 50.The ceremonies practiced by theLigadifferedbut little from those practiced by the Katipunan. The chief difference lay in the fact that the ceremonial of the Katipunan partook more of the grotesque, of the absurd, of paganism.Pio Valenzuela in recounting the forms and ceremonies practiced upon his initiation, said:“Once in the house28, they spoke of many things,en résumé, that the aim ofthe association was to obtain the independence of the Philippines, oppressed and enslaved by the Spaniards. Placing, later on, a dagger at his breast, they obliged him to throw himself upon it, a thing which the witness could not pluck up courage enough to do; whereupon they placed it in his hand, leading him to a man whom he recognized to be seated, and ordered him (the witness) to strike him with the dagger, a thing which he dare not do either. He was then conducted into a room and addressed by a person he knew to be Bonifacio by the voice, who informed him that he could not retrace his steps because he knew of the existence of the society, but he could not assist at thejuntasnor could they teach him the signs of recognition till he had been re-initiated; they moreover made him sign two sheets of blank paper, causing him to swear never to reveal the existence of the society to anyone, under the pain ofassassination. They then removed the bandage which he was blindfolded and he saw around him eight or nine individuals dressed in cloaks and hoods; he signed the two sheets of paper and was again blindfolded and conducted to a considerable distance from thehouse where the bandage was again removed.Another member of the Katipunan in his declaration made on the 22nd of September 1896, stated that during the month of February 1893, one Sunday morning, a certain Estanislao Legaspi entered his store, telling him to accompany him in acalesa.He listened to tirades against the Spanish Government till their arrival at the house of a certain Tranquilino Torres, in calle Elcano.Here “his eyes were bandaged by Legaspi and he was handed over to the care of another individual who conducted him to the upper story of the house and made him sit down; he then heard a person whom he knew to be Legaspi by his voice speak, saying several things against the Spanish Government, demanding of him an oath of blind obedience, and a defense of the Philippines till the shedding of the last drop of his blood, threatening him with fearful punishments if he should turn traitor. This ceremony being terminated, his eyes were unbound and he saw, on a table, a skull which they made him kiss, and Legaspi handed him a lance commanding him to wound himself in the arm; but he felt a feeling offaintheartedness come over him, and manifested to those present that he had not courage enough to wound himself and wished that the oath he had taken be enough; he was dispensed from the operation. When the bandage was removed the eight individuals composing thejuntawere masked with black hoods, but after he kissed the skull and attempted to wound himself they removed the hoods and he then recognized Estanislao Legaspi who presided, Mariano de Vera, Teodoro Plata and Juan de la Cruz who was a clerk of the Tabacalera, and who had led him upstairs; he did not know the other three. The witness paid two pesos as entrance fee promising to pay 50 cents monthly. He asked Legaspi what association it was, and he replied that it was theLiga Filipina.”In the daily report of the secret police department made to General Blanco on the 30th of June 1896, is the following notice:“Herewith is given translated most faithfully from Tagalog, the result of an interview held with a well-to-do indian who belonged to the most popular of the masonic lodges, who tried to draw into it a friend. Questioned upon certain affairs, he said: “In the masonic lodges of San Juan del Monteand of Pandacan, the whole pueblo, rich and poor, is inscribed.”“In the reunions the brethren attend blind-folded, and the chiefs with the face covered.”“The person who desires to enter the lodge is obliged to have his face covered and his eyes bandaged in sign of blind obedience; the proofs are carried out and signature made as follows. The person receiving the initiated takes a dagger and gives it to him saying to him: do youswearto be steel like that which you hold in your hand and not to bend in the exigencies which oppress and vex us, and to labor in pro of the independence of your enslaved country? I swear answers the person to be initiated. Do youswearnot to have father, mother, wife, child nor any relative but the revenging arm which shall sleep and live with you? I swear. They then surround him with arms of all classes and say to him: here is thy family, thy only work, and may it give thee thy life and open thy eyes for thy good of the country. They then make a small incision in the form of a cross in the right arm near the shoulder.”“At present our meetings are held at night and in the most lonely fields, withthe object of not being surprised.”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .“It is well known among us masons that Rizal is attributed with the faculty of being able to translate his person instantaneously from one point to another.”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Note 51.Juan Castañeda testified on the 21st of September 1896 before the Chief Inspector of the Corps ofVigilancethat “he was recommended to make the greatest amount of propaganda possible, of Japanese ideas in the pueblo of Imus.” The Japanese ideas here spoken of were those of the foundation of the Japanese protectorate.Note 52.Money! money!! money!!! was the great cry in the majority of the masonic correspondence between the workers in Spain and those who had to supply the funds here. On the 8th of June 1892 Morayta wrote to bro∴ Panday-Pira informing him (afavoritecustom of Morayta’s) that what was wanted was “money to invite journalists (to dine ortake a drink) and to pay articles in the papers.” Morayta,probablywith tears in his eyes, in ending his letter, heaves asigh, whilst his fingers itching for the touch of gold, nervously clutch the pen which scrawls these words: “if we only had here a good administrator with funds then you would see how we should advance!”On the 22nd of June 1892 the secretary of the Gr∴ Or∴ Esp∴ wrote to the same explaining how “in a few meetings, a couple of banquets and a few presents made at the right time” much could be accomplished.Note 53.Rizal had money troubles previously with Pilar in Madrid (see note 39). The excessive earnest and zeal displayed at the time of the foundation of theLigaby Rizal died away on his deportation. This zeal was owing to the captivating manner in which the founder demonstrated to his audience the brilliant future to be attained by such an undertaking. Rizal had the advantage of a ready oratory and like Bonifacio, drew his hearers to his cause in spite of themselves. And then again, the same as in masonry, the association was secret, and its true end and aim were but whispered; and whilst many of the associated were laboring to assist, as they thought, in the fomentation of theculture and advancement of the country, they were in reality playing with the toyallottedto them by the society, whilst the chief members, those membersbest suited to be masons, as says the Gr∴ Sec∴ of the Gr∴ Or∴ Esp∴29, carried on the true work of theLiga. As in the lower degrees of any secret society, and of masonry in particular, the members are unaware of what is aimed at in the degrees to which they have not attained, to which all cannot attain, and the secrets of which are zealously guarded, so it was in theLiga.Upon its re-establishment the Liga counted among its members several who aimed at the leadership. The absence of Rizal, deported to Dapitan, left open the door for unbridled ambition. Everyone wanted to be the head. This together with money troubles brought about considerable ill feeling between the absent founder and those continuing the work of the association. Rizalhad so far kept up a continual secret communication with the Liga, thanks to the liberty allowed him by his keepers in Mindanao, who guarded him with scandalous carelessness; and thanks also to theemissariessent to him from Manila in search of instructions and advice. The result of the ill-feeling thus brought about was the rupture in official relations between theLigaand its founder.Note 54.See note39.Note 55.One of the facts clearly developed in the trials of those suspected of treason, was that the guilty ones had taken the utmost care not to leave behind them traces of their work. This was principally the case with Rizal and the other chief workers of the revolt, and of those who formed the association ofCompromisarios.Note 56.Both Pedro and Francisco Roxas were honorary councillors of the Administration. On the 19th of September 1896 Blanco published the following decrees:“In as much as Sr. D. Francisco Roxas, honorary councillor of the Administrationis found under process in the courts of law: in the use of the faculties in me invested, I decree that he cease from the exercise of his functions etc., etc.”And on the 30th of September the following:“In as much as the Excellent Sr. D. Pedro P. Roxas, honorary councillor of the Administration has been found under process in the courts of law, for rebellion; in the use of my faculties, etc., etc.”Moises Salvador y Francisco testified (fols.1138–1143) that “among the persons who sympathised with the cause and who aided it with their means for its realization, he remembered D. Pedro Roxas and D. Francisco Roxas ... (and others); and there existed in the provinces others whose names he could not remember.”Domingo Franco y Tuason testified on the 30th of September 1896 (fols. 1332–1337) that “in another of the several interviews he had with Francisco L. Roxas, he asked him if in the circle of his relations (with the association) he counted with persons who had offered to aid the objects and ends of theLiga. Sr. Roxas replied: Yes. And in proof thereof he drew from adrawerin hisdesk a record which he read, and among the names he read the witness remembered those of don P. Roxas and others.”When Francisco Roxas found himself in danger of arrest, he attempted to flee to Hong-Kong, but was captured on board the ship which was to carry him there. From the ship he was conducted under arrest to theComendanciaof theVeteranawhere he remained several days, at the end of which he was transferred to the Fort of Santiago.Francisco was amillionairewho had received from Spain a name and reputation superior to his personal merits, and yet in spite of all that the mother-country had done for him in raising him up to a position to which he could never have attained without her aid, he was found to have placed himself in thevanguardof the bitterest enemies of his country. He was the director of the workings of separatism and was the chief provider of arms for the revolt, as was testified by innumerable witnesses.30On the eve of his execution for treason Francisco pennedthefollowing abjuration:“I, Francisco L. Roxas, on the eve of my death, in reparation for what in my words and actions may have offended my neighbor; for warning of others of my person and in order to satisfy my conscience, to the end that no one, and especially my children, fall into the net of freemasonry, or of any other secret society, all of which I detest and curse, and be not in a day to come ungrateful sons of our Mother Spain, beg pardon for all my faults and bad example.”“I die in the Holy Roman Catholic Apostolic faith in which I was born and educated in a christian manner. I admit all that she admits and condemn all that she condemns.”“This I sign with my own hand with entire liberty.”Jany. 10th 1897 in Manila, Royal Fort of Santiago.