1Blount, p. 111.2P.I.R., 974. 3.3“December 20, 1898.“To the Honorable President of the Revolutionary Government.“The undersigned residents of thebarangayof D. Francisco Querubín and D. Melchor Balueg, of Bucay, of the province of Abra, appealto you with the utmost subjection from their place of residence and state: That their heads or representatives, D. Francisco Querubín and Melchor Balueg, respectively, force them to pay twopesoseach as a war tax, your humble vassals above cited being hardly able to earn their own livelihood and support their families, and, notwithstanding their labor, some of them cannot get anything to eat without appealing to the charity of their richer neighbours; but notwithstanding this sad situation, they offer apesetaeach as a mark of gratitude to the mother country, Filipinas, but said gentlemen, the representatives mentioned, have not the slightest pity and worry us to the extent of having kept us in our houses a day and a night without anything to eat, not even permitting us to go out to get a drink.“We must inform you that the head of thebarangay, D. Melchor Balueg, when he gathers the supplies for the troops stationed in his town, said supplies consisting of rice, pigs, chickens and eggs, uses one-half of what is gathered, and then again orders his assistants to save.”“In fact, the undersigned request you to direct that thepesetawhich they offer be accepted and that the said Don Francisco Querubín and Don Melchor Balueg be relieved of their duties, in order to put a stop to the abuses constantly committed by them; and if this be not done, the petitioners will be obliged to leave their homes and property in the town and take up their residences in the mountains with the Negritos and Igorots, in order that the others may remain in the town and live tranquilly.“This is a grace which we do not doubt we will receive from you, whose life may God preserve for many years.“Bucay, November 12, 1898.” (26 signatures)(In blue pencil in the handwriting of Aguinaldo:) “It will be approved.“Dec. 20, 1898.“E. A.”—P.I.R., 991. 4.4P.I.R., 849.5Blount, p. 130.6Ibid., pp. 130–131.7P.I.R., 1142. 4.8Ibid., 2002. 3.9P.I.R., 964. 3.10On November 30, 1898, the commander in Alaminos, Zambales Province, telegraphed that his soldiers were all about to desert as the head of the town would not furnish rations or pay without orders from the governor.”—P.I.R., 2002.3.11“On December 22, Aguinaldo, in accordance with a request from the governor of Zambales Province, ordered the heads of the provinces of Pangasinán, Tarlac, Bataan, and Pampanga to prohibit the people of their provinces from going to Zambales without passports signed by them, stating the route they were to take in going and returning and the length of time to be spent in the journey. The governor of Zambales had asked for this regulation in order to prevent the commission of robberies in Zambales and to distinguish persons justly subject to suspicion from those of good conduct.”—P.I.R., 266. 3.12“On January 9, the governor of Zambales found it impossible to continue the inspection of certain towns of his province and to continue holding elections, as many of the officials had fled to escape the exactions and abuses of the military commanders.”—P.I.R., 988. 2.13“The Governor of Cavite reports two drunken Americans have been killed by our soldiers. I tell him to have an investigation immediately and report the fact to the American commander.”—P.I.R., 849.14“Most urgent. Gen. Anderson informs me in a letter that, ‘in order to avoid the very serious misfortune of an encounter between our troops, I demand your immediate withdrawal with your guard from Cavite. One of my men has been killed and three wounded by your people.’ This is positive and does not admit of explanation or delay. I ask you to inform me of your decision.”—P.I.R., 849.15“Gen. Riego de Dios, Cavite: Telegram received. Do not leave the post, and say that you cannot abandon the city without my orders, and say that he was not killed by our soldiers, but by them themselves [the Americans.—D. C. W.], since they were drunk, according to your telegram. Give up your life before abandoning that place, and investigate matters.”—P.I.R., 849.16“Urgent. Gen. Alvarez telegraphed that Riego de Dios informed him that the town of Maragondong had risen in arms on account of abuses committed by the local President against Salvador Riego. This is the reason the town took up arms. Will go there to-morrow.”—P.I.R., 849.17Taylor, 19 AJ.18P.I.R., 1057. 4.19Taylor, 95 HS.20The name applied to the Filipinos of Ambos Camarines, Albay and Sorsogón.21P.I.R., 262. 3.22Taylor, 48 AJ.23Blount, p. 116.24Accepting the 1903 census figures.25Aguinaldo considered Mindanao important enough to form one of the three federal states into which he proposed to divide the Philippines.26Blount, p. 228.27Ibid., p. 229.28Bandits, or organized robbers.29The old Spanish name for Palawan.30Blount, p. 228.31P.I.R., 944. 10.32Blount, p. 116.33Blount, p. 229.34According to the census of 1903, 154,706.35See table on p. 651.36(Contemporary copy in Spanish.—P.I.R., Books C-L:)“January 19, 1899.“The President of the Philippine Republic very cordially greets his great and powerful brother, the Sultan of Jolo, and makes known:—“That the Filipinos, after having thrown off the yoke of foreign domination cannot forget their brothers of Jolo to whom they are bound by the ties of race, interests, security and defense in this region of the Far East.