—F. L. Roxas:—Witnesses: Antonio Pardo and Felix García.On January 11th Gov. Gen. Polavieja telegraphed to Madrid as follows:“Sentenced by council of War, to-day there have been executed (shot) twelve personsguilty of treason ... among them Francisco Roxas, Councillor of Administration; Nijaga, Lieut. of native infantry; Villaroel, Villareal, Moises Salvador and others.”Pedro Roxas was also a millionaire who inherited a good fortune, which, under the shelter of official protection multiplied considerably. Spain honored him with the grand cross of Isabela la Católica. Like Francisco he was a Councillor of Administration. He possessed a large estate in Nasugbu which, when the revolt broke out, became an insurgent hornet’s nest. There the rebels had a cannon, three falconettes and a large number of arms.After having been deprived of his office by decree previously mentioned, Pedro Roxas secured in some way or other from Blanco, permission to go to Spain. On arrival at Singapore he landed and remained there. Later on he was defended in the Spanish Cortés by Sr. Romero Robledo31. In Manila, to those who could judge of the facts on the spot, this defence came as a thunderbolt. However, the Spanish paperElCorreoin the issue of August 15th said:“The conduct of Sr. Roxas results satisfactorily cleared, so that no doubt remains in respect to his complete disconnection with the revolt.”Among the separatist element Pedro Roxas was known as the Emperor Pedro I.Note 57.Maximo M. A. Paterno was the father of the well known Pedro Paterno.Maximo was in his latter days the leading spirit of the celebrations held in honor of the amnestyproclaimedin 1900, by the late President McKinley. He died at the age of 76, just before the celebrations took place.This amnesty celebration, like most things attempted byFilipinosalone, turned but a fiasco, the speeches which were to be delivered on the occasion not being in any way in keeping with the oath of allegiance taken by the speakers. The speeches contemplated were in advocation of practically the same thing as that for which the rebels had been keeping up an armed struggle, and so, when the U. S. Commission was invited by Pedro Paterno to be present thereat, it naturally was unable to accept the invitation.The whole celebration was an abortive attempt on the part of its organizers to antagonize the Military and Civil authorities. Mr. Taft, as president of the Commission, at first accepted the invitation extended, supposing thespeechesto be given, had been censored by the proper authorities, at that time the military; but on finding that this was not so, he declined in the name of the other members of the Commission, and thus avoided theunpleasantnessof being present at a banquet at which both the Military and the Civil authorities would be insulted and the Government of the U. S. defied.On the 28th of July 1900, the day of the banquet, Mr. Taft on behalf of his fellow Commissioners, addressed a letter to Pedro Paterno on the subject. See Appendix J.Pedro Paterno was one of those who for a considerable time refused to take the oath of allegiance; with him were others, Mabini in particular.Maximo Paterno had received from Spain the Cross of Knight of the Royal and American Order of Isabela La Católica.Note 58.And others: Among the names mentioned in many of the documents I have consulted on the subject of the trials of those guilty of treason, I have frequently come across those of Linjap (Mariano), Chidian (Telesforo), Yangco (Luis R.), and others. Of this latter Domingo Franco was asked during his trial, if Luis R. Yangco had assisted at any reunion of thecompromisarios, to which he replied that he (Yangco) had not assisted at any session (fols. 1381–1382).As I have already remarked in another note, many of those charged with complicity in the affairs of the revolt were latter on proved to be innocent. That considerable number of the wealthy natives and half-castes sympathised more or less with the idea of greater liberality in government, is undoubtedly true, but that they extended their sympathies to the aims of the hordes of cut-throats led by Bonifacio is absurd.The leadingFilipinosand many insular Spaniards sighed for privileges which the Government of Madrid did not deem well to concede. To bring pressure upon the Government some of these combined to support in the metropolis, some of their number whoshould keep up the work of agitation. This agitation however took a form displeasing to many, who thereupon ceased to lend it their aid and consent. But few of the leaders of the people, especially of the wealthy ones, desired to cut themselves adrift from Spain, and not till a few insignificant beings such as Aguinaldo, Bonifacio, Mabini, and Pilar (Pio del) and Buencamino came upon the scene did the idea of independence of the island really take form. A faint idea of such a thing as independence did exist formerly, but the enlightenedFilipinossaw, only too clearly, the probable result.The wealthy proprietors here cited, no doubt sympathised more or less with theLiga Filipinain its beginning, whilst it was under the complete control of its founder Rizal; but as theLigalost the character given to it by Rizal, and underwent the change it did, it is only natural to suppose that many of its former supporters left it as they would a sinking ship. However the fact that they were identified with the originalLigaseems to have been taken as a proof of their connection with the revolt.This is certainly the opinion expressed by Sr. Diaz.Note 59.Mactan is the name of the island upon which Magallanes, the famous explorer, met his death at the hands of the savagehordeswho at that time peopled the land. Names of places and persons associated with the disasters suffered by Spain, were greatly admired among theseparatists. Surely Mactan, an island peopled by savages at the time of its chief notoriety, and Mayon, the site of a destructive volcano, are very suitable names to give to such centers as were the popular councils of Trozo and Sta. Cruz.Note 60.On the 30th of August 1895, the Civil Governor of Batangas asked of the commander of the Guardia Civil of Lemery, information concerning “persons in the pueblo of Taal who were distinguished for theirseparatistsopinions”. The said commander replied that a report on all such persons would be unending, andproceededto cite the case of Felipe Agoncillo topersonifythe saidseparatistelement, as follows:“Among the group of the chief ones and as chief of them, stands Felipe Agoncillo,proprietorand lawyer.” He then goes on to explain how Agoncillo imposed his will uponevery one in the pueblo, even upon the Municipality, no law or regulation sent even by the highest authorities going into force until it had been passed upon by him. “It would be difficult,” says he, “for me to collect any perfect proof of his anti-Spanish tendencies which are, however, self-evident to the Spanish element of this province.”This report, which was a sufficientwarning ofdanger, was sent to the Gov. of Batangas on the 18th of September 1895. He immediately forwarded it to Gen. Blanco. About three months afterwards Blanco looked into the matter, circumstances demanding that some steps should be taken to preserve national honor; and he decided to deport six of theseparatistsas an example to the remainder. Of these six one was Agoncillo. This industrious filibuster had influential andwatchfulfriends in Manila, who, upon seeing the turn things were taking, telegraphed him “Café en baja; fuera existencias.” This was warning sufficient and Agoncillo accompanied by Ramon Atienza succeeded in escaping.On the 14th of April the Japanese Mail Steamer Hiorine left Manila. On this steamer Agoncillo fled, hidden it is said, in a coalbunk. TheHeraldo de Madridof the 16th of September 1896, in speaking of the affair says: “Agoncillo gave the captain of the ship the sum of 350 pesos as gratification and on this account had placed at his disposal upon arrival at Kobe, a ship’s boat, whilst the remaining passengers had to hire their transportation.”On the 2nd of May 1896, the secret police of Manila reported to Gen. Blanco, as follows:“Notice is hereby given of the sailing for Japan of Felipe Agoncillo, property-owner of the province of Batangas, who goes to put himself at the disposition of the junta magna (in Japan), carrying with him some 80,000 pesos collected in Lipa, Taal and other pueblos, for the sustainment of anti-Spanish propaganda.”Like most of the leaders of the separatist campaign, Agoncillo was astute. He partook of that peculiar trait of the native character: a sharpness of perception, a cuteness which one not acquainted with the indian would take for intelligence. AnIndianwill often do something remarkable, but in spite of its appearance of being an extraordinary action, a result of a well thoughtout plan, it proceeds in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred, from instinct rather from intelligence. Native peoples are more accustomed to use their common-sense than most of us and hence arises the fact, that frequently theFilipinohasoutwittedboth the military and the civilauthorities. England learned this lesson in dealing with the Oriental in India, Spain learned it here, and America has yet to discover the same truth.Mr. Wildman32, the late U. S. Consul at Hong-Kong, once affirmed of Agoncillo, “Sr. Agoncillo is a very intelligent and daring diplomat (the Government later on found him to be far more daring than intelligent), and could fill the position of chief of any department of State in any civilized country.” But then, it was nothing strange for Wildman to make such breaks!Note 61.Among these honorable exceptions which Sr. Diaz says he has great pleasure in recognizing, might be mentioned several who werefalselyaccused and whose names have gone down to the reading public in the works of various writers who wrote in good faith, branded with the mark of ingratitude which characterized and still characterizes so many natives and half-castes.It gives a careful student of the subject more than passing pleasure to be able to give the lie to those who in their testimony classified as members of the infernal plot to “cut the throats of every Spaniard, without regard even to parentage”, the namesof some of the most prominentFilipinosof to-day, men who although they have not grovelled in the dust before theconquerorand accepted positions under the new Government, are more truly prominent than those who assert themselves as the “leaders” of the people.Among these honorable exceptions there were many who although they came to form part of the so-called Revolutionary Government, did so only when Spanish rule had ceased to exist, and when the accepted opinion was that a government elected by the people would be recognized by the U. S. These, however, were never traitors to the mother country; they were men who treated Spain as every honorable man should treat his country. These were not men who changed their religion as they changed their clothes: to suit the occasion. They were not men who concealed their titles to freemason degrees, at the bottom of their trunks, and exposed them with pride upon the change of sovereignty. These men were never perjurers, never traitors. Born and raised in the bosom of the Catholic faith they remained faithful to it, and faithful to the traditions of the country which gavethem their political being; and it is with great pleasure that, with Sr. Diaz, I also can say, that I have great pleasure in recognizing these honorable exceptions, and in proof thereof have I dedicated this small historical sketch to them.Note 62.Day by day the morality in the administration of the funds became worse, and so intense did the ill-feeling engendered by pride become, that the members forgot all about the fomentation of the culture and advancement of the country. Like a nursery full ofwillfulchildren, they all wanted their own way, and when they could not have it, some cried: “now Ishan’tplay,” “now I’ll go and tellma;” this perhaps was the chief cause of the dissolution of the association, for some did go and tell “ma;” and the wealthy members, and those who had anything to lose, were immediately overcome with abject fear lest “ma” should punish them with a good spanking.“In the month of October 1893, the Superior Council becoming aware that some documents pertaining, to theLigahad been handed over to the offices of the General Government, the dissolution of the societywas determined.”—Testimony of Domingo Franco y Tuason. (fols.1,299–1,303).On the 25th of May 1896, notice was given by the secret police to Governor General Blanco, as follows:“Notice is herewith given of the existence in Manila, of a Society namedLa Liga Filipina, to which are affiliated a large number of individuals....”Note 63.The testimony given by many of the political prisoners as to the foundation, aims and work of theCompromisariosis somewhat conflicting. For instance: Antonio Salazar, (fols.1,008–1,013) testified that on account of the mal-administration of the funds, “the subscription on behalf ofLa Propagandaceased, and under the name ofCompromisarioswas founded an associationcomposedof ... (here follow names of members), and seeing that they could not gather sufficient funds, they agreed to increase the subscription and seek persons to associate with them.”On another occasion the same witness testified (fols.1,014–1,018) that certain persons whom he named were the “Compromisarios, who were in communion with Marcelo(del Pilar), and who remitted money to him.” He also stated that “on account of the bad conduct observed in Madrid by Pilar, ... some of theCompromisariosrefused to send him resources.”In reply to a question as to the relationship between theCompromisariosand theKatipunan, he gave as his opinion, that “there could be no doubt that both societies aimed at the same end.” At fols. 1118–1129 the same witness affirmed that “as the partisans of Rizal and Pilar ... saw that neither masonry nor theLigacould hope for funds33, they formed the society ofCompromisariosamong wealthy persons of Manila and the Provinces.”Domingo Franco affirmed that the outbreak of the revolt came as a great surprise to theCompromisarios.As to the aims of the society, Moisés Salvador y Francisco is authority for the statement that:“in one of thejuntasthey treated of the provision of arms and other material of war; and it was agreed, moreover,to gather funds for the said expenses, and as thejuntareplied that it wasimpossibleat that time, a committee was appointed, composed of José Ramos, Doroteo Cortés and Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, to draw up a petition for the aid of Japan.”Moisés also affirmed (fols.1,296–1,299) that the Supreme Council of theCompromisarioswas formed as follows:
AL∴ G∴ D∴ G∴ A∴ D∴ U∴Liberty.—Equality.—Fraternity.Universal Freemasonry. Spanish Family.The Resp∴ Log∴ Nilad, No. 144 of A∴ L∴ and A∴ masons of the Philippinesregularlyconstituted in the Federation of the Gr∴ Or∴ Español (seat in Madrid).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The letter goes on to speak of the new foundation and the number of initiations.“It pleases us much,” says the Gr∴ Sec∴“to see the activity and zeal which you employ in the labors, and for it we greet you. Nevertheless, we must remind you always of the greatest care in the election of the laborers.Not all men, although they professour ideas and doctrines, serve for good masons,...”Morayta, writing on the 12th of June 1892 to bro∴Panday Pira, says: “... But do not forget an advice which I believe Ruiz gave you also:be very careful; do not open your arms to any except they be of full confidence....Remember that, even though things have changed there (in the Philippines) you run all the danger consequent upon the domination (sic) of the friar and of the General.” The general was Despujols, an upright, honest and sincere man who was too apt to measure otherpeople’scorn by his own bushel. The filibusters took advantage of the fact, and by their lying protests of love for Spain, captivated him and fooled him out and out for a time.Note 35.At that time liberty of association was not allowed by law in the Archipelago. To attain their ends this was the thing most necessary for the separatists. Without the shelter of the law of association nothing could be done except by stealth. It was for want of thisprivilegethat the shelter of the masonic lodge room wassought.Note 36.Blumentritt, Fernando; of German race, Austrian by nationality, resident in Bohemia and therefore spoken of by various writers sometimes as a German, at others as a Bohemian or an Austrian. Like Foreman24, Blumentritt claimed to be a ferventCatholic and yet was an open enemy of the Church. He claimed moreover to be a great friend of Spain and yet openly sided with her enemies. He was one of thecollaboratorsof theLa Solidaridad.Isabelo de los Reyes writes of him: “Thesavant (sic) Blumentritt thebrotherof theFilipinos, has always served us with disinterest (except in what concerned his pocket) and opportuneness. He was the first who did us justice by publishing many valuable articles to demonstrate, under all points of view, the superiority of theFilipino(Isabelo does not say over what) and defending our cause against the ambition of the imperialists (that is the Spaniards).”Blumentritt was a member of the society known as the “Amigos del Pais”25, and remained so till his actions and writings caused well thinking Spaniards andPhilippinos26to call for his dismissal from its membership. The patriotic outcry against him caused him to resign on the 14th of November 1889; the Solidaridad of the 31st of December of the same year published his resignation. The press of Manila was exceptionally bitter against him and only suchFilipinosas those who continue up to the present time forming part of thejuntasinHong-Kong, Madrid, Paris, London and other places looked up to him for the assistance they could not find at home.Note 37.It was naturally in thePeninsulawhere the chief work of the propaganda had to be carried on, and it was there also that the propaganda had the least effect. The principal instrument for thedisseminationof the seed of separatist aspirations was theSolidaridad(See note24). TheFilipinoshere, who gave their subscriptions and other sums of money for the support of the bi-monthly, were kept under the impression that the official organ was making a great noise in Madrid; but as it never reached the official world it was supposed to influence, its publication was practically useless. In the Philippines it served the same purpose as theLa Independencia: that is, it served to keep alive the spirit of unrest, and by the lies it published, made the people believe that their leaders were going to lead them to a promised land which “flowed with milk and honey.” They eventually got into the promised land, only to find that the milk was very much “condensed”, and that the honey was only to begotafterthose who secured it had been exposed to the very unpleasant operation of being stung by the bees which produced it.Instead of serving to keep together the subjects and their rulers in a bond of peace and tranquility, and helping them to come to a mutual understanding, in which state the progress and advancement of the islands and their inhabitants could be the easier and the better accomplished, the separatist element, by their propaganda, caused more and more strife by attacking national institutions and by casting slurs upon national honor. The discontent stirred up against the Spanish authorities was identical to that which, until the passing of the law of sedition and even since that time, was stirred up against the American sovereignty. In its propaganda against the Religious Orders, inciting the native clergy against the lawful authority of their Bishops, it was the precursor of modern Manila’s American press. History tells us what was the result of the lessening of the moral influence of the Religious Orders in the days of Spanish rule, and to-day History repeats itself. The inciting of the native clergy against their Bishops is encouraging the natives, as a whole, to resistlawful authority. The cry to-day is “down with the friar,” tomorrow it will be “down with the American.”In 1888 it was down with the Religious Orders, in 1896 it had become “death to all Spaniards”. In 1898 the American was blessed as a deliverer from oppression, in 1899 cursed as an intruder. To-day...? Who knows the opinion of the people? Who but a fewignorantestrust the great men of the late revolution?In Spain the work of theseparatistsproduced no effect upon the people; a few here and there of the least patriotic of the scum of Barcelona and Madrid aided them but apart from these and the Bible Societies, no one interested themselves in their cause.Note 39.From the earliest to the latest days of the period of the revolt, that is from ’88 to ’98, this was one of the greatest obstacles to be overcome. Money was collected for propaganda in Spain and in Japan; what became of it all? Money was collected for the purpose of releasing or stealing away Rizal; what became of it? Funds were collected for the purchase of rifles and ammunition for the Katipunan, and, at the last moment, Andrés Bonifacio fled withsome20,000pesos. This continual squabble over the administration of the funds is a proof clear enough, of the existence of organized exploiters whose pockets were of more concern to them than were the interests of their country.Note 40.It is almost needless to say that this latter was in the minority; later on Pilar suffered a marked change oftemperamentand became more decidedlyseparatistthan Rizal. Rizal was willing to give the goose a chance to lay her golden eggs; Pilar becoming impatient killed the goose with the scheme of the Katipunan.Note 41.“Previous to his returntoManila Rizal lived some time in Hong-Kong. From there he forwarded to Moises Salvador Francisco the statutes and instructions for the “Liga Filipina”.”—Testimony of the said Francisco. (fols.1,138–1,143.)Note 42.“It resulting that after some years of voluntary expatriation ... a Spanishcitizen(Rizal) born in the Philippines, directed a first letter, dated some months back in Hong-Kong, to the superior Authorities,offering his aid and assistance for the better government and progress of the Philippines, at the same time in which his latest book commenced circulation, for which reason no reply was given; and in a second letter dated in the month of May,in which, recognizing the policy of generous attraction, of morality and justice here implanted ... announced his intention of returning to his native soil to dispose, together with his friends, of the property they possessed, and to go with their families to found, in Borneo, a filipino agricultural colony under English protection....”“A few days afterwards, the Spanish citizen ... disembarked with his sister in Manila....” (See also note8.) Extracts from the Decree of Deportation issued against Rizal by Governor Despujols, 7th July 1892.Note 43.“In the year 1892, Rizal being in Manila, recently arrived from Europe, several people of the country were gathered together, among them Andrés Bonifacio, Numeriano Adriano, Timoteo Paez and Estanislao Legaspi, in a wooden house in calle Dulumbayan, were a society known as the “Liga Filipina” was founded.” Testimonyof Valentin Diaz, native of Panay, Ilocos Norte.“In May or June 1892 José Rizal reached Manila; and encharged by him, Paez and Serrano invited a large number of persons to gather on a certain day ... in the house of Doroteo Ongjungco where Rizal manifested to those present, among whom was the witness, that it was necessary to form an association which should be called the “Liga Filipina”, the object and of which should be the attainment of the separation of these islands from Spain.” Moises Salvador y Francisco (fols.1,296–1,299).“The reunion was called by Rizal, and the witness was invited byTimoteoPaez, who conducted him to the house of DoroteoOngjungco.... That José Rizal addressed those present, manifesting the convenience of establishing an association under the name of the “Liga Filipina” with the object of collecting funds by different means, to the end of securing opportunely the independence of these islands”.... Testimony of Domingo Franco y Tuason (fols.1299–1303).Note 44.It was not the aim which Rizal had in his mind, of delivering his country from disabilities but the manner in which he set to work to accomplish that end, to which objection must be raised. When a people suffer under the oppression of its rulers, all the world admires the man who rises to throw off the hateful yoke. But when the oppression is imaginary and when the so-called hero is but a marionette in the hands of political schemers who seek their own advantage under the shelter of a pretence to throw off a yoke which does not exist, one cannot admire the part played by the deluded “tool”. The emancipation from the mother-country was the key-note of the revolt. It was the aim of theFilipinofreemasons, of the Liga Filipina, of the Compromisarios and of the Katipunan.Note 45.Rizal was deported to Dapitan, in the island of Mindanao, by decree of Governor Despujols, part of which has been quoted in note 42. The decree goes on to say that, by reason of the fact that “the veil under which, up this present, he has succeeded in hiding his true intentions has been torn asunder,” ... “that he adduces noother defence but useless denials, having recourse to throwing the blame of the discovery of the leaflets upon his own sister (see page 99)....”“Infulfillmentof the high duties which devolve upon me as your General and Vice Royal Patron ... I decree the following:...”“1st: that José Rizal shall be deported to one of the islands of the south....”“The responsibility of these vigorous measures which a painful duty imposes upon me, falls entirely upon those who by their imprudent aims and ungrateful proceedings come to disturb the paternal cares of this general government making the ordinate march of Philippine progress the more difficult.”27“Manila, 7th July 1892.—Despujols.Note 46.“In the month of April 1893, upon the initiative and invitation Juan Zulueta, now dead, and of Deodato Arellano, cousin of Marcelo del Pilar, a new gathering was called in the house of Deodato Arellano, with the object of establishing anew theLiga Filipinaunder the same bases and for the same ends....”Note 47.The determinate ends of theseparatistshave already been spoken of in note 3, which see.Note 48.See note102.Note 49.“The object of the society (the Liga) is the establishment of shops, workshops, businesses, industries and even a bank if possible, with the end in view of collecting funds for an armed rising.”