“The Philippine Republic has resolved to respect absolutely the beliefs and traditions of each island in order to establish on solid bases the bonds of fraternal unity demanded by our mutual interests.“I therefore in the name of all the Filipinos very gladly offer to the powerful Sultan of Jolo and to all brothers who acknowledge his great authority, the highest assurance of friendship, consideration and esteem.“Malolos, January 18, 1899.”(No signature.)37P.I.R., 76. 1.38From an official document on file at Manila.39“Being brothers, the descendants of the same race and of one soul, the same sun shines upon us and we breathe the same air, so that our sentiments are also one, and we aspire to the independence and liberty of our country in order to secure its progress and place it on a level with other civilized nations; and with this assurance I have taken the liberty to address you this letter, begging of you to accept the commission which in the name of our government I have the honour to confer upon you. You are authorized thereunder to establish in all the ‘Rancherias’ of Mindanao and Jolo, a civil and military economic-administrative organization, in accordance with the decrees which I enclose herewith, and after having established the same, I request that you make a report to our Honourable President of the Philippine Republic, Sr. Emilio Aguinaldo, of the result thereof and of the number of the force with their arms and ammunition, in order to ascertain whether they would be sufficient to prevent the invasion of the enemy and whether there is any necessity of sending reinforcements of arms to said Islands for this purpose. If in this war, which I consider to bethe last, we secure our independence, and with the opposition of our brothers in that region, with yourself at their head, we are successful in preventing the enemy from gaining a foothold, the grateful country will always render a tribute of homage and gratitude to your memory.“God preserve you many years.“May 31, 1899. “Baldomero Aguinaldo,“Lieut. Gen. Superior P. M. Commander of Southern Region.“ToThe Honourable Sultan Raha Halon”—P.I.R., 810–4.40Spanish for “mountain people.”41P.I.R., 512. A 5.42Extract from a letter to Apacible of the Hongkong junta dated February 26, 1899:—“It is also said that the Cantonal Government of Negros has wished to make a treaty with the Americans, some members of that government having come in American transports to confer with General Otis. We are not aware of the conditions of the arrangement, because the Negros people have thus far not wished to put themselves in communication with us; we only know by news more or loss reliable that the capital of that island has been occupied by the American forces without opposition.“Of Mindanao we know absolutely nothing; we also are ignorant of what has been the lot of our agents in America.”43“Of the Visayas and Mindanao we know nothing positive as yet, it is whispered that the Americans have succeeded in occupying Negros and Cebú against the will of the inhabitants. Iloílo continues the struggle energetically. It does not matter that they occupy temporarily those beautiful islands, because Luzón will know how to fight for herself and the rest of the islands, and will not lay down arms without the independence of the Philippine Archipelago.”44Blount, p. 140.45P.I.R., 62. 2.46Ibid., 144. 1.47“The second reason for my resignation is the pain caused me by having still to read among the reports of our military associates that in some of the chiefs, besides odious favouritism, is clearly seen a desire to enrich themselves, accepting bribes, making even prisoners a means of gain, and others there are, above all the commissaries, who dare to decrease the allowance of the soldier, little enough already;—I throw the blame of all this upon those who taught us such a custom; consequently I have reason to hope that they will change their methods.“The same cause of complaint I have concerning some companions who are discharging civil offices, especially those who are far from the oversight of the government, who put their own welfare before the common good, and devise a thousand means to further their own ends, even to the extent of gambling. Where are the police? Are they, perchance, also bribed? Pity money is so ill spent! However, every one is obliged to know that falsehood will never prevail against truth, and as evidence hereof many soldiers have confessed to the government as to having received certain sums in the share of the booty, and if we consider that the latter who receive their share have told the truth, why should those who are present during the partition of the money and receive nothing, not do so? In this way the eyes of some that were blinded are gradually opened; I confess, moreover, that the latter are to be blamed less than those in authority who are soattached to the methods of the past administration, who, we may hope, will change their mode of conduct and exhibit true patriotism.“I certify to the truth of all the above-mentioned evils, which must be eradicated. I retain the evidence for presentation when called on, so that if any of the readers hereof should consider themselves referred to and should resent it, I am ready to beg their pardon.”—P.I.R., 8.2.48Blount, p. 108.49Senate Documents, Vol. 25, pp. 2928–2941.50P.I.R., 838–2.51In this connection note Blount’s statement:—“But we are considering how much of a government the Filipinos had in 1898, because the answer is pertinent to what sort of a governmentthey could run if permitted now or at any time in the future.”—Blount, p. 73.