—Testimony of Juan Dizon Matanza, (fols.1,132–1,138.)Note 50.The ceremonies practiced by theLigadifferedbut little from those practiced by the Katipunan. The chief difference lay in the fact that the ceremonial of the Katipunan partook more of the grotesque, of the absurd, of paganism.Pio Valenzuela in recounting the forms and ceremonies practiced upon his initiation, said:“Once in the house28, they spoke of many things,en résumé, that the aim ofthe association was to obtain the independence of the Philippines, oppressed and enslaved by the Spaniards. Placing, later on, a dagger at his breast, they obliged him to throw himself upon it, a thing which the witness could not pluck up courage enough to do; whereupon they placed it in his hand, leading him to a man whom he recognized to be seated, and ordered him (the witness) to strike him with the dagger, a thing which he dare not do either. He was then conducted into a room and addressed by a person he knew to be Bonifacio by the voice, who informed him that he could not retrace his steps because he knew of the existence of the society, but he could not assist at thejuntasnor could they teach him the signs of recognition till he had been re-initiated; they moreover made him sign two sheets of blank paper, causing him to swear never to reveal the existence of the society to anyone, under the pain ofassassination. They then removed the bandage which he was blindfolded and he saw around him eight or nine individuals dressed in cloaks and hoods; he signed the two sheets of paper and was again blindfolded and conducted to a considerable distance from thehouse where the bandage was again removed.Another member of the Katipunan in his declaration made on the 22nd of September 1896, stated that during the month of February 1893, one Sunday morning, a certain Estanislao Legaspi entered his store, telling him to accompany him in acalesa.He listened to tirades against the Spanish Government till their arrival at the house of a certain Tranquilino Torres, in calle Elcano.Here “his eyes were bandaged by Legaspi and he was handed over to the care of another individual who conducted him to the upper story of the house and made him sit down; he then heard a person whom he knew to be Legaspi by his voice speak, saying several things against the Spanish Government, demanding of him an oath of blind obedience, and a defense of the Philippines till the shedding of the last drop of his blood, threatening him with fearful punishments if he should turn traitor. This ceremony being terminated, his eyes were unbound and he saw, on a table, a skull which they made him kiss, and Legaspi handed him a lance commanding him to wound himself in the arm; but he felt a feeling offaintheartedness come over him, and manifested to those present that he had not courage enough to wound himself and wished that the oath he had taken be enough; he was dispensed from the operation. When the bandage was removed the eight individuals composing thejuntawere masked with black hoods, but after he kissed the skull and attempted to wound himself they removed the hoods and he then recognized Estanislao Legaspi who presided, Mariano de Vera, Teodoro Plata and Juan de la Cruz who was a clerk of the Tabacalera, and who had led him upstairs; he did not know the other three. The witness paid two pesos as entrance fee promising to pay 50 cents monthly. He asked Legaspi what association it was, and he replied that it was theLiga Filipina.”In the daily report of the secret police department made to General Blanco on the 30th of June 1896, is the following notice:“Herewith is given translated most faithfully from Tagalog, the result of an interview held with a well-to-do indian who belonged to the most popular of the masonic lodges, who tried to draw into it a friend. Questioned upon certain affairs, he said: “In the masonic lodges of San Juan del Monteand of Pandacan, the whole pueblo, rich and poor, is inscribed.”“In the reunions the brethren attend blind-folded, and the chiefs with the face covered.”“The person who desires to enter the lodge is obliged to have his face covered and his eyes bandaged in sign of blind obedience; the proofs are carried out and signature made as follows. The person receiving the initiated takes a dagger and gives it to him saying to him: do youswearto be steel like that which you hold in your hand and not to bend in the exigencies which oppress and vex us, and to labor in pro of the independence of your enslaved country? I swear answers the person to be initiated. Do youswearnot to have father, mother, wife, child nor any relative but the revenging arm which shall sleep and live with you? I swear. They then surround him with arms of all classes and say to him: here is thy family, thy only work, and may it give thee thy life and open thy eyes for thy good of the country. They then make a small incision in the form of a cross in the right arm near the shoulder.”“At present our meetings are held at night and in the most lonely fields, withthe object of not being surprised.”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .“It is well known among us masons that Rizal is attributed with the faculty of being able to translate his person instantaneously from one point to another.”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Note 51.Juan Castañeda testified on the 21st of September 1896 before the Chief Inspector of the Corps ofVigilancethat “he was recommended to make the greatest amount of propaganda possible, of Japanese ideas in the pueblo of Imus.” The Japanese ideas here spoken of were those of the foundation of the Japanese protectorate.Note 52.Money! money!! money!!! was the great cry in the majority of the masonic correspondence between the workers in Spain and those who had to supply the funds here. On the 8th of June 1892 Morayta wrote to bro∴ Panday-Pira informing him (afavoritecustom of Morayta’s) that what was wanted was “money to invite journalists (to dine ortake a drink) and to pay articles in the papers.” Morayta,probablywith tears in his eyes, in ending his letter, heaves asigh, whilst his fingers itching for the touch of gold, nervously clutch the pen which scrawls these words: “if we only had here a good administrator with funds then you would see how we should advance!”On the 22nd of June 1892 the secretary of the Gr∴ Or∴ Esp∴ wrote to the same explaining how “in a few meetings, a couple of banquets and a few presents made at the right time” much could be accomplished.Note 53.Rizal had money troubles previously with Pilar in Madrid (see note 39). The excessive earnest and zeal displayed at the time of the foundation of theLigaby Rizal died away on his deportation. This zeal was owing to the captivating manner in which the founder demonstrated to his audience the brilliant future to be attained by such an undertaking. Rizal had the advantage of a ready oratory and like Bonifacio, drew his hearers to his cause in spite of themselves. And then again, the same as in masonry, the association was secret, and its true end and aim were but whispered; and whilst many of the associated were laboring to assist, as they thought, in the fomentation of theculture and advancement of the country, they were in reality playing with the toyallottedto them by the society, whilst the chief members, those membersbest suited to be masons, as says the Gr∴ Sec∴ of the Gr∴ Or∴ Esp∴29, carried on the true work of theLiga. As in the lower degrees of any secret society, and of masonry in particular, the members are unaware of what is aimed at in the degrees to which they have not attained, to which all cannot attain, and the secrets of which are zealously guarded, so it was in theLiga.Upon its re-establishment the Liga counted among its members several who aimed at the leadership. The absence of Rizal, deported to Dapitan, left open the door for unbridled ambition. Everyone wanted to be the head. This together with money troubles brought about considerable ill feeling between the absent founder and those continuing the work of the association. Rizalhad so far kept up a continual secret communication with the Liga, thanks to the liberty allowed him by his keepers in Mindanao, who guarded him with scandalous carelessness; and thanks also to theemissariessent to him from Manila in search of instructions and advice. The result of the ill-feeling thus brought about was the rupture in official relations between theLigaand its founder.Note 54.See note39.Note 55.One of the facts clearly developed in the trials of those suspected of treason, was that the guilty ones had taken the utmost care not to leave behind them traces of their work. This was principally the case with Rizal and the other chief workers of the revolt, and of those who formed the association ofCompromisarios.Note 56.Both Pedro and Francisco Roxas were honorary councillors of the Administration. On the 19th of September 1896 Blanco published the following decrees:“In as much as Sr. D. Francisco Roxas, honorary councillor of the Administrationis found under process in the courts of law: in the use of the faculties in me invested, I decree that he cease from the exercise of his functions etc., etc.”And on the 30th of September the following:“In as much as the Excellent Sr. D. Pedro P. Roxas, honorary councillor of the Administration has been found under process in the courts of law, for rebellion; in the use of my faculties, etc., etc.”Moises Salvador y Francisco testified (fols.1138–1143) that “among the persons who sympathised with the cause and who aided it with their means for its realization, he remembered D. Pedro Roxas and D. Francisco Roxas ... (and others); and there existed in the provinces others whose names he could not remember.”Domingo Franco y Tuason testified on the 30th of September 1896 (fols. 1332–1337) that “in another of the several interviews he had with Francisco L. Roxas, he asked him if in the circle of his relations (with the association) he counted with persons who had offered to aid the objects and ends of theLiga. Sr. Roxas replied: Yes. And in proof thereof he drew from adrawerin hisdesk a record which he read, and among the names he read the witness remembered those of don P. Roxas and others.”When Francisco Roxas found himself in danger of arrest, he attempted to flee to Hong-Kong, but was captured on board the ship which was to carry him there. From the ship he was conducted under arrest to theComendanciaof theVeteranawhere he remained several days, at the end of which he was transferred to the Fort of Santiago.Francisco was amillionairewho had received from Spain a name and reputation superior to his personal merits, and yet in spite of all that the mother-country had done for him in raising him up to a position to which he could never have attained without her aid, he was found to have placed himself in thevanguardof the bitterest enemies of his country. He was the director of the workings of separatism and was the chief provider of arms for the revolt, as was testified by innumerable witnesses.30On the eve of his execution for treason Francisco pennedthefollowing abjuration:“I, Francisco L. Roxas, on the eve of my death, in reparation for what in my words and actions may have offended my neighbor; for warning of others of my person and in order to satisfy my conscience, to the end that no one, and especially my children, fall into the net of freemasonry, or of any other secret society, all of which I detest and curse, and be not in a day to come ungrateful sons of our Mother Spain, beg pardon for all my faults and bad example.”“I die in the Holy Roman Catholic Apostolic faith in which I was born and educated in a christian manner. I admit all that she admits and condemn all that she condemns.”“This I sign with my own hand with entire liberty.”Jany. 10th 1897 in Manila, Royal Fort of Santiago.—F. L. Roxas:—Witnesses: Antonio Pardo and Felix García.On January 11th Gov. Gen. Polavieja telegraphed to Madrid as follows:“Sentenced by council of War, to-day there have been executed (shot) twelve personsguilty of treason ... among them Francisco Roxas, Councillor of Administration; Nijaga, Lieut. of native infantry; Villaroel, Villareal, Moises Salvador and others.”Pedro Roxas was also a millionaire who inherited a good fortune, which, under the shelter of official protection multiplied considerably. Spain honored him with the grand cross of Isabela la Católica. Like Francisco he was a Councillor of Administration. He possessed a large estate in Nasugbu which, when the revolt broke out, became an insurgent hornet’s nest. There the rebels had a cannon, three falconettes and a large number of arms.After having been deprived of his office by decree previously mentioned, Pedro Roxas secured in some way or other from Blanco, permission to go to Spain. On arrival at Singapore he landed and remained there. Later on he was defended in the Spanish Cortés by Sr. Romero Robledo31. In Manila, to those who could judge of the facts on the spot, this defence came as a thunderbolt. However, the Spanish paperElCorreoin the issue of August 15th said:“The conduct of Sr. Roxas results satisfactorily cleared, so that no doubt remains in respect to his complete disconnection with the revolt.”Among the separatist element Pedro Roxas was known as the Emperor Pedro I.Note 57.Maximo M. A. Paterno was the father of the well known Pedro Paterno.Maximo was in his latter days the leading spirit of the celebrations held in honor of the amnestyproclaimedin 1900, by the late President McKinley. He died at the age of 76, just before the celebrations took place.This amnesty celebration, like most things attempted byFilipinosalone, turned but a fiasco, the speeches which were to be delivered on the occasion not being in any way in keeping with the oath of allegiance taken by the speakers. The speeches contemplated were in advocation of practically the same thing as that for which the rebels had been keeping up an armed struggle, and so, when the U. S. Commission was invited by Pedro Paterno to be present thereat, it naturally was unable to accept the invitation.The whole celebration was an abortive attempt on the part of its organizers to antagonize the Military and Civil authorities. Mr. Taft, as president of the Commission, at first accepted the invitation extended, supposing thespeechesto be given, had been censored by the proper authorities, at that time the military; but on finding that this was not so, he declined in the name of the other members of the Commission, and thus avoided theunpleasantnessof being present at a banquet at which both the Military and the Civil authorities would be insulted and the Government of the U. S. defied.On the 28th of July 1900, the day of the banquet, Mr. Taft on behalf of his fellow Commissioners, addressed a letter to Pedro Paterno on the subject. See Appendix J.Pedro Paterno was one of those who for a considerable time refused to take the oath of allegiance; with him were others, Mabini in particular.Maximo Paterno had received from Spain the Cross of Knight of the Royal and American Order of Isabela La Católica.Note 58.And others: Among the names mentioned in many of the documents I have consulted on the subject of the trials of those guilty of treason, I have frequently come across those of Linjap (Mariano), Chidian (Telesforo), Yangco (Luis R.), and others. Of this latter Domingo Franco was asked during his trial, if Luis R. Yangco had assisted at any reunion of thecompromisarios, to which he replied that he (Yangco) had not assisted at any session (fols. 1381–1382).As I have already remarked in another note, many of those charged with complicity in the affairs of the revolt were latter on proved to be innocent. That considerable number of the wealthy natives and half-castes sympathised more or less with the idea of greater liberality in government, is undoubtedly true, but that they extended their sympathies to the aims of the hordes of cut-throats led by Bonifacio is absurd.The leadingFilipinosand many insular Spaniards sighed for privileges which the Government of Madrid did not deem well to concede. To bring pressure upon the Government some of these combined to support in the metropolis, some of their number whoshould keep up the work of agitation. This agitation however took a form displeasing to many, who thereupon ceased to lend it their aid and consent. But few of the leaders of the people, especially of the wealthy ones, desired to cut themselves adrift from Spain, and not till a few insignificant beings such as Aguinaldo, Bonifacio, Mabini, and Pilar (Pio del) and Buencamino came upon the scene did the idea of independence of the island really take form. A faint idea of such a thing as independence did exist formerly, but the enlightenedFilipinossaw, only too clearly, the probable result.The wealthy proprietors here cited, no doubt sympathised more or less with theLiga Filipinain its beginning, whilst it was under the complete control of its founder Rizal; but as theLigalost the character given to it by Rizal, and underwent the change it did, it is only natural to suppose that many of its former supporters left it as they would a sinking ship. However the fact that they were identified with the originalLigaseems to have been taken as a proof of their connection with the revolt.This is certainly the opinion expressed by Sr. Diaz.Note 59.Mactan is the name of the island upon which Magallanes, the famous explorer, met his death at the hands of the savagehordeswho at that time peopled the land. Names of places and persons associated with the disasters suffered by Spain, were greatly admired among theseparatists. Surely Mactan, an island peopled by savages at the time of its chief notoriety, and Mayon, the site of a destructive volcano, are very suitable names to give to such centers as were the popular councils of Trozo and Sta. Cruz.Note 60.On the 30th of August 1895, the Civil Governor of Batangas asked of the commander of the Guardia Civil of Lemery, information concerning “persons in the pueblo of Taal who were distinguished for theirseparatistsopinions”. The said commander replied that a report on all such persons would be unending, andproceededto cite the case of Felipe Agoncillo topersonifythe saidseparatistelement, as follows:“Among the group of the chief ones and as chief of them, stands Felipe Agoncillo,proprietorand lawyer.” He then goes on to explain how Agoncillo imposed his will uponevery one in the pueblo, even upon the Municipality, no law or regulation sent even by the highest authorities going into force until it had been passed upon by him. “It would be difficult,” says he, “for me to collect any perfect proof of his anti-Spanish tendencies which are, however, self-evident to the Spanish element of this province.”This report, which was a sufficientwarning ofdanger, was sent to the Gov. of Batangas on the 18th of September 1895. He immediately forwarded it to Gen. Blanco. About three months afterwards Blanco looked into the matter, circumstances demanding that some steps should be taken to preserve national honor; and he decided to deport six of theseparatistsas an example to the remainder. Of these six one was Agoncillo. This industrious filibuster had influential andwatchfulfriends in Manila, who, upon seeing the turn things were taking, telegraphed him “Café en baja; fuera existencias.” This was warning sufficient and Agoncillo accompanied by Ramon Atienza succeeded in escaping.On the 14th of April the Japanese Mail Steamer Hiorine left Manila. On this steamer Agoncillo fled, hidden it is said, in a coalbunk. TheHeraldo de Madridof the 16th of September 1896, in speaking of the affair says: “Agoncillo gave the captain of the ship the sum of 350 pesos as gratification and on this account had placed at his disposal upon arrival at Kobe, a ship’s boat, whilst the remaining passengers had to hire their transportation.”On the 2nd of May 1896, the secret police of Manila reported to Gen. Blanco, as follows:“Notice is hereby given of the sailing for Japan of Felipe Agoncillo, property-owner of the province of Batangas, who goes to put himself at the disposition of the junta magna (in Japan), carrying with him some 80,000 pesos collected in Lipa, Taal and other pueblos, for the sustainment of anti-Spanish propaganda.”Like most of the leaders of the separatist campaign, Agoncillo was astute. He partook of that peculiar trait of the native character: a sharpness of perception, a cuteness which one not acquainted with the indian would take for intelligence. AnIndianwill often do something remarkable, but in spite of its appearance of being an extraordinary action, a result of a well thoughtout plan, it proceeds in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred, from instinct rather from intelligence. Native peoples are more accustomed to use their common-sense than most of us and hence arises the fact, that frequently theFilipinohasoutwittedboth the military and the civilauthorities. England learned this lesson in dealing with the Oriental in India, Spain learned it here, and America has yet to discover the same truth.Mr. Wildman32, the late U. S. Consul at Hong-Kong, once affirmed of Agoncillo, “Sr. Agoncillo is a very intelligent and daring diplomat (the Government later on found him to be far more daring than intelligent), and could fill the position of chief of any department of State in any civilized country.” But then, it was nothing strange for Wildman to make such breaks!Note 61.Among these honorable exceptions which Sr. Diaz says he has great pleasure in recognizing, might be mentioned several who werefalselyaccused and whose names have gone down to the reading public in the works of various writers who wrote in good faith, branded with the mark of ingratitude which characterized and still characterizes so many natives and half-castes.It gives a careful student of the subject more than passing pleasure to be able to give the lie to those who in their testimony classified as members of the infernal plot to “cut the throats of every Spaniard, without regard even to parentage”, the namesof some of the most prominentFilipinosof to-day, men who although they have not grovelled in the dust before theconquerorand accepted positions under the new Government, are more truly prominent than those who assert themselves as the “leaders” of the people.Among these honorable exceptions there were many who although they came to form part of the so-called Revolutionary Government, did so only when Spanish rule had ceased to exist, and when the accepted opinion was that a government elected by the people would be recognized by the U. S. These, however, were never traitors to the mother country; they were men who treated Spain as every honorable man should treat his country. These were not men who changed their religion as they changed their clothes: to suit the occasion. They were not men who concealed their titles to freemason degrees, at the bottom of their trunks, and exposed them with pride upon the change of sovereignty. These men were never perjurers, never traitors. Born and raised in the bosom of the Catholic faith they remained faithful to it, and faithful to the traditions of the country which gavethem their political being; and it is with great pleasure that, with Sr. Diaz, I also can say, that I have great pleasure in recognizing these honorable exceptions, and in proof thereof have I dedicated this small historical sketch to them.Note 62.Day by day the morality in the administration of the funds became worse, and so intense did the ill-feeling engendered by pride become, that the members forgot all about the fomentation of the culture and advancement of the country. Like a nursery full ofwillfulchildren, they all wanted their own way, and when they could not have it, some cried: “now Ishan’tplay,” “now I’ll go and tellma;” this perhaps was the chief cause of the dissolution of the association, for some did go and tell “ma;” and the wealthy members, and those who had anything to lose, were immediately overcome with abject fear lest “ma” should punish them with a good spanking.“In the month of October 1893, the Superior Council becoming aware that some documents pertaining, to theLigahad been handed over to the offices of the General Government, the dissolution of the societywas determined.”—Testimony of Domingo Franco y Tuason. (fols.1,299–1,303).On the 25th of May 1896, notice was given by the secret police to Governor General Blanco, as follows:“Notice is herewith given of the existence in Manila, of a Society namedLa Liga Filipina, to which are affiliated a large number of individuals....”Note 63.The testimony given by many of the political prisoners as to the foundation, aims and work of theCompromisariosis somewhat conflicting. For instance: Antonio Salazar, (fols.1,008–1,013) testified that on account of the mal-administration of the funds, “the subscription on behalf ofLa Propagandaceased, and under the name ofCompromisarioswas founded an associationcomposedof ... (here follow names of members), and seeing that they could not gather sufficient funds, they agreed to increase the subscription and seek persons to associate with them.”On another occasion the same witness testified (fols.1,014–1,018) that certain persons whom he named were the “Compromisarios, who were in communion with Marcelo(del Pilar), and who remitted money to him.” He also stated that “on account of the bad conduct observed in Madrid by Pilar, ... some of theCompromisariosrefused to send him resources.”In reply to a question as to the relationship between theCompromisariosand theKatipunan, he gave as his opinion, that “there could be no doubt that both societies aimed at the same end.” At fols. 1118–1129 the same witness affirmed that “as the partisans of Rizal and Pilar ... saw that neither masonry nor theLigacould hope for funds33, they formed the society ofCompromisariosamong wealthy persons of Manila and the Provinces.”Domingo Franco affirmed that the outbreak of the revolt came as a great surprise to theCompromisarios.As to the aims of the society, Moisés Salvador y Francisco is authority for the statement that:“in one of thejuntasthey treated of the provision of arms and other material of war; and it was agreed, moreover,to gather funds for the said expenses, and as thejuntareplied that it wasimpossibleat that time, a committee was appointed, composed of José Ramos, Doroteo Cortés and Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, to draw up a petition for the aid of Japan.”Moisés also affirmed (fols.1,296–1,299) that the Supreme Council of theCompromisarioswas formed as follows:
AL∴ G∴ D∴ G∴ A∴ D∴ U∴Liberty.—Equality.—Fraternity.Universal Freemasonry. Spanish Family.The Resp∴ Log∴ Nilad, No. 144 of A∴ L∴ and A∴ masons of the Philippinesregularlyconstituted in the Federation of the Gr∴ Or∴ Español (seat in Madrid).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AL∴ G∴ D∴ G∴ A∴ D∴ U∴Liberty.—Equality.—Fraternity.Universal Freemasonry. Spanish Family.