1Blount, p. 111.2P.I.R., 974. 3.3“December 20, 1898.“To the Honorable President of the Revolutionary Government.“The undersigned residents of thebarangayof D. Francisco Querubín and D. Melchor Balueg, of Bucay, of the province of Abra, appealto you with the utmost subjection from their place of residence and state: That their heads or representatives, D. Francisco Querubín and Melchor Balueg, respectively, force them to pay twopesoseach as a war tax, your humble vassals above cited being hardly able to earn their own livelihood and support their families, and, notwithstanding their labor, some of them cannot get anything to eat without appealing to the charity of their richer neighbours; but notwithstanding this sad situation, they offer apesetaeach as a mark of gratitude to the mother country, Filipinas, but said gentlemen, the representatives mentioned, have not the slightest pity and worry us to the extent of having kept us in our houses a day and a night without anything to eat, not even permitting us to go out to get a drink.“We must inform you that the head of thebarangay, D. Melchor Balueg, when he gathers the supplies for the troops stationed in his town, said supplies consisting of rice, pigs, chickens and eggs, uses one-half of what is gathered, and then again orders his assistants to save.”“In fact, the undersigned request you to direct that thepesetawhich they offer be accepted and that the said Don Francisco Querubín and Don Melchor Balueg be relieved of their duties, in order to put a stop to the abuses constantly committed by them; and if this be not done, the petitioners will be obliged to leave their homes and property in the town and take up their residences in the mountains with the Negritos and Igorots, in order that the others may remain in the town and live tranquilly.“This is a grace which we do not doubt we will receive from you, whose life may God preserve for many years.“Bucay, November 12, 1898.” (26 signatures)(In blue pencil in the handwriting of Aguinaldo:) “It will be approved.“Dec. 20, 1898.“E. A.”—P.I.R., 991. 4.4P.I.R., 849.5Blount, p. 130.6Ibid., pp. 130–131.7P.I.R., 1142. 4.8Ibid., 2002. 3.9P.I.R., 964. 3.10On November 30, 1898, the commander in Alaminos, Zambales Province, telegraphed that his soldiers were all about to desert as the head of the town would not furnish rations or pay without orders from the governor.”—P.I.R., 2002.3.11“On December 22, Aguinaldo, in accordance with a request from the governor of Zambales Province, ordered the heads of the provinces of Pangasinán, Tarlac, Bataan, and Pampanga to prohibit the people of their provinces from going to Zambales without passports signed by them, stating the route they were to take in going and returning and the length of time to be spent in the journey. The governor of Zambales had asked for this regulation in order to prevent the commission of robberies in Zambales and to distinguish persons justly subject to suspicion from those of good conduct.”—P.I.R., 266. 3.12“On January 9, the governor of Zambales found it impossible to continue the inspection of certain towns of his province and to continue holding elections, as many of the officials had fled to escape the exactions and abuses of the military commanders.”—P.I.R., 988. 2.13“The Governor of Cavite reports two drunken Americans have been killed by our soldiers. I tell him to have an investigation immediately and report the fact to the American commander.”—P.I.R., 849.14“Most urgent. Gen. Anderson informs me in a letter that, ‘in order to avoid the very serious misfortune of an encounter between our troops, I demand your immediate withdrawal with your guard from Cavite. One of my men has been killed and three wounded by your people.’ This is positive and does not admit of explanation or delay. I ask you to inform me of your decision.”—P.I.R., 849.15“Gen. Riego de Dios, Cavite: Telegram received. Do not leave the post, and say that you cannot abandon the city without my orders, and say that he was not killed by our soldiers, but by them themselves [the Americans.—D. C. W.], since they were drunk, according to your telegram. Give up your life before abandoning that place, and investigate matters.”—P.I.R., 849.16“Urgent. Gen. Alvarez telegraphed that Riego de Dios informed him that the town of Maragondong had risen in arms on account of abuses committed by the local President against Salvador Riego. This is the reason the town took up arms. Will go there to-morrow.”—P.I.R., 849.17Taylor, 19 AJ.18P.I.R., 1057. 4.19Taylor, 95 HS.20The name applied to the Filipinos of Ambos Camarines, Albay and Sorsogón.21P.I.R., 262. 3.22Taylor, 48 AJ.23Blount, p. 116.24Accepting the 1903 census figures.25Aguinaldo considered Mindanao important enough to form one of the three federal states into which he proposed to divide the Philippines.26Blount, p. 228.27Ibid., p. 229.28Bandits, or organized robbers.29The old Spanish name for Palawan.30Blount, p. 228.31P.I.R., 944. 10.32Blount, p. 116.33Blount, p. 229.34According to the census of 1903, 154,706.35See table on p. 651.36(Contemporary copy in Spanish.—P.I.R., Books C-L:)“January 19, 1899.“The President of the Philippine Republic very cordially greets his great and powerful brother, the Sultan of Jolo, and makes known:—“That the Filipinos, after having thrown off the yoke of foreign domination cannot forget their brothers of Jolo to whom they are bound by the ties of race, interests, security and defense in this region of the Far East.“The Philippine Republic has resolved to respect absolutely the beliefs and traditions of each island in order to establish on solid bases the bonds of fraternal unity demanded by our mutual interests.“I therefore in the name of all the Filipinos very gladly offer to the powerful Sultan of Jolo and to all brothers who acknowledge his great authority, the highest assurance of friendship, consideration and esteem.“Malolos, January 18, 1899.”(No signature.)37P.I.R., 76. 