The Resp∴ Log∴ Nilad, No. 144 of A∴ L∴ and A∴ masons of the Philippinesregularlyconstituted in the Federation of the Gr∴ Or∴ Español (seat in Madrid).
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The letter goes on to speak of the new foundation and the number of initiations.
“It pleases us much,” says the Gr∴ Sec∴“to see the activity and zeal which you employ in the labors, and for it we greet you. Nevertheless, we must remind you always of the greatest care in the election of the laborers.Not all men, although they professour ideas and doctrines, serve for good masons,...”
Morayta, writing on the 12th of June 1892 to bro∴Panday Pira, says: “... But do not forget an advice which I believe Ruiz gave you also:be very careful; do not open your arms to any except they be of full confidence....Remember that, even though things have changed there (in the Philippines) you run all the danger consequent upon the domination (sic) of the friar and of the General.” The general was Despujols, an upright, honest and sincere man who was too apt to measure otherpeople’scorn by his own bushel. The filibusters took advantage of the fact, and by their lying protests of love for Spain, captivated him and fooled him out and out for a time.
Note 35.At that time liberty of association was not allowed by law in the Archipelago. To attain their ends this was the thing most necessary for the separatists. Without the shelter of the law of association nothing could be done except by stealth. It was for want of thisprivilegethat the shelter of the masonic lodge room wassought.
Note 36.Blumentritt, Fernando; of German race, Austrian by nationality, resident in Bohemia and therefore spoken of by various writers sometimes as a German, at others as a Bohemian or an Austrian. Like Foreman24, Blumentritt claimed to be a ferventCatholic and yet was an open enemy of the Church. He claimed moreover to be a great friend of Spain and yet openly sided with her enemies. He was one of thecollaboratorsof theLa Solidaridad.
Isabelo de los Reyes writes of him: “Thesavant (sic) Blumentritt thebrotherof theFilipinos, has always served us with disinterest (except in what concerned his pocket) and opportuneness. He was the first who did us justice by publishing many valuable articles to demonstrate, under all points of view, the superiority of theFilipino(Isabelo does not say over what) and defending our cause against the ambition of the imperialists (that is the Spaniards).”
Blumentritt was a member of the society known as the “Amigos del Pais”25, and remained so till his actions and writings caused well thinking Spaniards andPhilippinos26to call for his dismissal from its membership. The patriotic outcry against him caused him to resign on the 14th of November 1889; the Solidaridad of the 31st of December of the same year published his resignation. The press of Manila was exceptionally bitter against him and only suchFilipinosas those who continue up to the present time forming part of thejuntasinHong-Kong, Madrid, Paris, London and other places looked up to him for the assistance they could not find at home.
Note 37.It was naturally in thePeninsulawhere the chief work of the propaganda had to be carried on, and it was there also that the propaganda had the least effect. The principal instrument for thedisseminationof the seed of separatist aspirations was theSolidaridad(See note24). TheFilipinoshere, who gave their subscriptions and other sums of money for the support of the bi-monthly, were kept under the impression that the official organ was making a great noise in Madrid; but as it never reached the official world it was supposed to influence, its publication was practically useless. In the Philippines it served the same purpose as theLa Independencia: that is, it served to keep alive the spirit of unrest, and by the lies it published, made the people believe that their leaders were going to lead them to a promised land which “flowed with milk and honey.” They eventually got into the promised land, only to find that the milk was very much “condensed”, and that the honey was only to begotafterthose who secured it had been exposed to the very unpleasant operation of being stung by the bees which produced it.
Instead of serving to keep together the subjects and their rulers in a bond of peace and tranquility, and helping them to come to a mutual understanding, in which state the progress and advancement of the islands and their inhabitants could be the easier and the better accomplished, the separatist element, by their propaganda, caused more and more strife by attacking national institutions and by casting slurs upon national honor. The discontent stirred up against the Spanish authorities was identical to that which, until the passing of the law of sedition and even since that time, was stirred up against the American sovereignty. In its propaganda against the Religious Orders, inciting the native clergy against the lawful authority of their Bishops, it was the precursor of modern Manila’s American press. History tells us what was the result of the lessening of the moral influence of the Religious Orders in the days of Spanish rule, and to-day History repeats itself. The inciting of the native clergy against their Bishops is encouraging the natives, as a whole, to resistlawful authority. The cry to-day is “down with the friar,” tomorrow it will be “down with the American.”In 1888 it was down with the Religious Orders, in 1896 it had become “death to all Spaniards”. In 1898 the American was blessed as a deliverer from oppression, in 1899 cursed as an intruder. To-day...? Who knows the opinion of the people? Who but a fewignorantestrust the great men of the late revolution?
In Spain the work of theseparatistsproduced no effect upon the people; a few here and there of the least patriotic of the scum of Barcelona and Madrid aided them but apart from these and the Bible Societies, no one interested themselves in their cause.
Note 39.From the earliest to the latest days of the period of the revolt, that is from ’88 to ’98, this was one of the greatest obstacles to be overcome. Money was collected for propaganda in Spain and in Japan; what became of it all? Money was collected for the purpose of releasing or stealing away Rizal; what became of it? Funds were collected for the purchase of rifles and ammunition for the Katipunan, and, at the last moment, Andrés Bonifacio fled withsome20,000pesos. This continual squabble over the administration of the funds is a proof clear enough, of the existence of organized exploiters whose pockets were of more concern to them than were the interests of their country.
Note 40.It is almost needless to say that this latter was in the minority; later on Pilar suffered a marked change oftemperamentand became more decidedlyseparatistthan Rizal. Rizal was willing to give the goose a chance to lay her golden eggs; Pilar becoming impatient killed the goose with the scheme of the Katipunan.
Note 41.“Previous to his returntoManila Rizal lived some time in Hong-Kong. From there he forwarded to Moises Salvador Francisco the statutes and instructions for the “Liga Filipina”.”—Testimony of the said Francisco. (fols.1,138–1,143.)
Note 42.“It resulting that after some years of voluntary expatriation ... a Spanishcitizen(Rizal) born in the Philippines, directed a first letter, dated some months back in Hong-Kong, to the superior Authorities,offering his aid and assistance for the better government and progress of the Philippines, at the same time in which his latest book commenced circulation, for which reason no reply was given; and in a second letter dated in the month of May,in which, recognizing the policy of generous attraction, of morality and justice here implanted ... announced his intention of returning to his native soil to dispose, together with his friends, of the property they possessed, and to go with their families to found, in Borneo, a filipino agricultural colony under English protection....”
“A few days afterwards, the Spanish citizen ... disembarked with his sister in Manila....” (See also note8.) Extracts from the Decree of Deportation issued against Rizal by Governor Despujols, 7th July 1892.
Note 43.“In the year 1892, Rizal being in Manila, recently arrived from Europe, several people of the country were gathered together, among them Andrés Bonifacio, Numeriano Adriano, Timoteo Paez and Estanislao Legaspi, in a wooden house in calle Dulumbayan, were a society known as the “Liga Filipina” was founded.” Testimonyof Valentin Diaz, native of Panay, Ilocos Norte.
“In May or June 1892 José Rizal reached Manila; and encharged by him, Paez and Serrano invited a large number of persons to gather on a certain day ... in the house of Doroteo Ongjungco where Rizal manifested to those present, among whom was the witness, that it was necessary to form an association which should be called the “Liga Filipina”, the object and of which should be the attainment of the separation of these islands from Spain.” Moises Salvador y Francisco (fols.1,296–1,299).
“The reunion was called by Rizal, and the witness was invited byTimoteoPaez, who conducted him to the house of DoroteoOngjungco.... That José Rizal addressed those present, manifesting the convenience of establishing an association under the name of the “Liga Filipina” with the object of collecting funds by different means, to the end of securing opportunely the independence of these islands”.... Testimony of Domingo Franco y Tuason (fols.1299–1303).
Note 44.It was not the aim which Rizal had in his mind, of delivering his country from disabilities but the manner in which he set to work to accomplish that end, to which objection must be raised. When a people suffer under the oppression of its rulers, all the world admires the man who rises to throw off the hateful yoke. But when the oppression is imaginary and when the so-called hero is but a marionette in the hands of political schemers who seek their own advantage under the shelter of a pretence to throw off a yoke which does not exist, one cannot admire the part played by the deluded “tool”. The emancipation from the mother-country was the key-note of the revolt. It was the aim of theFilipinofreemasons, of the Liga Filipina, of the Compromisarios and of the Katipunan.
Note 45.Rizal was deported to Dapitan, in the island of Mindanao, by decree of Governor Despujols, part of which has been quoted in note 42. The decree goes on to say that, by reason of the fact that “the veil under which, up this present, he has succeeded in hiding his true intentions has been torn asunder,” ... “that he adduces noother defence but useless denials, having recourse to throwing the blame of the discovery of the leaflets upon his own sister (see page 99)....”
“Infulfillmentof the high duties which devolve upon me as your General and Vice Royal Patron ... I decree the following:...”
“1st: that José Rizal shall be deported to one of the islands of the south....”
“The responsibility of these vigorous measures which a painful duty imposes upon me, falls entirely upon those who by their imprudent aims and ungrateful proceedings come to disturb the paternal cares of this general government making the ordinate march of Philippine progress the more difficult.”27
“Manila, 7th July 1892.—Despujols.
Note 46.“In the month of April 1893, upon the initiative and invitation Juan Zulueta, now dead, and of Deodato Arellano, cousin of Marcelo del Pilar, a new gathering was called in the house of Deodato Arellano, with the object of establishing anew theLiga Filipinaunder the same bases and for the same ends....”
Note 47.The determinate ends of theseparatistshave already been spoken of in note 3, which see.
Note 48.See note102.
Note 49.“The object of the society (the Liga) is the establishment of shops, workshops, businesses, industries and even a bank if possible, with the end in view of collecting funds for an armed rising.”—Testimony of Juan Dizon Matanza, (fols.1,132–1,138.)
Note 50.The ceremonies practiced by theLigadifferedbut little from those practiced by the Katipunan. The chief difference lay in the fact that the ceremonial of the Katipunan partook more of the grotesque, of the absurd, of paganism.