1.38From an official document on file at Manila.39“Being brothers, the descendants of the same race and of one soul, the same sun shines upon us and we breathe the same air, so that our sentiments are also one, and we aspire to the independence and liberty of our country in order to secure its progress and place it on a level with other civilized nations; and with this assurance I have taken the liberty to address you this letter, begging of you to accept the commission which in the name of our government I have the honour to confer upon you. You are authorized thereunder to establish in all the ‘Rancherias’ of Mindanao and Jolo, a civil and military economic-administrative organization, in accordance with the decrees which I enclose herewith, and after having established the same, I request that you make a report to our Honourable President of the Philippine Republic, Sr. Emilio Aguinaldo, of the result thereof and of the number of the force with their arms and ammunition, in order to ascertain whether they would be sufficient to prevent the invasion of the enemy and whether there is any necessity of sending reinforcements of arms to said Islands for this purpose. If in this war, which I consider to bethe last, we secure our independence, and with the opposition of our brothers in that region, with yourself at their head, we are successful in preventing the enemy from gaining a foothold, the grateful country will always render a tribute of homage and gratitude to your memory.“God preserve you many years.“May 31, 1899. “Baldomero Aguinaldo,“Lieut. Gen. Superior P. M. Commander of Southern Region.“ToThe Honourable Sultan Raha Halon”—P.I.R., 810–4.40Spanish for “mountain people.”41P.I.R., 512. A 5.42Extract from a letter to Apacible of the Hongkong junta dated February 26, 1899:—“It is also said that the Cantonal Government of Negros has wished to make a treaty with the Americans, some members of that government having come in American transports to confer with General Otis. We are not aware of the conditions of the arrangement, because the Negros people have thus far not wished to put themselves in communication with us; we only know by news more or loss reliable that the capital of that island has been occupied by the American forces without opposition.“Of Mindanao we know absolutely nothing; we also are ignorant of what has been the lot of our agents in America.”43“Of the Visayas and Mindanao we know nothing positive as yet, it is whispered that the Americans have succeeded in occupying Negros and Cebú against the will of the inhabitants. Iloílo continues the struggle energetically. It does not matter that they occupy temporarily those beautiful islands, because Luzón will know how to fight for herself and the rest of the islands, and will not lay down arms without the independence of the Philippine Archipelago.”44Blount, p. 140.45P.I.R., 62. 2.46Ibid., 144. 1.47“The second reason for my resignation is the pain caused me by having still to read among the reports of our military associates that in some of the chiefs, besides odious favouritism, is clearly seen a desire to enrich themselves, accepting bribes, making even prisoners a means of gain, and others there are, above all the commissaries, who dare to decrease the allowance of the soldier, little enough already;—I throw the blame of all this upon those who taught us such a custom; consequently I have reason to hope that they will change their methods.“The same cause of complaint I have concerning some companions who are discharging civil offices, especially those who are far from the oversight of the government, who put their own welfare before the common good, and devise a thousand means to further their own ends, even to the extent of gambling. Where are the police? Are they, perchance, also bribed? Pity money is so ill spent! However, every one is obliged to know that falsehood will never prevail against truth, and as evidence hereof many soldiers have confessed to the government as to having received certain sums in the share of the booty, and if we consider that the latter who receive their share have told the truth, why should those who are present during the partition of the money and receive nothing, not do so? In this way the eyes of some that were blinded are gradually opened; I confess, moreover, that the latter are to be blamed less than those in authority who are soattached to the methods of the past administration, who, we may hope, will change their mode of conduct and exhibit true patriotism.“I certify to the truth of all the above-mentioned evils, which must be eradicated. I retain the evidence for presentation when called on, so that if any of the readers hereof should consider themselves referred to and should resent it, I am ready to beg their pardon.”—P.I.R., 8.2.48Blount, p. 108.49Senate Documents, Vol. 25, pp. 2928–2941.50P.I.R., 838–2.51In this connection note Blount’s statement:—“But we are considering how much of a government the Filipinos had in 1898, because the answer is pertinent to what sort of a governmentthey could run if permitted now or at any time in the future.”—Blount, p. 73.
1Blount, p. 111.2P.I.R., 974. 3.3“December 20, 1898.“To the Honorable President of the Revolutionary Government.“The undersigned residents of thebarangayof D. Francisco Querubín and D. Melchor Balueg, of Bucay, of the province of Abra, appealto you with the utmost subjection from their place of residence and state: That their heads or representatives, D. Francisco Querubín and Melchor Balueg, respectively, force them to pay twopesoseach as a war tax, your humble vassals above cited being hardly able to earn their own livelihood and support their families, and, notwithstanding their labor, some of them cannot get anything to eat without appealing to the charity of their richer neighbours; but notwithstanding this sad situation, they offer apesetaeach as a mark of gratitude to the mother country, Filipinas, but said gentlemen, the representatives mentioned, have not the slightest pity and worry us to the extent of having kept us in our houses a day and a night without anything to eat, not even permitting us to go out to get a drink.“We must inform you that the head of thebarangay, D. Melchor Balueg, when he gathers the supplies for the troops stationed in his town, said supplies consisting of rice, pigs, chickens and eggs, uses one-half of what is gathered, and then again orders his assistants to save.”“In fact, the undersigned request you to direct that thepesetawhich they offer be accepted and that the said Don Francisco Querubín and Don Melchor Balueg be relieved of their duties, in order to put a stop to the abuses constantly committed by them; and if this be not done, the petitioners will be obliged to leave their homes and property in the town and take up their residences in the mountains with the Negritos and Igorots, in order that the others may remain in the town and live tranquilly.“This is a grace which we do not doubt we will receive from you, whose life may God preserve for many years.“Bucay, November 12, 1898.” (26 signatures)(In blue pencil in the handwriting of Aguinaldo:) “It will be approved.“Dec. 20, 1898.“E. A.”—P.I.R., 991. 4.4P.I.R., 849.5Blount, p. 130.6Ibid., pp. 130–131.7P.I.R., 1142. 4.8Ibid., 2002. 3.9P.I.R., 964. 3.10On November 30, 1898, the commander in Alaminos, Zambales Province, telegraphed that his soldiers were all about to desert as the head of the town would not furnish rations or pay without orders from the governor.”—P.I.R., 2002.3.11“On December 22, Aguinaldo, in accordance with a request from the governor of Zambales Province, ordered the heads of the provinces of Pangasinán, Tarlac, Bataan, and Pampanga to prohibit the people of their provinces from going to Zambales without passports signed by them, stating the route they were to take in going and returning and the length of time to be spent in the journey. The governor of Zambales had asked for this regulation in order to prevent the commission of robberies in Zambales and to distinguish persons justly subject to suspicion from those of good conduct.”—P.I.R., 266. 3.12“On January 9, the governor of Zambales found it impossible to continue the inspection of certain towns of his province and to continue holding elections, as many of the officials had fled to escape the exactions and abuses of the military commanders.”—P.I.R., 988. 2.13“The Governor of Cavite reports two drunken Americans have been killed by our soldiers. I tell him to have an investigation immediately and report the fact to the American commander.”—P.I.R., 849.14“Most urgent. Gen. Anderson informs me in a letter that, ‘in order to avoid the very serious misfortune of an encounter between our troops, I demand your immediate withdrawal with your guard from Cavite. One of my men has been killed and three wounded by your people.’ This is positive and does not admit of explanation or delay. I ask you to inform me of your decision.”—P.I.R., 849.15“Gen. Riego de Dios, Cavite: Telegram received. Do not leave the post, and say that you cannot abandon the city without my orders, and say that he was not killed by our soldiers, but by them themselves [the Americans.—D. C. W.], since they were drunk, according to your telegram. Give up your life before abandoning that place, and investigate matters.”—P.I.R., 849.16“Urgent. Gen. Alvarez telegraphed that Riego de Dios informed him that the town of Maragondong had risen in arms on account of abuses committed by the local President against Salvador Riego. This is the reason the town took up arms. Will go there to-morrow.”—P.I.R., 849.17Taylor, 19 AJ.18P.I.R., 1057. 4.19Taylor, 95 HS.20The name applied to the Filipinos of Ambos Camarines, Albay and Sorsogón.21P.I.R., 262. 3.22Taylor, 48 AJ.23Blount, p. 116.24Accepting the 1903 census figures.25Aguinaldo considered Mindanao important enough to form one of the three federal states into which he proposed to divide the Philippines.26Blount, p. 228.27Ibid., p. 229.28Bandits, or organized robbers.29The old Spanish name for Palawan.30Blount, p. 228.31P.I.R., 944. 10.32Blount, p. 116.33Blount, p. 229.34According to the census of 1903, 154,706.35See table on p. 651.36(Contemporary copy in Spanish.—P.I.R., Books C-L:)“January 19, 1899.“The President of the Philippine Republic very cordially greets his great and powerful brother, the Sultan of Jolo, and makes known:—“That the Filipinos, after having thrown off the yoke of foreign domination cannot forget their brothers of Jolo to whom they are bound by the ties of race, interests, security and defense in this region of the Far East.“The Philippine Republic has resolved to respect absolutely the beliefs and traditions of each island in order to establish on solid bases the bonds of fraternal unity demanded by our mutual interests.“I therefore in the name of all the Filipinos very gladly offer to the powerful Sultan of Jolo and to all brothers who acknowledge his great authority, the highest assurance of friendship, consideration and esteem.“Malolos, January 18, 1899.”(No signature.)37P.I.R., 76. 1.38From an official document on file at Manila.39“Being brothers, the descendants of the same race and of one soul, the same sun shines upon us and we breathe the same air, so that our sentiments are also one, and we aspire to the independence and liberty of our country in order to secure its progress and place it on a level with other civilized nations; and with this assurance I have taken the liberty to address you this letter, begging of you to accept the commission which in the name of our government I have the honour to confer upon you. You are authorized thereunder to establish in all the ‘Rancherias’ of Mindanao and Jolo, a civil and military economic-administrative organization, in accordance with the decrees which I enclose herewith, and after having established the same, I request that you make a report to our Honourable President of the Philippine Republic, Sr. Emilio Aguinaldo, of the result thereof and of the number of the force with their arms and ammunition, in order to ascertain whether they would be sufficient to prevent the invasion of the enemy and whether there is any necessity of sending reinforcements of arms to said Islands for this purpose. If in this war, which I consider to bethe last, we secure our independence, and with the opposition of our brothers in that region, with yourself at their head, we are successful in preventing the enemy from gaining a foothold, the grateful country will always render a tribute of homage and gratitude to your memory.“God preserve you many years.“May 31, 1899. “Baldomero Aguinaldo,“Lieut. Gen. Superior P. M. Commander of Southern Region.“ToThe Honourable Sultan Raha Halon”—P.I.R., 810–4.40Spanish for “mountain people.”41P.I.R., 512. A 5.42Extract from a letter to Apacible of the Hongkong junta dated February 26, 1899:—“It is also said that the Cantonal Government of Negros has wished to make a treaty with the Americans, some members of that government having come in American transports to confer with General Otis. We are not aware of the conditions of the arrangement, because the Negros people have thus far not wished to put themselves in communication with us; we only know by news more or loss reliable that the capital of that island has been occupied by the American forces without opposition.“Of Mindanao we know absolutely nothing; we also are ignorant of what has been the lot of our agents in America.”43“Of the Visayas and Mindanao we know nothing positive as yet, it is whispered that the Americans have succeeded in occupying Negros and Cebú against the will of the inhabitants. Iloílo continues the struggle energetically. It does not matter that they occupy temporarily those beautiful islands, because Luzón will know how to fight for herself and the rest of the islands, and will not lay down arms without the independence of the Philippine Archipelago.”44Blount, p. 140.45P.I.R., 62. 2.46Ibid., 144. 1.47“The second reason for my resignation is the pain caused me by having still to read among the reports of our military associates that in some of the chiefs, besides odious favouritism, is clearly seen a desire to enrich themselves, accepting bribes, making even prisoners a means of gain, and others there are, above all the commissaries, who dare to decrease the allowance of the soldier, little enough already;—I throw the blame of all this upon those who taught us such a custom; consequently I have reason to hope that they will change their methods.“The same cause of complaint I have concerning some companions who are discharging civil offices, especially those who are far from the oversight of the government, who put their own welfare before the common good, and devise a thousand means to further their own ends, even to the extent of gambling. Where are the police? Are they, perchance, also bribed? Pity money is so ill spent! However, every one is obliged to know that falsehood will never prevail against truth, and as evidence hereof many soldiers have confessed to the government as to having received certain sums in the share of the booty, and if we consider that the latter who receive their share have told the truth, why should those who are present during the partition of the money and receive nothing, not do so? In this way the eyes of some that were blinded are gradually opened; I confess, moreover, that the latter are to be blamed less than those in authority who are soattached to the methods of the past administration, who, we may hope, will change their mode of conduct and exhibit true patriotism.“I certify to the truth of all the above-mentioned evils, which must be eradicated. I retain the evidence for presentation when called on, so that if any of the readers hereof should consider themselves referred to and should resent it, I am ready to beg their pardon.”—P.I.R., 8.2.48Blount, p. 108.49Senate Documents, Vol. 25, pp. 2928–2941.50P.I.R., 838–2.51In this connection note Blount’s statement:—“But we are considering how much of a government the Filipinos had in 1898, because the answer is pertinent to what sort of a governmentthey could run if permitted now or at any time in the future.”—Blount, p. 73.
1Blount, p. 111.
2P.I.R., 974. 3.
3
“December 20, 1898.“To the Honorable President of the Revolutionary Government.“The undersigned residents of thebarangayof D. Francisco Querubín and D. Melchor Balueg, of Bucay, of the province of Abra, appealto you with the utmost subjection from their place of residence and state: That their heads or representatives, D. Francisco Querubín and Melchor Balueg, respectively, force them to pay twopesoseach as a war tax, your humble vassals above cited being hardly able to earn their own livelihood and support their families, and, notwithstanding their labor, some of them cannot get anything to eat without appealing to the charity of their richer neighbours; but notwithstanding this sad situation, they offer apesetaeach as a mark of gratitude to the mother country, Filipinas, but said gentlemen, the representatives mentioned, have not the slightest pity and worry us to the extent of having kept us in our houses a day and a night without anything to eat, not even permitting us to go out to get a drink.“We must inform you that the head of thebarangay, D. Melchor Balueg, when he gathers the supplies for the troops stationed in his town, said supplies consisting of rice, pigs, chickens and eggs, uses one-half of what is gathered, and then again orders his assistants to save.”“In fact, the undersigned request you to direct that thepesetawhich they offer be accepted and that the said Don Francisco Querubín and Don Melchor Balueg be relieved of their duties, in order to put a stop to the abuses constantly committed by them; and if this be not done, the petitioners will be obliged to leave their homes and property in the town and take up their residences in the mountains with the Negritos and Igorots, in order that the others may remain in the town and live tranquilly.“This is a grace which we do not doubt we will receive from you, whose life may God preserve for many years.“Bucay, November 12, 1898.” (26 signatures)(In blue pencil in the handwriting of Aguinaldo:) “It will be approved.“Dec. 20, 1898.“E. A.”
“December 20, 1898.
“To the Honorable President of the Revolutionary Government.
“The undersigned residents of thebarangayof D. Francisco Querubín and D. Melchor Balueg, of Bucay, of the province of Abra, appealto you with the utmost subjection from their place of residence and state: That their heads or representatives, D. Francisco Querubín and Melchor Balueg, respectively, force them to pay twopesoseach as a war tax, your humble vassals above cited being hardly able to earn their own livelihood and support their families, and, notwithstanding their labor, some of them cannot get anything to eat without appealing to the charity of their richer neighbours; but notwithstanding this sad situation, they offer apesetaeach as a mark of gratitude to the mother country, Filipinas, but said gentlemen, the representatives mentioned, have not the slightest pity and worry us to the extent of having kept us in our houses a day and a night without anything to eat, not even permitting us to go out to get a drink.
“We must inform you that the head of thebarangay, D. Melchor Balueg, when he gathers the supplies for the troops stationed in his town, said supplies consisting of rice, pigs, chickens and eggs, uses one-half of what is gathered, and then again orders his assistants to save.”
“In fact, the undersigned request you to direct that thepesetawhich they offer be accepted and that the said Don Francisco Querubín and Don Melchor Balueg be relieved of their duties, in order to put a stop to the abuses constantly committed by them; and if this be not done, the petitioners will be obliged to leave their homes and property in the town and take up their residences in the mountains with the Negritos and Igorots, in order that the others may remain in the town and live tranquilly.
“This is a grace which we do not doubt we will receive from you, whose life may God preserve for many years.
“Bucay, November 12, 1898.” (26 signatures)
(In blue pencil in the handwriting of Aguinaldo:) “It will be approved.
“Dec. 20, 1898.
“E. A.”
—P.I.R., 991. 4.
4P.I.R., 849.
5Blount, p. 130.
6Ibid., pp. 130–131.
7P.I.R., 1142. 4.
8Ibid., 2002. 3.
9P.I.R., 964. 3.
10On November 30, 1898, the commander in Alaminos, Zambales Province, telegraphed that his soldiers were all about to desert as the head of the town would not furnish rations or pay without orders from the governor.”—P.I.R., 2002.3.
11“On December 22, Aguinaldo, in accordance with a request from the governor of Zambales Province, ordered the heads of the provinces of Pangasinán, Tarlac, Bataan, and Pampanga to prohibit the people of their provinces from going to Zambales without passports signed by them, stating the route they were to take in going and returning and the length of time to be spent in the journey. The governor of Zambales had asked for this regulation in order to prevent the commission of robberies in Zambales and to distinguish persons justly subject to suspicion from those of good conduct.”—P.I.R., 266. 3.
12“On January 9, the governor of Zambales found it impossible to continue the inspection of certain towns of his province and to continue holding elections, as many of the officials had fled to escape the exactions and abuses of the military commanders.”—P.I.R., 988. 2.
13“The Governor of Cavite reports two drunken Americans have been killed by our soldiers. I tell him to have an investigation immediately and report the fact to the American commander.”—P.I.R., 849.
14“Most urgent. Gen. Anderson informs me in a letter that, ‘in order to avoid the very serious misfortune of an encounter between our troops, I demand your immediate withdrawal with your guard from Cavite. One of my men has been killed and three wounded by your people.’ This is positive and does not admit of explanation or delay. I ask you to inform me of your decision.”—P.I.R., 849.
15“Gen. Riego de Dios, Cavite: Telegram received. Do not leave the post, and say that you cannot abandon the city without my orders, and say that he was not killed by our soldiers, but by them themselves [the Americans.—D. C. W.], since they were drunk, according to your telegram. Give up your life before abandoning that place, and investigate matters.”—P.I.R., 849.
16“Urgent. Gen. Alvarez telegraphed that Riego de Dios informed him that the town of Maragondong had risen in arms on account of abuses committed by the local President against Salvador Riego. This is the reason the town took up arms. Will go there to-morrow.”—P.I.R., 849.
17Taylor, 19 AJ.
18P.I.R., 1057. 4.
19Taylor, 95 HS.
20The name applied to the Filipinos of Ambos Camarines, Albay and Sorsogón.
21P.I.R., 262. 3.
22Taylor, 48 AJ.
23Blount, p. 116.
24Accepting the 1903 census figures.
25Aguinaldo considered Mindanao important enough to form one of the three federal states into which he proposed to divide the Philippines.
26Blount, p. 228.
27Ibid., p. 229.
28Bandits, or organized robbers.
29The old Spanish name for Palawan.
30Blount, p. 228.
31P.I.R., 944. 10.
32Blount, p. 116.
33Blount, p. 229.
34According to the census of 1903, 154,706.
35See table on p. 651.
36(Contemporary copy in Spanish.—P.I.R., Books C-L:)
“January 19, 1899.
“The President of the Philippine Republic very cordially greets his great and powerful brother, the Sultan of Jolo, and makes known:—
“That the Filipinos, after having thrown off the yoke of foreign domination cannot forget their brothers of Jolo to whom they are bound by the ties of race, interests, security and defense in this region of the Far East.
“The Philippine Republic has resolved to respect absolutely the beliefs and traditions of each island in order to establish on solid bases the bonds of fraternal unity demanded by our mutual interests.
“I therefore in the name of all the Filipinos very gladly offer to the powerful Sultan of Jolo and to all brothers who acknowledge his great authority, the highest assurance of friendship, consideration and esteem.
“Malolos, January 18, 1899.”
(No signature.)
37P.I.R., 76. 1.
38From an official document on file at Manila.
39
“Being brothers, the descendants of the same race and of one soul, the same sun shines upon us and we breathe the same air, so that our sentiments are also one, and we aspire to the independence and liberty of our country in order to secure its progress and place it on a level with other civilized nations; and with this assurance I have taken the liberty to address you this letter, begging of you to accept the commission which in the name of our government I have the honour to confer upon you. You are authorized thereunder to establish in all the ‘Rancherias’ of Mindanao and Jolo, a civil and military economic-administrative organization, in accordance with the decrees which I enclose herewith, and after having established the same, I request that you make a report to our Honourable President of the Philippine Republic, Sr. Emilio Aguinaldo, of the result thereof and of the number of the force with their arms and ammunition, in order to ascertain whether they would be sufficient to prevent the invasion of the enemy and whether there is any necessity of sending reinforcements of arms to said Islands for this purpose. If in this war, which I consider to bethe last, we secure our independence, and with the opposition of our brothers in that region, with yourself at their head, we are successful in preventing the enemy from gaining a foothold, the grateful country will always render a tribute of homage and gratitude to your memory.“God preserve you many years.“May 31, 1899. “Baldomero Aguinaldo,“Lieut. Gen. Superior P. M. Commander of Southern Region.“ToThe Honourable Sultan Raha Halon”
“Being brothers, the descendants of the same race and of one soul, the same sun shines upon us and we breathe the same air, so that our sentiments are also one, and we aspire to the independence and liberty of our country in order to secure its progress and place it on a level with other civilized nations; and with this assurance I have taken the liberty to address you this letter, begging of you to accept the commission which in the name of our government I have the honour to confer upon you. You are authorized thereunder to establish in all the ‘Rancherias’ of Mindanao and Jolo, a civil and military economic-administrative organization, in accordance with the decrees which I enclose herewith, and after having established the same, I request that you make a report to our Honourable President of the Philippine Republic, Sr. Emilio Aguinaldo, of the result thereof and of the number of the force with their arms and ammunition, in order to ascertain whether they would be sufficient to prevent the invasion of the enemy and whether there is any necessity of sending reinforcements of arms to said Islands for this purpose. If in this war, which I consider to bethe last, we secure our independence, and with the opposition of our brothers in that region, with yourself at their head, we are successful in preventing the enemy from gaining a foothold, the grateful country will always render a tribute of homage and gratitude to your memory.
“God preserve you many years.
“May 31, 1899. “Baldomero Aguinaldo,
“Lieut. Gen. Superior P. M. Commander of Southern Region.
“ToThe Honourable Sultan Raha Halon”
—P.I.R., 810–4.
40Spanish for “mountain people.”
41P.I.R., 512. A 5.
42Extract from a letter to Apacible of the Hongkong junta dated February 26, 1899:—
“It is also said that the Cantonal Government of Negros has wished to make a treaty with the Americans, some members of that government having come in American transports to confer with General Otis. We are not aware of the conditions of the arrangement, because the Negros people have thus far not wished to put themselves in communication with us; we only know by news more or loss reliable that the capital of that island has been occupied by the American forces without opposition.
“Of Mindanao we know absolutely nothing; we also are ignorant of what has been the lot of our agents in America.”
43“Of the Visayas and Mindanao we know nothing positive as yet, it is whispered that the Americans have succeeded in occupying Negros and Cebú against the will of the inhabitants. Iloílo continues the struggle energetically. It does not matter that they occupy temporarily those beautiful islands, because Luzón will know how to fight for herself and the rest of the islands, and will not lay down arms without the independence of the Philippine Archipelago.”
44Blount, p. 140.
45P.I.R., 62. 2.
46Ibid., 144. 1.
47“The second reason for my resignation is the pain caused me by having still to read among the reports of our military associates that in some of the chiefs, besides odious favouritism, is clearly seen a desire to enrich themselves, accepting bribes, making even prisoners a means of gain, and others there are, above all the commissaries, who dare to decrease the allowance of the soldier, little enough already;—I throw the blame of all this upon those who taught us such a custom; consequently I have reason to hope that they will change their methods.
“The same cause of complaint I have concerning some companions who are discharging civil offices, especially those who are far from the oversight of the government, who put their own welfare before the common good, and devise a thousand means to further their own ends, even to the extent of gambling. Where are the police? Are they, perchance, also bribed? Pity money is so ill spent! However, every one is obliged to know that falsehood will never prevail against truth, and as evidence hereof many soldiers have confessed to the government as to having received certain sums in the share of the booty, and if we consider that the latter who receive their share have told the truth, why should those who are present during the partition of the money and receive nothing, not do so? In this way the eyes of some that were blinded are gradually opened; I confess, moreover, that the latter are to be blamed less than those in authority who are soattached to the methods of the past administration, who, we may hope, will change their mode of conduct and exhibit true patriotism.
“I certify to the truth of all the above-mentioned evils, which must be eradicated. I retain the evidence for presentation when called on, so that if any of the readers hereof should consider themselves referred to and should resent it, I am ready to beg their pardon.”—P.I.R., 8.2.
48Blount, p. 108.
49Senate Documents, Vol. 25, pp. 2928–2941.
50P.I.R., 838–2.
51In this connection note Blount’s statement:—
“But we are considering how much of a government the Filipinos had in 1898, because the answer is pertinent to what sort of a governmentthey could run if permitted now or at any time in the future.”—Blount, p. 73.