Pio Valenzuela in recounting the forms and ceremonies practiced upon his initiation, said:
“Once in the house28, they spoke of many things,en résumé, that the aim ofthe association was to obtain the independence of the Philippines, oppressed and enslaved by the Spaniards. Placing, later on, a dagger at his breast, they obliged him to throw himself upon it, a thing which the witness could not pluck up courage enough to do; whereupon they placed it in his hand, leading him to a man whom he recognized to be seated, and ordered him (the witness) to strike him with the dagger, a thing which he dare not do either. He was then conducted into a room and addressed by a person he knew to be Bonifacio by the voice, who informed him that he could not retrace his steps because he knew of the existence of the society, but he could not assist at thejuntasnor could they teach him the signs of recognition till he had been re-initiated; they moreover made him sign two sheets of blank paper, causing him to swear never to reveal the existence of the society to anyone, under the pain ofassassination. They then removed the bandage which he was blindfolded and he saw around him eight or nine individuals dressed in cloaks and hoods; he signed the two sheets of paper and was again blindfolded and conducted to a considerable distance from thehouse where the bandage was again removed.
Another member of the Katipunan in his declaration made on the 22nd of September 1896, stated that during the month of February 1893, one Sunday morning, a certain Estanislao Legaspi entered his store, telling him to accompany him in acalesa.He listened to tirades against the Spanish Government till their arrival at the house of a certain Tranquilino Torres, in calle Elcano.Here “his eyes were bandaged by Legaspi and he was handed over to the care of another individual who conducted him to the upper story of the house and made him sit down; he then heard a person whom he knew to be Legaspi by his voice speak, saying several things against the Spanish Government, demanding of him an oath of blind obedience, and a defense of the Philippines till the shedding of the last drop of his blood, threatening him with fearful punishments if he should turn traitor. This ceremony being terminated, his eyes were unbound and he saw, on a table, a skull which they made him kiss, and Legaspi handed him a lance commanding him to wound himself in the arm; but he felt a feeling offaintheartedness come over him, and manifested to those present that he had not courage enough to wound himself and wished that the oath he had taken be enough; he was dispensed from the operation. When the bandage was removed the eight individuals composing thejuntawere masked with black hoods, but after he kissed the skull and attempted to wound himself they removed the hoods and he then recognized Estanislao Legaspi who presided, Mariano de Vera, Teodoro Plata and Juan de la Cruz who was a clerk of the Tabacalera, and who had led him upstairs; he did not know the other three. The witness paid two pesos as entrance fee promising to pay 50 cents monthly. He asked Legaspi what association it was, and he replied that it was theLiga Filipina.”
In the daily report of the secret police department made to General Blanco on the 30th of June 1896, is the following notice:
“Herewith is given translated most faithfully from Tagalog, the result of an interview held with a well-to-do indian who belonged to the most popular of the masonic lodges, who tried to draw into it a friend. Questioned upon certain affairs, he said: “In the masonic lodges of San Juan del Monteand of Pandacan, the whole pueblo, rich and poor, is inscribed.”
“In the reunions the brethren attend blind-folded, and the chiefs with the face covered.”
“The person who desires to enter the lodge is obliged to have his face covered and his eyes bandaged in sign of blind obedience; the proofs are carried out and signature made as follows. The person receiving the initiated takes a dagger and gives it to him saying to him: do youswearto be steel like that which you hold in your hand and not to bend in the exigencies which oppress and vex us, and to labor in pro of the independence of your enslaved country? I swear answers the person to be initiated. Do youswearnot to have father, mother, wife, child nor any relative but the revenging arm which shall sleep and live with you? I swear. They then surround him with arms of all classes and say to him: here is thy family, thy only work, and may it give thee thy life and open thy eyes for thy good of the country. They then make a small incision in the form of a cross in the right arm near the shoulder.”
“At present our meetings are held at night and in the most lonely fields, withthe object of not being surprised.”
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
“It is well known among us masons that Rizal is attributed with the faculty of being able to translate his person instantaneously from one point to another.”
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note 51.Juan Castañeda testified on the 21st of September 1896 before the Chief Inspector of the Corps ofVigilancethat “he was recommended to make the greatest amount of propaganda possible, of Japanese ideas in the pueblo of Imus.” The Japanese ideas here spoken of were those of the foundation of the Japanese protectorate.
Note 52.Money! money!! money!!! was the great cry in the majority of the masonic correspondence between the workers in Spain and those who had to supply the funds here. On the 8th of June 1892 Morayta wrote to bro∴ Panday-Pira informing him (afavoritecustom of Morayta’s) that what was wanted was “money to invite journalists (to dine ortake a drink) and to pay articles in the papers.” Morayta,probablywith tears in his eyes, in ending his letter, heaves asigh, whilst his fingers itching for the touch of gold, nervously clutch the pen which scrawls these words: “if we only had here a good administrator with funds then you would see how we should advance!”
On the 22nd of June 1892 the secretary of the Gr∴ Or∴ Esp∴ wrote to the same explaining how “in a few meetings, a couple of banquets and a few presents made at the right time” much could be accomplished.
Note 53.Rizal had money troubles previously with Pilar in Madrid (see note 39). The excessive earnest and zeal displayed at the time of the foundation of theLigaby Rizal died away on his deportation. This zeal was owing to the captivating manner in which the founder demonstrated to his audience the brilliant future to be attained by such an undertaking. Rizal had the advantage of a ready oratory and like Bonifacio, drew his hearers to his cause in spite of themselves. And then again, the same as in masonry, the association was secret, and its true end and aim were but whispered; and whilst many of the associated were laboring to assist, as they thought, in the fomentation of theculture and advancement of the country, they were in reality playing with the toyallottedto them by the society, whilst the chief members, those membersbest suited to be masons, as says the Gr∴ Sec∴ of the Gr∴ Or∴ Esp∴29, carried on the true work of theLiga. As in the lower degrees of any secret society, and of masonry in particular, the members are unaware of what is aimed at in the degrees to which they have not attained, to which all cannot attain, and the secrets of which are zealously guarded, so it was in theLiga.
Upon its re-establishment the Liga counted among its members several who aimed at the leadership. The absence of Rizal, deported to Dapitan, left open the door for unbridled ambition. Everyone wanted to be the head. This together with money troubles brought about considerable ill feeling between the absent founder and those continuing the work of the association. Rizalhad so far kept up a continual secret communication with the Liga, thanks to the liberty allowed him by his keepers in Mindanao, who guarded him with scandalous carelessness; and thanks also to theemissariessent to him from Manila in search of instructions and advice. The result of the ill-feeling thus brought about was the rupture in official relations between theLigaand its founder.
Note 54.See note39.
Note 55.One of the facts clearly developed in the trials of those suspected of treason, was that the guilty ones had taken the utmost care not to leave behind them traces of their work. This was principally the case with Rizal and the other chief workers of the revolt, and of those who formed the association ofCompromisarios.
Note 56.Both Pedro and Francisco Roxas were honorary councillors of the Administration. On the 19th of September 1896 Blanco published the following decrees:
“In as much as Sr. D. Francisco Roxas, honorary councillor of the Administrationis found under process in the courts of law: in the use of the faculties in me invested, I decree that he cease from the exercise of his functions etc., etc.”
And on the 30th of September the following:
“In as much as the Excellent Sr. D. Pedro P. Roxas, honorary councillor of the Administration has been found under process in the courts of law, for rebellion; in the use of my faculties, etc., etc.”
Moises Salvador y Francisco testified (fols.1138–1143) that “among the persons who sympathised with the cause and who aided it with their means for its realization, he remembered D. Pedro Roxas and D. Francisco Roxas ... (and others); and there existed in the provinces others whose names he could not remember.”
Domingo Franco y Tuason testified on the 30th of September 1896 (fols. 1332–1337) that “in another of the several interviews he had with Francisco L. Roxas, he asked him if in the circle of his relations (with the association) he counted with persons who had offered to aid the objects and ends of theLiga. Sr. Roxas replied: Yes. And in proof thereof he drew from adrawerin hisdesk a record which he read, and among the names he read the witness remembered those of don P. Roxas and others.”
When Francisco Roxas found himself in danger of arrest, he attempted to flee to Hong-Kong, but was captured on board the ship which was to carry him there. From the ship he was conducted under arrest to theComendanciaof theVeteranawhere he remained several days, at the end of which he was transferred to the Fort of Santiago.
Francisco was amillionairewho had received from Spain a name and reputation superior to his personal merits, and yet in spite of all that the mother-country had done for him in raising him up to a position to which he could never have attained without her aid, he was found to have placed himself in thevanguardof the bitterest enemies of his country. He was the director of the workings of separatism and was the chief provider of arms for the revolt, as was testified by innumerable witnesses.30
On the eve of his execution for treason Francisco pennedthefollowing abjuration:
“I, Francisco L. Roxas, on the eve of my death, in reparation for what in my words and actions may have offended my neighbor; for warning of others of my person and in order to satisfy my conscience, to the end that no one, and especially my children, fall into the net of freemasonry, or of any other secret society, all of which I detest and curse, and be not in a day to come ungrateful sons of our Mother Spain, beg pardon for all my faults and bad example.”
“I die in the Holy Roman Catholic Apostolic faith in which I was born and educated in a christian manner. I admit all that she admits and condemn all that she condemns.”
“This I sign with my own hand with entire liberty.”
Jany. 10th 1897 in Manila, Royal Fort of Santiago.—F. L. Roxas:—Witnesses: Antonio Pardo and Felix García.
On January 11th Gov. Gen. Polavieja telegraphed to Madrid as follows:
“Sentenced by council of War, to-day there have been executed (shot) twelve personsguilty of treason ... among them Francisco Roxas, Councillor of Administration; Nijaga, Lieut. of native infantry; Villaroel, Villareal, Moises Salvador and others.”
Pedro Roxas was also a millionaire who inherited a good fortune, which, under the shelter of official protection multiplied considerably. Spain honored him with the grand cross of Isabela la Católica. Like Francisco he was a Councillor of Administration. He possessed a large estate in Nasugbu which, when the revolt broke out, became an insurgent hornet’s nest. There the rebels had a cannon, three falconettes and a large number of arms.
After having been deprived of his office by decree previously mentioned, Pedro Roxas secured in some way or other from Blanco, permission to go to Spain. On arrival at Singapore he landed and remained there. Later on he was defended in the Spanish Cortés by Sr. Romero Robledo31. In Manila, to those who could judge of the facts on the spot, this defence came as a thunderbolt. However, the Spanish paperElCorreoin the issue of August 15th said:
“The conduct of Sr. Roxas results satisfactorily cleared, so that no doubt remains in respect to his complete disconnection with the revolt.”
Among the separatist element Pedro Roxas was known as the Emperor Pedro I.
Note 57.Maximo M. A. Paterno was the father of the well known Pedro Paterno.Maximo was in his latter days the leading spirit of the celebrations held in honor of the amnestyproclaimedin 1900, by the late President McKinley. He died at the age of 76, just before the celebrations took place.
This amnesty celebration, like most things attempted byFilipinosalone, turned but a fiasco, the speeches which were to be delivered on the occasion not being in any way in keeping with the oath of allegiance taken by the speakers. The speeches contemplated were in advocation of practically the same thing as that for which the rebels had been keeping up an armed struggle, and so, when the U. S. Commission was invited by Pedro Paterno to be present thereat, it naturally was unable to accept the invitation.
The whole celebration was an abortive attempt on the part of its organizers to antagonize the Military and Civil authorities. Mr. Taft, as president of the Commission, at first accepted the invitation extended, supposing thespeechesto be given, had been censored by the proper authorities, at that time the military; but on finding that this was not so, he declined in the name of the other members of the Commission, and thus avoided theunpleasantnessof being present at a banquet at which both the Military and the Civil authorities would be insulted and the Government of the U. S. defied.
On the 28th of July 1900, the day of the banquet, Mr. Taft on behalf of his fellow Commissioners, addressed a letter to Pedro Paterno on the subject. See Appendix J.
Pedro Paterno was one of those who for a considerable time refused to take the oath of allegiance; with him were others, Mabini in particular.
Maximo Paterno had received from Spain the Cross of Knight of the Royal and American Order of Isabela La Católica.
Note 58.And others: Among the names mentioned in many of the documents I have consulted on the subject of the trials of those guilty of treason, I have frequently come across those of Linjap (Mariano), Chidian (Telesforo), Yangco (Luis R.), and others. Of this latter Domingo Franco was asked during his trial, if Luis R. Yangco had assisted at any reunion of thecompromisarios, to which he replied that he (Yangco) had not assisted at any session (fols. 1381–1382).
As I have already remarked in another note, many of those charged with complicity in the affairs of the revolt were latter on proved to be innocent. That considerable number of the wealthy natives and half-castes sympathised more or less with the idea of greater liberality in government, is undoubtedly true, but that they extended their sympathies to the aims of the hordes of cut-throats led by Bonifacio is absurd.
The leadingFilipinosand many insular Spaniards sighed for privileges which the Government of Madrid did not deem well to concede. To bring pressure upon the Government some of these combined to support in the metropolis, some of their number whoshould keep up the work of agitation. This agitation however took a form displeasing to many, who thereupon ceased to lend it their aid and consent. But few of the leaders of the people, especially of the wealthy ones, desired to cut themselves adrift from Spain, and not till a few insignificant beings such as Aguinaldo, Bonifacio, Mabini, and Pilar (Pio del) and Buencamino came upon the scene did the idea of independence of the island really take form. A faint idea of such a thing as independence did exist formerly, but the enlightenedFilipinossaw, only too clearly, the probable result.
The wealthy proprietors here cited, no doubt sympathised more or less with theLiga Filipinain its beginning, whilst it was under the complete control of its founder Rizal; but as theLigalost the character given to it by Rizal, and underwent the change it did, it is only natural to suppose that many of its former supporters left it as they would a sinking ship. However the fact that they were identified with the originalLigaseems to have been taken as a proof of their connection with the revolt.This is certainly the opinion expressed by Sr. Diaz.
Note 59.Mactan is the name of the island upon which Magallanes, the famous explorer, met his death at the hands of the savagehordeswho at that time peopled the land. Names of places and persons associated with the disasters suffered by Spain, were greatly admired among theseparatists. Surely Mactan, an island peopled by savages at the time of its chief notoriety, and Mayon, the site of a destructive volcano, are very suitable names to give to such centers as were the popular councils of Trozo and Sta. Cruz.
Note 60.On the 30th of August 1895, the Civil Governor of Batangas asked of the commander of the Guardia Civil of Lemery, information concerning “persons in the pueblo of Taal who were distinguished for theirseparatistsopinions”. The said commander replied that a report on all such persons would be unending, andproceededto cite the case of Felipe Agoncillo topersonifythe saidseparatistelement, as follows:
“Among the group of the chief ones and as chief of them, stands Felipe Agoncillo,proprietorand lawyer.” He then goes on to explain how Agoncillo imposed his will uponevery one in the pueblo, even upon the Municipality, no law or regulation sent even by the highest authorities going into force until it had been passed upon by him. “It would be difficult,” says he, “for me to collect any perfect proof of his anti-Spanish tendencies which are, however, self-evident to the Spanish element of this province.”This report, which was a sufficientwarning ofdanger, was sent to the Gov. of Batangas on the 18th of September 1895. He immediately forwarded it to Gen. Blanco. About three months afterwards Blanco looked into the matter, circumstances demanding that some steps should be taken to preserve national honor; and he decided to deport six of theseparatistsas an example to the remainder. Of these six one was Agoncillo. This industrious filibuster had influential andwatchfulfriends in Manila, who, upon seeing the turn things were taking, telegraphed him “Café en baja; fuera existencias.” This was warning sufficient and Agoncillo accompanied by Ramon Atienza succeeded in escaping.
On the 14th of April the Japanese Mail Steamer Hiorine left Manila. On this steamer Agoncillo fled, hidden it is said, in a coalbunk. TheHeraldo de Madridof the 16th of September 1896, in speaking of the affair says: “Agoncillo gave the captain of the ship the sum of 350 pesos as gratification and on this account had placed at his disposal upon arrival at Kobe, a ship’s boat, whilst the remaining passengers had to hire their transportation.”
On the 2nd of May 1896, the secret police of Manila reported to Gen. Blanco, as follows:
“Notice is hereby given of the sailing for Japan of Felipe Agoncillo, property-owner of the province of Batangas, who goes to put himself at the disposition of the junta magna (in Japan), carrying with him some 80,000 pesos collected in Lipa, Taal and other pueblos, for the sustainment of anti-Spanish propaganda.”
Like most of the leaders of the separatist campaign, Agoncillo was astute. He partook of that peculiar trait of the native character: a sharpness of perception, a cuteness which one not acquainted with the indian would take for intelligence. AnIndianwill often do something remarkable, but in spite of its appearance of being an extraordinary action, a result of a well thoughtout plan, it proceeds in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred, from instinct rather from intelligence. Native peoples are more accustomed to use their common-sense than most of us and hence arises the fact, that frequently theFilipinohasoutwittedboth the military and the civilauthorities. England learned this lesson in dealing with the Oriental in India, Spain learned it here, and America has yet to discover the same truth.
Mr. Wildman32, the late U. S. Consul at Hong-Kong, once affirmed of Agoncillo, “Sr. Agoncillo is a very intelligent and daring diplomat (the Government later on found him to be far more daring than intelligent), and could fill the position of chief of any department of State in any civilized country.” But then, it was nothing strange for Wildman to make such breaks!
Note 61.Among these honorable exceptions which Sr. Diaz says he has great pleasure in recognizing, might be mentioned several who werefalselyaccused and whose names have gone down to the reading public in the works of various writers who wrote in good faith, branded with the mark of ingratitude which characterized and still characterizes so many natives and half-castes.
It gives a careful student of the subject more than passing pleasure to be able to give the lie to those who in their testimony classified as members of the infernal plot to “cut the throats of every Spaniard, without regard even to parentage”, the namesof some of the most prominentFilipinosof to-day, men who although they have not grovelled in the dust before theconquerorand accepted positions under the new Government, are more truly prominent than those who assert themselves as the “leaders” of the people.
Among these honorable exceptions there were many who although they came to form part of the so-called Revolutionary Government, did so only when Spanish rule had ceased to exist, and when the accepted opinion was that a government elected by the people would be recognized by the U. S. These, however, were never traitors to the mother country; they were men who treated Spain as every honorable man should treat his country. These were not men who changed their religion as they changed their clothes: to suit the occasion. They were not men who concealed their titles to freemason degrees, at the bottom of their trunks, and exposed them with pride upon the change of sovereignty. These men were never perjurers, never traitors. Born and raised in the bosom of the Catholic faith they remained faithful to it, and faithful to the traditions of the country which gavethem their political being; and it is with great pleasure that, with Sr. Diaz, I also can say, that I have great pleasure in recognizing these honorable exceptions, and in proof thereof have I dedicated this small historical sketch to them.
Note 62.Day by day the morality in the administration of the funds became worse, and so intense did the ill-feeling engendered by pride become, that the members forgot all about the fomentation of the culture and advancement of the country. Like a nursery full ofwillfulchildren, they all wanted their own way, and when they could not have it, some cried: “now Ishan’tplay,” “now I’ll go and tellma;” this perhaps was the chief cause of the dissolution of the association, for some did go and tell “ma;” and the wealthy members, and those who had anything to lose, were immediately overcome with abject fear lest “ma” should punish them with a good spanking.
“In the month of October 1893, the Superior Council becoming aware that some documents pertaining, to theLigahad been handed over to the offices of the General Government, the dissolution of the societywas determined.”—Testimony of Domingo Franco y Tuason. (fols.1,299–1,303).
On the 25th of May 1896, notice was given by the secret police to Governor General Blanco, as follows:
“Notice is herewith given of the existence in Manila, of a Society namedLa Liga Filipina, to which are affiliated a large number of individuals....”
Note 63.The testimony given by many of the political prisoners as to the foundation, aims and work of theCompromisariosis somewhat conflicting. For instance: Antonio Salazar, (fols.1,008–1,013) testified that on account of the mal-administration of the funds, “the subscription on behalf ofLa Propagandaceased, and under the name ofCompromisarioswas founded an associationcomposedof ... (here follow names of members), and seeing that they could not gather sufficient funds, they agreed to increase the subscription and seek persons to associate with them.”
On another occasion the same witness testified (fols.1,014–1,018) that certain persons whom he named were the “Compromisarios, who were in communion with Marcelo(del Pilar), and who remitted money to him.” He also stated that “on account of the bad conduct observed in Madrid by Pilar, ... some of theCompromisariosrefused to send him resources.”
In reply to a question as to the relationship between theCompromisariosand theKatipunan, he gave as his opinion, that “there could be no doubt that both societies aimed at the same end.” At fols. 1118–1129 the same witness affirmed that “as the partisans of Rizal and Pilar ... saw that neither masonry nor theLigacould hope for funds33, they formed the society ofCompromisariosamong wealthy persons of Manila and the Provinces.”
Domingo Franco affirmed that the outbreak of the revolt came as a great surprise to theCompromisarios.
As to the aims of the society, Moisés Salvador y Francisco is authority for the statement that:“in one of thejuntasthey treated of the provision of arms and other material of war; and it was agreed, moreover,to gather funds for the said expenses, and as thejuntareplied that it wasimpossibleat that time, a committee was appointed, composed of José Ramos, Doroteo Cortés and Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, to draw up a petition for the aid of Japan.”
Moisés also affirmed (fols.1,296–1,299) that the Supreme Council of theCompromisarioswas formed as follows: