The Letters of Apolinario Mabini

\ \

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III

THE LETTERS <DF

APOLINARIO

M~BINI

Publications of the NATIONAL HEROES COMMISSION

THE LETTERS OF

APOLINARIO MARINI WITH A PREFACE

By

CARLOS QUIRINO DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL LIBRARY AND MEMBER OF THE COMMISSION

Compiled a.nd Translated by the National. Heroes Commission

M

Published by

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The National Historical Institute T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila

~.l3J;{Ij

1st printing 1965, National Heroes Commission 2nd printing 1999, National Historical Institute

ISBN 971-538-110-3 - Softbound 971-538-111-1 - Hardbound

Printed in the Philippines

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR CULTURE AND THE ARTS

NATIONAL mSTORICAL INSTITUTE

JOSEPH EJERCITO-ESTRADA President Republic of the Philippines

JAIME C. LAYA Chairman, National Commission for Culture and the Arts PABLO S. TRILLANA ill Chairman and Executive Director ADORACION M. BOLOS Ex-Officio Member ONOFRE D. CORPUZ Member

AMBETH R. OCAMPO Member

GABRIEL S. CASAL Ex-Officio Member

)

MICHAEL O. MASTURA Member

SERAFIN D. QUIASON Member

EMELITA V. ALMOSARA Deputy Executive Director

AUGUSTO V. DE VIANA Chief, Research and Publications Division

REYNALDO A. INOVERO Chief, Historic Preservation Division

NIMFA R. MARAVILLA Officer-in-Charge Monuments and Heraldry Division

GINA C. BATUHAN Officer-in-Charge Historical Education Division

JULIETA M. DIZON Administrative Officer V

JESSIE Z. MALLARI Auditor

PREFACE GENERAL Emilio Aguinaldo was in Hongkong, WHILE waiting the U.S. revenue cutter McCullo'ugh to bting fOT

him bIa~k to Manila in May of 1898, he asked of Don Felipe Agoncillo to recommend somebcdy as his adviser once he re~ turned to the islands. Now thei'e \\-€!r,e ha.lf a dozen Filipinos wh'O, could have fitted the role. Most of them were lawyers who had gained prestige during the Spanish regime, and respected even by peninsu!aJl 'S in Manila, for their ability. But the loyalty of a, couple Oof them to the revolutionary cause was uncertain, while the few bel :evers in the 'l'e voluti'ou did n ot pos ~,ess the qualities t.o hold the post of adviser tJ the Commander-in-Chief of the rebel forces.

To qualify, an individual's patriotism must be beyond question; he must have the br'O.ad background of 2.. political scientist with a knowledge of la.w and possessed of a facile if not virile pen; and must be a staunch bcliev'€IT' in: the destiny of the Filipinos as a,n ' indepenc1 nt p,eople. The lea,deI's of tlhe Propaga,n da Movement in Spain, s\lch he110es a Dr. Jose Riz al, Marcelo H. del Pilar and Jose Ma. Panganiban, could haNe ea,s ily fill ed such a role; or Numeriano Ad :'iano, leader of the Co,mpr'O'misarl'os with a flourishing law practice in Manila-but they we,r'€' all dead, and the handful left could not fill adequately the impcrta,n t role.

Save one: he whose recently published pamphlets, titled "The True Decalogue," "Constitutional Prog-flam of the Philippine Republic," and "Orciinances of the Revolution," Irevealed a ma,n of vision and vigor.

Don Felipe, the elder barrister from Ba:tang.as province :md a contempol"ary of RizaJ and Del Pilar, unhesitatingly recommended the name of ApohnariOo M.abini, his province mate from T.ana,u an and author of these political tra.cts.

"Iyan po," said Don Felipe, "'i'Y/.-ay ulong ginto!" ("He has, sir, a head of gold !")

And thus it w,a s; some three weeks .afte:r' he had landed in Cavite, Aguinaldo fetched Mabini frOom Bay, a little town in Laguna where the paralytic had been undergoing tre3Jtment for his affliction, to hecome his adviser and eventually premier of his cabinet. The rE'st is. history.

In view of the close relations, between Mabini and Aguinaldo, one is pronel to ask, Why did the former pass, such a, halTsh vii

vifi

PREFACE

judgment on the latter in his La Revoludon Filipina? Mabini attributed the deaths of Andres Bonifacio, founder of the Katipunan, and General Antonio Luna to Aguinaldo; acts which led to the defeat of the Revolution. But as 路a ny impartial historian can judge from the evidence, the lack of arms, ammunition and artillery led to the downfall of the rebel f'orces.

Even if Gener::>-l Luna .had remained alive, he could no-t have prevented the American milita.rr-y juggernaut from crushing the Filipino army into the dust. Decades later, not even the .highly touted German wehrma.c.ht nor the fanatical Japanese sar murai could withstamd America's might. To have attributed the defe at of the revolutionary army to any other cause is to misinterpret history.

The nation celebrated the centenary of Mabini's birth last year. In commemoration of thaIt happy event, the National He-roe'?. Commission is issuing this volume, which is mainly a transLation of his letters in Span.ish first published by Director Teodoro M. Kalaw, of the National Library, in 1930, under the title of Las Cartas Politicas de Apolinario路 Mabiwb. A large number of the other communications in the present compilation were taken from the Insurgent Records, which were returned by the American Government to .our people, am.d now are a part of t.he archives of the Library.

The Com.missi'o n also published during the centennial, Mabini's version of Florante at Laura by the great Tagalog bard, Fran.cisco Baltasar, better kno'wn as Balagtas; and the biography "Apolinario M2.bini: Revolutionary" by Dean Cesar Majul, of the University of the Philippines. This biQgraphy excels the initial opus by the late Don Rafael Palma; and for the first time gives a comprehensive evaluation of the life and writings and the political philosophy of the sublime paralytic. It WQn fi:rst prize in the bio-graphy contest on the life of Mabini conducted by the Commission last year.

The CQmmission hopes that this compilation will be of assistance to scholars a/Ild students who would like to know more of Apolinario M.:"\.bini. Mabini was the one man who synthesized the aims and principles of the Philippine Revolution.. Without hi~ political philosophy, the Revolution would just have been a oonglomel~ate uprising, a rudderless ship. He guided that ship and ooncretized the aspiroations of the Filipinos to be free and independent under a republican form of government.

CARLOS QUIRINO

Director

0/ The NfLtional Librany

and Member National Heroe. Comm488icm

CO NT EN TS Page PREFAC E

.. . ..... . . . .. . ....... ....... . . . . . .. .... ... . .... .. . .. ....

vii

The Letters : 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

B. 9.

10.

\ --

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17. lB.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

32.

33.

94.

95.

36').

97.

Letter to Marcel o H. Del Pilar (Sept. 18, 1893) ..... . . .

Letter to Marcel o H. Del Pilar (Dec. 11, 1893) ....... .

Letter to Marcel o H. del Pilar (Dec. 27, 1893) .. . . . .... .

Letter to Don Juanzo (Feb. 15, 1894) ....... .. ..... . .

Letter to Marcel o H. del Pilar (Aug. 8, 1894) .. . .... .

Letter to Marcel o H. del Pilar (Aug. 20, 1894) .. .. . .. .

Letter to Marcel o H. del Pilar (Sept. 5, 1894) .. . . ... .

Letter to Marcel o H. del Pilar (Oct. 15, 1894) . . ... .. .

Letter to Marcel o H. del Pilar (Oct. 31, 1894) ... ... . .

Letter to Marcel o H. del Pilar (Nov. 28, 1894) . ..... . .

Letter to Marcel o H. del Pilar (Jan. 22, 1895) ... . ... .

Letter to Marcel o H. del Pilar (Mar. 20, 1895) . . â&#x20AC;˘ . ..

Letter to Marc\ lo H. del Pilar (Apr. 29, 1895) ..... .

Letter to Marce\ o H. del Pilar) (May 27, 1895) ....... .

Letter to Marcel o H. del Pilar (Aug. 19, 1895) . .. . ... .

Petitio n to the Captai n Genera l (May 8, 1897) . . . . ... .

Letter to the Revolu tionary Leader s (April, 1898) ... . :Letter to Those Who Come to the Defens e of the Honor of Our Countr y (April, 1898) . . . ....... . .

Letter to Don Emilio Aguina ldo (July 1, 1898) .. . ... . .

Letter to Don Emilio Aguina ldo (Undat ed) ... .. .. . ... .

Memor andum to Don Emilio Aguina ldo (July 17, 1898) . .

Letter to Genera l Anders on (July 18, 1898) ....... .. .

Letter to Galican o Apacib le (Undat ed) ....... ....... . .

Letter to Jose Ma. Basa (July 29, 1898) ... .. ..... . .

Order to the Govern or, Plaza de Cavlte (Aug. 1, 1898 ..

Note to - - (Aug. 14, 1898) ....... .. . ....... ....... . .

Note to Admir al George Dewey (Aug. 15, 1898) .. . ... . .

Telegr ams from Preside nt Aguina ldo (Aug. 16-23, 1898) ..

Letter to Felipe Buenca mino (Aug. 17, 1898) ....... .

Letter to Presid ent Aguina ldo (Aug. 19, 1898) . . ....... .

Letter to Presid ent Aguina ldo (Aug. 20, 1898) ... . ... .

Note to Genera l Merrit t (Aug. 24, 1898 ) .. . ....... ... .

Messag e to Gen. Pantal eon Garcia (Aug. 27, 1898) ... .

Letter to Colone l Monten egro (Aug. 31, 1898) ....... .

Letter to Preside nt Aguina ldo (Sept. 7, 1898) ....... . . .

Letter Withou t Addres see (Undat ed) .. . ....... ... . . .

Letter to Preside nt Aguina ldo (Undat ed) ....... .... . ix

1 4 6 9

9 11 14 17 20 22 25 Zi 29 32 34 36 39 43 45 45 46

47 48 49 49 50 50 51 52 53 54

56 56 57 58 59 59

CONTENTS 38. Letter to Colmenar (Sept. 16, 1898) ....... • ..........

39. Letter to Don Mateo del Rosario (Sept. 23, 1898) ....

40. Letter to Canon (Undated) ..........................

41. Certificate of Cancellation of Rights (Sept. 26, 1898) ..

42. Letter to President Aguinaldo (Undated) ..............

49. Note to President Aguinaldo (Undated) ..............

44. Letter to H. D. C. Torres (Oct. 6, 1898) ... . ..........

45. Letter to Galicano Apacible (Oct. 9, 1898) ...........

46. Letter to President Aguinaldo (Oct. 18, 1898) ........

47. Letter to Galicano Apacible (Oct. 28, 1898) ..........

48. Letter to Daniel Tirona (October, 1898) ..............

49. Letter to President Aguinaldo (Undated) ............

50. Letter to President Aguinaldo (Nov. 22, 1898) ......

51. Notes to the Pre1'ident of the Republic (Undated) ...•..

52. Letter to Aguinaldo (Undated) ........................

59. Letter to Aguinaldo (Undated) .. . . ... ..... . ...... . ... .

54. Letter to Galicano Apacible (Dec. 8, 1898) ..........

55. Letter to W. F. Sylvester (Dec. 12, 1898) . . .. . .... ...

56. Letter to Emilio Jacinto (Dec. 17, 1898) ........... .

57. Letter to Aguinaldo (Undated) ......................

58. Letter to Aguinaldo (Dec. 24, 1898) ..................

59. Letter to Aguinaldo (Jan. 3, 1899) ....................

60. Letter to Galicano Apacible (Jan. 4, 1899) .. . ........ .

61. Telegram to Government Council (Jan. 8, 1899) ........

62. Memorandum t o Secretary of the Treasury (Jan. 10,1899) 63. Memorandum on the Constitution ...... ... . . . . . . . . . . . . .

64. Letter to President Aguinaldo (Jan. 14, 1899) .....••...

65. Letter. to President Aguinaldo (Jan. 14, 1899) ......•...

66. Letter to President Aguinaldo (Undated) ..............

67. Letter to President Aguinaldo (Undated) ............

68. Memorandum to the Secretary of War and Navy (Jan. 16, 1899) ............. ... ..•....... ... ...

69. Letter to Apacible (Jan. 16, 1899) ...............•..•• 70. Letter to President Aguinaldo (Jan. 20. 1899) ........

71. Memorandum to the Secretary of the Interior (Jan. 20, 1899) ....................•...........

72. Letter to the Federal Council of Iloilo (Jan. 24, 1899) ..

79. Memorandum to the Secretary of the Interior (Jan. 26, 1899) ................................

74. Memorandum to Isidoro Torres (Jan. 26, 1899) ...•....

75. Memorandum to the Secretary of the Interior (Jan. 28, 1899) ................................

76. Letter without Addressee (Jan. 29, 1899) ..............

77. Memorandum to the Secretary of War (Jan. 31, 1899) ..

78. Letter to President Aguinaldo (Jan. 1899) ........... .

79. Letter to President Aguinaldo (Feb. 1, 1899) ..........

80. Memorandum to Baldomero Aguinaldo (Feb. 1, 1899) ..

81. Memorandum to the Secretary of Fomento (Feb. 11, 1899) 82. Letter to President Aguinaldo (l899?) ................

60 62 64 66 66 67 67 68 70 70 72 74 76 77 77

78 78 80 81 82 84 86 86 88 88 90

91 94 97 98 99 100 103 104 105 107 108 108 109 110 111 112 112 113 114

CONTENTS 83.

84.

85.

8 6.

87.

88.

89.

90.

91.

92.

9:1.

94.

95.

96.

9 -, .

98.

9[1.

100.

JOl.

lU2 .

103.

104.

105 .

106.

107.

108.

109.

110.

111.

112.

113.

114.

115.

IH. 117.

118.

119.

120.

121.

122.

12:3.

124.

125.

126.

Letter to Apacible (Feb. 16, 1899 ) ...... . . . ....... . . . .

Memorandum to President Aguinaldo (Feb. 22, 1899) ., Lett-er to Don Arcadio (Feb. 23, 1899) . . ...... . ...... .

Letter to President Aguinaldo (Undated) ............. .

Letter to President Aguinaldo (Feb. 26, 1899) ......... .

Letter to President Aguinaldo (Feb. 27 [1 899 ]) . . ..... .

Letter to President Aguinaldo (Feb. 27 [1 899]) ....... .

Letter to President Aguinaldo (Feb. 28, 1899) ...... . .

Memorandum to the Secretary of the Interior (M"arch 1, 1899) .... .. .... .. ... .. ....... ...... .

Letter to President Aguinaldo (March 2, 1899) .. .. .. . .

Letter to the Commissioner Inquiring into the Causes of the Outbreak of War (Mar. 6, 1899) .. .. .. . .

Letter to President Aguinaldo (Mar. 6, 1899) ...... .. . .

Memorandum to the Secretary of Finance (March 7, 1899) Letter to Presider:t Aguinaldo (March 7 , 1899) .. . ... . .

Letter to President Agu :naldo (Ma rch- 7, 1899) ... ... . .

Note to President Aguinaldo (Undated) ............. .

Letter to President Aguinaldo (U ndated ) ... ..... .. . .

Letter to President Aguina ldo (March 12, 1899) ....... .

Note to Aguinaldo on the Audiencia (Undated) .... . .

Memorandum to the Secretary of the Interior O'\.far. 13, 1899) ............................... .

Telegram to General Tirona (March 14, 1899) ..........

Letter to Don Arca:1io Maxilom (March 14, 1899) ......

Memorandum to Aguinaldo (March 14, 1899) ..... . ....

Note to the Secretary of War [?] (Mar. 17, 1899 ......

Memorandum to the Secretary of War (Mar. 17, 1899) .. l\l'e morandum to Secretary of the Interior (Mar. 17, 1899) Letter to Galicano Apacible (March 18, 1899) ..........

Draft of a Military Order (Undated) ......... . ........

Telegram to the Hispano-Amer1can Commission in Paris (Undated) . ..................................

Letter to Don Engracio Gonzaga (Undated) ... . .......

Letter to Don Baldomero Aguinaldo (Undated) ..........

Note to the President of the United States (Undated) ..

Note to the Emp'e ror of Japan (Undated) ..............

Letter to President Aguinaldo (April 7, 1899) ..........

Letter to President Aguinaldo (April 8, 1899) ...... . ...

Note to Ramon Ochoa (April, 1899) ....... ,............

Order to Superior Military Commanders (Apr. 10, 1899) ..

Letter to Arcadio Maxilom (April 11, 1899) ............

Memorandum to the S-ecretary of the Interior (Apr. 17, 1899) . . ................... . ..........

Letter to the Foreign Traders of Manila (Apr. 19, 1899) ..

Letter to Don Ambrosio (April 20, 1899) ..............

Letter to the Secretary of War (April 23, 1899) ......

Letter to Apacible and Santos (April 24, 1899) . . . " .. , Letter to Lino (Apr. 25, 1899) ........ . ......... . .... ,

xi

116 120 121 122 123 124 125

127 128 130 131 132 133 135 136 138 139 140 141 142 143 143 144 144 145 145 149 151 151 152 152 153 153 154 155 157 157 158 159 160 162 162 163 165

CONTENTS

xii 127.

128.

129.

130.

131.

132.

133.

1 34.

135.

1 36.

1 37.

1 38.

139.

140.

141.

1 42.

143.

144.

1 45.

146.

14 7.

148.

149.

150.

151.

152.

153.

154.

155.

156.

157.

158.

159.

160.

161路 162.

163.

16J,..

165.

166.

1 6 7.

168.

169.

170 .

171.

Letter to Katigbak (Undated) ........... . ............

Letter to Teodoro Sandiko (April 25, 1899) ............

Memorandum to the Secretary of the Interior (April 28, 1899) ................................

Memorandum to the Secretary of the Interior (April 28, 1899) ................................

Letter to President Aguinaldo (Undated) ..............

Letter to the Schurman Commission (April 29, 1899) ..

Letter of Resignation to Aguinaldo (May 4, 1899) ......

Letter to the Secretary of the Interior (May 6, 1899) . .

Letter to Aguinaldo (May 8, 1899) . . ..................

Letter to Apacible and Santos (May 8, 1899) ..........

Certificate for Mariano Aguilar (May 12, 1899) . .. . .. . .

Letter to Lino (May 15, 1899) .. . ...... . ........... .

Letter to Apacible and Santos (May 31, 1899) ....... .

Let ter to Lino (June 16, 1899) ...................... . .

Letter Buencammo (June 18, 1899) ................ . .

Letter to Gregorio Aglipay (June 18, 1899) ..........

Letter to Rafael Palma (June 23, 1899) ..............

Letter to Isidoro de Santos (July 2, 1899) ......... . ..

Letter to Buencamino (July 3, 1899) ................

Letter to Rafael Palma (July 5, 1899) ................

Letter to Isidoro de Santos (Ju[y 22, 1899) . . . . . . . . . . . .

Letter to Buencamino (July 24, 1899) ................

Letter to Kanoy and Ikkis (July 25, 1899) ..........

Letter to Rafael Palma (August 6, 1899) ............

Letter to Rafael Palma (August 11, 1899) ............

Another letter to Buencamino (August 12, 1899) ........

Letter to the Town President of Alcala (August 13, 1899) Letter to Rafael Palma (August 19, 1899) ............

Letter to Rafael Palma (AUgust 30, 1899) ............

Letter to Sandiko (August 31, 1899) ..................

Draft of Mabini's Answer to Nozaleda (Undated} ....

Letter to President Aguinaldo (September 24, 1899) ..

Letter to Lino (October 3, 1899) ......................

Letter to Mr. Zersarian (October 5, 1899) ............

Letter to Lino (October 5, 1899) ......................

Answer to Aguinaldo (October 17, 1899) ............

Letter to Remontado (November 3, 1899) ..........

Answer to General Wheeler (December 25, 1899) ......

Notes to Dr. Calvo (January 12, 15, 1900) ........ . .

Letter to American Correspondents (January 22, 1900) Letter to General Otis (February 8, 1900) ............

Letter to Isidoro de Santos (February 24, 1900) ......

Letter to General MacArthur (June 19, 1900) ........

Letter to Pedro A. Paterno (June 20, 1900) ........

Report of the Conference with MacArthur (June 22, 1900) .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

166 167 168 169 171 172 175 177 178 179 180 181 182 184 185 187 188 lR9 192 194 ] 95 198 200 207 208 209 210 211 212 214 215 217 218 220 223 224 230 233 237 239 241 243 246 248 249

CONTENTS 172. Letter to Luisita de Alvar (July I, 1900) ............

173. Answer to Buencamino (July 20, 1900) ..............

174. Summary of the Conference with the American Commission (August I, 1900) ........... .. .....

175. Letter Without Addressee (Undated) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

176. Answer to Letter of General Bell (August 31, 1900) . .

177. A Word of Caution (Undated) ...... . ........... .... ..

178. Reply to Letter of Spencer Pratt (Sept. 15, 1900) .. . . . .

179. Letter to General Bell (October I, 1900) ..............

180. Letter to Miss Blanchard (October 13, 1900) ..........

181. Letter to Miss Blanchard (November 9, 1900) .... .... . .

182. Letter Without Addressee (November 12, 1900) ........

183. Letter to Pacheco (November 29, 1900) .............

184. Letter to his Brother Alejandro (Undated) . .. .......

185. Elections in Prison (March 17, 1901) ................

186. Complaint to Captain M'cKelvy (November 30, 1901) 187. Letter to His Broth~r Alejandro (December 12. 1901) ..

188. Christmas Greetings from the Prisoners (December 25, 1901) ... . . . ... . ..... .. ...... .. ..

189. Letter to His Brother Alejandro (February 17, 1902) ..

190. Prisoners' Petition (March 24, 1902) ................. .

191. Petition for Freedom (May 24, 1902) ..................

192. Letter to His Brother Alejandro (May 24, 1902) ..... .

193. Petition of the Rrisoners (June 1, 1902) ............. .

194. Letter to His Br0ther Agapito (June 18, 1902) .. . .... .

195. A~!:wer to Don Pablo Ocampo (Undated) . . ..........

19G. Mabini's Last Will (July 11, 1902) ....................

197. Letter to His Brother Alejandro (August 25, 1902) .. . .

198. Letter to Honorato Agrava (January 20, 1903) ........

199. Answer to Commander Sewell (February 9, 1903 ) ......

200. Another Reply to Commander Sewell (February 11, 1903) 201. Statement to the Press on His Return (Undated) . ...

202. Letter to Rafael del Pan (May 2, 1903) ..............

209. Request for Personal Cedula Certificate (May 12, 1903)

251 253 255 257 259 264 268 269 272 274 276 278 279 282 283 284

285 286 287 288 290 292 294 295 296 297 301 302 303 305 307 308

APPE:r>I"DlCES A.

Correspondence on Release of Friars

1.

Letter from Cardinal Rampolla to Archbishop Nozaleda (March 13, 1899) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2. Letter of Archbishop Nozaleda to Aguinaldo (August 21, 1899) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

J?

311 313

Correspondence on Deporta.tion of Prisoners of War

1. Excerpts from Special Report or General Otis to Secretary of War (Undated) ...................

2. Order from Provost-Marshal General (Undated) . ... ..

315 315

CONTENTS

xiv 3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

1 7.

18.

INDEX

Reply of War Department to Special Report of General Otis (April 14, 1900) .. - ............... - ' Report Of General Otis to Adjutant General, War Department (April 15, 1900) _..... _-. . . . . . . . ..

Letter of Commissioner Taft to Gâ&#x201A;Ź:neral MacArthur August 1, 1900) . . _...... _. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

M'acArthu!' Seeks Deportation Order (December 24, 1900) Secretary of War Sets Up Machinery for Deportation (December 26, 1900) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

Deportation Order (December 27, 1900) ......... ,....

Implementation of Deportation Order (January 7, 1901) Arrangement for Shipment of Prisoners (January 13, 1901) Instructi0ns to the Governor of Guam (January 14, 1901) Travel Orders for Major Orwig (J anuary 14, 1901) ....

N ames Of Prisoners and Their Servants ......... . .....

Senate Inquires About Deportation of M'abini (January 25, 1901) ... . . .. .. .. . ............. . , General MacArthur Sends Coded Answer to Senate Inquiry (January 26, 1901) ......................

Secretary of War Answers Senate Inquiry About Mabini (February 2, 1901) . . .. . ... . ............. . .. .

Letter from Governor Taft to Secretary of War (January 12, 1903) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

Report of the Collector of Customs on Mabini's Oath-Taking (February 26, 1903) ...................

.... .......................... ........................ ...

316 316 317 317 318 319 319 320 320 321 322 323 323

325 327 331

SOURCES Indicated below are the sources of the letters, telegrams, notes, memoranda, etc., published in this book. The meanings of the abbreviations are as follows: CP - Cartas Politicas de Apolinario l\labini. Edited by Teodoro M. Kalaw, pp. 365, Manila (1930) ISM -

Infonnes Sobre Mabini. Unpublished t~lOcript in the Carlos Ronquillo Co1l2ction, National Library.

MSO - Mabini y Sus Obras. Unpublished typescript in the Carlos Ronquillo Collection, National Library.

MSP -

Mabini Souvenir Program. Prep'ared by the Batangas Historical Society (July 23, 1956).

pm -

Philippine Insurgent Records. A collection of papers of the Philippine Re~/olution kept by the National Library.

PM - Philippine Masonry, T.~. Kalaw.

Translated from the Spanish by Frederick H. Stevens and Antonio Amechazurra, Manila (1956).

RF-I - La Revolucion Filipina., Apolinario Mabini. Edited by T. M. Kalaw, Volume I, pp. 292. Manila (1931).

RF-II - La. Revolucion Filipina. Apolinario Mabini. Edited by T. M. Kalaw, Volume II, pp. 360. Manila (1931).

The numbers below refer t.o the list of items on the Table of Contents of this book.

Letter 1, PM'; letters 2-3, CP; 4, PIR; 5-17,CP; 18, RF-I; 19-PIR; 2021, CP; 22, PIR; 23, CP; 24-28, PIR; 29-30, CP; 31-34, PIR; 35-36, CP; 37, PIR; 38, CP; 39, PIR; 40, CP; 41-45, PIR; 46-48, CP; 49, PIR; 50, CP; 51, PIR; 52-54, CP; 55, PIR; 56-58, CP; 59, PIR; 60, CP & RF-I; 61-62, PIR; 63-64, CP; 65, PIR & CP; 66-67, CP; 68, PIR; 69-70, CP; 71, PIR; 72, CP; 73-75, PIR; 76, CP; 77-82, PIR; 83, CP; 84, PIR & CP; 85, CP; 86, PIR; 87-90, CP; 91, PIR; 92, CP; 93, PIR; 94, CP; 95, PIR; 96-101, CP; 102-104, PIR; 105, CP; 106-116, PIR; 117, CP; 118-121, PIR; 122, CP; 123, PIR; 124-127, CP; 128-131, PIR; 132-133, CP; 134, PIR; 135-136, CP; 137, PIR; 138-152, CP; 153, PIR; 154-157, CP; 158, PIR; 159, CP; 160, RF-II; 161-162, CP; 163, RF-II; 164-165, CP; 166, RF-II; 167-201, CP; 202, MSP; 203, CPo Appendices Al-A2, CP; B1-B2, CP; B3-B8, ISM; B9, ISM'; B16, MSO; B17-B18, CP.

xv

CP~

B10-B15,

LETTER TO MARCELO H. DEL PILAR

September 18, 1893

UNDOUBTEDLY remember that in the past YOUthereWILL were no other lodges here than those of Spanish-born Masons, and that their august precincts were strictly forbidden ground to na.tive elements, in spite of the universality of Masonic principles. The life of those lodges had its high and low tides until their complet~ annihila.tion, which occurred precisely at the same moment when the native palate, thanks to Brother Panday, tasted the exqU'isite manna of Masonry.

From that moment on, the arms of the natives were busy erecting new temples on the ruins of the old. From the beginning they were i~ contact with the Gran Oriente Espafwl through their common mother, the Worshipful Lodge N i Zn.d , which claimed to be its Deputy. Unfortunately, Lodge Nilad, blinded by puerile ambition, soon began a career of tyranny and arrogance over the oth.e r lodges. Finally, unable any longer to endure this despotism, the other lodges resorted to the remedy offered in such cases by our Constitution: They formed a Regional Council. However, for reasons which we have not been able to learn, the Constitutive Charter of the Council has not as yet been received.

In the midst of this state of affairs on this side, a letter was received from Ruiz, which letter I myself have read, wherein he calls the Regional Council a disturbing body unworthy to be presented to any friendly Masonic power because it has been formed in contravention of Article 12 of the Constitution. This is a solemn lie. Before the formation of the Council due ~l. dvice was sent to the Worshipful Lodge Nilacl.

After a time rumors have begun to spread that Lodge N ilad is seeking to gain control of Philippine Masonry by extralegal and arbitrary means; that she is in connivance with Spanish-born Masons of these valleys who, heretofore, have held themselves aloof from the natives. These Spaniards are to form a lodge which will work in union with N ilad to prevent the definitive constitution of this Regional Council, and will then furm a new one.

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THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

This rumor is so persistent and so strong that the conviction is now general among the Masons here t4at we are never to receive the Constitutive Charter. It is claimed that the Spanish-born Masons, as if they were more powerful than the Grand Council of the Order itself, are opposed to it. This the Spanish deny. They say that any action by the Council of the Order approving reconstitution of Lodge Integridad Nacional, which they cla.im to b~ the organ of the Spanish-born Masons living here, and appointing Colonel Roji Grand Deputy \-vith special power to declare irregular the lodges refusing to recognize him, as well as Brother Cuesta, (which extremes were corroborated by Ruiz in his letter where he calls said Brother a disturber), offers no real foundation for rumors of this nature.

Add to the foregoing the fact that the Grand Deputy of the Memphis rite is endeavoring to entice members from us and, finally. the activities of the Spanish-born BrotherS! Cuesta and Duarte, whose exploits I will briefly relate in the following paragraph.

I must inform you that Brothel' Cuesta and his inseparable friend, Brother Duarte, an officer in the GtiA..'trdia Civil, notwithstanding the faCtt that they are full-pledged Spaniards, have been working with us, to the extent that the former served us as an adviser for solving many difficulties which our inexperience found bafHing. You know our temperament: it only needs that a born Spanim"d descend to our plane, treat us as an equal and flatter us, and our enthusiasm will ooze from every pore of our bocly; in our joyful delirium we will carry him on our shouulders like a victor and will make him the master of our will. This, or something very much like it, happened with these two Brothers. They inspired such confidence in our simple-minded folk that their proposals alwa~s prevailed, regardless of how impractical they might be.

But when the rumors I referred to began to spread around, these two Brothers, apparently familiar with political chicanery, far fro m endeavoring to allay the anxiety of our countrymen, exaggerated the rurru:>rs, giving them such a character of truth that the Regional Council thought it advisable to send a telegram to the Order, asking whether the Constitutive Charter would be sent or not. But, not satisfied with this, a few days after the telegram had been sent, these two Brothers began urging the necessity of sending from here a person with special power of attorney, at the expense of the lodges, to entreat the Grande Oriente to issue the Constitutive Charter. When their urging failed they applied for their demission, as they were affiliated to Worshiful Lodge Bathala., in order to remove themselves, as they said, from the despotic authority of the Gran Oriente EspaflOl, which had never learned to act justly, especially with the former.

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So, if all these rumors are false, then why has the Constitutive Charter not yet been sent to us? If the Regional Council has been approved, as Worshipful Lodge Solidaridad stated in its congratulatory letter and as you later confirmed in another communication to Brother Muza, why have we not at least been notified of the 1 eason for this delay? Is it because the Gran Oriente would deal with us as with children not deserving of ordinary civility? If it is that these lodges are in arrears in their accounts, then let them say SQ. We will ignore any compromising situation in which Lodge Nilad may have placed the Masonry of these islands. Who knows whether this Brother Ruiz, after often lamenting in the preamble to the Constitution t.he omnipotence of the old Grand Secretaries, does not now want to exercise the same despotic power himself, with the full consent of the Grand Master and the Grand Counsellors!

Please bring to the attention of the Gran Oriente EspanoOl that the federated Masons prQfess fQr it the greatest

esteem and respect. But ask them to' be mindful of the fact that we are not friendly to the evasions and circumlQcutions current there, and that devious practices, especially when proceeding from Gra d, Secretary Ruiz, have little force on this side and indeed may fail altogether in their intended effect.

Emphasize the fact that four-fifths of the Filipino M.a sons are prepared to defend t~eir rights a t d not let anybody trample upon them, even though it should become necessary to sever all tjes with Ruiz, who seems to personify the Gran Oriente Espanol. Everyone is aroused to an abnormal pitch of excitement and discontent which may easily cause irreparable harm.

I do not and I would not convey any threat in my words, as I am not authorized to do so. I am simply expressing my own humble opinion, at the risk of incurring the sin of audacity路.

[ApOLINARIO MABINI]

LETTER TO DEL PILAR

Manila, December 11, 1893 SENOR DON

"R.

LIPA"I

My very dear Friend: The ailment of ou]' deal' "Felipe Leal" 2 makes it necessary for me to take his place in this task precisely at a time when there is a dearth of interesting news.

What happened to our laureate painter Luna, about whom wrote in your pleasant letter of last October 25th, is not surprising. Intrigues of that kind are, unfortunately, common in our government. What I only regret is that bad example should be infiltrating our customs. .\'Oll

Our countrymen, without denying Mr. Gomez the right to unmask Dr. Santamaria, deplore that such an unpleasant int:ident should have happened pl ecisely between two Filipinos.

And they cannot deny Mr. Gomez that right because it has been observed that th's Dr. Santamaria cares very little about his friendship with Hjs countrymen, and he takes care only of cultivating it with the friars and persons of position and importance. In truth, it seems, and this is only my opinion, that said person sees nothing farther than his personal aggrandizement. Whatever the case may be, at least, we can take comfort in the idea of knowing to what extent we can count on the patriotism of Mr. Santamaria.

I am surprised at the rumor going around over there that General Blanco has asked for forces from the Peninsula, because here nothing has been heard about this nor anything similar to it. Persons who are in a better position to know these things, assme me that they know nothing except that General Blanco has recommended an old friend and cornpa.dre of his, who is very familiar with Mindanao, to study this island.

The people I refer to believe that this maJ11 have given rise to the above-mentioned rumor.

A person who was s:lid to have been arrested in Dapitan, because according to his own confession he was charged and paid by a curate to murder Rizal, was brought here as a prisoner. When he arrived at the ComanclancifL de l.a Veterana. a friend of ours was summoned to declare 'if he really had given 1 ;1

Marcelo H. del Pilar.

Domingo Franco.

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the prisoner a picture of Rizal, which was found in his possession. I do not know how much truth there is in this version.

Would to heaven that your pending negotiations with that rich assemblyman get good results! You do well in taking advantage of every opportunity that comes along. I hope your activity will somehow make up for the indifference and fear of your countlymen here. They are not yet convinced that your efforts will be more efficacious if you could obtain a seat ill the Cortes. But even if they are convinced of this, there is another obstacle, which is the unwillingness to give money.

You cannot imagine the hard time we are having just to collect a trifle, such as the monthly remittance. The past ill'egularities have caused us much harm, and now we have to contend with not only innifference but also distrust.

Owing to the pUblication of the papal bull,l the ceremonies for which took place yesterday in Santo Domingo Church, a conflict flared up between the Archbishop and the Prior of the convent by that name, a conflict which shows the latter's disobedience to the orderS of the former. The case happened as follows: At the appointed hour for the publication of the bull, the Cabildo Cated'ml ~ started in the Santo Domingo Church, and to the great astonishment of many, it was observed that neither t e church was conveniently prepared nor were th.e members received by any commission as it was customary to do in such cases. When the Provisor :l saw this, he went directly to' the altar, asked for the sacred vestments and started putting them on, in order to begin the paseo; at this instant, the Prior approached him and showed his disapproval with strong gestures. But the P'rOVif}lDr continued unperturbed in his task; and when he finished putting on the vestments, he turned his back to the Dominican, paying him 11Q1 attention.

Leal requested me to remind you of what he had perviously said about the address of the letters. He would like to request that you order that the correspondence be addressed to him directiy or to the undersigned, as he had already pointed out in one of the previous letters.

Enclosed i& a bill of exchange in the amount of $79.18.

Regards to our countrymen ann a close embrace from your affectionate and respectful ALIPIO ORAN

4

A document containing a decree or proclamation of the Pope.

Meeting of a chapter of a cathedral and the place where the meeting is held.

3 Vicar-general.

4 Apolinario Mabini.

1

2

LETTER TO DEL PILAR

Manila, December 27, 1893 MR. 1\I. H.

DEL PILAR ("R. LIP A" )

My deCll' Friend:

Although our dear "F. Leal" has already recovered from the flu, 1 am addressing you again these badly constructed lines on his expressed request to answer your pleasant letter dated November 8th, last.

I can tell you little or nothing, as no event worthy of mention has taken place here, except the Christmas that has just passed, and this no longer with the solemnities of yore.

It seems that ideas are changing and with the change comes the decline of popular enthusiasm for the festivals that, in the way t.hey are celebrated here, lead, in the majority of cases, to no other thing tI an to the impoverishment of the people and to immorality. And since we are talking of Christmas, I wish YO ll an d Olll' countryh1en over there a very ha.ppy one.

About your article on Carlism - it is needless to tell you that our countrymen received it with enthusiasm and read it with del ight. They add their congratulations to mine for the ability with which you have handled a problem worthy of the most zeal ous study on the part of the government.

I say "on the part of the government" because, to my humbl e way of thinking - and this is only my personal opinion - the friars, despite the fact that they al e Carlists,l will not be agreeable to the rule of Carlism here, unless, of course, they give up the abuses they are used to committing.

1 believe that with th.e establishment here of a central government that would leally seek the aggrandizement of the country, Don Carlos himself will soon be convinced that the friars are not needed here if they continue to behave as they now do.

And, of course, if the friars would not help Don Carlos with their money, h.e will meet a thousand difficulties: unless he succeed in sending hel e as governor general one of hlis cronies. Even then, I still cannot see how things can run smoothly because, although the friars have lost much of their moral influence, they have not yet lost it completely; in some very backward towns, it is still as strong as ever, thanks to their 6

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7

gold with which they attract and control people in the government.

To this should be added the folly of the Spaniards, that national pride which exceeds proper bounds and which is only found in Spain. Until now I am not convinced that there can exist a Spaniard who can sincerely believe that an indio can be a Spaniard, and that the Philippines is part of Spain. That is why I doubt very much whether Don Carlos, notwithstanding the fact that his own interests demand that pride, would renounce it and thus achieve his own happiness and that of the country which, he perhaps bell-eves, is of slaves.

If Don Carlos were an Englishman, I could envision the probability of a happy ending to this question, because I understand that an Englisl1man laughs at that pride when it cannot serve him as a stepping stone to his personal aggrandizement.

In fine, the events will speak for themselves.

General Blanco, by virtue of the powers which the Overseas Minister had conferred on him by telegram, appointed the present g,oberna,d01,cillos 1 as municipal captains; the teniente mayor as first lieut n::mt, and the jueces de policia, as police lieutenants o,f cattle and agricultur I lands. He promised, besides, to publish the appointments of those who will compose the delegation of the p'rincipali.a, 2 his coming January. Since we now have a municipal tribunal, it seems to me that it is c.o nvenient that you say something so that the part of the Civil Code 1 elative to marriage be enforced.

As I understand, one of the reasons which caused the suspensioll of said part was the lack of municipal tribunals, which, as you well know, was not the truth but only a means employed lJy Fabie to please the friars out of gratitude for the Christmas present they may have given him.

When I informed you about the appointments made by General Blanco, I forgot to mention that the tribunals for l1wstizos,3 which exist in some towns, wj}} be fused with those of the natives. N evertheie.ss, by an inconceivable exception, the grernios4 of Manila still exist. Their continuous rivalry causes us much harm. Could you not attack; this thing, tOo see if by dint of continuous blows this anomaly can disappear?

Enclosed heIewith is' the second bill of exchange in the amount of fifty pesos, which Don Ariston R. Bautista sent you on November 29th, and made out in our name. He sent you the first bill of exchange on the same date. I am' also enThe equivalent of present路day town mayors.

The g!'oup of well-to-do Filipinos, includmg those who had held or were holding positions in the government.

3 Native-born inhabitants of half-Spanish or half-Chinese parentage.

4 Guild fraternities.

1

2

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THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

closing herein another bill of exchange in the amount of twenty peso~ and thirty-three centavos.

If Masonry could do anything, please remind the influential persons of the Gra.n OTiente of the plaque of Balagtas so that they may work a little in favor of our brother Doroteo Cortes C'Tinclalo"), a membâ&#x201A;Źr of said Balagtas Lodge. If it is necessary for the Regional Council to send to the G,an O]'iente the plaque requesting said help, such will. be done. The interested party. whose services you know very well, solicits this help from Masonry, banking on the fact that Serrano who, by himself, co uld not do anything, has been reinstated in his position as teacher, perhaps through the influence of some Freemasons over there. I do not know ho,"" much truth there is in this: but we would be very grateful if you would help by trying to intel est some of your friends in him.

Should the Regional Council have some spare funds, it would try to acquire one 01' two copies of the general rulings of the GJ'an OTiente. I have been appointed a member of the Commission and, q.s you very well know, I need a guide to make my work easier.

Please embrace, in our name, all our countrymen over there, greeting them with a merry Christmas.

Yours,

ALIPIO ORAN

LETTER TO DON JUANZO

February 15, 1894 Dear friend Don Juanzo: I have already receiyed Don Francisco's authorization and I need the titles which you promised me the other day.

Please give them to the bearer; and if you cannot do so, give me the reasons for retaining them.

[Unsigned]

LETTER TO DEL PILAR

Manila, August 8, 1894 MR. MARCELO

H.

DEL PILAR

My dear sir and Friend: Requested, for reasons that I will explain later on, to write these badly done lines as a continuation of those that our friend "Felipe Leal" has been writing you, I consider it our honor to send you the enclosed two bills of exchange: one in the amount of $61.30 and the other, $60.53.

The Lodge Balagtas and some other friends are sending you the latter amount, $60.53, so that you can place rugs on the floor of the working room and receiving hall, as you said in your previous letter. I understand that the Regional Council and other lodges are sending you other amounts for the same purpose.

The other amount, $61.30, together with the $46.00, which is the amount assigned to Pe'r~a, set aside sometime ago by Don Ambro'sio, 1 shall be used for the expenses of our cam1

Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista.

9

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THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

paign, that is. the expenses for the newspaper and the Hispano-Filipino Association.

I believe you will have to make much effort in covering big expenses with so little money; but I am advising you beforehand that by October you will receive from the Overseas Funds and allotment of $100, which we shall send you through the mails. But this monthly assignation cannot be regular.

I suppose, in the future, the remittances that we shall make shall be more 1 egular and more substantial, because in order to avoid the difficulties that we have undergone every mailing time, we decide among our circle of friends to form a Cue?jJo de CompromJisa1 iDS composed of 50 persons, each of whom is duty-bound to put up a ready cash of five pesos within the first five days of each month. We have already gathered a sufficient number of persons and the association has been formed to such an extent tha we have already made some collections. But the administrative commission for the collection of funds and the writing of letters has not yet been definitely created. I have been requested in the meantime, or rather given the honor, to do the writing now. We hope to inform you of the definite creation of said commission in the first letter that we shall write you henceforth.

Last month, some pasquinades appeared on the doors of the church and some houses in Santa Cruz, denouncing certain acts of the parish priest of said district in connection with women. It is needless to tell you the Wi ath of the priest at the appearance of said pasquinades. He was so mad that he did not hesitate to denounce some Freemasons before the judicial authorities, disregarding the scandal that would ultimately be more harmful to him than to any other person. \Vc shall give you more details in another letter. Allow me now to close this one as it is getting late into the night.

With the highest regards, I am your affectionate and respectful friend, Ap. MABIN!

P.S. I forgot to tell you that you should send your letters to the same old address until further notice.

Same

LETTER TO DEL PILAR

Manila, August 20, 1894

MR. MARCELO H. DEL PILAR

Distinguished Sir and very dear Friend: Owing to the reasons I stated in my previous letter, I am still commissioned to write to you, and it is this capacity, that I proceed to answer your pleasant letters dated 4th and 18th of July last, and the latest I received, all of which I have now before me. \Ve are very happy to learn that you are in good health, although we deplore the financial straits in which you find yourself as well as our campaign.

And what is '1orse is that the allotment of $100 that I stated in my previous letter could not be sent in the last mail but only in this one. The reason was that, after we made the bill of exchange in the name of Don Simeon Mercado, we were asked, at the last hour, to furnish his maternal family name; and we had a hard time finding it out. The greater part of this amount of $100 was given by Nor Bosiong. 1 According to him it came partly from a subscription in Capiz; the rest, I do not know from where, whether from his own pocket. I am making this explanation to put everything in its proper place.

We are not sending you any bill of exchange with this letter because, although we have some amount on hand, we are intending to keep it until it reaches from 80 to 100 dollars, which we are trying to cover for next month.. We thought it best to do this despite your present financial difficulties, as it has to do with a somewhat sizable remittance which we ale trying to make regular and more lasting.

We also learned of the order made by Nor Bosiong and Nazario 2 for 100 copies of the newspaper and, far from resenting it, we felt happy, because we have learned to set aside susceptibilities as long as the campaign can pull through its 1

Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista. lQ"or is an affectionate abbreviation

of Senor.

2

Nazario Constantino.

11

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

12

financial difficulties. vVe talked to Nor Bosiong, encouraging him t o carry out his promise, binding ourselves to deliver to him without fail the 100 copies he had asked for, provided he would put up two shares. He did not like to g-ive us his word r ight away and we agreed that he would first talk with Nazario. An-y way, the order has been given to set aside 100 copies fr om Naning's 1 remittance, which 've have already received in part. vVith regard to the Cuerpo de Cornprornisarios which we have j ust formed to make the remittance of funds regular, I can only say that it promises good results. For this month, at least, each member, came up with his quota. Here, we do not lack people who are willing to work, much more than we ::;hould succeed to regain the confidence that "Panday" 2 has 1 uined.

There are still some who doubt the good faith with which we are managing the money from the subscriptions, although we try hard to let them know how the money is being spent. Please do not misunderstand my words, as you once did when I talked of distrust , because you should know that everyone here appreciates you!" sacrifices, so much so that the ''lord distrust can no longer touch you. The distrust concel'l1S us her e only; and, to be f rank, in the majority of cases the] e cannot even be such distr ust here; it is only a pretext that some who are so careful with their money make use of. But we t ry to make things as clear as possible in our administration t o remove every pretext that may arise through fear. \Ve r eceived with untold satisfaction the news of the progress of Don Isidolo Santos and Don Francisco Liongson.

Please tell them that if our joy cannot equal that of their parents, it is great enough not to let us rest until we have congr atulated them with all the warmth of our hearts.

Cortes arrived in this capital last week.

He is here to testify in the investigation case which the Central Government has opened in order to clear l~p the events that caused the change of residence. I understand he has been authorized to take a boat for that place when his presence is no longer needed here. He doubts whether he can make use of that authorization or not, because he fears that the rheumatism he has been suffering from will become worse with the coming of winter over there. . Should you find an opportunity, it would be to our advantage if you talk about the repeal of the decree of Fabie 1 2

Mariano Ponce's.

"Panday Rira," Masonic name of Pedro Serrano Laktaw.

LETTER

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13

PILAR

treating a permanent Council of War. Many complaints are l'eceived here from the unfortunate in the provinces who are kept years in jail without knowing the status of their case, notwithstanding the fact that, in the majority of instances, these cases are only ins'ignificant thefts, like that of garlic in small quantity and those of other native goods. If in the courts the cases move very slowly, the progress of the cases in the Council of vVar is a thousand times more slow. To this you have to add the abuses prompted by vengeance, and the great disparity seen between the crime and the punishment.

I am glad that Mr. Becerra thinks of something good for the Philippines, because it is said here that he is very frugal in his mode of life. The frail's are circulating the idea that they do not like Becerra, because they spend every time he rises to power. I do not know how much truth there is in this; I, at least, have the idea that he is a very decent person and, consequently, I do not believe such rumors.

The pasquina es in Santa Cruz of which I talked in my previous letter a:re now almost forgotten. I believe the investigations have become paralyzed.

Receive the embr ce of all yo pI' friends and command as you wish your affectio~ate and respectful

A.

MABINl

LETTER TO DEL PILAR

Manila, September 5, 1894 MR . MARCELO DEL PILAR

My ve ry dear Friend: The Cuerpo de Compro路misa?路ios, in charge of supporting our campaign in that court 1 of which I wrote in my previous letters, has been definitely formed through the efforts of an administrative board composed of "Ipil," 2 president; "Arem," 3 treasUl'er; and this writer, secretary. The whole Cuerpo is sending you and all our friends over there its most affectionate g11eetings and brotherly embrace. This does not prevent our firm flom sending bills of exchange with the friendly partnership and the old address.

I remember having told you in my previous letter that in the next mail we shall send from the Overseas Funds the amcunt of $100, pointing out at the same time that the bigger portion of said amount came from Nor Bosiong himself. But after I went over our accounts with said gentleman, I found out that neither you nor we have to be particulally grateful to him because that amount came completely from the Propaganda.

I am, therefore, rectifying my error, which was due to my little knowledge of what had gone before, because I was then unfamiliar with the matter in hand.

This rectification does not, in any way, mean I am ignoring the valuable help of our fljiend. By just telling you that in the Cuerpo cle Com.promisarios he is one of the most prominent, not only because of the wealth of experience and culture that he has brought to us but also because he is one of those who help us with bigger pecuniary help because of his numerous connections, you will understand that I do not deny him the respect and admiration that his valuable services deserve.

That is why I would be happy if you have wlitten to him in the sense of expressing a special gratitude, because in this way we would be compelling him, although indirectly, not to abandon us in our undertaking. Besides, you know better than I do that no human heart is free from weaknesses, much more so when one is old.

1. The town or place where the sovereign resides, hence, in this case, l\l:1drld.

2 Masonic name of Numeriano Adriano.

3 Masonic name of Bonifacio Arevalo.

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15

On the other hand, a letter in this sense would be very timely, because right now we can't think of a means to make him accept the 100 copies of the newspaper that you have sent 011 his and Nazario's petition. I have just talked with the latter, who is also a member of the Cuerpo and, when I offered him the cop:ies, he told me that he had not written to you asking fer them, but that Nor Bosiong did it without his knowledge. Frankly speaking, they must have taken that step of asking for those newspaper copies from you because, previously, they were complaiJ).ing of not receiving the numbers they have asked for. And now as they appraise calmly the diftficul ties of a step taken in moments of anger they are reluctant to go further. In truth, sometime in the past days, they were not given the copies they p,sked for because, owing to our deficient organization, we were distributing bigger number of copies and getting back less in the amount of payment.

I am happy to tell you that we are now sure of a fixed monthly allotment of $100 that, together with the $46 from Cavanna, will help you little by little out of your difficulties.

On the other hailJd, we hope that should things continue as have been up to now, the day will not be far when our campaign' will, at least, lead an easier !ife even if not with all the comfort that would do honor to our country. My only fear is that I have observed so often here that the greatest enthusiasm soon vanishes like smoke. But we shall continue toiling and time wiB show how far we can go.

We learned from one of our friends that the Augustinians are circulating rumors that our campaign is going broke,. that you live in a miserable attic, and that they learned of this through a letter that you wrote to Limjap. Even if it is humiHating to say so, I cannot deny that such is the truth. But as our countrymen here have acquired the bad habit of discrediting us so as to have an excuse for keeping away, I think it is not desirable that persons of that kind should learn of our precarious situation. I shan always, of course, defer to your better judgment.

One of the men from Bal.."'gtas Lodge, by the name of Quintin Castillo, a law student and townmate of Apacible, was expelled from school and barred from all Spanish colleges for having I'etaliated against a Reverend Professor who slapped him for his failure to greet the former. The aggrieved party himself says that he verdict of the Council of Discipline, which he had received, bore the approval of the General Government.

I cannot understand why a student here can be condemned to be barred from studying in any Spanish college.

16

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

We are sending you two copies of "Cuestiones Filipinas"

by Comenge, one for you and the other for Mr. Blumentritt.

We are sending them to you just in case you should wish to write something about it, advising you, however, that the opinion expressed by the author on the effects of the abolition of the monopoly on tobacco has become the object of heated polemics on the part of the Intendant Gimeno Agius, who signed his article in El Com.erc:o with the pseudonym A. L. The polemics was stopped because Comenge postponed it until his return here.

Enclosed is a bill of exchange for $100 as a supplement to the Cavanna share. Flores, who is in charge of our share. assures me that beginning October you will receive the next $100, which we have made into a regular monthly remittance.

Receive an embrace from your affectionate

A. MABINI

LETTER TO DEL PILAR Manila, October 15, 1894 MR. M.ARCELO

H . DEL PILAR

My very dear Friend:

I have before me your letters dated August 16th and 30th and also that of September 12th, last. The first arrived later than the second because it was delayed in Hongkong or in Singapore.

I understand from the last one that you were surprised at the words I used to make a distinction in the uses of the two bills of exchange to which my letter of August 6th, last.

1 eferred.

In truth, one can inform from said words a commanding tone that I should not have used nor should use, and because of this you believed that we were imposing an obligation on you.

There is no such thing, dear Pilar. The truth is that, I work as a clerk in an office and often when least expected, just before the mail \eaves, WOlle piles up in such a way that I have to dash out le\ters without sufficient time to properly considel" the meaning of the terms I use.

The words, therefore, that you mention in your last letter do not entail an obl'igation of any kind. They mean nothing more than the different uses of the amounts of the bill of exchange.

Besides, it has always been clear to us that you were in no way charged to help in the expenses of the Hispano-Filipino Association; but, as I have always known that, whenever your limited means would allow, you always helped to mainta.in the existence of said association, contributing to the most pressing expenses of the same, hence, I added the short tail "and of the Hispano-Filipino Association." 1 J Del Pilar's resentment shown in his letter of September 12 reveals how punctilious he was in matters that could affect his honesty. Mabini, on sending certain funds to Spain, inadvertently said that they should also be used to attend to the expenses of the Hispano-Filipino Association. Never before were such instructions given. On a certain occasion, Del Pi!ar helped in the expenses of the Association, but he did it on his own account. On receipt of Mabini's letter, Del Pilar wrote by return mail the following: "Please tell me what amount I should aSSign to the Association so that'r could hand it over to its secretary, because I cannot retain in my possession a single centavo of the money of that Association without my becoming a despicable embezzler." "I need a clear answer," he added, "categorical and precise, because my honor demands it that \\'~y m:, otherwise, it would be exposed to comments." T. M. Kalaw.

17

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

18

The old state of things has not, therefore, changed in the least; the meager amounts that we send you are for the expenses and affairs of the delegation without this preventing you in the least, when you deem it convenient and whenever your means would allow, from helping in any way you can in the expenses of said association. You have always had our unlimited trust.

I have seen with sorrow that my manner of speaking is often ha.rsh, laconic, and not very appropriate for politics and, in certain cases, even ambiguous, for which reaSOn two of my letters have already been the objects of different interpretations on your part. I have not yet succeeded in explaining myself with the proper clearness in our official language: for this reason, I beg of you a thousand pardons if, sometimes, unwittingly, I have caused you some pain. This shows to you only too well that here the better ones are still shying away from our activities. We shall try to correct these deficiencies as we improve our personnel and means.

Your brother-in-law Dato 1 showed us the letter in which you talk of the need of a big banquet which will show our gratitude to M.r. 3't.lnoy 2 and serve at the same time as a noisy propaganda. We are working here to collect the necessary funds for said ~anquet, whioh we also believe is of the utmost necessity.

Henceforth, please do not va.ry the address of your letters. We want to retain the commercial partnership "Felipe Leal y Compania" in memory of our ex-president who, by dint of abnegation and sacrifice, was able to maintain the thing despite the obstacles and oppositions that he found in his way.

You do not have to thank us for whatever efforts we make to keep that delegation going on beCause we a,r e weli aware that the greatest sacrifice and abnegation are on your sidefor standing firm in your post despite all kinds of privations.

I should like to learn something from you. I should like to ask if there are means over there to remove from office here one or more civil or military officials, not of the highest rank, when all legal means a.re no longer of any use here.

Some friends prefer the monastic procedure to acts of physical force; and thus when they have been outraged by those in p{)\ver, they would rather spend, if they have the means, than defend their dignity with physical strength.

This does not mean that I want to make you an intermediary in such a business. A friend of mine, whom I should 1 2

Deodato Arellano, Del Pilar's brother-ill-law.

Spanish assemblyman to the Cortes, a friend of the Philippines.

19

LETTER TO M. H. DEL PILAR

like to please, wishes only to know how much he would spend to remove here an officia.l of a lo\ver rank and have him recalled there. On the other hand, I cannot blame our friends completely, because I can see for myself that, as long as there is no union among our people, the efforts of one Or of a few would be meaningless. Hence, in the meantime that we cannot attain such unicn, I consider their procedure excusable.

If you find the question annoying, please ignore it.

An embrace of your affectionate

A.

)

MABIN I

LETTER TO DEL PILAR

Manila, October 31, 1894 MR. M ARCELO H. DEL PILAR

My very dear FTiend: Don Jose BeIda Martinez, Infantry Major, in whose name the $100 that I told you in my first letters was being sent to Don Simeon Mercado y Espina, died on the 9th instant, and for this r eason we are meeting with some difficulties here in transferring said share in the name of another. Should you find it easy to get a power of attorney from said Mr. Mercado in order to be able to collect said share, it would be preferable that you do so; but if you find it very difficult to learn the whereabouts of said gentleman, write to us, and we shall do all we can here to transfer the share in the name of another and remove all possible obstacles.

OUl' friend "Felipe Leal" is sending you the enclosed page of E l Comer cio, doubtless so that you can read the opinions published therein on the best way to solve the monetary problem of these islands. I, on my part, cannot give my poor and \"ery humble opinion on such a difficult question as, aside from my incompetence, my continuous activities keep me from studying the subject matter and forming an opinion on it. This is the reason why my letters are dull and lack the necessary clarity in expression to the point of becoming liable so often to diverse interpretations.

Enclosed herewith are fOUl' bills of exchange: the 1st, importan t, fOl" $57.95, flom Antonio Salazar, venerable mastel' of Motlestia,; the 2nd for $100, from our' "Muza"l; the 3rd from the Cue1'po de Compromisarios, for $100; and the 4th, from the same source, also important, for $100.

The first three, which tot..'ll $257.95, are for the expenses of the banquet for Junoy. The last bill of exchange for $100, with the $76 of the Pe'63. share, is for the ordinary expenses of the delegation.

On the bill of exchange from Don Antonio Salazar, the Resp. Lodge Modestia worked; on that of Flores, our brother "Muza.," was ably seconded by the Resp'. Lodge Binhi. It would be better if, when you acknowledge receipt of this remittance, you 1

Masonic name of Ambrosio Flores.

20

21

LETTER TO M. H. DEL PILAR

would make some special mention of said Tall. and HH .. so that they sl~all always readily respond to our call for help.

We are hoping tha.t you will give us deta.iled news of the attitude of the Government on the question of emigration proposed by Japan together with your pa.rticular opinion on this matter.

Receive an embrace from all and from your very affectiona..t e

Ap. MABINI

)

LETTER TO DEL PILAR

Manila, November 28, 1894

MR. MARCELO

H.

DEL PILAR

My very dear Friend: \Ve have read your pleasant letters dated September 27th and October 1st, last.

Upon learning here from the first the news that the disappearance of Don Simeon Mercado made the collection of the BeIda share impossible, our friend "Muza" solicited and obtained from the widow of said assignor the transfer .o f the share in the name of Don Mariano Ponce Collantes. Do not wonder, then, at such transfer in case the order arrives there before Don Simeon could have made the collection.

I al,ready said in my previous letter that it \'\'as not possible to send the permanent allotment of $100 because of the death of the said BeIda. We have almost lost all hopes of finding another, even if only in the amount of $46 like the Pefia share, because the 50 per cent rate of exchange has forced all employees here to run to the Anny men. On the other hand, it is being rumored that the remittances from the Overse-.as Funds will last only until the end of this year because the excessively high rate of exchange has consumed the amount set aside in the budget over there for this purpose. I do not know how much truth there is in this.

"Ipil" begs you, and all of us who help you in the maintenance of the campaign, to withdraw the resignation you have presented. Neither he nor anybody else thinks, nowadays, of changing policy, inasmuch as we have already done all we can do with the collection of the necessary funds to maintain our campaign. Besides, our trust in you is such that, should you insist on resigning, the Propaganda will be dissolved. So, please consider well inasmuch as this ca]Ilpaign has already cost you great sacrifices, certainly much greater than those that we have been able to do. Please consider my words as those of a friend, who, although he had never been on a talking acquaintance with you, loves you as if you have been his childhood friend.

When we communicated to you the formal foundation of our Cuerpo de Corn,p'}ornisarios we did not think it necessary to reaffinn our approval of your continued stay in the position 22

LETTER TO M. H. DEL PILAR

23

that you have been holding for a long time to the satisfaction of everyone. We believed that a change of personnel was only made necessary by the irrevocable resignation presented by our friend "Leal" and the necessity of adopting a more effective way of financing our campaign. But we realize now that we had neglected the most rudimentary procedure in political correspondence, a deficiency that we hope you will excuse us as it had been involuntary. 1 With reference to the case of Limjap, you took for a rebuke what was simply a news passed from one friend to another. There is no such rebuke, my friend Pilar; all that there was in it was only the form of communicating the news to you. That could be resorted to only between persons who treat each other with the liberty and intimacy of brothers, a thing that I lost sight of at the time, compelled as I was to. write hurriedly and, hence, to use the shortest possible expressions, which, in many cases, make my style sound commanding against my will.

And since we are talking of "X", believe me that it is not true that he is contrihuting here secretly. Wishing to learn the truth on this point, I consulted many friends, and they unanimously told me that "X" is one of those who know how to live: when he is with reactionalries, he is a vehement one, and when he is with the progressive~, he is an advanced progressive. If asked why he does not help those who work for progress, he answers that those in charge of administering the funds are using them for their personal interests. This is not to discredit him. (He is) as (we know) him, and as he is known to those who (have sought) his help in critical moments, and this is why I wanted to call your attention, which you mistakenly took for a rebuke.

Anyway, we may be mistaken, you as well as we; and in cases like this, I am sure you would know how to act better than we do.

In the last town fiesta of Cavite, moments before the start of the bicycle race, which was one of the highlights of the celebration, the captain of the Civil Guards of one of the military posts of said province pushed Don Jose Luna out of his way, insulting him at the same time. As it was to be expected, this resulted in a challenge to a duel, which the captain refused to accept. He is the kind of man who values his life as much as he despises the dignity of a fellow human being.

In Santa Isabel, Bulacan, an event took place lately, news of which was circulated here among our friends. The parish priest 1 The resignation of Del Pilar was simply a matter of confidence that he believed courtesy demanded of him because of the election of Numeriano Adriano as the new leader in Manila. Del Pilar was appointed during the presidency of Domingo Franco. - T.M.K.

24

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO

MABI~I

of that town visited the Municipal School for Girls and, because of his braze!! and discourteous behavior, of which only our friars are capable, a fight between h~m and two girls ensued. The girls came out with bruised heads; whereas, t.he parish priest, his garments torn to shreds, ran down the streets, giving a show of nakedness never expected even by Christ Himself. I am not presently in a position to guarantee this news.

I have just read a路 letter of our Pepe (Rizal) to his brother-in-Iaw Hidalgo in which he writes that General Blanco, (in "his last trip) to Mindanao passed (through Dapitan) and promised to transfer him, m'st to Iloilo or La Union and, later, to se t him free. Pepe expects the transfer to be decreed this coming January.

If you can possibly collect the speeches and articles of Mr. J aena, kindly send them to us for a friend who has been asking for them for sometime now.

Enclosed I am sending yeu a bill of exchange in the amount of $100 as a supplementary remittance to the Pena share. \Ve are waiting for the letter of the Japanese which he promised to publish.

Apropos of Japan, it seems that the government ca,n not decide to grant the Japanese immigration rights for reasons that the government knows perfectly well, and that we can almost guess.

Please receive, as well as the other friends, a close embrace from your affectionate and .1 espectful

A.

MABIN I

LETTER TO DEL PILAR

:M anila, January 22, 1895

MR.

MARCELO

II.

DEL PILAR

My very deal' Friend: I have before me your pleasant lettel' dated December 5th,

last.

Although we are sure th.at the Peii.a remittance has stopped, we are only sending the enclosed bill of exchange in th.e amount of $]00 because of the high rate of exchan.ge is mak ing this difficult fo.r us. But we hope to remedy this as soon as our friends will realize that that delegation needs help until thi s anomalous situation in the rate of exchange is nOlmalizec1.

Please tell ollr dear friend Naning that his request shall be fully attended 00. We shall give his brothel' DOll Fl'a.n cisco all the copies. he may ask for and we can give. Right now, 1 am sure of ene.

We are on the eve 0 ] the P}{lippin e R egional Exposition, which will be inaugurated tomoT "0,'". An excell ent l'esult is not expected, not so much for the opposition of the objectors as for the short time for preparation given to those who will put up the exposition. In fact, at our level of civilization and culture, ,,"e cannot offer much to other nations.

Rumors of an approaching rebellion are starting again to circulate here and the government is trying to forestall it by giving secret orders to the police to raid any meeting of the Freemasons and arrest the people they come upon as if they were gamblers, For this reason, the workshops here, which will never be found guilty of audacity because they have lea.rned enough prudence, have suspended their work to avoid criminal complaint fOl' unlawful assembly. In truth, I do not know how Freemasonry, being a lawful association in Spa.in, could be unlawful in the Philippines, where it is practiced exactly as Spanish Freemasonry.

1 The correspondence of 1895 reflected the rumors of the time of an approaching rebellion, of men who only waited for resolution. The collection of funds was very poor. The persecution of the Freemasons had begun and the lodges had suspended their work. The letters showed both the popular skepticism regarding the success of the movement for reforms and the anguished situation due to restrictive measures of the Government.

Mabini was complaining very much of the indifference and egoism of friends. But he was not yet discouraged. - T .M.I<.

25

26

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

The municipal captain of the to.wn o.f Tal'isay, pro.vince of Batangas, is under co.urt-martial because a letter, signed by him and addressed to. the German Co.nsul requesting that the acco.mpanying letter addressed to. Rizal be sent to. Rizal, was fo.u nd in the person o.f a drunkard. In this letter, Rizal was being info.rmed that the peo.ple o.f Talisay and o.thers were already prepared and only waiting fo.r his decisio.n. It is clear that it is a co.arse scheme, plo.tted by his enemies, which do.es no.t even deserve to. be mentio.ned. had the autho.rities no.t given it importance and, like Quixo.te, started persecuting what did not exist.

Regards fro.m our friends here and an embrace from your affectio.nate

A.

J

MABINl

LETTER TO DEL PILAR

Manila, March 20, 1895 MR. MARCELO

H. DEL PILAR

My very dear Friend: Enclosed is the letter in answer to your proposition to help "EI Globo" so that you can show it to Don Miguel; 1 also enclosed is a bill of exchange in the amount of $100.

The reasons stated in the letter are only too true, and not invented. And they are so true that neither Ariston 2 nor anyone of us dares talk to Don Pedro Roxas, and much less to Limjap.

With respect to able to increase oUr are well aware tha the pressing needs 0

th,e bill of exchange, we haven't yet been remittance, despite alI our efforts, as we the $100 monthly is not enough to covel' the delegatio'll.

We deeply regret our inability to give neither a long and detailed description of the Regional Exposition nor only a light sketch of it because nobody is in charge of this work. In the filst place, none of our friends is used to this kind of work and, secondly, more or less each has his own tasks. You can dte me as an example. Even if I make a great effort, the work may still turn out badly, and my health may become the worse for it, because I shall have to study hard to be able to give a story of the Exposi.tion.

Luna (Antonio) does not like to take charge of the work unless we give him a, monthly remuneration of thirty pesos, something which .we cannot promise him lest we cannot keep the promise. In t.ruth, there are four kittens of us moving around here, which cannot do anything without h.elp from others.

Despite the pessimism reflected in the previous lines, we sWI retain the hope we had of the first days, filmly believing that without struggling it is not possible to mould real men.

Besides, we try our best to show how vve manage the funds in the hope that, sooner or later, our friends will understand that honesty still exists.

1

2

Don Miguel Morayta.

Ariston Bautista.

27

28

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

And, please do net think that the obstacles I have stated reflect on you, no. On the day we come to understand it that way, we shall be the first to let you know without beating around the bush, because then, our campaign would have become indefensible. I am just saying this to you because on similar occasions you seemed to have .read in my words a meaning that "vas far from what I intended to give them.

Receive the embrace of all and, in particular, of your affectionate

A. MABE'H

)

LETTER TO DEL PILAR

Manila, April 29, 1895 MR. MARCELO H. DEL PILAR

My very dear Friend: I have before me your pleasant letters dated January 30th, February 14 h and 27th, and lVIal"ch 13th, last, which we were not able to answer until now, not so much because of the presence of work as for the difficulties we are meeting.

We fervently wish that on receipt of this letter you will have completely recovered fr~m the grippe.

We understand only too well how that illness and the very meager means we are sending you against our will - because our greatest wish has always been that the delegation could do honor to the cou try it represents - may worry you to the extend of won:ening and prolonging your sufferings . . But despite our e'fforts we h e not succeoded these clays to attract our friends' attention, which is focused on the events that are developing between China and Japan, fMcinated as they are by the enchantment of the new and unexpected .

With deep sorrow, I :1m becoming more and more convinced that those who call us children a.re right, because here enthusiasm flares up and disappears in a matter of moments; and, besides, each new and unexpected event distracts us in such a way that it makes us forget obligations that we have previously contracted. Adding to this the egoism which consists 'in the eagerness t::J conserve a relative tranquillity and physical comfort at the cost of personal dignity, you will be convinced and believe as I do that those symptoms are propel' of childhood and not of youth which is ever splendid, generous, and unselfish.

We understand well enough that all our efforts should be directed towards getting out, as soon as possible, from this state and free ourselves from 路 perpetual tute1age. We also understand that as long as we remain in this state, \.ve cannot fight our enemies, because we shall not have finished yet the struggle started among ourselves. Hence, all your financial difficulties and our disappointments come from the indifference and egoism of our friends alone.

29

30

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

vVe cannot abandon this struggle which we have already begun; because if we do not pursue it to the end, we shall not be able to bequeathe anything to our children. That struggle is necessalY and incontestable. If we abandon it unfinished, we shall never be able to proceed to another that is more productive and with an assurance of quicker success.

I express myself in this way, with no intent'ion of reminding you of your duties nor to teach you, because these things are not new to you; but only to inform you how the people who are helping you here, think. Those financial diffic.ulties, those privations that you are passing through do not mean that we are letting you down. They show nothing else but that the day of triumph has not yet come. Besides, we also wish to tell you that we do not believe that our efforts are not suited to the time, that the country does not yet respond, and t hat for those reasons we have to give up the campaign.

We do not think thus, I repeat, because we are convinced that precisely we have to work to make the country respond.

Above all, and this is the most important, we want you to know that the obstacles we are meeting with do not discourage us, because we hope to conquer them by dint of hard work. That is why, in our tenacity, \'le do not ask you to give up the str uggle although we are well aware that we are sacrificing you.

A warning: I beg of you not to see in the previous lines any h int that your complaints trouble us; they don't in the least. On the contrary, they serve us as means to call the attention of the indifferent. Very often, your letters have a.ccomplished more than our repeated personal efforts. But we are taking into consideration that you are far away, that you cannot see for yourself 路w hat is going on here, and consequently you may come to think that we are letting you down, or that our fri ends do not help because they lack trust in you . Hence, we are saying this to prevent the possibility of you forming a mistaken judgment. If through having written this letter hurriedly I have, in any way, used words that annoy you, I take them back right now and own them and not foist them in the name of all of us here.

Another reason that made me write the previous paragraphs is the inability to inclease nowadays the monthly remittances. vVe are not able to make this month's remittance through the direct way, because we were not able to collect the needed amount. That is "vhy you will only receive the enclosed one hundred pesos.

Rizal has never been imprisoned in Fort Santiago. The rumor that was circulated here and which reached you there was! false.

31

LETTER TO M. H. DEL PILAR

In Batangas nothing happened, except that the captain of Talisay who was supposed to be the author of a letter ac1dlessed to Rizal was imprisoned. The case did not progress because the enemies of 路 the said captain did not succeed in what they wanted to do.

In Lipa there were abuses committed by the Civil Guards on some residents because of the revenge of Padre La Prieta, the new parish priest there.

In Manila nowadays the only topic of conversation is the theft of a ciborium in the church of Paco. The suspects, two sacristans, died in the San Juan de Dios Hospital because of tortures inflicted on them with real inquis'i torial fury. There are rumors circulating around which appear as truth. W"hat is worse is that, it is also being heard around that one of the sacristans declared that the parish priest had knowledge of the theft, doubtless to implicate certain persons whom he does not trust. But this last rumor is still uncertain.

Receive the embrace of all and, in particular, of your affectionate

A.

MABINI

LETTER TO DEL PILAR

May 27, 1895 My very dear Friend: You must have received by now the telegram infOl'ming you of the necessity of stopping the sending of the newspaper and of the correspondence. \Ve are giving you the details in t11is letter.

The action we took was due to the retention by the Director of Communications of the packages that 1 ecently arrived here. Now, the persons suspected of receiving the newspaper are stl'ictly watched. According to news, a governmental action is under way, the outcome of which is still unknown.

It is highly convenient that in the future you dispense with the heading of the letters, limiting yourself to just giving brief news of the events over there. Above all, please take care that in the letter no allusion is made to a group of people, so that it will appear addressed to only one person whose name should be also omitted. In the meantime that the situation does not return to nOl mal, please try to give your letters a familiar tone, addressing the envelope to your brother-in-la\\' Dato . I Encloscd is a bill of exchange in the amount of $) 00. From lIOW on, I wiI!. send the letter and the monthly J emittance through Messrs. E. Sainz and Sons, in whose name the bills of c'{change will be always drawn in the following manner: 1 s.hall place the bills of exchange and a note of request in a dosed envelope addressed to you, and in turn, I shall place this envelope inside another adell essed to said gentlemen. If you think that this procedure is not safe, please send us the proper address to avoid delays and confusions. f n the next letter I will tell you to whom the newspapers should be addressed; and until you 1 eceive that notice please delay sending' them.

Enclosed is a list of the prominent people of Malolos:! who, according to some, will be t.aken tomorrow to this\ ca,pital, a.nd, according to others, are already here. These people have done I Deodato Arellano.

The persons referre~o were the following: Manuel Crisost.omo, mU:1icipal captain and trea . rer of the Lodge of Malolos; Vicente Gatm a ltan, delegate and Wors Ipful Master of the Lodge; Ceferino Aldaba, teniente mayor adjunto of the Lodge; Justo Teodoro, 路de:egate and member of 1.he Lodge; Anastacio de Leon, juez de ganado and member of the Lodge; ~

32

LETTER

TO

M.

H.

DEL

PILAR

33

nothing except sending a written petition to the Governor General, requesting the annulment of the appointment of a protege of the parish priest to the position of municipal captain.

I t is not yet known what will be done to them, although a Lanishment 01', at least, a change in residence is feared.

On the other hand, Blanco is a prudent man. Thus, at least, his reputation goes. But nobody can say if he will be so this time. Anyway, these are unusual days: although one cannot be sure if they are an omen of a cataclysm or a simple change in atmospheric equilibrium.

Yours,

ORAN

Juan Pilar, secretary 0 the tribunal and member of the Lodge; Prudencio Hernandez. delegate and secretary of the Lodge; Juan Aldaba. chief of police; Valentin Aldaba, aJ~a de bara gay; and Saturnino Buendia, cadastral judge.

1

Apolinario M'abini.

LETTER TO DEL PILAR

Manila, August 19, 1895

My very dear Friend:

I regret very much to be the person to inform you that the moment I have feared has cor..1e when the publication of the newspaper "La Salid~1'iclad" has to stop. rhe efforts of a few eould not prevail against the belief of many that the newspaper is useless, since the authorities refused to listen to our clamors for help.

This is the reason why we cannot send you any amount this month. They make use of any pretext for not giving money. It is not now possible to SUppOl t the paper, unless someone comes al ng who has great influence and plenty of money and, even then, I consider it still difficult because the E:utry of the newspaper here will meet with serious obstacles.

At other times we c uld have gone ahead. Nowadays it is impossible because we are a highly impressionable people and, on top of this, vely little is given to reflection. This is why the few who were helping us, lured by recent events that you know only too well, have lost the hope they pinned on the paper over there and have transferred it wholly to another direction. I do not know whether they even realized the difficulties that the new procedure would bring with it and considered whether they have enough strength to meet and overcome said difficulties. All I know is that they believe it is the o!1ly good way, and they refuse even to think 'whether the death of the newspaper could cause us some damage. \Vith regard to you, my friend Pilar and Mr. Ponce, we shall try our best to send you the amount we can collect, just in case you would wish to leave that place. Everyone wants you to go to Japan, where some from here already are.

If there is anything left of the amount intended for the ba.nquet, please use it for traveling expenses and to pay debts you may have incurred owing to our meagerness of means.

When we send you this coming month the amount we are collecting, you will know the place where it will be more con-

34

LETTER

TO

1\1.

H.

DEL

PILAR

35

venient for you to go. Right now, do not think of coming over because your stay here will be very dangerous for you.

Bidding you goodbye until next month, I remain your very affectionate

ALIPIO

1

1 Del Pilar became disillusioned and abjectly disappuinted after he read this letter. He had placed all his hopes in the campaigns of La Solida.ridad. Right away he dashed out the following answer to Mabini:

To discontinue the only newspaper we have is not only condemning us to voluntary strangulation, but it is also discrediting us and throwing into the gutter the considerations and sympathies that the Filipino cause has earned in Spain as well as in other countries. If it were a daily needing a big budget, its failure to continue would be excusable. But being a modest bi-weekly for a big and rich country, like ours, its failure WQuld fully justify what our enemies have been proclaiming, to ...v:i't: that we are some oversized children, devoid of every instinct of so~al pFeservation.

I do not consider enough reason Iwhat the letter says, that, over there, the people are taking anoth-eI1 course. Whatever course may be taken, the service Qf the press is an indispensable factor, either to give ardor to the steps that may be taken, or to work earnestly for the needed sympathies and respect of civilized nations. You know better than I do what I want to tell you on this particular. - T .M.K.

DRAFT OF PETITION TO THE CAPTAIN GENERAL!

Manila, May 8, 1897 MOST EXCELLEI\T CAPTAIN GEl ERAL OF THE ARMY IN THE PHILIPPINES:

Apolinario Mabini y Maranan, lawyer, resident of this capital and a sick prisoner in the San Juan de Dios Hospital of the same place, acting on the order of the Military Court, with all due respects, before Your Excellency exposes: That on October 10th of last yeal', a sergeant of the subdivision oi' the Gua..1'dia. Civil Veterana of Sampaloc came in person to my house and, notwithstanding his finding me a cripple, said that he had an oroer from the Military; Court to arrest me. Fa]' this reason he immediately ordered my transfer to this hospital, where I have been kept incommunicado for one month and ten days. After which time, the Presiding .rudge, Don Francisco Olive, came with his secretary to take down my statements on various points which, if they did not right away give me. to understand the crime that was being imputed to me, gave me a hint that I was being taken for an aC00mplice jn the pr8t'lent events.

I have been staying in this beneficent establishment from that time up to th.e present, without any hope of cure because even before my imprisonment, I had all eady been given up by the doctors, and, what is sadder still is that I have been vainly waiting for the termination of the case against me. This misfortune not only deprives me of the comfort given me by t.he doctors-who believed in the probability that distraction and a methodical exercise, coupled with my youth could, maybe, give me back at least part of the health that I have lost but also consumes little by little the meager strength that i8 left in me. Should this condition be prolonged, I would be reduced to a state sadder still than that of those condemned to die. The only thing left to me, therefore, would be a lingering agony, more cruel and terrifying, inasmuch as the physical sufferings are coupled with the moral, to make .my last moments more gloomy. And, after all, what have I done that men would treat me thus?

1 Mabini did not take part in the revolution of 1896 against Sprun because of his ailment, which he contracted in January of that year.

Nevertheless, he was arrested and included in the general complaint like his ather Freemason companions. His paralysis saved him from the death penalty. He was held in seclusion in San Juan de Dios Hospital from October 1896 to June 1897. The above document, which he prepared in the hospital, was found among his papers. - T.M.K.

36

PETITION TO CAPTAIN GENERAL

37

I do not find, MDst Excellent Sir, in my past life, the limpidity and simplicity which comprise my supreme comfort in this double misfortune that overwhelms me; I do not find, I repeat, any event except the courage to struggle with pDverty and my humble birth, and the fr.ct that I earned for myself a worthy career by dint of hard work and persistence. But I ha.ve already suffered enough fDr daring. Witness the tears and the privations that its attainment have cost me; the ailment which J acquired shortly after I became a lawyer, an ailment which now renders me useles.s and impot.ent in everything; and, lastly, my imprisonment.

Dr. Ariston Bautista can testify that in January, 1895. he started treating me, and that all his effDrts to stop the progress of my ailment failed. Dr. IsidorD de SantDs and Li .. centiate Santiago BarcelDna who, in January, 1896, when I was already completely bedridden, took over from Dr. Bautista, prohibited for me all mental work, a claim that can be confirmed by the illustrious Bar Association of this capital frDm which I asked exemption from the payment of professiDnal fees, in accordance with competent medical advice. Dr. Trinidad Pardo de Tavera, who was the last to treat me and who pronounced my ailment chronic, can also. testify to the truth of what I say . L stly, let the pright and sound judgment of Your Excellency co sider if I could have taken part in the actual insurrection one year and a half before sajd insurrection broke out, afflicted as I was by multiple sufferings and the eontinuous worries caused by the expenses for my ailment and an.d the needs of daily life.

It is true, as I have declared before the Juez InsiTY..ctOT, that before my illness I contributed to the maintenance of the now extinct newspapel' "La Soli daridad," because I was convinced that the aim of said newspaper was to. obtain by earnest entreaty from the Metropolis the graduaJ. and progressive implantation in these Islands of the freedoms existing Dver there, making use, to. accomplish this end, of the Dnly means to inform the Government of His Majesty and public opinion of the real needs and aspirations of these people, born of the degree of their culture and the development of their interests.

And it is also true that with the object of collecting the necessary funds to move, not only the press but also the public t.ribunes that should help promote the above-mentioned aim, I make use of the Lig路n Pilip ina, trying to organize it to serve the purpose.

But just because of this, is it, by any chance, within the limits of what is reasonable and just to hold me responsible, whether directly 01' indirectly, for the present events'!' Was the campaign pursued by the said newspaper, by any chance, the thing that prepa.l'ed the actual insmrection? That is certainly what the entities that cannot get along with progress,

38

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

and, therefore, enlightened class of the country, want and by to make appear, not precisely because they think this way, but because it suits them better than the Government should think along the same way and help their selfish designs.

The plan of campaign adop~ed by c: La &Jlida,?"'Idad" was of public knowledge. The Spaniards knew the moderation with which. its articles were written, to the extent that not even once did it deserve to be censured by the Government like certain radical newspapers of the Peninsula. "IA Soli dar'i dad" did not hide from anyone the efforts it exerted to gain more and more the attention and the paternal care of public authorities in favor of these Islands, in order, precisely. to plevent certain impatient groups from resorting to violent means that are admittedly pernicious and self-defeating.

It is not my fault if some people, feeling aggrieved in their interests. worked out a systematic opposition to everything that stood for progress and betterment for the Filipinos.

I am not to blame either when said opposition, powerless, against the logic of truth that always shone in the arguments of "La Solido r"idac'l," in a sudden burst of nassion and exasperation, said that Spanish fleedoms were earned at the cost of blood and not of ink, thus suggesting to the restless the first t hought of insur ection. Nor was the fault mine when. on my dissolving the Liga,; for having become useless and unserviceable to my a:ms, another had used it for his own particular purposes.

Fortunately, those moments of uncontrollable excitement of the mind, when reason was obscured by dark clouds of warnings. suspicions, and jealousies of all kinds have passed.

Today enough light has been shed on the real causes of the actual insurrection; and Your Excellency, with your clear i n-. tellect and deep understanding, can appreciate things serenely and fOlm an impartial judgment on the culpable and t.he innocent.

In consideration of all that I have exposed, I beg Your Excellency that, as I have presented this petition free from the usual charges, for lack of means, you would be kind enough to decree the dismissal of my case and, consequent.ly, my freedom; and should this be impossible, to dispose that the trial of the case be expedited so that whoever is called upon to pass judgment can band down the corresponding sentence in as short a time as possible.

I am expecting this from the acknowledged sense of justice of Your Excellency, and may God keep you for many' years.

Most Excellent Sir, ApOLINARIO MABINI

LETTER TO THE REVOLUTIONARY LEADERSl

April, 1898 Colleagues : The war between Spain and the United States of North America having been declared, it is very probable that within a few days a North American squadron would land on our shores and would, by force, take possession, as an act of offensive hostility towards Spain, of one or various seaboard points that it may consider necessary to the execution of the plans and instructions of its Government.

Although the 1 eal cause of the war is not and cannot be other than the helplessness of Spain to crush the revolution in Cuba, where the North Americans have big interests to protect, should the outcome of the war be unfavorable to Spain as it is to be expected, given the relative strength of the two combatants, and i'f because of this the Spanish Government should find itself having the necessity of asking the North American Governme t for peace, it is very probable that the latter would impose as a conditio the independence of Cuba, and, as an indemn'i zation of war, f?me portion of the Spanish peninsula or of this beautifGI Archipelago.

Should the last contingency take place, our situation would be extremely difficult because, bound by duty and by our own honor and advantage to watch over the independence of our country, we should never consent to the dismemberment of this part and parcel of our own lives.

But, not having enough means or strength to oppose formal resistance to either one of the warring parties, we should h.ave recourse to skill and astuteness, restraining the impetuosity of our hearts and subordinating our actions, to cool reasonmg.

For this reason, after having thought deeply on the line of conduct that we should follow in order to come successfully out of this conflict, I ha,ve come to understand that the most 1 Mabini obtained his freedom on July 5, 1897 in accordance with the decree of general amnes~y of MB:Y 17 of that year. From the hospital, he had taken a very great mterest In the course of the insurrection. As soon as he 'Y~s free, he sought the acquaintance of some revolutionary leaders and Jomed the Revolution.

When. news of the Cuban ~?-r reached the Philippines, Mabini addressed thiS open letter to the Filipino revolutionists. - T.M.K.

39

40

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

reasonable course, and the one that can give us the best and the most positive results, is the following: 1 st. All the forces should occupy the most strategic places of the town where they are stationed, and they should remain there quietly, without coming to the help of one or the other side, until such time as the outcome of the struggle is decided.

2nd. When the forces nearest the field of combat should notice that the Spaniards are getting the worst of the conflict, they shall immediately inform the other forces of their group so that the latter could get ready, and when they all know fOl' sure that the Spaniards begin to retreat, the leaders shall take up all the necessaly measures and shall give the convenient order" to capture the arms of the fugitives. 路lTd. The leaders of the forces who occupy the places nearest the battlefield, shall give, with anticipation, the necessary orders so that every resident of the place concerned should capture all straying soldiers, confiscate their al'ms. and deliver them to the leader of the force, who, in turn, shall take d own the name of the person delivering said arms, so that his action can be consideted a meritorious act of war.

4th. The leaders of the towns far from the battlefield shall send t.heir own emissaries to obtain news of the encounters and, on learning that luck has swayed in favor of the North Americans, said leaders shall give the necessary orders so that the force under each of them, aided by the residents of the place. shall capttire the arms of the detachment that may be found in said places.

Fighting shaH be avoided as much as possible, using, for the above-stated purpose, skill and cleverness, trying to win beforehand the confidence of the Spanish soldiers.

5th. All towns and pl'ovinces of the Philippine Archipelago shall proceed in this way until they shall have captured all available forces within their respective jurisdiction.

6th. The leaders and officials of the Spanish army shall be retained as prisoners of war; but the Spanish soldiers can be free, although uncleI' the vigilance of a suitable force, as long as they live in a town which is different from the one wherein the above-mentioned leaders and officials are kept prisoners.

The leaders of the provinces and of the towns, as well as those of detachments shall see to it that no Spaniard shall be murdered nor maltreated, to avoid North American intervention on the pretext of invoking humanitaria.n sentiments.

7th. The provincial as well as the town leaders shall adopt the measures they should deem suitable for the safety

LETTER TO REVOLUTIONARY LEADERS

41

of their respecti ve j urisdidions; and for the safety outs'ide, they shall have an understanding with the leadel's of the detachments so that the latter shall occupy all strategic points and all advance positions shall be guarded in order to avoirl surpl'ise attacks. ' 3th. When the provincial representatives shall have appointed the President of the Government, th~ latter will immediately appoint the delegates who shall parley with the North American government or with the other powers, about everything that shall be to the interest of the Philippines.

9th. No leader shall surrender arms nor have anything to do with the North Americans until a.fter the Government has been established, which Government shall give the necessary i'nstructions on the particular.

In the same way, every leader shall avoid any clash or rupture with the North Americans, making use of evasive or delaying tactics as the obta.i ning circumstances may suggest, until the Govel'nment shall ha.ve been established.

10th. If, against all expectations the Spanish a,r my should win, the revolutionary forces shall l'emain in waiting, trying to hide away, untN the established Government shall g'ive the proper orders.

OBSERV AT ONS

It is not convenie)1t for the revolutionary forces to start hostilities against the forces of the Spanish government before the outcome of the combat is known, because the Spaniards may win; in which case they will earn respect in the eyes of the Filipino soldiers, and then they will have the necessary supremacy over thE" former an(1 use the same in attacking the towns which have declared themselves independent.

It may be said that attacking the Spaniards and weakening them would make the triumph of the North Americans certain; but as we do not knovv what these people have in mind, should they happen to covet the possession of these Islands, then, we shall have unwittingly helped them, as if we had voluntarily opened to them the cloors of our house to let them rule over it.

And do not deceive yourself. The North Americans, like the Spaniards and all other European powers, covet this most beautiful pearl of the Orient Seas. But we prize it more oursel ves, not only beca use God has gi ven it to us as a pres en t. but also because we have already shed so much blood for i'_.

But when those colossi of ambition and of powel' ;, ll"di be convinced that th.ere exists here a strong and orga :l;,: ed

FIL

~

n- " r-:jlt:h JJ4uL:

l

42

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

people who know how to defend the laws of justice and their honor, they shall be forced to restrain themselves and to seek just settlements in order to get the best terms possible.

We, on our part, shall take care that they do not deceive us and that they should realize that we know how to live on our own, so that they will lend themselves to aid us at the cost of some sacrifices.

I am taking the liberty, dear colleagues, to propose these measures to you so that, should you not find any inconvenience, you would deign to adopt them for our common good. But, even if there should be any drawback, if it is but a matter of little importance, you should still adopt them for the sake of the unity that should guide all our acts, until such time as you should have designated the person whom you want to obey.

Ap.

MABINIl

1 At. the time this open letter was circulating among the people, Aguinaldo arrived from H<mgkong on the invitation of the Americans to renew the campaign for liberty. Aguinaldo called Mabini to Kawit, Cavite, where he arrived on June 12 and served first as private counsellor ,"0 Aguinaldo and, later, as Prime Minister of the Cabinet. - T.M.K.

LETTER TO THOSE WHO COME TO THE DEFENSE OF THE HONOR OF OUR COUNTRY

April, 1898 F ell 0"" Countrymen: The recently concluded conflict, in which was shown unusua,J valor and boldness, did not bear the fruit you wanted to gathel' because the plans, which should have been followed befole they are executed, were lacking, But, inasmuch as the natural trend of life of the country is likely to produce similar action, it is proper that a new natioll which has no experi ence shall learn a lesson from the <:acrifices in the form of blood or om martyrs and the immeasurable destruction in the cGunh-y.

The unforgettable Rizal, the enlightened son of our COUIltry, died greatly happy because he knew that his death would usher in a life gr ater than that which OUI' country had just experienced and tim.es \'Vhich will witness great undertakings, victories, maturity af reason, and strength. Because of this we should consider this matter gravely; and doing so, pro\'es the maturity of a country. Matu ity is requisite in all enterpl'ises, great or small.

Imagine a big current that has been checked for a great length of time. When the ,,'all that stays it is broken, it will suddenly and furiously burst and flood the fields and countryside, destroying and drowning evel'ything aCl'OSS its, path, But have a reservoil' to absorb such excess water, and the violence of the current lessens. Instead of sowing death and destruction it will quench you]' thirst, pl'ovide water fOl' yom' animals, and irrigate your fields.

Th.e saying that th.e Philippines is very patient no longer holds true, Th e anger of the people can 110 longer be stayed because it has been aggravated by the endless treachery of the Spanish government-the same entity that was dragged by the friars to defend their interests, Because of this we must exel t all our efforts so that WE) might set the country back in its right track, preventing it from sowing destruction and, instead, letting it be the fountainhead of our livelihood and happiness, I joined you for this and for no othel' reason, Th e ten commandments of God were put into writing so that you)' minds might be illumined by the rules and regulations to be followed to attain om new dignity-so that you can straighten

43

44

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARlO MABINI

and make right your acts in pursuing ways and means of establishing the Republic of the Philippines with utmost unity.

But you should also think that the strength of some will not suffice to serve such a big purpose; that the combined str-ength of all is needed, forged together by power and efficiency. It is not enough that the defender of the dignity of our country should turn his back upon his own well-being and give up the comforts of home to prove the truth of his intentions; he should also contl01 the desires of his flesh; and like a humble farmer, wanting to save for, and rest during, the last days of his life, should spend his idle hour& to his enterprise. We shall not be able to obtain the freedom of our country if we would not sacrifice our comforts-especially jf we can easily endure them-since we never ha(l won freedom before from the Spanish government.

It is paramount that our unity and power be kept firm so that we may inaugurate a new day in the life of our' country. But that is not our only need; it is needed that you should commit this into your memory: that we should only tread the narrow Ilath of honor and piety because only in this path we shall find the true freedom enjoyed by the good and righteous, which is forever denied the evil ones. The wide and easy path of violence and pillaging will lead us to our perdition and the perdition, too, of our country.

Let us show our dearest country, the Spaniards who are the root and cause of our sufferings, and the foreigners who land in our shores, that we know how to conduct ourselves.

Good beha.vior points and leads to, and reason paves, the path of righteousness.

MABINI

LETTER TO DON KMILIO AGUINALDO Hespected Sir: The undersigned, desiring to use his little remaining strength in the service of the Philippines. of which he solemnly declares himself to be a son, in crder to prove that, only through exceptional circumsta,nces was he forced to favor the Spanish cause, requests that he be set free to go to the capital city of Manila with the object of persuading General Agustin of the necessity of surrendel' and the delivery of the fort.

He clec1:u'es and solemnly swe:1rs on his ,,"ord of honor that. whatever be the result of hi~ efforts, he will return to this port to be again a prisoner of war at the djsposal of the TIevolutionary Government, and should he prove false to this oath without a truly justified cause, h e ""ould submit himself to the punishment that said Government should mete out on him , waiving all the rights and guarantees that by international law belongs to him.

[Handici-itten by MnbiniJ Cavite, July 1, 189

LETTER TO AGUINALDO [UndatedJ

Mr. President: The bearer of this letter brings with him two flag~ : one, with the sun and stars only painted, which comes from the Government and the other, which Macapagal says he too].;; from the house of Porang, has the sun and stars a,ppliqued. Please choose the better one for the Consul of Singapore.

Kindly give the order that everything that should be brought should be placed ii1 a package with the instruction that if the bearer does not find Lichauco oj' Agoncillo in their respective homes, he .himself shall deliver the package, trying his best to catch the boat.

Command your servant Ap.

45

MABINI

MEMORANDUM TO AGUINALDO Bacoor, Cavite, July 17, 1898 On this day, an American official . .. who claimed to have been sent by th.e General of the Occupation Forces, presented himself before the Government. As he was not able to obtain the conference he wanted, he left a note written as follows: General Anderson has sent me to inform you that as the second expedition has arrived, he wishes to encamp some 5,000 to 7,000 persons in the vicinity of Pal'afiaque.

For this and for the food supply of the Army, some help from the Filipinos is needed, such as horses, carabaos, carts, etc.. for the transport of men, as well as for marketing, and firewood for cooking provisions, etc.

Ull to now we observe that the Filipino people do not like to help us as promp.tly as we need their help. We would find ourselves forced to send out detachments to get what we need. \Ve shall pay for what we take because we are here to befriend the Filipinos.

Our nation spent millions in bringing over troops to drive the Spaniards away and to give a good government to all the natives. The help we are asking from them is comparatively small.

General Anderson wishes that YlOU . . . . . . . â&#x20AC;˘ . â&#x20AC;˘ people that here ................. see us inef .... . ........... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. of a current character.

We are ready to buy 500 ...................... at a good price, but we cannot do that ................ should buy his own.

I regret very much that I cannot see you personally for a matter of this importance in the adjustment of which much precision is necessary.

[Ap. MABINI]

46

LETTER TO GENERAL A DERSON

Bacoor, July] 8, 1898 To HI路S EXCELLENCY, l\'lR. THOMAS 1\1. ANDERSON General:

It is not true that the Filipino people do not like to extend help to the North Americans. What actually exists is that owing to lack of means they are forced by circumstances to act otherwise. All towns have suffered enough with the movement; t.herefore, it should not surprise you that the whole nation is not prepared to supply all the needs of the Army. The markets do not have the things they need. To be able to have them, one would ha\'e to order them from distant places where the difficult means of communicB.tion keeps those places farther than ever.

The Filipinos have never lost trust in the Americans, as they have the assurance that once they have helped the Americans in the expulsion of the Sp niards, the natives. will be allowed to govern themselves in accordance with their customs and traditions. The political tr~dition of that privileged nation is a sure and true guaranty of the Filipino people; and it would surprise them if there would be noted a change contrary to their expectations, as it would greatly surprise them if the foreign troops would commit an act of force for not getting enough from the scanty resources of the former.

Nevel theless. as a clear and evident proof that the Philippines profess friendship towards the U. S., this government will issue an order as it may seem convenient to supply the troops with all the carabaos, horses, carts, bamboo and firewood they need, but it expresses fear that they may not be abl,e to obtain all as soon as they wish on account of the above-mentioned reasons.

Very truly yours,

Ap. MABINl

-17

LETTER TO AP ACIBLE

[Undated]

MR . GALIC'ANO APACIBLE

My deal' Friend:

In answer to your letter of the 8th instant, I am informi ng YOLI that I ha \'e sent your lettel' addressed to your brothel' Don Leon.

The latter had been here and we talked long; but I did not want to keep him here longer because he is the right-hand man of Malvar and he is helping the former in the organization of our province.

I am hoping that very soon we shall have a more formal proclamation of our independence and of our established Congress, because the efforts to make it so are in full swing and we do not lack enttlUsiastic support in the towns. 1 In this way the foreign powers shall change their opinion of us and they cannot but give way to what they see.

Please forgive me if I have to end this letter hen; and <.:Ommand as you wish your afiectionate ApOLINARIO MABINI

1 Mabini was not satisfied with the proclamation in Kawit; which was done exclusive ly by the Army. He wanted the act to be done by 1he authori t y of the representatives elected by the people. However, two other "more formal " proclamations instead of just one were made, one on AUl;ust 1, sig ned in Bacoor by the municipal presidents elected by the people of the towns; and anotber on September 29, which is truly national in ch aracte r , as it was done by the Congress in M'alolos with the actual Jl\'esence of the President of the Republic and the Members of the Cabinet.

-

48

T.M.K.

LETTER TO JOSE Ma. BASA Bacoor, July 29, 1898 MR. J. ~I. BASA

lJongkong Tvly dear Sir: By order of President Emilio Aguinaldo I am pleased to answer yOul' letters dated the 4th and 19th of this month.

We have not received any of the effects which accompanied those two letters. Nevertheless, he has l'€quested me to express to you and the Red Cross of the Philippines his most profound gratitude.

He has also expressed that your suggestions were true advices , which he has always regarded as inspired by the most loyal patriotism t{iat you have always shown.

He is most gl'lftteful for your good wishes and also for those of our compatriots there w ose valuable co-operation he awaits for the attain nent of ~ndependence.

With best regard' , I am J Truly yours, [Unsigned]

DRAFT OF ORDER TO THE GOVERNOR, PLAZA DE CAVITE August I, 1898 Tell Americans that "ve wish to provide them with barges motorboats; but as we need them badly we can offer those to them for just a short period. If they would need them fOl' only a few hours, they need not pay anything. Please thank them for wishing to fix those that are to be rep2.ired.

01'

[Hanci1Cl'itten by Mabini ]

49

NOTE TO

August 14, 1898 Pl ease ask Gen. Merritt if Spaniards remain in Manila.

If so, make it clear to them [the Americans] that we would

besiege the city. We need their cooperation in expellin.g them; and if they t olerate their presence they would be working against us. In case they insist on this, make a protest to the Consul against their conduct, which shows their unfrienrll~' attitud e despite assurances t o the contrary.

[Han dw ritt en h!J Mal)iniJ

) NOT E TO ADMIRAL DEWEY, COMMANDER OF THE U . S. SQUADRON

August 15, 1898 My dear Admiral, Trusting the friendly relations that unite us, I allow myself to introduce to Y OU1' excellency, M1'. Esteban de la Rama, whom 1 have entrusted the management and the despatch of all cases referring to navigation and commerce.

I hope said gentleman will find in your excellency the kind welcome you have always extended me.

Respectfully, [Unsign ed]

50

TELEGRAMS FROM THE PRESIDENT Bacoor, August 16, 1898 To: Buencamino I answered telegl'am last night through American cable saying that the withdrawal of General NOl'iel is not possible without previous arrangement. Receiyed last night another cable expressing result of conferences. If General Anderson doesn't acceiJt any longer any settlement, tell him that we shall tall government council to decide and then return later.

Bacoor, August 17, 1898 Upon rece-ipt of documents brought in by Lopez, I answered hi,m ackno vledging receipt of the telegram referred to, which I have just received from you from Paraiiaque. I must talk to you before issuing a decree on the withdrawal of General Noriel.

August 23, 1898 1 receiyec1 4 telegrams; two from General Pio informing

me of the landing of six thousand Americans with a large amount of ammunition. Please ask for rice, as the ship CO V CLdonga was not able to get any from Biiian. Montenegro reports that since yesterday, the water pump was functioning. American engineers treated very amiably. Colonel Pilar reports having informed Railroad Director on transport of foreign troops without government consent.

[Hcmc[;written by Mabini]

51

LETTER TO BUENCA MINO

Bacoor, August ] 7 1898

MR.

FELIPE BUENCAMINO

My dear Friend:

It is not possible to order the recall of General N oriel because, if we do so, the Americans would ask for 'lie recall of General Pio, without conceding us anything.

Sooner or later, the conflictl will come and we gain nothing by begging from them favors which belong to us by ri.ght. \Ve shall support them as far as we can, placing our faith jll justice and in Providence.

I confirm my last telegram: please tell General Anderson that the Council of Government shall hold a meeting to make resolut ions; he can come, afterwards, with his companions.

Enclosed herewit

is the map so that you may return it.

Affectionately yours,

Ap. MABINI

1 The conflict with the Americans became apparent immediately after the conquest of Manila. The Americans wanted the Filip:inos to evacuate the territories of Manila that the latter had taken, to which the Philippine Government refused flatly. To effect settlement commissions were appointed, composed of Buencamino, Araneta, Sandiko and Legarda, and, afterw&l'ds of Dr. Trinidad Par:lo de Tavera. M'abini's stand in this particular can be clearly gleaned from his letters. - T.M.K.

52

LETTER TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDO

August 19, 1898

Mr. President: I received your letter and I am grateful for your trust me.

Regarding the neutral military zone the Americans are asking for five miles, equivalent to 1760 v a路r as each, that is, 7 kilometers, 355 meters and 90 centimeters, all five.

I am going to tell them that. you want aU the blockho.uses to be ours, except those within the suburbs, if you think such to be. right. The neutral military zone will comprise the space from the limits of the blockhouses. In this zone neither our forces ncr theirs will be allowed to stay, and we shall be given the jurisdiction over the town. I should like to see your IP...ap whet e the blockhouses are indicated.

I should like 0 know also whether there are still American forces in Singalong or Pasay so that I can ask for their withdrawal.

I decided not to write to you regarding my conference with the Consul as Mr. Buencami no would be on his way to your place.

I am enclosing herewith the letter I r eceived here from General Alejandrino.

Command as you wish your servant III

Ap. MABINI

53

LETTER TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDO August 20,

189~

Mr. President: Mr. Lopez, YOU)' adjutant, arrived and told me of many complaints regarding the behavior of the soldiers. He says that om officers carry off many hOlses, some of them belonging to foreignel路s. If the fOl'eigne1 s should enter a protest against such doings, I do not know what will be thought of our government.

It is also absolutely necessary that a stop should be put to the passes, and that the tax on merchandise entel ing Manila should no lOnger be exacted. It is absolutely necessary . if you think well of it, for us to promote General Pio and make him your second in command. It is necessary for him to leave the vicinity of Manila, as we cannot remove him by ferce; and do not reprimand him.

If yo u approve, I will write a decree; but I suppose noth ing will succeed, if our commanders are not obliged to comply.

I enclose a letter from Blanco so that you may note its contents. You will have to say w at is to be done.

Excuse me for mixing in some words in Castilian because I have so many visitors that I can not work in peace, and my head is unquiet.

Order your servant Ap. MABINf [ENCLOSURE]

Manila, August] 8. 1898 SR. DON ApOLINARIO MABINI

Distinguished Friend: This is the tenth letter I have written you without receiving a reply to those sent you through our friend Legarda.

I repeat what I had told you in my previous letters, and that is that my efforts in this matter have resulted in General

54

LETTER TO PHESIDENT AGUINALDO

55

Agustin being relieved of his command, owing to a telegram sent from here to Spain. The policy of his successor has been interfered with the orders received from the Governmentthat under no circumstances should he capitulate to the Filipinos.

Considering your sta.tements that I could remain here, besides the instructions I received from our friend Legarda by order of Don Emilio, I have rema,ined. I should have returned, but I was detained by the news that other Filipinos wished to know about me. I conferred with General Merritt on th.e day of the capitulation and, unhappily, all that I pointed out to you in our last interview concerning the action they intended to take as regards the Philippines in the SpanishAmerican question was confirmed.

In this lamentable situation, for no other name can be given it, if you think I can lend my assistance to our dear land, advise me; as you will find me disposed to serve you. But if you do not think I can, do so here, you may rely on my being equally read) to do so abroad.

Our friend Legarda is here, sick.

Your most affecU nate and who kisses your Hfnd,

~riend) who

hopes for your reply

EUGENIO BLANCO

NOTE TO GENERAL U. S. ARMED FORCES

Bacoor, August 24, 1898 To GENERAL MERRITT, GENERAL OF THE U.S. ARMED FORCES: News was received regarding the death of an American soldier and the wounding of three others. It is said that said soldiers were drunk and fired in the air at the beginning but later fired at each other. According to General AndeI1son such death was caused by my people. Hence, I have ordered an investigation to find out the truth and to make the Filipinos try to be in friendly terms with the Americans. If, however, any of my people should be found guilty, I shall impose severe punishment.

[Handwritten by Mabini]

MESSAGE TO GENERAL PANTALEON GARCIA

Bacoor, August 27, 1898 GENERAL

PANTALF~ON

GARCIA

Malabon Order railroad Director to present petition to this government requesting for the opening of a station in Manila, under strict orders that no foreign troops should embark without previous authorization from the government, so that our forces can watch strictly the fulfillment of such order at the Caloocan station. If such an order is not followed, our forces can interrupt the railroad traffic without any respensibility.

56

LETTER TO COLONEL MONTENEGRO

Bacoor, August 31, 1898 MR. MONTENEGRO

Dear Colonel: A complaint has been received against you oru the grounds that you have fallen in love with a certain Miss Pilar Love and that you want to marry her against her mother's wishes and against the existing laws.

I deeply regret to know that persons in whom I have given full trust should abuse it and conspire ,a gainst my authority by means of acts against the prestige of the government.

In your hands I have entrusted an army in order that you may use it i helping our country in the enforcement of it::; laws but not ill utilizing it for selfish and pe1sonal purpose3. How could we ever form a solid organization if its own founders are the vel' first ones to weaken its foundation?

I believe all foreign powers are now in constant watch of every step we take in this critical moment of our history; and let me as:5ure, you that any abuse of authority will in all manner endanger the good name of our country.

I hope you will, from now on, realize the grea~ respons.ibility of your position and, thus, deter me from takmg drastlc measures against my will.

Truly yours,

[Ap. MABINI]

57

LETTER TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDO

1

Bacoor, September 7, 1898 ~Il'.

President:

I noticed that DOll Ambrosio 2 has held elections in the several districts of Manila, which has surprised me very much.

I understand that we had established committees thele because we considered it not advisable to set up at present our authorities within those districts, this with a view to avoid conflicts.

However, I leave it to yonr judgment. If the elections are to be held, it is necessary that the committees should cease; on the other hand, if the latter is to be kept on, it is necessary that the eledion:> should be nullified. Otherwise, we are liable to conflict with ourselves and possibly with the Americans.

I thought that the power of Don Ambrosio should not be extended to the dist -ids of Manila so long as we do not agree with the Americans.

Order as you will your obedient servant

Ap. MABIN I

1

2

Translated from the original Tagalog by J. W. Taylor.

Don Ambrosia Rianzares Bautista.

58

A LETTER WITHOUT ADDRESS [Undated]

My deal' colleague: There is a proverb that says, "For a sample, a button is enough." You probably undel stand that our situation is not a pleasant one. We shall try to avoid a conflict as far as possible.

Herein comes the imperative need to have arms in order to sustain our national honor.

I am sending you other propaganda sheets, just in case you may deem it advisable that foreign governments should have the idea that the aspir.~tion for independence is taking shape and definitely growing stronger in the mind of the people.

Yours affectionately, Ap . MABINI

LETTER TO PRESIDENT AGl INALDO [Undat ed]

Honorable Presiden : Because I am going to ans\ver the letter sent by Santos from Singapore, I would like to know from you what I am to say regarding Mr. Bray's message in which Mr. Bray 1 offers to seCl~re arms for us if we so desire.

I would like to tell them to get in touch with commercial houses sowewhel'e in China and arrange for the sending of merchant vessels to our pOl ts free of customs duties.

We must do this business transaction unofficially for the time being, until we get the feel of it. The English are angry with the Americans because the latter al e obstructing their commerce. We must exert all efforts to win them [the English] to our side.

You should ask them for an opportunity to meet you to make them aware that the commercial difficulties they are now experiencing are not to be blamed on us. The English press in the English colonies in China have done nothing but destroy our reputation.

They should show love and respect for the Philippines since they profit from us. In that manner, the country's confidence in them will be restored.

I am at your orders, Ap. MABINI

59

LETTER TO COLMENAR

September 16 189x Deal' Ml'. Colmenar: I am sending you the draft of a decree I about which 1 have already talked with the President and which 1 consider necessary for a good and expeditious administration. Please see if it is all right and you can advise the President 01' propose to him the amendments that you deem convenient.

Affectionately yours,

Ap . MABI:" I

[DRAFT]

In ordel' that all the orders coming from the Depal tments of the Government shall have the harmony that should give unity to all the acts of the Revolutionary Govel nment, 1 hereby decree the following: 1. All the Secretaries and, in their absence, the directors \\'ho take their places, will m eet at the office of the Pl esident at the time designated by the latter for the pUl'pose, to hold a council and to take up undel' my dil'ection all the measures that should be adopted in every branch of the Goyernment.

2. To this Council, each Secretary shall bl'ing a resume 0f the matters taken up in his Department every day; he shall give his impl e3sions on local and on foreign politics; and he shall discuss the plans he intencls to pursue for the good of public administration.

All government matters of serious and urgent character shall be decided in this Council.

1 Feorn June 1898 Mabini was with Aguinaldo, acting as his private counsellor. He was the man behind the throne, in the words of James A. Lel'OY. The first appointments for the high personnel of the Cabinet, in accordance with the decree of June 23, were made on July 15. But in the meamime, the Department of Foreign Affairs remained under the office of the President, that is, under lVIabini, until Cayetano Arellano was appointed Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trinidad H. Pardo de Tavera, Director of Diplom.:lc". The Jecree herein at tached is an aggregate of

60

LETTER TO COLMENAR

61

:3 . The Private Secretary of the President shall bying his daily memorandum where he will write down. in substance the agreements arrived at during the meeting, specifying those bdonging to each. department.

4. I hereby appoint IVII'. Domingo Colmenar as Private S'e cretary, who shall furnish a copy of this Decree to e::tch Department with a notice of the houl' that I designate for the punctual performance of what has been provided for in the present Decree.

Malolos, etc. the rules for the different Secretaries in the handling af the matters that concern the Cabinet.

On January 2, 1899, with the approv3.l of the Constitution of the Republic. the first constitutional Cabinet was fonned with Mabini as t he President of the Council vf Ministers or Cabinet, in the following manner: Apo]inario Mabini, President and Secretary of Foreign Affairs; Teoc1oro SandikQ Secretary of the Interior; Ba'domero Aguin ldo, Secretary of War and Navy; Mariano Trias, Secretary of the Treasury; and Gracio Gonzaga, Secretary .of Public Works, Education, Agriculture and Commerce. . MabiTI! assumed offi e on January 4. The Cabinet or Council ot Government under his pre idency held it sessions twice a week and after each meeting it submitted to President !Aguinaldo a report of all matters taken up and the decisions arrived at. - T .M'.K.

I

LETTER TO DON MATEO DEL ROSARIO

September 23, 1898 My dear friend, Don Mateo del Rosario: Enclosed is the resolution concerning the pond in the form that the President wants. prepared in final form for the signature. so who goes there to see you this morning can take

Pansipit fishPlease have it that the man it to Batangas.

You know that at your disposal, as always, is Your affectionate ApOLINARIO MABINI

[RESOLUTION]

The contentions presented by Don Jose Alvarez and Don..q Gliceria Marella, residents of Taal, province of Batangas in which each claims the right to. the lease of the Pansipit fishpond having been considered; It appearing that on May 15, 1898, Don Jose Alvarez acquired through public auction at the municipal tribunal of Taal the lease of the fishpond under consideration for the sum of four thousand seventy-five pesos and ninety centavos (P4,075.90) per annum; It appearing that, because of the revolution, said Don Jose Alvarez was unable to post the bond that was indispensable for the consumma.tion of the contract, and Messrs. Miguel MalvaI' and Santiago Rillo de Leon, making use of the general powers that they had received from th.e previous Dictatorial Go.vernment, adjudged with a provisional cha.racter said fishpond to Da. Gliceria Marella for the amcunt of three thousa.nd five h.undled pesos (P3,500.00) for the term of one year, which they fixed as the duration of the contract;

Considering that Don Jose Alvarez cannot have any right to the fishpond, as the contract has not been consummated, said consummation being the determining factor of said right;

62

LETTER TO DON MATEO DEL ROSARIO

63

Considering th::tt in the adjudication in favor of Dona Glicel'ia Marella, the interests of the towns where the fishpond belongs are involved, and that the stipulated price is less than th.at fixed in the public auction of May 15, 1898; Considering that the term of one year, alth()ugh not in accordance with the provisional character in which the adjudica. . tion 'i n favor of Dona Gliceria Marella has been made, can still be respected as long as the grantee binds herself to pay, for the remaining part of the time that is still left before the termination of the telm, the proportional amount to complete the sum of four thousand seventy-five pesos and ninety centavos (?4,075.90), which is the price fixed in the previous public auction; 1, therefore, make it known to Don Jose Ma.1var' this Government's right to the Pansip:it fishpond, and to consider subsistent the adjudgment of the same to Dona Gliceria Marella as long as the latter binds herself to pay, aside from the stipulated price, the difference between this and that of the previous public auction, in the proportion corresponding to the length of time lac,!\ing to compJete the term of one year.

Forward this resolution to the provincial chief of Batangas so that he, sh~lJ notify thellocal chiefs of Taal and Lemery and the contestants, Alvarez and Marella. Advise the Sjaid provincial chief It o give the necessary orders so that a commission appointed by the municip3J boards of the abovementioned towns shall study the set of conditions th:lt should serve as basis fOol' the public auction that shall take place at the expiration of the contract with Dona Gliceria Marella and to submit the result of its deliberations for the approval of the Government, advising the Provincial Council of the same.

Lastly, advise said provincial chief to send orders to the chiefs of the other towns that surround Lake Bombon so that. with their respective boards, they shall study the best way to impose moderate duties upon those who may solicit licenses to put up fishpond dikes within the limits of their respective j urisdicti ons.

M,alolos, September 23, 1898.

[Handwrdten by lVIabiniJ

LETTER TO CANON

[Undated]

MR. FERNANDO CANON

My deal' Friend: You de me honor by asking for my opinion about the propositions of Mr. Higgins, and, to reciprocate YO Hr gesture, I am giving it to you frankly and sincerely.

It has always been my opinion that our political situation has not been definitely settled . We should study the big improvements for our country, but we should not implement them a.t once so as not to run the great risks that any future eventuality may bring up.

I shall not discuss the practicability or impracticability of the question in the field of economics where, if there are reasons that can be adduced in its favor, there are also those that can be given against and, maybe, the latter ale more weighty. I shall lim't myself to examine the thing from the political point of vie\ .

It seems to me that the concession that Higgins ",ants is, from all angles, inconvenient nowadays. A permanent. concession would be one of the attractions that we can offer to any nation who would want to give us recognition and help.

Ccnsequently, we should not give away that ba:it. The proof that such a, proposition is vely advantageous is the fact that the Railroad Enterprise is willing to risk its capital, because I believe we have to give it ,a fixed deadline to build its lines; otherwise, 'i t will do nothing as long as danger exists and when this danger no longer exists, thel e may be others who will offer us greater advantages. Usually, extensions in the terms of concessions are given in exchange for a loan of millions that the Enterplise gives the nation which grants the concession, and we should not give away this recourse, because we cannot a,v ail ourselves of the granting of perpetual C011,~essions.

-

If the Enterpril:le should bring here its capital before our fate is decided, it could mean a cause, in the case of a FilipinoAmerican conflict, fol' England to intervene under the pretext of protecting the interests of the Enterprise; and, maybe, an agreement betweer. England and America to exploit us will not be far off.

64

65

LETTER TO CANON

If we wish to seek the friendship of America, we should not give away that field of speculation for its capital. It is very probable that America may become deeply disgusted with that concession, which we give to the English instead of saving it for the Americans for their good will, or for any other nation for their recognition and help.

We are no longer children to 00 satisfied with simple promises. Let us tell Higgins to work on his government so that it would recognize us as a nation and help us, and to influence English businessmen; so that they would guarantee for us a loan of 20 to 40 millions. We shall grant them what they are asking for with this proof of the sincerity of their friendship.

This is the only way to silence those insolent foreigners who, in their excessive pride, treat us like children who neither think nor reason out.

If you cannot convince the President tell him, as a last recourse, that the Government cannot make a concession that will in a way serve as a perpetual gravamen on the territory of the nation. Congress may not confirm his decision and that would be a big fiasco for the Government. You should not adduce this argument until everything else has failed, because our Congress would be capable of even hanging itself if the cl'iqlle of Paterno will be in the majority. I shall write to the President 1.0 support you.

Affectionately yours,

Ap. MABINI

P.S.l Nothing was granted to Higgins who. in reality, waSi found to be a spy in our camp.

1

Annotation in pencil.

CERTIFICATE ON CANCELLATION OF RIGHTS September 26, 1898 I hereby declare $olemnly that I agree to the cancellation or annulment of the endorsement made in my favor by Mr. Emilio Aguinaldo, giving up all rights due me by reason of such endorsement for the collection of the amount of P22,000 deposi ted with. . .

In witness whereof, I affix my signature on this letter in Malolos (Philippines) this 26th day of September, 1898.

[Handwritten by Mabini]

LETTER TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDO [Unda.ted)

Honorable President: The bearer, Mr. Aniceto Miguel, from Daraga, Albay, wants to pay his respects to you.

He told me that when the parish priest of Tabaco, Fl路.

Sabater, escaped, he took with him P4,000 the amount reprenting church funds, It is now in the convent of San Agustin.

In addition to this, the said convent has within its vaults 40 obligations, Series B, of Spanish loans, which are being sold now in Manila with 50 % discount. There are also other obligations worth P40,000 taken previously from the diocese of Camarines.

This gentleman informed me that the convent is willing to surrender all these if release is obtained from Fr. Roman Gonzalez, provisor of the above-mentioned diocese. He is an Augustinian and a prisoner of war.

If you think it wise to consider this offer, I am asking you to do so; if not, then give it no importance. Mr. Aniceto Miguel simply wants to pay his respects.

I am at your orders.

Ap. 66

MABIr-iI

NOTE TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDO [Undated]

Honorable President: I wrote in pencil the changes I thought appropriate in the announcement for the issuance of licences for firearms so that in case you disapprove I can easily erase them. I also thought we might put the announcement in Tagalog.

I am at your command.

AP. MABINI

LETTER TO H. D. C. TORRES Malolos, October 6, 1898

MR. H.D.C. TORRE~, General Manager Hongkong Bank, M nila M)~

dear Sir: In reply to your letter requestmg permission to hunt snipes

I beg of you to pLease specify the places and the day you in-

tend to leave for such purpose.

I hope you'll excuse my asking for such details, but this step is taken an account of the abnormal conditions around us.

Respectfully yours,

Mr. President I think it is difficult to deny completely such a plea from the Manager of the Hongkong Bank.

There will be no danger if we take proper precautions on the day and the place where the excursion is to be held.

I fear that a negative answer will be considered a rebuff and will serve to show clearly fear on the part of our government.

A. M.

67

LETTER TO DON GALICANO APACIBLE

Malolos. October 9, 1898 DON GALICANO APACIBLE

My dear Brother: In this letter, I will answer yours dated September 14, 26 and 27, which I received from our countrymen who had just been there, together with your notes from Europe and Japan .

Sa ndiko will take along the receipt for the Consul when he goes there. What you said about that expedition is true; the negotiations I had with Mr . Sylvester were likewisE' jeopardized. He was able to get P90,OOO; and when he came here I gave him an additional P5,000 for 500 guns and two Maxim mac:hine guns. The Americans have confiscated the steamer A bbey, and I do not know if we could get it back.

As you can see, for the whole measly lot he got in exchange quite a windfall in te~ms of money from us. Our agreement was for 5,000 guns and one million blank cartridges to be paid up on delivery; not just the 500 guns that we have received. I leave it to you to tell Mr. Sylvester of our great loss. Tell him to make up the difference of the sum we have given him.

The two cannons offered by Grimmer are too expensive; I was not able to secure the necessary amount. Samper says that we ought to buy a schooner on board which we could load what we can get from Japan. Tell him that is not advisable, the boat might meet with the same fate as the Abbey's. Simply tell him to hire a boat and let it unload its contents in any of our ports here, either in the North or in the South.

If possible pay him with the money you have there and I'll pay the rest, whatever the amount is, upon the boat's arrival here.

Your agreement with him must be clear and precise, otherwise we will be short-changed a.g ain. We are willing to pay more as long as we are assured the goods will arrive here.

What the ultimatum says is not true. It is true, however, that the American authorities are exerting pressure on us to remove our troops in the suburbs of the city; and because I realize that those troops stationed at Ermita and Malate a.r e close to the area of c<milict, I told them to retreat for the time being; nevertheless, I have not changed the orders

68

LETTER TO DON GALICANO AP ACIBLE

69

with regards to the troops stationed on the other side of the bridge in Paco. Our relations now are better.

You have Samper's appointment, together with that of Jones; send it to him, because henceforth Don Faustino and Don Crisanto will be your constant companions. Samper and Mr. Francisco Rivera will remain in Japan, as I have previously written you in my firct letter. It is certainly better not to ask anything from Japan until we have known the result of Jones trip. If Don Cayetano succeeds in making arrangements, we will hold a conference and decide if we should send help there in case you still require it and it is still needed.

Send money to Mr. Santos at Singapore. He will need it to pay! for the two Free Press sUbscriptions I have asked him to get for me.

Instruct our friends in J apall to present their credentials to the government there and see if they will be honored. Probe deep into their attitude towards our objective and observe keenly. They might want to fool us. Do not promise anything which might compromise us. Ascertain definitely whether they oppose or favor our independence with American protection extended to us. Do not reveal that we prefer it.

The future seem~ ominous; we might be thrown into the the center of a confl~ct among t e great powers. The state of our affairs is most unstable; we must be very careful.

I thank you for your hope that I be spared from danger.

You know you can always count on your brother.

[Unsigned]

[P.S.] Tell Mr. Sylvester that the counsellors of the Government and Congress refuse to give more money. They believe the price is. too exorbitant.

LETTER TO AGUINALDO Malolos, October, 18, 1898 Mr. President: In accordance with the agreement with Arellano yesterday, I shall deliver to Pardo today, inventoried, al Ithe papers in my possession.

I was trying my best to make Don Cayetano join the others resolutely so as to give unity to the progress of affairs: but he answered me that we shall talk the matter over some other day.

I am relaying it to you for your information.

Ap.

MABINl

LETTER TO APACIBLE M;alolos, October 28, 1898 MR. GALICANO APACIBLE

My dear Friend: I acknowledge receipt of your pleasant letter of the 16th inst. lt is true that Messrs. Arellano and Pardo 1 have taken over, and from now on may, perhaps, be the, ones to commu nicate with you, although, according to the present provisional Constitution, you should address your correspondence to the President. With reference to the Constitution, a copy of which I have the pleasure of enclosing herewith, it is now under discussion in Congress. I decline to make any comment.

I cannot inform you with certainty of the diplomatic policy of the new Secretary. Yesterday, I handed over to him the papers of the Department. I believe, nevertheless, that there will be some modifications in the sense of leaning towards the Americans. I suppose Messrs. Arellano and Pardo will communicate with you. lt is true that our priests still acknowledge the authority of Nozaleda. I am trying to convince them little by little that 1 Cayetano Arellano and Trinidad Pardo de Tavera were appointed Chiefs of the Foreign Affairs Department, changing the national policy to favor the Americans.

70

LETTER TO APACIBLE

71

they should ask earnestly the Roman pontiff to appoint Filipino bishopS! in the Philippines. I do not k"'1loW whether I can finally convince them, they being obstinate.

I shall ask Arsenio, editor of the H emldo de la Rev olucion, to send you copies of the paper if he has not yet done so.

I have just moved to a house within a short distance from the Government building to give rest to my mind, which is somewhat harrowed by the continuous work of the past days.

I beg of you to keep me thoroughly posted, by private means, of what is going on over there so that I can form an idea of the state of our relations abroad and, thus, would be able to advise the President in my own modest way.

Albert told me that he wrote you about the incidents that we had with the Americans in these last days. Dewey captured four of our launches, I believe, and immediately General Otis asked for the recall of our forces from the old line of defense of the Spaniards. The idea of giving in to everything to avoid conflicts prevailed, although there were preparations and moves on both sides that showed strained relations. I suppose that Albert has given you a detailed account of the events.

It is not true tMi we are divided; so far, there is no division among us. N eitH~r is the ne s about Perfecto Poblador true. Finding himself tl}.reatened by the wrath of the Spaniards on account of his influence among the Vi sayans and lacking arms to declare open hostility, he pretend.ed submission. Those thousands of people that the Consul says are a pure invention of the Spaniards.

Until now I have not yet been able to answer your official letters because Mr. Arellano does not believe in pushing forward any work abroad that does not tend to bring an understanding with America. 1 He believes that any tendency to deal with other world powers would be dangerous, which belief 1 do not share. I refrained, therefore, from dispatching anything to avoid a disapproval on his part that might turn out unfavorable to us.

Should you write to N aning, please tell him that I was not able to answer him at once because I have been swamped with work, and besides I have not as yet found out the whereabouts of the friend of Dr. Betances. I intend to answer him in a few days.

You know that you can ever count on your affectionate and humble servant, A. MABIN! 1 Cayetano Arellano and Trinidad H. Pardo de Tavera did not stay long in their office. They accepted important positions in the American Occupation government.

DRAFT OF LETTER TO DANIEL TIRONA*

Malolos, October, 1898 MR. DANIEL TIRONA

My dear Brother: I received your informative letters through your recommender, Mr. Agustin Orcos. I am glad of your prompt recovery and, above all, of the success of your expedition ..

Please express to the officers and to the soldiers the gratitude of the Government for the services they are rendering to the country and to that province in particular. I also want to tell you how happy I am that you are safe from the clutches of the Spaniards and that you have decided to join our brother Filipinos.

Regarding yoqr consultations, we have decided here not to seize the stores of the Company for the time being, but try to pr event and do not allow the shipment of tobacco without the payment of a 5 % contribution to the war effort on the whole amount of the gioods. Have a person of your confidence see to it that no frauds will be committed in the appraisal of the tobacco.

This 5 % contribution should be required not only on the tobacco of the Company but also on all that of other persons, whoever they may be.

Do not enforce the embargo on Spaniards married to Filipinos, but require from them a special was contribution proportionate to their wealth. It is not convenient to prevent the foreigners from sending money abroad, unless it can be proven that said money is a deposit of the Spaniards.

Continue your collections with a 20 % provisional reduction until the promulgation of the general decree on contributions, which is at present under study in Congress. But collect from the Chinese fully; do not allow them any reduction. * Several expeditions were sent to the North as well as to the South, with the object of preparing the provinces for all-out revolution. The first expedition to the North was headed by Manuel Tinio and it was assigned to the Ilocos region. The second expedition, assigned to the Cagayan Valley, was led by Daniel Tirona who with six companies 01 soldiers, arrived in Appari on August 25th. ' The abov~ ~etter is a draft of the inst~ctions to Daniel Tirona" prepared by M~bml. Due to the urgency and Importance of the subject matter treated It must have been given due course. - T.M.K.

72

LETTER TO DANIEL TIRONA

I am enclosing herewith the decree on military organization by which you shall abide in the organization of the army.

Do not withdraw your forces until the army over there has been organized.

The local chiefs who have taken oath can assume their office, but the provincial chiefs shall come to the capital together with the representatives to take their oath here. The delegates and counsellors can take the oath there. Until the provincial chiefs have taken their oath, you can discharge their duties, putting Mr. Leyva or Mr. Vista as delegate for Isabela and, at the same time, as military commander of the province. Appoint as delegate to the Batanes the one you believe fitted for the job. Do not remove as chief in Nueva Vizcaya the one who saved you from the Spaniards, as long as he is ready to follow your instructions. These delegates shall report to you on their work as provincial and as military chiefs.

Do not send to us hru-e the money that you have collected or that which you may be able to collect. It is safer to send it by a bill of exchange through the Company. But send over the gold and the bank notes.

When you order he return trip here of the Fili pinas, send us plenty of coal. Or er it to pr 路ceed to Sual (Pangasinan), not to Manila; cast anchor there and wa,it for instructions.

The passengers can go a shore there and proceed here by land.

I could not send you the wire because what I ordered has not come. Your brother-in-law, Mr. Valez, nevertheless, is doing all that is necessary so that you can communicate with us.

I shall attend to the proposals of promotion as soon as the Secretary of 'War 'w ill be through with the other provinces.

The guns captuTedin Nueva Vizcaya. should remain in this province. When you will be through with the new organization, let~ me know whc'l.t arms are lacking so that I can send them over.

In the list of war prisoners that you sent me I see that nuns and families of Spaniards have been included. You cannot take women and children as prisoners; that is why you ha.ve to set them free so that they can r-etum to Manila should they desire to do so.

I understand perfectly well all that ~'ou have told me and I approve what you have clone. You have the faith of this Government which cannot forget your services.

[Unsigned]

LETTER TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDO

[Unda.ted]

Honorable President: I had thoroughly studied the instructions you entrusted me, but I could not take them quite correctly.

I have determined the state of our relations with the other powers, but it changes from day to day. At f~rst I thought it was from America alone that we shou ld seek advice; now it seems Germany wants to meddle; and we cannot predict what is going to happen in the future. We will spend the money of the country so that America will know our condition; and yet it may happen that we cannot be friends with America after all, because the wishes of the other powers will prevail.

Since the beginning, my political belief has been to send men there [to America] and spend our money on anyone who is wi lling to give us arms. Once we have attained a certain degree of strength, we can then have more than just confidence. What I want is for us to hire foreign officers who migh t teach us the art of warfare and form the nucleus of a corps consisting of new soldiels having high educationa,l attainment and recruited from different provinces. These officers will compose the General Staff and, when the time comes, take command of the troops.

I insist on this because, once the powers realize that we are r eady to fight, they will be forced to come to. terms with us, especially if they learn that the country that supplied us with office] s and arms greatly sympathizes with our cause.

Nonetheless, because those who offered you the decision are cc uns?1101 s and some of them are going there, no 0 ne else should sign the instructions but themselves. It is but proper that, before they leave, the Council must come to an understanding as to what they are going to do - wh.ich will be their instructions. They should, however, iake note that not America alone will take an interest in us; other powers too will meddle; therefore, it is perhaps not wise that all should side with America.

Another thing; if you are going to give assignments to those who will go abroad, you must extend the same to those who were there previously.; to those in Hongkong, Japan, and Paris. If you do not do this, there will be resentment and the work might be jeopardized.

74

LETTER TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDO

75

It is also necessary that those who will leave for abroad have no definite destinations. It is preferable that they go to Paris first, and there determine where their presence is badly needed, depending on the circumstances.

Above all, there should be one among them who must provide harmony and co-ordination in the work. To effect harmony, someone whose political belief is attuned to the wishes of the Government should take charge of the office. Tills office should be manned! by a staff of linguists whO' would have knowledge of what is happening in the international scene.

They should, likewise, be aware of the changes taking place domestically, so that they can suit their policies to the circumstances. If this office is not established. we will be wasting money sending people abroad.

The person who will take charge of the office must have complete freedom of action if you find that his political plans are worth supporting. He should give the instructions; he should inform foreigners of what is taking place here in the Philippines; he should receive all telegrams and forward them to you and decide in a cQnierence with you what action to take. He must be given the t:reedom of action of a General so that he can execute his plan in the way he sees fit and in accordance with the circumstances. It is, therefore, of the greatest importance that he should be aware of what is taking place, not only domestically but also internationally, thru the foreign papers.

It is not of the utmost importance to go to America immediately. The Spaniards have not given us away yet; and no one knows with certainty the other power which might want to meddle and the power to approach and court. We must, however, organize the office as soon as possible, as this will form the trunk of the tree which we will climb.

1 had occasion to meet with Sandiko and he told me that he was offered by the Americans the position of Chief of Police at a salary of P200. He, likewise, mentioned that you had offered him the position of Police Director. He said that he would accept it if his services were badly needed, as he did not relish serving the Americans despite the big salary. If you really intend to give him the position, he should be informed at once so that he could issue the instructions that would best suit his plans.

It is necessary that who eyer will take charge of the diplomatic work should make out the program schedule so that the desired goal will be realized and no demoralization or lukewarmness of spirit sets in. It is also necessary that he appear before the Council before anything definite takes place.

[Unsigned]

LETTER '1'0 AGUINALDO

November 22, 1898 Mr. President: I have not yet finished the decree that we have talked about regarding the Government and the General Headquarters.

I am s:tudying it very well so as to make clear which military matters should be assigned to the Chief of Staff and which should be assigned to the Secretary of War. Maybe, I shall fini ~ h it t(Jmorrow. .

Messrs. Luna and Loz::tdp, came here to bid us goodbye.

They also revealed to me the cocie that they will use. As soon as the Cabinet is form ed, I shall l'eveal the code to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs. I have the books here.

They also suggested to me the best code for use by the generals during critical days . When your General Headquarters is formed, 1 shall reveal the secret to the Chief of Staff, who sh ould have the rank of a general of a division Oir' a路 lieutenant-general, bet:a se the Chief of Staff of the General Headquarters shall be your representative or rightrhalld man in the war.

Please forestall the approval of the Constitution and of the resolution on civil marriage by Congress until the fermation of the Cabinet in accerdance with the plan that I shall send yeu. The agreement betvveen the Council of Secretaries and Cengress cannot bind you, according to the laws new in force. These subjects are very delicate and the Cabinet should study them thoroughly before We can advise you on what is the mest convenient course to' take.

Cemmand me as you please.

Ap. MABIN I

76

NOTES TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC [Undated]

Honorable President: For the protection of all [the country] please do not send your instructions to our diplO'matic missions through telegrams.

If you desire, send them thru a courier so that their contents may not be divulged.

I desire nothing save the safety O'f our cO'untry.

I am at yO'ur orders, Ap. MABIN I

[Undated]

Honorable President: The bearer of this letter, Mr. Lara, claims that you: knew him personally years agO'. You yourself are in a better pO'sitiO'n to' determine his 'ability and grant him his wish.

I am at your O'rde s,

Ap. MABIN!

LETTER TO AGUINALDO [Undated]

Mr. President: As the telegrams sent to' America will naturally be divulged, we can no IO'nger expect anything from the WO'rld powers frO'm the moment the latter will learn O'f their contents.

B.ecause of this, the moment America refuses to listen to' us, O'r delays the solution of our problems, we cannot turn to' anyone for help.

Since it is a gO'vernmental agreement, I respect it. But, henceforth, I beg of yO'U to allow me to withdraw, since it is unjust that I should share the responsibility when I have not given my consent.

Command as yO'U wish your O'ld servant, AP. MABIN I

77

LETTER TO AGUINALDO [Undated]

Mr. President: There is heated discuss,i on in Congress over the question of religion. If you take the side of one g.roup, the other will keep away from the go'v ernment.

It is ne0essary that you request a Department Secrdru.. y to tell Congress that, while the situation has not come down to normal, such matters should not be discussed.

This is just a warning

DOl'

what may happen in the future.

Command your old servant, Ap. MABINI P.S. If you accept one religion, you will lose the people on whom you can count more during critical times.

}

Same

LETTER TO GALICANO APACIBLE Malolos, December 8, 1898 MR. GALICANO APACIBLE

My dear Friend: I received your pleasant aru;wer to my letter. ""路e have just received your last letter of the 5th instant with the letter of Mr. Lozada Luna is to blame for the misunderstanding about the codes.

He left here the codes for Hongkong, Japan, Paris and America, and it is clear that he made a big mistake: he did not leave with you the Hongkong code from which we based the composition of the first telegram. It is obvious that he also made a mistake in the for78

79

LETTER TO GALICANO AP kCIBLE

mulas, because we decoded the telegram of Buan 1 and your telegrams that followed with the formula for Japan and not with that for Amer'ica as he says. In the first telegram we simply added 135, which is the code number for that place.

I am telling )'lOU this, but you should not use it anymore. Con.. tinue using the previous formula.

It is better for you not to pursue further the contract you have been negotiating over there because the President wants the funds to be used for another operation in Japan, as he ordered in his last telegram.

Please tell Lozada that ,the separation of the Church and the state and the freedom of religion have been agreed upon with an overwhelming majority. The Americans are now winning over our men, as they have recently offered positions in the Aud1:encia to Messrs. Araneta and Arellano, after having offered another lUClr'ative one to Sandiko.2 Should you receive, henceforth, telegrams that you cannot decipher, please transmit them literally to us here as you have not been properly acquainted with the fOiYmula.

Mr. Lichauco ill return at once. I am thoroughly informecL of the telegra s from Pallis and Japan, and of your own.

I Affectionately

YOUlYS,

ApOLINARIO MABINI

P. S. The President has asked me particularly to send him quarterly a detailed report of your entries and expenses to properly account fo'!' the funds of the State. He wants, besides, that you advise us in particular every time that you receive any remittance of money or of anything, sending us the corresponding receipt.

Juan Lun.a The Americans started their policy of attraction offering tempting positiOns to some Filipinos.

1 2

LETTER TO W. F. SYLVESTER

Malolos, December 12, 1898 MR.

W. F. SYLVESTER

My dear Sir: I'm deeply grateful for the interest that you have shown regarding the well-being of the Filipinos, as you 路h ave clearly indicated in your letter of the 25th of November, which I have received only a few days ago.

The observations which you il.uve kindly pointed to me aJre very interesting. They reveal your profound knowledge of the political constitution of the American people, and this we shall always bear in mind.

I regret not having known about them before the Commissioners' departure; it would have pleased me if they had conferred with you on their stop over there.

However, I shall transmit your observations to them and shall be thankful if Mr. Apacible can inform them himself and thus be able to bring about success to your efforts.

Very truly yours, ApOLINARIO MABINI

80

LETTER TO EMILIO JACINTOl

Malolos, December 17, 1898

MR.

EMil.JlO

.J ACfNTO

My very dear Fri.end: Many thanks f 0 1" your present. During the first days, I pretended not t o remember you , fearing that they would not approve of our friend ship. I needed, then, all their faith in me so that I could gi ve the stamp of r egularity on the progress of the government, al though I did not a ccomplish this fully.

When I recei\'ed your letter , I sent someone to ask Captain Emilio whether you could stay in Malolos wi,t h the assurance that nobody ,vould trouble you for w hat luLd taken pla.ce hefore . He answ.ered yes, adding that you should forget everything.

Regarding yOU" matrieulation fees, it is necessary that you come personally because, hav 'ng lost your certificate, you have to present an a 'fidavit, sign d bYi two witnesses, to the effect that you have inished Fir t Year Law and you were actually taking up the Second Year course. There is still time.

December 1st is the deadline.

I am glad of your coming because I am confident that you can be of great help to us.

I am ever at your service in anything that I can be of help.

Ap. MABINl

1 This letter shows that Mabini had still some fears that "what happened previously" in Cavite between the followers of Aguinaldo and those of Bonifacio had not yet been completely forgotten. Jacinto was not able to go to Malolos. He died in Santa Cruz, Laguna, as an attache to the Revolutionary forces of the province after he recovered from a wound he got in a skirmish with Spanish troops between Majayjay and Magdalena. - T.M.K.

81

LETTER TO AGUINALDO

[Undated]

Mr. President: Although I aclmowledge that you have Teasons to get tired of me because I only tell you things that may cause you trouble, I hope you will have the patience to read through what I am going to tell you, as I promise never to trouble you again.

I have read in your letter of the 30th, regarding the gO'vernment loan (Art. 4), that the permanent commission of the Board of Treasury shall take charge of the collection of the rental of the estates of the government for the reason that the loan and its interest shall be paid in 1nstallments with these collections. The decree also says that if these collections should not be enough, the Board shall be authorized to use the income f rom per20nal taxes.

An article of a decree on the organization of the Department of the Treasury' directs that the Board shall be composed of 24 members, whO' shall be chosen from among the stockholders who have acquired 50 shares each in accordance with Article 9. This Board shall be divided into four committees who shall help, to all appearances, the four departments. But in truth, the Board shall be the one to govern and to fiscalize the Treasury.

By the very reason that the rich people of Manila, since they live in the same place, shall make up this BO'a,rd - and as I understand, Paterno has already talked to them - I can already forsee that we shall have a worse setup than the one we had during the SpaniSh regIme. Inasmuch as it is the Treasury which supports you, if you are going to put it in the hands of the rich you will necessarily be under the power of the latter.

You might say that Don lVIarianito is a person of your confidence, it is true. But you know very well that it would ~ so easy for the Board to' obtain the conformity of Don Manano, and the Board would make sure not to let him know its intentions. After the Bank is established, it will in reality be the one to manage the government inasmuch as the governl~ent will be its debtor. If Manila were under OUr jurisdictJon, I would not have any misgivings, because vou 'w ill then have jurIsdiction over the Bank. .

82

83

LETTER TO AGUINALDO

I did nGt expect that these things could happen. Neither did I expect that YGU would grant the rich people these guarantees. We worked without any pay; but the rich peGple will not put up their money withGut having a VGice in the Treasury.

It is prGbable that the members of the Board would ask for salaries. In this case, the rich people will get all the benefit and the solciiers will remain hungry. The rich would press the collection from the tenants. The administrators will pocket part of the money, and only a little will gO' to the government safe. As the collections will not be enGugh to' pay the interest and the amGrtization Gf the loan, the administrators will even retain the collectiGn frGm personal tax and you will have nGthing with which to' pay the people. In the end, the tenants and the employees will blame you, and the rich will have a big laugh.

Would to heaven that their plans would nGt prosper! Because if it is true that we are already under America, when the war comes they, the rich, will not succeed in their plans.

But we shall have no fu'nds.

I am calling yo r attentiGn to this so that you would carefully choGse the perst(ns whGm yo may appoint as members, , and would to heaven that YGU do not chGose persons who CGuid be bribed and who would be subservient to the Board!

Inasmuch as you nGW count with many helpers, please allow me to withdraw. When you had no one, I wGrked by your side despite my ailment; now that you do not need me anymore, it it but fair that I should also think of my health., As soon as the roads are dry, I shall go to Sibul to' see whether 1 CGuid still be cured. That is why I said at the beginning that this will be the last time that I shall ever trouble yGU. It is nGt fair tha,t I should be held respGnsible for a thing which I have not done. May GGd enlighten you, inasmuch as in your hands lies the welfa,r e or the misfortune of the Philippines.

CGmmand your Gld servant,

Ap.

MABIN!

P. S. Kindly tell me to' whom I shall del'iver the boGk Gf rodes which Luna left with me. If you think it advisable, I shall send it to Agrava to whom I shall reveal the secret.

Same

LETTER TO AGUINALDO

December 24, 1898 Mr. President:

Mr. N er came and told us the following: A few days ago General Otis had him called, and, believing him to be Bisayan through an information obtained from some businessmen, asked him whether the people of that region were disgusted with the Americans. He ar.swered that the people were not disgusted with anybody as long as there is no attempt against their liberty.

General Otis added that he asked this question because the foreign businessmen and the Spaniards in Iloilo have solicited the American occupation of the city for the protection of their property.l In view of this, General Otis will send a wire to 'Nashington and if the government in Washington would consent to the occupation of the Bisayas, he will again call Mr. Ner. Mr. Ner told the Generia l before leaving that if the object of the occupation was the protection of the foreign. investments, the Bisayans were ready to answer for them with their own property, to show that they were ready to guarantee the peace and the property of foreigners. General Otis asked how many, Bisayan revolutionists there were, to which Mr. Ner answered that all were affiliated with the Revolution.

After the conference, Mr. N el' went to see you in Malolos, but as you had many, visitors, he told Sandiko of the events so that the latter would inform the Government.

a

N er says that General Otis called him again yesterday and read to him a cablegram from the American Government authorizing him to occupy the Bisayas. The General told him to intervene with the Bjsayan revolutionists to avoid the shedding of blood. The General is awaiting at two o'clock this afternoon the answer of N er, to whom he offered four cots in the warship that \-viII sail tomorrow. Now, NeT asks what he should do, whether he should go with the expedition or not, and whether he should intervene, and, if so, in what sense.

1 The occupation of iloilo by the Americans, with neither the consent nor the knowledge of the Filipino Central Government, aggravated Philippine-American relations. There was no cause, either political or military, for that occupation. The Filipinos considered it an offense and a violation of friendship. General Otis, in a cablegram to President McKinley on January 8th, said that "a conflict in Iloilo or in any other port of the South would provoke war in the whole Phillppnies." - T.M.K

84

85

LETTER TO AGUINALDO

Because of the urgency of the case, I called a Council meeting to which only Trias, Alas and Canon came because the others 'were away.

We have agreed that our forces there should prevent, even by resorting to arms, the Arr.ericans from occupying the places that are already occupied by our tt'oops. With regard at the phces still in the possession of the Spaniards, like the port of Iloilo, we have agreed not to prevent the Spaniards from turning them over to the Americans should the Spaniards evacuate them, because if we would, the conflict will come unnecessarily. We have also agreed that Nel路 should take the trip and tell the revolutionary leaders over there to allow the landing of the Americans as long as it will appear in writingthat they are doing it to protect foreign investments, but ne\'er in the sense ()f occupying the region. If the Americans do not accept thi~ agreement, let them publish a manifesto of protest, Ner should tell the revolutionary leaders, besides, to ma.nage to have our forces inside the P()rt and not be found staying outside it, as it has happened in Manila.

N er says that Ve have to send also a person from here \",h.om the Amoricans do not kno ,to tell the Bisayans that these instructions come from the Government, and that N er himself will do everytfling so that !the Americans will not find out that said person is Our man. He needs to be able to talk with tills man at No, 6 Salinas Street, an extens'ion of Elcano Street in Binondo, not later than ten o'c1o路ck tomorrow mornmg so that he can work for his admission in the boat.

If you agree with the plan, please choose the person you can trust and give him the instructions that you deem necessary.

Mr. N er suspects that the Americans will occupy Iloilo, Cebu, Mindanao and N egros. He says that he may be able without much exertion to prevent the Americans from occupying N egros. They will also occupy Legazpi.

Command your old servant,

Ap. l\.fABINI

LETER TO AGUINALDO January 3, 1899 Honorable President: I contemplated on the challenge Mr. Becker hurled at us through Mr. Guerrero.

If the government sends a representative to confer with them, the act would imply it could be stopped by the Americans just through a single move.

They will not be lacking of persons from whom to ask and learn the wishes of the country. What will the person with whom they want to confer want from the government?

In my opinion, if the government sends a representative, his representation shall have official character.

Nevertheless, it is up to you.

I am always at your service, .Ap. MABINI

LETTER TO GALICANO APACIBLE Malolos, January 4, 1899· MR. GALICANO APACIBLE

My dear Friend: Enclosed I am sending you copies, for their publication in the newsp·a pers over there, of the decree establishing the new Cabinet and of the exposition of policies read by the latter before the Congress of Representatives. Please do me the favor to send copies to Mr. Bray for their insertion in the Singapore Free Press.

A conflict with the Americans is now imminent and inevitable. Several American warships with thousands of soldiers • Dated January 6. 1899 in RevolucioD Fillpina., by Mabini Vol. I, '

p. 246-247, Manila, 1931.

86

LETTER TO GALICANO AP ACIBLE

87

under the command of General Miller sailed for Iloilo on the 26th of last December to invade that port and all of the ViRayas and Mir..danao. They c8sually arrived here when General Rios had abandoned and left Panay to Our forces, in the same manner that General Montero did with Cebu, as those were the only islands in the Visayas still under the Spanish power.

The Ilongos did not permit the disembarkment without orders of this Governmel1lt and prepared to burn the city at the first sound of the American cannon. We await the outbreak; of hostilities in the South in order that those of Luzon follow those of the South.

Inclosed is the protest signed by the President which you should publish immediately upon its receipt unless you receive beforehand a telegram notifying that we have come to an agreement. We intend to ask General Otis to give up his insistence of capturing Iloilo by fo:ce as we cannot remain indiffer'ent to such a.n usurpation of territory occupied by us.

If he does not listen to reason, we shall pass a circular in protest and will start hostilities as soon as We receive news that Iloilo is 'i n the fight.

I have just received news that other ships with many people have been sent) to Iloilo. All ships from the Compania Maritima have been rented and monopolized by the Americans, refusing admittance of passengers for Iloilo. It may be possible that the Americans are just intimidating the Visayans and God grant they may not be frightened.

N everlheless, I sent telegrams to my friends in order that they may publish protests. N either the Government nor the people are in conformity with any usurpation. Make suggestions to send the expedition as soon as possible.

ApOLINARIO MABIN I

TELEGRAM TO GOVERNMENT COUNCIL Malolos, January 4, 1899 PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL PHILIPPINE GOVERN MENT

Trustworthy persons assure me that Americans sent yes.terday four carts of war munitions towards San Juan del Monte and they also have engaged all Maritima ships in sending forces to Iloilo and Cebu since last night, and the ships Napindan and Laguna de. Bay converted into floating fortresses on the Pasig River.

[Unsigned]

MEMORANDUM TO SECRETARY OF TREASURY Malolos, January 10, 1899 THE SECRETARY OF TREASURY

In order to be able to study and submit to the Council a complete plan of organization of the different departments of the government and establish the basis for the preparation of a general budget, please order the preparation of a plantilla of personnel of your Department, according to Division, Subdivision and Section, and send it to the President's Office as soon as possible.

May God be always with you.

ApOLINARIO MABIN I

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

1st Section ...... Imposition, Distribution and Collection of Contributions.

2nd Section ...... Order of Payment and Distribution of Funds.

88

MEMORANDOM TO SECRETARY OF TREASURY

89

3rd Section . ... . . Administration of the Properties and Rents of the State.

4th Section . . .. . . Budget Planning.

5th Section .. . . .. General Units of the Budget of State.

6th Section ..... .

Accoun~

Office

1st Section ... ... General 2nd Secion .. .. .. Intervention Central Treasury

1st Section .. . . . .

2nd Section ...... Contracts and Negotiable Instruments 3rd Section ...... Consignments

My dear Don M riano: 1 I have committed a slight error in the first copy I sent you. I'm, therefore, -.sending you a corrected second copy. I believe it convenient to omit in tHe meantime the consultative sedtion until we find more competent personnel.

I beg of you to excuse me again.

Truly yours, [ApOLINARIO MABINI]

1 General Mariano Trias, who was appointed Secretary or Finance in the Mabini Cabinet.

MEMORANDUM ON THE CONSTITUTION The pl'oclamation of the Republic presupposes a Constitution even if only analogous to those already in force in other nations. The one voted by Congress is not acceptable: at this time f0r two reasons: first, beL.ause the constitutional guara.ntees it establishes to protect individual liberties cannot be upheld at present, precisely a time when the necessity of the predominance of the military element has been indicated; and, secondly, because in these difficult times it would not be convenient to establish openly the separation of the Church and the State, as it would give the supporters of the ,r eligion of the State cause to leave the Government. N either would it be convenient for said Constitution to govern the organization and function of the three powers. The ship of State is. th,r eatened vvith great dangers and tenible tempests, and the actual state of things would require, in my opinion, the advantage of having, in some way, the three powers centered for a time in one hand so that it can guide Ithe ship of State with the necessary strength and be able to elude all the perils on the way. 1

.

1 M'abini had had seriQus disagreements with Congress on the preparatIon of the Constitution. The Constitution as approved gave Congress, as representative of popular sovereignty, final authority over the President in fundamental matters concerning the country. This destroyed the existing scheme in which the general authority resided in the President. Mabini .va~ opposed to this. plan. because the. st.ate of war in the country reqUlred the greatest dlscretlOnary facultIes for the Chief of the State.

When the Constitution was presented for Presidential signature, Mabini submitted to Congress a series of amendments in the form of provisional rules that curtailed the powers that Congress wanted for itseU at the expense of those of the Chief Executive. He wrote to the President on January 14, 1899 explaining to him one by one his proposed amendments, - T.M.K.

90

LETTER TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDO

January 14, 1899 H'On'Orable Mr. President: D'On Bald'OmerD informed me that you would like to see the Tagalog translation IOf the ~mendments I have written ... l We confen"ed and debated the attitude of Congress with regards to the Council last night and we decided unanimously that the vetD on the Constitution should be availed Df, for the following reasons: 1. If the amendments are no1: accepted, no secretaries will be appointed except those sponsored by Congress. What 'wiII

happen is th~t, although you have the power tOo choose your assistants, you will have. to consult Congress first to see whether it will apprDve 'them.

2. In these critical times, if the Government cannot act without first consulting Congress it will be very difficult tOo save the country f1' m danger b cause we will first have tOo face defeat before w start taking preventive measures.

3. If 'the amendmen.ts a~'e admitted, I am afraid Iloilo, and Negros, which have established a Federal Republic, will oppose the military Republic founded by the Constitution. One thing more: if our Constitution becomes effective, the Americans will be cautious about giving recognition to our C:lus.e because our desire for independence will be very evident tOo them.

We caTl.!l.Dt tell whether this is a political move of the annexationists, "VhD desire om' CDnstitution tOo take effect so that the America11::; will lose their confidence in us and have every reason not to recognize us because we have prevented them f:r'Om tampering with our C'Onstitution.

You can sa.y that these reasonings are vague, and that they spring from my displeasure towards Congress, I leave them to you tOo ponder over and decide what is best to do.

I am at your Drders,

Ap.

MABINI

1 The Tagalog translation, rendered into English, is in the following two pages.

91

92

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI [TRANSLATION]

Provincial rules that should be attached at the end of the Gonstitution, in order to change some of its articles until the present state of affairs changes and the other powers recognize our independence: 1. Contrary to the provisions of the second pa,ragraph o~ Article 4, the President of the Republ'ic and his Council of Government, until the independence of the Philippines is recognized and while Congress is not in session, have the authority to enact laws; but they must justify thei;r use of this power once Congress is in sess'ion, and convene members of Congress if there is a pressing need and a great matter to consider.

This provision does not amend Articles 68 and 85.

(Note: The purp<:lse of this is to endow the Go'v ernment with power in these uncertain and pressing times. When Congress is not in session, it will be difficult and time-consumling to convene its members. It should be noted that the Government cannot borrow money, or lease the property of the country, nor enter into treaty agreements with foreign powers without the knowledge of Congress. Pr'ovisions pertaining to these are found in Articles 68 and 85, which these provisional rules do not 'i nvalidate).

2. In the meantime that the first rules are in effect, the phrase "in conjunction with the permanent commission" in the third. pal'ag.raph of Article 30 will not be considered operative.

(Note: This says that the Government can suspend the guarantees of the Constitution when Congress is not in session; and that it does not need to ask the optinion of the seven Representatives called the "Permanent Commission," in whom, according to the Constitution, the powers of Congress will reside when it is not in session.)

3. Article 5, Title 3 (on religious liberty), will not take effect until our independence is recognized.

(Note: While the present state of affairs lasts, the tribunal of the town where there is a Filipino priest will see to to the laUer's needs. It should give him a definite salary or ask the parishioners to contribute to his support by paying fees).

4. According to the provisions of Article 46, any Repiresentative who is proved to have committed a crime against the State (treason) will be sentenced even without the consent of

LETTER TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDO

93

Congress; but the Court which will handle the hearings will immediately inform Congress or the Permanent Commission.

(Note: AccoTding to the Constitut ion, no Representative can be put to trial without the consent of Congress).

5. With regards to the provision of the second paragraph of Article 8, it is necessary, before a law may be submitted to a votation, that more than one half of the Representatives should be present; but if the law is unusually long, this number is no longer necesary; a fourth part is enough to vote on every article of the law.

(No,t e: According to the Constitution one fou rth of the Representatives can vote on a law.)

6. The Permanent Commission will perform, in place of the provisions of Article 59 [sic], the following: (a) To see to it that the provisions of the Constitution are observed when Congress is not in session. (b) To conv:me Congress when it will have to perform the duty of a tribunal of Justice, when the President of the Government, t~le Sec etaries, the President of the Supreme Tribunal, :and the General Procurator are on trial. (c) , To continue unfinished discussions and to use the powers delegated to it by the Constitution.

Note: According to the Constitution, if Congres's is adjourned the seven Representatives elected to the Permanent Commission; will take over its job.)

7. If an o.rder not to the President's liking is passed by two thirds of the Representatives present, the President can still nullify it through his veto power, if he is convinced that the order is detrimental to moraIs and the peace.

(Note: According to the Constitution, if Congress insists on the passage of a law, that law becomes unTevocable and should be observed.)

8. With regards to the provisions of ATticles 7 [sic] and 36, the President can temporarily disband the Congress without any previous consultation if it acts as an enemy of the Government during times of greatest peril.

(Note: According to the Constitution, the President cannot disband Congress if it refuses to comply with the President's decision.)

LETTER TO AGUINALDO

January 14, ] 899 MJr. President: I have read and. understood the letter of Buencamino. He says that if you do not approve the Constitution, you will lose your prestige. On this we differ in opinion.

Should the Constitution be approved without the amendments, no one could be appointed a Department Secretary without the app,loval of Congress. In my case, for example, because Congress doesn't like me, I will be censured for anything I do until I will be forced to resign and, if I do not resign, the members will s~y that I am a despicable weakling who can swallow all insults. In short, no one can stay in the Department except the one who h-nows how to regale 'the Representatives, do what they want, and be in cahoO' ~ s with them, even to do such as that will be against the iruterests of the country and justIce. Such Department Secretaries, even if they should do badly, would be in the good graces of Congress. while the good ones ould not be. \Vhat will you d if the Secretaries you appoint be not acoeptable to Congress? You will have to change them., And should the ne'N Ol1~S be neither acceptable, change them again, of course. When this hapgens, no fright-thinking person will accept the position except the one \vho has an understanding with the Representatives. For this reason, you will find yourself forced to choose their men, whether you like them on not; and since you cannot govern without a Council of Government, you will have no ethel' way except to please the Representatives.

You cannot dissolve Congress because, in accordance with the Constitution, this cannot be done without the former's consent. You will have to follow whatever they want because you do not have the veto pow r. Neither CGlln you indict any Representative, because to do so you will need the permission of Congress, And, should you do it by force, the Representatives will say that you are violalting the law. If now that you are acting strictly within the law, they are finding so many faults with you, what will they not do when you will be out of it?

In short, when the people see that the Government and COllgress work together against their welfare, they will have no other recourse except to revolt and destroy the Government 94

LETTER TO AGUINALDO

95

and CQngress, as it is happening in SQuth American republ'lcs. I want to' aVQid all Qf thi~ nDt primarily fQr your prestige, but because it will hurt the people.

With regard tOo resPQnsibility and the decree that Mr. BuencaminQ cites, all Qf thQse are true, as it is also true that the IDan was apprQved by CQngress when it was fQrced to' do so.

What I dO' not like is that the lQan WQuld be wasted when there WQuld be neitller CQnstitutiQn nor CQngress. The loan will simply be squandered when the peQple in the GQvernment are rascals.

BuencaminQ says that you shQuld stick to the law and nQt to' any particular QpiniQn. This is true enQugh; but there is nD law that can bind yQU to' fQllQW the agreement Qf CQngress, because Article 24 gives yQU the vetD PQwer. When the CQnstitutiQn is enfQrced, then that will be the time when yQU will be fQrced to' follQW what CQngress says.

Fina.lly, Mr. BuencaminQ says that the law Qrders yQU to' promulgate the CO' stitutiQn and, afterwards, yQU can dissolve CQngress. This is nQt true, because Article 27 Qf the abQvecited decree, dated J ne 23rd, give yQU the veto power. But Qnce the CQnstitution .s in force, you can nO' lQnger dissQlve Congress withQut its consent, as, it lias been fQreseen in Articles 36 and 70 Qf the CQnstitutiQn, which is enclosed herewith and signed by the Representatives.

You can see, frQm what I say, whO' is (fight. I already anticipated something Qf the kind to' yQU at the end of the translatiQn Qf the amendments that I sent to' you this mQrning.

In my opinion, if yQU approve the CQnstitutiQn withQut the amendments, yQU will be cQntributing to the failure of our cQuntry and Qf QUI' ideals. I can see it all too clearly now. That is why I find nO' Qther sQlutiQn except to' do one Qf the following: 1. Change the Representatives appointed by the GQvern-

ment.

2. VetO' the CQnstitution.

3. Accept the CQnstitutiQn and change the GQvernment.

Council Qf

BefQre accepting the pDsitiQn that you Qffered me, I called your attention to. my shQrtcQ~ngs and I did n0't yield to' yQur wishes until I saw that you really needed me.

I cannQt resign, CQme what may, because I believe that the people will blame me in the future shQuld I not fight now f0'r

96

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

the ,good of the country. But as my strength lies with you, should you withdraw your confidence in me, I cannot dO' anything mO're. If you accept the Constitution withO'ut the amendments, YGU will show that you luwe no longer faith in me and that consequently, I have no more power. But even if this should happen, I want you to' know that I will always be your lO'yal servant. It is possible that I may be the one who is wrong.

Please dO' not believe in t.he prO'mises of the Repl'esentatives to' the effect that when the ConstitutiO'n should be in fO'rce, you

can dO' whatever you want, because what will happen will be the opposite--yO'U shall have to' do what they want. If now that we have as yet nO' CO'nstitution they are already pushing yO'U down, what will they nO't dO' when you are tied to them?

May God enlighten you in these times O'f serious crisis.

AP. MABINl

)

LETTER TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDO

[Undated]

Mr. President: Don Gracio will explain to you the changes made in the amendments, in accordance with what Don Baldomero told me last night, so that you can see that I am trying all means to bring about an understanding.

Congress hat.es me because my opinion is that in these times we have to cenl r a.lize the powers in the hands of one person, which is the only means to avoid the dangers that threaten us. I do not approve the Constitution becaus路e it gives Congress the greatest powers and it is a known fact that Conf,rress cannot decide anything at; onc.e except after all the memher路s are in accord.

Even jf the amendments shouid be accepted,l you will need to tru st completely the Department Secretaries and sign everyth i ng that they "\-vill ropose t o you. If not, they will be forced to resign, because theY. and not you, will be censured, and they will also be held responsible. Th t is why you should accept their opinion.

I am sure that at the end, when you can see and feel what will happen, you will know for whom I have been suffering the general hatred and whom I have been upholding in these Cl'i ti cal moments.

Command me.

Ap. MABINI

1 After several conferences and discussions, Congress finally accepted some of the proposed amendments of M'abini and incorporated them in the C.onstitution. - T.M.K.

97

LETT ER TO PRES IDEN T AGUI NALD O [Unc{.a .tecl]

Mr. Presid ent: As it seems that Don Gracio Gonza ga has gone back. to Manil a, I believe we ha.ve to appoi nt Mr. Argue lles, he bell1g an army man.

If you agree to the appoi ntmen t of the latter, give him ~he neces sary orders and I shall prepar~ a letter. to Don. F1ore ntmo Torre s, telling him that we have gIven the mstl'uctlOns to Arguelle s and reque sting him to accom pany the latter to confe r with Gener a,l Otis. 1 1\1y purpo se is to expre ss the SU~"pl1.Se. of our Gover~ment for what the Amer icans have done III llollo, and that, If we deserv e /r-om them 路a ny Donsiderabion a,t all as allies, they should not have done what they did, inasm uch as we were ready to enter into an agreem ent.

I will send you the protcs tt for your signatUl'e so that Santo s can take it along. I sent the draft to' the printi ng press to be printe d in secret .

If the Amer icans would not accep t Oul' propo sition s, we must distrib ute the protes t throu gh the consu ls and post them in the streets , in the form of pasqu inades .

Comm and me as you wish.

AI'.

MABIN I

1 The proclam ation of Otis as militar y govern or of the ines and that of Presid ent McKin ley on "benev olent assimil ation," Philipp coming on top c:tf the Iloilo blockad e, aggrav ated the situatio n. On Januar y 5th, the day following the proclam ation, the Filipin os answer ed with a vigorou s protest penned by Mabini . Mobs tore from the walls of houses the copies of the Americ an docum ent. A confere nce betwee n the two Govern ments became indispe nsable, and it came about on the petitio n of Otis himself . Floren tino Torres , Genera l Ambro sio Flores, and Lieuten ant-Co lonel Manue l Arguel les represe nted the Philipp ines; Genera l Hughes , Colone l James F. Smith and Lieute nant-C olonel Crowd er represe nted Ameri ca The first confere nce was a mere exchan ge of impres sions about same compla ints of the Philipp ine Govern ment. In the followi ng confere nces, howeve r, Floren tino Torres brough t liP some specifi c points.

M'abin i's instruc tions were to ask for the recogn ition of absolu te indepe ndence for the Philipp ines. - T .M.K 2 Prepar ed by Mabini agains t the proclam ation of Otis own appoin tment as militar y govern or of the Philipp ines. announ cing his

98

MEMORANDUM TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR AND NAVY TRANSMITTING DECREE ON ELECTIONS AND ORGANIZATION OF ARMED FORCES IN BOHOL

GOVERNMENT COUNCIL PHILIPPINE I,SLANDS

On the 10th of January, the President has issued the following decree: "In accordance with the powers vested in me, I hereby designate the following gentlemen: Mr. Bernabe Reyes and Mr. Eduardo Calceta, to preside in the elections of the Provincial Council of the Isla.n:d of Bob.ol and in all local meetings of the towns and to o-rganize all national forces, or police forces in charge of maintaining the security and defense of each town, pursuant to the organic decree of June 18, and the instructions accompanying it. In, the me:anti,mf' the elected authorities will not assume their pos't'ions nor taKe their oath of office. Mr. Bernabe Reyes will ct temporarily as provincial head and Mr, Eduardo Calceta as chief of the Army; and to act as provisional delegates of both in each town sh.all be those who are elected chiefs and police delegates, respectively."

I have the pleasure of transmitting this to you for your knowledge and guidance.

May God always. be with you, Malolos, January 1 {j, 1899.

ApOLIN ARIO MABINI

To the Secretary of War and the Navy

99

LETTER TO APACIBLE

Malolos, January 16, 1899 MR. GALICANO APACIBLE

Hongkong My dear Friend: We have your pleasant letter dated the 10th, instant, and I have taken note of the code stated therein. The President wants that you sh.ould use the word Romping instead of Ignacia, as your address.

Don Arcadio Rosario is granting the authorization that you asked for and I have written to Mr. Belar'mino, who is in Albay, so that he will send me his as soon as possible. We are not a ble to decipher well your last telegram in which you infor med us of Japan's attitude towards our cause, owing, maybe, to some mistakes in the ar ithmetical computations of the code.

When General Ot' saw the extremely hostile attitude o[ t.he people to his proclamation of annexation, he consented to, or rather, asked for a conference between the commissioners appointed by our P1esident, in his capacity as Commander-illChief, and the commissioners appointed by him, also in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the American forces. The instructions we gave our commissioners were : (1) To ask the concentl-ation of the American sea and land forces in the bay and fort of Manila and in the fort of Cavite; (2) to prevent the sending of reinforcements; (3) the Americans should return our launches and the ship, Abbey; and (4) the Americaw:l ~hould refrain from aJl attempts to occupy any part of our territory and flom exercising any act of sovereignty even ill the places occupied by them. We told our commiss.ioners, besides, that they can state that the aspiration of the Filipino people is independence, without any limitations except those that our Government will stipulate when the Americans agree to J"'ecognize our Government. Please communicate these conditions to our representatives or envoys so that they will know what to do. We still do not know whether we can obtain anything.

The previous attitude of the Americans and a persistent general rumor make us believe that they are using dilatory tactics to give time for the coming of their reinforcements. In Manila, there is great excitement over this and aU the people 100

LETTER TO AP ACIBLE

101

are read.\-- to. fight jf the Americans persist 路i n their policy of annexation. House searches are common occurrences. Mr. Arevalo and Mr. Ceferino Pantoja have been detained by the Americans, but they were freed the next day. These abuses add to the distrust, so much so that families are leaving Manila. \Ve fear that when least expected the conflict would break out.

Regarding the contretemps you say about the kakikal,l the President has not said a word about it to me. I believe, nevertheless, that since it is impossible to. undo what has been done, we should, at least, try to run the least risk fo.r Dur capital.

This is another reversal that we have to endure. I suppose you are all doing what is possible to gain public approval.

I was just told that a telegram had been received here, which I have not yet seen, informing us that Agoncillo had officially asked for the recognition of our independence, according to instructions. We saw in the papers that the Americans had published an order requi;r ing the submission of telegrams to. censorship. N 楼ertheless, after this announcement, we received your last one. We are not yet sure whether our communication by cable ,Q.as been cut ff.

Please extend our regards, if e President's and mine, to Mr. Bray, the champion of just cltllses. It is being circulated here that a powerful English squadron will soon arrive in these waters, and that part of it will pJ.~oceed to Mindanao. and JOID with unholy intentions. It is necessary to. find out the truth aoout this so that we can be prepared.

At the eleventh hour, we received your letter of the 11th instant together with those of Messrs.. Santos and Lichauco, and also the ac.counts that we have sent to the Treasury. Enlarging on the matter of the cable, we were told that the Superintendent of the cable service had given notice that telegrams would be received if one paid fDr them immediately on their arrival; but should. the same not be delivered because of censorship, the payment would not _be refunded. Right no.w, we sent to the station a teleg,ram of 25 words for that place in oode signed by Romping. I do not reproduce it anymore because it refers to what I have already stated, aside from the wish of the President that General Riego. should go on with his trip. Accordbg to the notice pUblished in the newspapers Df the Company, private telegrams that contain news on the political situation shall be submitted to censorship.

There are also many here who favo.r a prDtectorate. But the Government does no.t like to anno.unce it formally so as to be able to. take advantage of favo.rable circumstances that un1

Arms.

]02

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

expected events Illll..y give us. That is why the Government jut limited itself to saying that we want independence under the conditions that we shall formulate when the American Government ag:rees to recognize it. The American commissioners asked who would protect us in case a world power shQuld try to lar..d by force on our shores or should provoke a conflict with us between the time of the recognition of our independence and the conclusion of a treaty. We answered that we will never allow any landing because we shall not permit anything that will alter the interior peace of the country and threaten foreign. investments. It is to the Americans' own good to protect us, even if only with their squadron, against any attempt of another world PQwer sO' that we can fulfill our promise to stipulate ~ convenient treaty with them. Please inform our envoys of these particulars to serve them as guide in their work~ taking care not to alter the sense of th.e words in Drder to preserve the unity Df plan.

So far, there is nothing new; we are awaiting the outcome of the cDnferences. The people of IloilO' are prepared to resist in compliance with OUT instructions should the Americans insist on their own plans.

Your affectionate and respectful,

ApOLIN ARlO MABIN I

P. S. Y QUI' brother Leon came telling us that he is going over there. We told him to' wait fQr another trip so that he could take along copies of the Constitution. My congratulations to our friend Santos for his safe, although uncomfortable, trip.

Same

LETTER TO PRESIDENT AG1.;I -ALDO

January 20, 1899 Mr. President: You will see by the enclosed letters that the generals in the Bisayas are very far from being united.

Don Francisco Soriano says in his letter that over there Mr. Martin Delgado is acknowledged as Commander-in-Chief of the national forces, and Don Pablo Araneta, as Genera.l Commander of the expeditionary forces. He also says that we have to ask for the authenticated statements of those who rendered military service to give them their oorresponding ranks.

Don Pablo, says, in a letter; to his brother that, over there, there should be only one army general with the rank of Division General to stop the abuses that are being committed.

It 'is also my (},pinion that in that region there really must be a military chief for all Bisayan Islands. But I do not think that it should be M . Araneta, because the others may not agree. I believe, sin<\e there are Jtwo generals in tha:t place, one should go to路 Cebu.

I think a General of Divis'ion, who should be the Superior Military Chief of the whole Bisayas, should come from here.

Elections for the choice of provincial councils and popular beards should be held, and each provincial chief and military chief of a province should send a delegate to Iloilo to form, in this manner, the Board of Defense, along the same lines outlined in the enclosed instructions for Mindanao路, which we are submitting f.or your approval.

Don Pablo Araneta writes that Commissioners Avancefia and Dadivas have aLready arrived. When they come to pay you their respects, please tell them that ! would like to' talk w'ith them. I should like to find out the events over there to be able to suggest to you what should be done.

I believe we have. to take very good care of Iloilo and N egros, lest our disintegration may come from those quarters.1 1 The enthusiasm for the liberation from the secular yoke in the Visayas made generals and soldiers sprout everywhere. From March 1898, the famous Conspiratorial Committee had been formed in Molo and Quin路 tin Salas made himself the chief of the revolutionists in Panay. On the other hand, the Central Government designated Alejandro Fullon and Ananias Diokno as its delegates. In November of the same year, the Revolutionary Assembly of Sta. Barbara, Iloilo, organized the Provisional Government of the Bisayas, complete with President, Vice-President,

103

104

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

Command me as. ever, and please let me 1rnow your decisions on these matters.

ApOLIN ARIO MABIN I

P. S. The power of attorney that General Vito should prepare cannot be done in Albay. I wrote him to have it made there as a favor asked of an English businessman, but it cannot be done this way because Galicano says that it has to be a power of attorney in due form, made out before the English Consul.

Vito has to come, present himself before the English Consul in Manila, and have the power of attorney executed.

I heard something to the effect that Leon Apacible, Galicano"s brother, wants to go to Hongkong with a commission.

However, please do what you think best. I told him to wait for a copy of the Constitution, so that he can take it along with him to be published over there.

Same

MEMORANDUM TO THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR GOVERNMENT CoUNCIL PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

I have the pleasure of returning to you the papers of the Representatives elected by the provinces. The President's office will retain only nominal relationship with them and with all decrees referring to the appointments made by the government.

Please inform this. office of the approval by the Representatives of the bills I shall prepare henceforth.

May God be with you always.

Malolos,. Jamuary 20, 1899.

ApOLIN ARIO MABINI

To the Secretary of the Interior Secretary of the Interior, of the Treasury, of Foreign Affairs, of Justice, War, and Secretary General. They had, besides, generals assigned to different. zone~. .TI;le Central Government was faced witb the problem of establishing disclpline, cooperation, and order. - T.M.K.

o~

LETTER TO THE FEDERAL COUNCIL OF ILOILO

Malolos, January 24, 1899

MR.

PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL COUNCIL OF ILOILO

1

Sir: The National Government of the Republic has received the messages and documents on the events that had taken place over there and is now infonned of the: constitution of the Federal Council, which you worthily preside and which was formed on motion of Mr. Francisco Villanueva, who allegedly had received verbal instructions from the President of the Republic, Mr. Emilio Aguinaldo. The Government, disregarding said instructions, which have not been confirmed oy the President, and limiting itself to the rulings of the Constitution of the Federal CDuncil, fully believes that thiS! system, aside from being t.he most perfect 'w ithin the republican form, is the most suitable to the geographical setup of our beloved country. For this reason, our Go\~ernment hOope that, in the long run, it will predominate .. Howeve1\, the fact that we still have to fight for our independence and that the political Constitution of the Philippine Republic voted by Congress has been promulgated, even if only provisional in charactel~ unit it could be ratified by the legitima,t e ~epresentatives .of the Bisayas and Mindanao, would seem to pomt out a form of government that would result in greater cohesion and solidarity among the interests of the dif1 The Provjsional Revolutionary Government of the Bisayas was changed to Federal Council on December 12 [1898J, for the purpose of turning the Visayas Islands into a sort of a federal state subordinated to the Central Government. Thâ&#x201A;Ź Council was composed of: Roque Lopez, President of the Council of State; Vicente Franca, Vice~President and Secretary of the Interior.

Members for Iloilo: Jovito Yusay, Secretary of Justice; Ramon Avancefia, Secretary of State; Julio Hernandez, Secretary of War; Magdaleno Javellana, Secretary of the Treasury.

Martin Delgado and Pablo Araneta, members of the Anny and exoficio Counsellars.

Fernando Salas, member for Cebu and Secretary of Public Instruction and of Communications Members for 'Negros Occidental: Agustin Montilla for the Southern District; Juan de Leon, for the Northern District.

Juan Caballo, member for Negros Oriental.

Vicente GeIla, member for Antique.

Venancio ConcepCion, member for Capiz.

Numeriano Villalobos, member for the District of Concepcion.

Raymundo Melliza, member far Leyte.

F:rancisco Soriano, member for Samar.

Francisco Villanueva, Secretary General of the Council of State.

-T.M.K.

105

106

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

ferent Islands thzt compose this beautiful Archipelago and the establishment of a central Government that would synthesize them. Thus, our union would be more p.atent to foreign eyes, and this will be our best shield against the ambition of the strong. And, while I leave the explanation of the next instructions for a latel' time so as to be able to do it better, inasmuch as' the boat is about to sail an.d I have no time to w.rite longer, I shall limit myself for the present to transmit to you, on the order of the President, the following resolutions: 1st. The Fe'leral Council shall designate special delegates 'who will preside over he elections of the Provincial Councils and Popula.r Bo'a rds, and of the Representatives of each province of the Island of Panay in accordance with the Organic Decree of the 18th of June, last, and who will administer the oath to those who will be elected in accordance with the formula adopted by this Government. Immediately after the oathtaking, those who have been inducted shall take possession of their offices temporarily and exercise their duties in the same manner until they receive their corresponding titles as &pproved by this Government.

2nd. The elected representatives of each province shall take advanta.ge of the first opportunity to come ovel" to this capital and take part in the work of the National Assembly.

3td. The contributions and taxes in fo-rce during the Spanish regime, inasmuch as they constitute the only and ind:spensable source for 'the support of the State, shall be continued.

The collection shall be administered to the satisfaction of the contributors arid taxp,a yers, until a plan which is less burdensome to the citizens can be :adopted.

4th. The Federal Council, in collaboration with the military Chiefs, shall take special care of all that refers to the defense and security of the Bisayas. It shaH not, at any cost, allow any foreign invasion that would endanger the security of the National Government and shall not tolerate any transgression against any integral part of its territory.

5th. The Federal Council shall enjoin all civil and military authorities to do their utmost to pro-tect individual liberties and interests, to repress strongly all kinds of abuses, and to take care net indulge in the vices and excesses of the old Spanish administration.

6th.

The Federal Council1 shall send a copy of these 1n-

1 This Council was dissolved by the decree of April 27, 1899, and from then on the same system of local government in force in the Island of LUZon was implanted in the Visayan provinces. - T.M.K.

LETTER TO THE FEDERAL COUNCIL OF ILOILO

107

structions to the Cantonal Government of the Island of N egros so that the latter will enforce them within that fsland.

This is ail I have the pleasuro to inform you. I am trusting to the good sense and the patl'iotism of the Bisayans. May God guide you for many years to come.

By Order: Ap.

MABINI

MEMORANDUM TO THE SECRETARY OF INTERIOR

GOVERNMENT COUNCIL PHIoLIPPINE ISLANDS

Mr. Ambrosio Moxica, in a letter dated the 17th of this month addressed to His Excellency, the Pres'i dent of the Republic, gave an account that on such date he assumed office as politico-military governor of Leyte. He was appointed to this position as per decree dated 27th of last December.

This is for your information and guidance.

May God be always with you.

Malolos, January 26, 1899.

Ap. To the Secretary of Interior

MABINI

MEMORANDUM TO ISIDORO TORRES GOVERNMENT COUNCIL PI-lILlPPINE ISLANDS

The Honorable President of the Republic dictated the following decree, dated yesterday: "On the proposal of my Council of Government and in implementation of the decree of the 23rd, instant, concerning th.e liberty of some prisoners of war, I order the following:

"1st. The Commission referred to in Article 2 of said decree shall be composed of Messrs. Florentino Torres, President; General Isidoro Torres, J O'aquin Gonzales, and Pedro Liongson, board members; and Pablo Tecson, secretary with voting power.

"2nd. All requests and claims that the interested parties may pyesent, because of the above-mentioned decree, shall be f.orwarded to' the Secretary of the Commission."

I am forwarding this to. you for your information.

May God keep you for many years.

Malolos, Jan'U:ll<ry'

6, 1899.

ApOLIN ARIO MABIN I

Mr. Isidoro Torres

MEMORANDUM TO THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR

January 28, 1899 To the Secretary of the Interior: Mr. Gabriel Galza" well-know'n as a Filipino, whO' has been Governor Leyte, wishes to r,e turn to tha.t island to safeguard his interests and have personal protection.

Kindly accO'mmodate him as' is customary.

Sincerely yours, ApOLINARIO MABINI

Please accommodate his brother also, Mr. Daniel Galza, from Ilocos Norte; both were introduced and known by Mr. Burgos.

Adieu.

108

LETTER WITHOUT ADDRESSEE Malolos, January 29, 1899 Sir:

This is just to call your attention to the grassland that General M. is asking for.

It appears not important but on second thought the effect will be more serious if we give it to him under pressure.

The President of San Fernando says that the local Boa,r d, in accordance with the powers granted it by the Decree of July 18, has fixed the fee at P100. If you want to honor your decree, you should not take that land until the expiration of the lease.

The most that you can have is the P100 fee, if you need it; but you cannot get the grassland, because that would be an outrage to the lessee who has the right to avail himself of the land until the expiration of his contract and as long as he pays the fee.

I believe you understand only too clearly that the Government has been given authority to have the laW obeyed; if you do not support what e believe to be the law, we shall never accomplish anything. You have to understand that even if you and General M. can withdraw money from the Government Treasury for the expenses, you cannot expropriate any land because it would not be honorable for your position to administer lands.

If you say that you need it yourself and you only want the other to administer it, the people of Pampanga will say that it is only a mere pretext to cover an illegal act, a thing which will redound to the loss of your prestige.

If General M. has really a high ir egard for you, he should watch out for things that would result in a diminution 0'f your prestige, even if it would cost him his life and fortune. Vole should not give causes for criticism just f0'r such insignificant things.

-----

1 Mabini was not only the Prime Minister and Legal Counsellor of the Government of Aguinaldo, but also the fiscalizer of the acts of the Revolution. He stood for the most strict moral conduct and he was a submissive slave of the law and rulings. His accusing finger spared nobody, from the highest leader to the lowest soldier.

Several of his letters point out the abuses and irregularities committed by officials, civil, as well as military. It gives us satisfaction, however, to l<I1ow that, in such an abnormal situation not many crimes were comrnitted, compared to those registered in other countries under identical conditions. - T.M.K.

109

110

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

This letter -has no other purpose except the promotion of justice, to which YDU have to adjust your authority, civil as well as military, and the conservation of your prestige.

Command your old servant, Ap. MABINI

- --- -

MEMORANDUM TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR

Malolos, January 31, 1899 GOVERNMENT COUNCIL PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

)

To the Secretary of War: I'm sending you the resolutions of the Commission in its first session. The President does not favor the release of all civilian prisoners by the Provincial Chiefs as he fears. the possibility of setting free also the military prisoners.

Therefore. an order must be issued to each p.rovince requiring the return of said prisoners to this city and to set them free once they present a certification of their fitness to be employed issued by the Spanish government or as testified by witnesses of good standing, or by any other means which in your opinion will justly protect us from any criticism.

All matters relating to military prisoners,. such as requests and complaints, as well as those of the friars and the rest \vho invoke the Geneva Convention, and whatever anteceden'ts referring to confiscated property and to Filipino prisoners should first pass the named Commission. With regards to this matter your department should not issue resolutions without first consulting the Commission.

M~

God be with you.

Ap. MABIN!

LETTER TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDO

January, 1899* Honorable President: Don Florentino TONes and his ('.ompanions left just now on board the train.

We had a lengthy conference on the matter; but he insisted on protection because, he said, he could no longer back out.

Don Florentino is in the good graces of the Americans according to Don Ambros,i o; and I believe, if he backs out now, the Americans will come to learn of our predicament.

That is tha reason why I took it upon myself to include 'a new note among your first instructions which is as follows:

"ADDITIONAL NOTE

To INSTRUCTIONS

"The Commission may state that independence is the aspiration of the Filip 路no people. I t is bound by no limitations except the conditionS! which the Fitipino government has stipulated to the American government, and! which are to take effect when this shall come to recognize officially the Filipino governmen t."

We also agreed that if they were pressured to reveal what the conditions were, they were to say;. that those were the instructions of the government; and if they had no cause to be evasive, 'they could say the word "succor," in lieu of "protection."

I hope you will give your approval to this, although I did not consult you on this matter beforehand for lack of time. Our discussions were long.

I am at your orders,

Ap. MABIN I

'* T . M. Kalaw dated this letter February or March" 1899. See Escritos de Mabini, Philippine Review, April, 1919, p. 277 ff.

111

LETTER TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDO February 1, 1899 Senor Presidente: I a m sending through t he bearer, Sr. Manuel F. Morin, the encl osed letter addl'essed to General Otis by the Spanish postmaster of Zamboanga .

We talked with Se11:)r Ocana for a short while and we agreed to send a commissioner there in order to find out what t he situati on is and whether the Spaniards are really able to do what they ha ve promi sed us : we want to avoid being deceived.

Yo u said that you wanted Colonel Ison to go there. I think he had better get ready t oday and, if you prefer, have t he bearer of this letter go with him. The officer for Baler will arrive' tomorrow.

I am at yo ur command.

Ap. lVIAEINI

J MEMORANDUM

TO BALDOMERO AGUINALDO February 1, 1899

GOVERNMENT COUNCiL PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

My dear Comrade Don Baldomero: In ordel' that we may be able to help you in the solution of the many problems tha.t confront your department, please supply Mr. Arguelles or have your employees supply him with all necessaTy data and details pertaining to th.e Army which he will require. . We need a more solid and clearer foundation for our studIes 00 be able to propose fruitful measures with positive res ults.

Yours sincerely, Ap. MABINI 112

MEMORANDUM TO THE SECRETARY OF FOMENTO

TRANSMITTING DECREE APPOINTING MARIANO TRIAS SPECIAL GOVERNMENT DELEGATE IN CAVITE

GOVERNMENT COUNCIL PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

His Excellency, the President of the Philippine Republic, on this day, the 7th of this month, issued the following decree: "In the exercise of the powers granted me, I hereby commission the Seeretary of Finance, Mr. Mariano Trias, as special delegate of the Government in the province of Cavite in order that he may be able to exercise both civil and military powers in that province. And if ever communications of the Government be interruplt~ with the provinces south of ~ani1a, he shall exercise full powers as superior civil and military Commander of the provinces in Southern Luzon that may remain uncom. municated. } This I send to you for your information and guidance.

May God be with you.

Mal.ol os, February 11, 1899.

ApOLIN ARIO MABINI

The Secretary of F ornento

113

LETTER TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDO

[1899?]

Honorable President: I called a meeting of the Council last night because, according to Arsenio, you would like to know the opini0'n of the Council on whether to seize Manila 0'r not, whatever the ou~ come. Because we are of the belief that the matter should be kept a secret closely guarded so that it would n0't l'each the ears of the enemy, we have decided to leave it into your hands and empower you to decide what to do. Nonetheless, I thought I might give you some pointers on the matter.

You are of course aware that Maypajo, Lorna, Deposito de Aguas, Santolan, Guadalupe, San Pedro Macati, and Pineda are in the hands of the Americans, who have a good hold on them and are therefore difficult to ta.ke back. We have been told that there is a secret path at Bitas we could use, but we should not depend so much on this because the Americans had already come to know of it and if they had not posted guards there they might use i as a trap.

I believe our soldiers will have a difficult time if we attack all these places simultaneously, pa.rticularly at Lorna, Deposito de Aguas, Guadalupe, and San Pedro Macati. Then, if we do not take them and our soldiers are scattered, we will have a hard time restoring the country's faith in us and that will mark the beginning of our weakness.

In my' opinion, we might succeed if you investigate and question all persons coming from Manila legarding the places he1d by the Americans, before deciding which is easiest to attack. Once you have picked the place least suspected to be attacked, prepare a division composed of well-chosen soldiers and send word among the Manila residents that once our soldiers have reached the suburbs they should simultaneously take action, too.

On the appointed night the division will penetrate the entrance and alound dawn will attack at all costs. In the meantime each general will study the American formation, take the'i r respective positi0'ns and decide in what manner the attack should be made. All these must be executed without being seen if possible.

The way must be made clear for those who will enter; and at the start of thel fighting in the suburbs the anned residents vf Manila will attack simultaneously the American positions.

114

LETTER TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDO

115

The soldiers must have ample provisions so that they will not be forced to retreat because of hunger. All the troops must be instructed that once they have taken a post they must proceed attacking the next post until they have entered the city. rf their advance is checked bjll heavy fire, they should endeavor to make proving attacks on other posts for the possibility of cleaving a wedge and effect a breakthrough; on the other hand it is not advisable to proceed the advance after a post has been taken if the soldiers will be caught in the crossfire of those who still cannot effect any advance.

The armed residents in Manila should not take action until the forces from any of the suburbs arrive, for many of them will only get killed if those with guns cannot come. If the latter cannot come, it will be difficult to take Manila.

It is necessary to get in touch not only with the army chiefs frcm Manila but also- with those from the nearby towns and suburbs to il orm them regarding the planned attack so that all can take simultaneous action during the appointed hour. It should not be as what had happened before when the enemy knew of the pans before the appointed hour arrived.

Likewise, the gen rals must eep their soldiers rea-dy to take action at any time; they need not reveal what is to be done unt.il the very last hour.

Through a small oversight, a fatal accident will follow; if the armed troops take action without ample strength to back them up, nothing will be accomplished; and if an attack is made unaided by the armed troops, the same thing will happen uecaus-e reinforcements from the other positions will not be able to come immediately since they can be far from Manila and occupied in keeping off the enemy.

The plans must be laid out in complete secrecy so that they will no.t be discovered before their execution. They should likewise be preC:ise in order that there would be no confusion among the different forces.

The ahove are simp'ly pointers. You may like and find anyone: of them useful, although I believe you have already thought of all those as you are the wiser about matters of war.

I am at your command,

Ap. MABIN!

LETTER TO AP ACIBLEl Malolos, February 16, 1899

MR.

GALICANO APACIBLE

Hongkong My dear Friend: What we wanted to avoid at all costs, cam~ after all. On the evening of the 4th, when we were feeling so carefree because the commissioners of General Otis had just formally assured ours in signed agreements, drawn during the conferences about which I have already informed you in previous letters, that the aggression will not start with them, the Americans unexpectedly attacked all our lines in the neighborhood of Manila.

Otis is making it known that the aggression came from us, but even the foreigners themselves do not believe it. All the 'details point out that the attack had been premeditated and prepaJI"ed on the part of the Americans. On the day before the above-cited date, several foreigners wanted to visit Otis and the latter did not like to receive visitors because he was in conferences; at six o'clock on the afternoon of the same day, the boat Laguna de Br.uy, which the Americans had covered with armor and mounted with cannon, had fired its boiler, and at eight o'clock that night, the Americans started the attack and said ship bombarded Santa Ana. Reinforcements from America arrived on the same day. There had been no extraordinalI'Y or sudden movement of American troops at the time of the clash, which showed that each one occupied the place previously designated. Besides, on that very night, General Ricarte, Commander of our forces around Manila, was here with General San Miguel, Commander of the regiment detailed in Mariquina and San Juan del Monte, called by the President for a conference, a fact which was known to Higgins himself.

Our soldiers. caught by surprise and without a commander to lead them, fought like brave men and they only gave up their posts when their munitions gave out and they were overcome

with exhaustion and hunger. Early during the cIa.sh, the Americans were able to cut the wire to Mariquina and communications were cut off. They, however, suffered heavy ca路 1 Similar letter was written on March 6, 1899 to the commissioner lnvestigating the causes of the outbreak of war, q. v .

116

LETT ER TO AP ACIBLE

117

sualties, among whom were two generals and several colonels.

It is said that the hospitals and various churches are full of

the weunded.

These are, more or less, well founded news.

The Americans committed many atrocities in Manila.

They set on fire a barrio of Paco and shot women and children who were coming down the houses. They also burned Santa Ana, and they aTe actually looting and robbing houses. in Manila and its suburbs, besides the other places that they were able to take. For a few days, they allowed families to' leave l\Ianila, but they robbed and pillaged all of those who were !eaving, not excluding the women. A woman who dared to resist an insult and slapped the soldier who tried to offend her was shot down. As a funny :r..ote, another woman, who was smart and l'ively, seeing what was being done to her companions, let go off h.er skirt all of a sudden, and the American was so taken aback that heJ did not even touch her.

Owing to the element of surprise, the Americans were able to advance up to Malibay, Pateros, Pasig, Marikina and Caloocan, plundering everywhere and burning many houses; but, as our soldiers are recovering from the sudden and unexpected attack and rallying, the latest news reflect much discouragement on the pa: 路t of the eneIfY' as every inch of terrain they gain, costs them considerable casualties. However, we do not know what 'w ill happen. Yesterday they aban~oned the town of Pasig, falling back to Santa Rosa, a place near Malapac1-na-bato. According to rumors, the German ship Irene is being cal efully watched by the Americans, who have unfounded suspicions that the ship has brought a cargo of arms.

About the ,1 the mistake comes from nonfulfillment of the contract signed here, the conditions of which, I belie\'e, have not been transmitted there by the President. The whole damage was caused by conditions 'which you an stipulated th.ere independently of the agreement entered into here. The man does not have in his possession any document with which he can harm us unless you have given him something over there.

SomE: members of Congress blame you and the others over thel'e fer many of the causes of our shortcomings in the war.

I know this is an injustice because they fail to take into consideration the obstacles you have to fight, and I made, this clear to them.

In that direction nothing can be done; and even if something could be found, it would not really be beneficial because it would not be like what \ve have here.

1

Word in code was omitted

118

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

February 23:

In these past few days, I sent, through different channels, t\vo copies of the previous letter, one addressed to' your place and the other to Remedios Terrace 7, foreseeing the possibility of loss through any cause. I sent said copies to' Manila through two persons who smuggled themselves into the city, as the vigilance .of the Americans is very strict. Until no\'\' , I do not know whether the copies weTe delivered or not.

We have just received flattering news from the frontlines.

It is said that our forces in the North are besieging .the Americans in Caloocan and La Lorna, and that the more advanced J.egiments have taken possession of the Meisic Barracks. Our forces of the East and South, after recovering Marikina, Santolan, San Francisco del Monte, San Pedro Makati, Mandaluyong and Santa Ana, are now fighting for Sampaloc and San Sebastian. Brigadier-Gener'a ls Pantaleon Garcia, LlGmera, Glicerio Geronimo (alias Serio) and Pio del Pilar, are directing the operations under the orders of the Commander-in-Chief, General Antonio Luna. The President went this afternoon near the front lines. F om the belfry of Bulacan, two white flags can be seen hoisted 'w ithin the radius of Manila. We have not yet J. eceived official communiques but only the news transmitted by telegraph officials in the campaign stations near the front lines and the neWs brought by persons coming from those places.

Feb'ruar1l 26 The information I have stated in the previous paragraph proved to be false. Up to now. nothing has been regained except part of San Pedro Makati, the Water Reservoir being in Santolan. A fraction of OUT forces North of Manila succeeded in effect to push through to Manila, reaching Trozo; but they could not hold the place and theY) had to fall back towards Tinajeros.

We have rumors here that in the BisayJaS the Americans have also succeeded in occupying the forts of Iloilo, Molo, and J aro, after these were burned down. We als()l hea.r news to the effect that the foreigners are filing many claims, because the fort was bombarded before the expiration of the period announced for the purpose.

The news is also going around that the Cantonal Governmenl of Negros wanted to enter into an agreement with the Americans, some members of said Government having come to Manila in American transports to confer with General Otis.

V\'e do not know the conditions of the settlement because the people of Negros have not communic:ated with us until now.

119

LETTER TO APA-CIBLE

We only know, through more or less reJiable news, that the capital of said island has been occupied by the American armies without any previous fighting.

We are in complete ignorance as rega,r ds Mindanao in the same way that we know nothing of the fate that may have befallen 011 our diplomatic agents in America.

We do not know whether the news that American commissioners are coming from America on or before the 28th, instant, is true. We are determined not to accept armistice if the Americans do not acknowledge beforehand the independence and integrity of all the Philippine Islands in the form and conditions that sha.ll be fixed during the period of the armistice.

If the friction, that we hear between the Americans and the Germans is true, we would have greater facilities to obtain what arms we need, '(lith the advantage that they will give us only the additional, because we have the bulk already finished in the facto,r ies over there. Let us communicate with Blumentritt, who is well-known to be our friend and very honest at that.

Keep yourselves 'n good heal h and try to find a way to send us news from a ,road and about our POOl' commissioners in AmeTica.

Affectionately yours,

AP. MABINI

MEMORANDUM TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDO

Malolos, February 22, 1899 Honorable President: I am sending you the telegram of the Captain who led the companY that went to Baler. I attached to one corner of the telegram the draft of my answer, with the lmowledge of the

Secretary of War. I would like you to lmow also that yesterday I received a bill of lading for you certifying that the Chief in Dagupan had sent here a quantity of p.oto seDo.l I forwa;rded the bill to the military administrator but he has not sent word whether he has got it [the poto-seDo] from the train.

Commaild your faithful servant,

Ap. MABINI

P.S. Paterno came last night informing us that they have closed Congress and have named a Permanent Commission, of which he is a member.

He desires to be named President of the Supreme Court; for this reason I did not allow them to continue the session, basing my r'i ght to do so upon the ample powers given me by the Constitution. They may be convened again if you wish to call another session. It is' up to you to name the candidate for the post. The Constitution requires that the session must be convened before April 15.

MABINI

1

Dry rice-cakes.

120

LETTER TO DON ARCADIO

February 23, 1899

My dear DOll Arcadio: I am returning to you the inquiry made by the provincial chief of Camarines, as I think there is no more need to submit it to the Council, since the difficulty has been resolved by the Decree of October 17, last.

According to Article 4, paragraph 2, of the above-cited Decree, the Military Commanders. for wa.nt of delegates, will )'egulate and collect the duties in the ports; and as the Decree of Novl~mber 15 provides that the goods that may be transported by water, truck 0)" other land routes are exempted from duties, the collection at the ports have been reduced.

Now, then, if in Camarines there are delegates from the Navy, these will b the ones to collect. If there are none, it is dea,r , of course, that the l\1ilitary Commanders shall do the collection, under the irection and supervision of the Navy or of the Department of War. J This inquiry has Piut in evide;r.ce an omission of the Department of the Treasm:y, which did not have the above-cited decrees published in the official journal and transmitted to the provinces, giving ground, perhaps, to illegal exactions and other abusive practices on the part of the authorities against poor residents. May I hope that during your incumbency you shall do your best so that irregularities of such magnitude COllcerning matters of great t ra.nscendency shall not happen.

It is necessary that from the 1st of next month the Budget Law shall be implemented. 1 It should not wait for the 30 days that the Constitution points out, S1l1ce it has been voted upon before the Constitution became in fOl'ce. If we wait for 30 days, we shall have to divide months into fracti ons, which will 'Only l"eSlllt in confusion in accounting work. It is also necessary that the duties on exports should be regulated in accordance with the Budget.

The Budget Law was approved by Congress and promulgated by a As a consequence of abnormal tImes the country was undergoing, so many sources of revenue had to be suppressed, either because some of said sources were within the control of the enemy, or they were not in accordance with the ideals of the RevoIt.I tion . Other saurces, ho",(ever, were created: like duties on transportat~on and export, war contrIbutions, and revenues coming frGm the properties of religious organizations, - T.M.K. 1

~residential decree on February 19, 1899,

121

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THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

If you h.ave not as yet ordered the Budget Law printed, it is highly advisable that you suspend the inclusion of counsel. lors in it. You can say that, in the provinces, the administra路 tG TS will take charge of the economic matters. If no adminis路 trators have been appointed yet, we ca.n publish a decree in which the Counsellors of Revenue may act provisionally as administrators, and certain counsellors may be named as supervisors. It is necessary that the text of the Budget Law should have permanence even if reforms are ma,de afterwards.

In this way we cannot be censured for having violated the Constitution.

Mfectionately yours, Ap. MABIN!

LETTER TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDO

J

[Undated]

Sefior Presidente: I conferred with the Commission from the Bisayas and it agrees to the instructions given to Mr. Ner; but it wants to change the title "Defense Board" to "Regional Council" or "Regional Delegation of the Bisayas." Another thing it wants is that the delegates appointed to the Council should be elected by each provincial council together with the military chief.

These are the changes it demands. I have not taken action on them yet because Mr. Ner has the original and I might not be able to change it. Besides I am afraid once the members have gone home, they might request for more changes. I told them to make a final decision and if their new demands are not significant, to give them up.

I would like to know if I shall let N er continue with his projected trip to the Bisayas and order back there also the of路 ficial from Kawit sent here by Diokno. I must know right awa,y so that I can send them a telegram and give them money for their expenses because the boat leaVing for the Visayas will lift anchor tomorrow.

LETTER TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDO

123

I will send you a copy! of the letter I gave Diolrno wherein I stated that he reveal to It.he people there that he is willing to help them in ...11 their undertakings. I also revealed to him the decisions made here so that there will be no misunderstandings.

I am at your conunand.

AP. MABIN I

LETTER TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDO

February 26, 1899 Mr. President:

J

Mr. Velez talked. with me about a certain disagreement between the provincial chief and th.e military chief in Cagayan.

It seems, that the provincial chief will resign; and it will not be long before the same thing will take place in other provinces, because of the fact that the local presidents cannot comply with the impositions of the military chiefs.

You certainly remembel' that I made you sign a decree giving the general command to the military chiefs. When Congress had learned of it, it said that the decree could not be passed and rejected it. I dare not insist against the opposition of Congress, because I understand that, on the one hand, ~; ou have to decide that all the command be given to the military chiefs of the province, and on the other, you will have to confirm the resolutions of th.e councils recommending the transfer of the military chiefs, not only when they commit abuses but alsv ''''hen they lose the confidence of the people.

In these critical times we shall accomplish nothing if the people do not help us.

Command me, AP. MABIN!

LETTER TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDO

February 27 [1899] The second letter for Hongkong is written in Spanish. I made the orders in Tagalog; and the names of the things th.at we asked for, like arms, bullets, wires, saltpetre, gunpowder and paper, I wrote in code.

After relating everything, I told them to look for the things in Germany, since those frem the other places are difficult now to be sent here, and because the a.mmunition of It he firearms we use is found in Germany. I also told them that if they could not send us arms, they should, at least, send us cartridges for Mauser and Remington; even empty ones, provided they will send us gunpowder or saltpetre. If there are no cartridges, a machine "with which to make them will do. also said that they should invite foreign firms to make direct trips to our ports, free of duties'. For lack of another kind of currency, we shall accept Mexican money.

I

Concerning the people of N egros, I told Torres that alt.hough they entered into un agreement with the Americans without notifying us, he should warn them that, if they allow themselves to be fooled by the Americans, they will not be at peace because, later on, their own countrymen will be the ones to kill them and to destroy the very investments that they are now trying to save. When the Americans will start to commit abuses ( I did not say this in the letter) the poor will rise up in arms; since by then they shall have realized that neither do the people in the other islands have chosen submission.

I was not able to show you the letters because, having been delayed by numerous callers and by Dr. Calvo, who was waiting- to take them along this very morning, I had finished them only yesterday about the hour of the Angelus.

T a.lso told our men in Hongkong that should they fail to contact an agent in Germany, and not one of them will be able to go there, they should write to Blumentritt, who is an honest man and, being from that place, cannot be cheated.

AP. MABINI

124

A

TOTE TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDO

February 27 [1 899] Messrs. Ner and Calvo took their leave last night. I gave th.em a letter addressed to Don Florentino Lopez and another to be delivered in Hongkong.

I told in the letter to Don Florentino that there is no answer from you and the Council regarding the conditions set down by General Rios. But I added that my particular opinion is that we should not have talks concerning the propositions except with legal representatives of the American or Spanish Government. I told him this, first, because I suspect that Otis must have full knowledge of those propositions inasmuch as he was the one who gave out for our consideration those that were intended for N er and his companion; and, secondly, because it is shameful that we should be regarded as barbarians. I also. said that until there can be understanding with the Americans, we.. have suspended the effects of the Decree of January' 23rd concerning the freedom of the prisoners.!

It is being said ili'tt you asked [)on Arsenio to tell me that I should tell Ner to in~onn the A~el'icans, as his own private opinion, that we did not consider th'e offer because it was very 1 The much-debated question of the Spanish prisoners came up anew, this time with more extensive documentary evidence. Mabini, firm in his already known deCision, adduced new arguments t hat strengthened the stand taken by the Philippine Government. The representatives of the foreign trade in Manila, on the ot her hand, taking an interest in the prisoners, sent the following petition to the Philippine Government:

"We, foreigners from different nationalities, who, for three quarters of a century now, have maintained friendly trade relations with the Filipino people, unite today to address you in behalf of the Spanish prisoners, and we do this with the approval of the American authorities.

"Although we have no official authority, we believe, nevertheless, that we have the moral backing of the different nations to which we, respectively, belong, and without the least doubt we can assure you that Europe and the whole world are on our side.

"Our absolute impartiality in the past struggle, our actual disand the unanimity of our sentiments are unequivocal proofs that we are right in the judgment that we have formed concerning this question and, we hope that, because of this, our opinion will carry some weight with you and with the Filipino people. inter~stedness,

"With the Filipino people, the idea will certainly prevail that individual freedom is the highest gift a man can have and that, if war could deprive him of it, he could surely recover it as a birthright as soon as the war is definitely ended. We are all fully convinced that, jn our respective nations, prisoners will not be retained under

125

126

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABIN I

insignificant. I believe even if ~t would be said that this was Ner's private opinion, it would always be believed that it came from us, and that out of shame we did not dare express it. For this reason, I do not like that this suggestion should come from me because I would not like to give the impression that we are retaining the prisoners to be able to negotiate with the Amrricans.

Ap. MABINI

similar circumstances; and inasmuch as we live among these people, we would like this conviction to remain in our minds.

"Should you listen to this unanimous and deeply felt expression of sentiment from the different representatives of civilized countries who sign this document which will soon be echoed, perhaps, by one and by the other hemispheres, you shall have gained the best applause and the htighest glony for your name and for the Filipino people."

LETTER TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDO Malolos, February 28, 1899 Mr. President: I received news th.at Luna is going to resign as Director anJd Commander-in-Chief of Operations in Manila because the company captains who h.ad disobeyed his instructions in the last .attack on Manila went unpunished.

We already see the disastrous effects of weakness. Not only the army but also the people notice this. And for the same reason that there is the belief that we do not punish the guilty, some soldiers might say that here it is nothing to disobey a general, while in other places such a thing is punished with death by musketry. If you will punish the companies that "viII disobey in the future. the people will say that you punish them because the soldiers are not from Kawit. At this rate, our soldiers vv;ill never lmow what discipline is.

Because you did not mete out punishment at the proper time to the soldiers of R- who committed abuses in Malabon, similar abuses were committed in Polo; and because of this the local president of Polo, ' is now her e accompanied by two persons with mangled bodies, one of whom is the chief of barrio Maisan himself, who was the victim of looting by seventy soldiers of P. These soldiers arre,sted all the men of the place, l::eating them with the butt of their guns.

If the townspeople do no~ help us, we cannot accomplish anything except being beaten by our enemies. Our soldiers will be weak if the people will not help them with food and other thi.ngs they need.

God has given you the prestige that you enjoy so that you can use it to give peace and order to your people, and this cannot be accomplished if the abuses .are not stopped. Without peace and ollder, you will 1008 the prestige you have won, because it will come to be known that we do not know how to govern.

In these calamitous times, we need military dictatorship, not to control the townspeople, but, above all, to suppress the abuses of the army, and nobody can do this but you, the Chief.

If we have the people 路o n our side, we can be sure that we shall triumph, if not today, tomorrow, or the day after. If we do not have the people with us, we shall perish. If the 127

128

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

Americans pose serious dangers for us, our own countrymen weuld pose for us greater ones as a result of the abuses. tha.t can be committed against them, abuses that are eften the cause of revolutions.

Command your old servant, Ap. MABINI

MEMORANDUM TO THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR

TRANSMITTING DECREE ON MILITARY SUPPORT OF PROVINCIAL AND LOCAL PRESIDENTS

}

[March 1, 1899J

GOVERNMENT COUNCIL PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

His Excellency, the President of the Philippines, has issued the follovving decree: "Having resolved the protlems of all provincial authorities and all doubts raised b~ the circular of last February 4, with the approval of the Council of Secretaries, I decree the following: " 1. The circular expedited en the night of last February 4th, which states that all local presidents must be under the order of the Superior Military Cemmander of the province, does not empower him to exercise civil authority but solely to request from the people the cooperation and help required by such military measures as are needed under certain circumstances f0'r the preservation and defense of the province.

"All Superior CommandeTs shall solicit help stating the cause and justification of his proposed action and shall not receive any h elp without the proper acknowledgment.

"2. If any local president denies any help asked by the Superior Military Commander, the latter has the right to inform the president of the prevince, who will order immediate

MEMORANDUM TO THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR 129

action on the help needed and enlist, at the same time, the cooperation of other local presidents.

"3. The provincial presidents, after proper briefing of the situation by the Superior Commanders, shall adopt all necessary measures so that in case of an invasion of the province they can immediately extend enough support to take the place of the forces of a.bove-stated Commanders when necessary.

"When the enemy threatens any part of the province, the Supreme Military Commander shall employ a.ll police forces and national militia; and local presidents, who are immediate chiefs of these forces, shall enforce his orders.

"4. vVhen Superior Commanders need men for the regular forces, he shall ask them from provincial presidents, who will immediately order that ea.ch town shall apportion by lot or by election in a popular meeting the number of men to he made available in accordance with the size of the population.

"5. The provincial and popular chiefs ,vho do not cooperate with the Su eriol' Mil\tary Commanders without any justification shaH be relieved by t 1e President of the Republic with the approval of the Council of Secretaries, without prejudice t.o the criminal responsibili y which 'would have arisen through their negligence.

"6. Be it announced and published; and made 1010\\,11 to the Permanent Commission of the Assembly. "rssued in Malolos, this 1st day" of March, 189D.

"E. AGUINALDO

"By the Council: "MABINI"

I'm forwarding it to you for dishibution to a.ll Provincial Chiefs.

May God keep you always in good health.

Malolos, March 1st. 1899.

APOLINARIO MABIN I

LETTER TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDO

Maloios, March 2, 1899 Mr. President: It is rumored that you have not signed the decree which I sent you because you were infO'rmed that the ConstitutiO'n had not yet been promulgated.

I know you had signed the decree or. law on February 19th, wher eas the Constitution was. in effect on February 22nd; that is why the decree cannot be subj ect to' the Constitution.

MoreDver, the decree 'i s necessary so as to establish the date the Budget Law shall come intO' effect. It directs that the Budget Law shall be enforced on the 1st of this month in the Government and on the 1st of April in the provinces. It compels the Secretary of the Treasury to send copies to all the Departments and to' PrDvincial Governments sO' that they will know what to do.

lt is necessary that the Budget Law start always on the ] st of the month to avoid confusion in accounting.

If you have not signed the Decree, I dO' not know when we can make the Department Df the Treasury start to' function.

And it is understO'od that when there is a violation of the ConstitutiDn we are the ones held responsible.

Command me.

AP. MABINI

P.S. Besides, there is not enDugh paper for the publication of the Budget Law in the Herald because Df. its length.

Same

130

LETTER TO COMl\IISSIO~ER INQUIRING IKTO CA PSES OF O"CTBREAK OF WAR Malolos, March 6, 1899 My dear Sir: In answer to your prayerful letter of last February 7, I ought to tell you the following: As regards the urgent firs t case, our I'elations with the U.S. forces of occupation in Manila before the outbreak of the 4th could not be more cordial and friendly. The Government, trustful of the promises of the Commissioners of General Otis, who, in the last meeting with those of General Emilio Aguinaldo, assured the latter that they were convinced that the use of force would not make them come to any telms and tha.t there would never be any provocation from them, bied to presel"Ve and crystallize more and more the harmony and understanding that had existed. vVith regards to the second ca e, the Government was so unaware of the outbreak on the 4t that the President of the Republic did not hesitate to call fair a conference for said date General Artemio Ricarte, Commandant of the second zone and Chief of Staff of all forces ga,r risoning around Manila; and Colonel San Miguel, military' chief of the garrisons in Marikina and San Juan del Monte, wh.ich comprise the third zone, As everyone knows, said chiefs had to leave Malolos hurriedly when the news of the unexpected attack of the Americans was 1'ec.ei ved the.re.

With regards to the third case, I can say that the Council has learned from trustworthy sources tha.t the U.S. forces nearest Blockhouse No.7, near San Juan del Monte, fired on the night of the 4th on our forces that guarded said blockhouse; and as our forces fired back against this unexpected attack, the exchange of shots started and extended throughout the lines of the zone. Hours before the outbreak, the boiler of the steamer Laguna de B(JJY, lighted up while at anchor on the Pasig; and armed and manned by the Americans like a floating fortress, from the beginning it bombarded the town of Sta. Ana. Finally, at the outbreak, no extraordinary and sudden movement of troops was observed in Manila. All these make us believe that the provocation not only was started by the Americans, but had been premeditated and prepared by them.

131

132

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

This is all that I can inform you for purposes of your hanOI'able Commission.

Ap. MABINI To the Commissioner Undertaking an Inquiry Into the Causes of the Outbreak of Hostilities Between the American and Filipino Forces.

LETTER TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDO March 6,

189~

Mr. President: Many complaints have been directed to us here against the abuses committed by General Luna. People say that he published an edict few days ago threatening to shoot without process of law those who would violate his orders. In Bocaue, he ordered a Chinese shot without due process of law; and published his edict even in the Pf[lOvince of Pampanga.

Soldiers usually shoot people summarily, it is true. But only in barbaric countries, not in civilized ones, do military chiefs order such a thing by means of an edict. Besides, Luna has jurisdiction only in Polo, where his headquarters stands, and in the towns comprising the Manila zone.

I find it strange that Luna does not understand this. He cannot be giving orders in Bulacan and Pampanga except through the military chiefs of these provinces.

While he is acting as Chief of Operations, he stops being the Dir'e ctor of War, and even if he does not he can only have powers within the office and, at most, only when he takes the place of the Secretary of War in the absence of the latter.

If an educated person cannot understand what powers he has, how much less an ignorant one?

Please make him understand these things so that we shall have no conflicts.

Command me.

P.S.

AP. MABINI

If you can put another in his place, it would be much better.

Same

MEMORANDUM TO THE SECRETARY OF FINANCE

TRANSMITTING DECREE ON PENSIONS

The National Assembly has decreed and sanctioned the law which runs as follows: "Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy, President of the Philippine Republic. tlBe it lmown to all Filipino citizens that the National Assembly, in the exercise of its powers, has decreed and sanctioned the following: "ART. 1. Legitimate children, under 18 years, of all those \vhe die in battle, whether they belong or not to the Regular Force of the Republic, shall have the right to receive a monthly pension sufficient for their maintenance and education until they rea.ch 18 years. This law does not apply to children whose parents pOE:.sess sufficient income for the maintenance and education of sa!I?-e.

"ART. 2. All w,idows of tho e who are killed in battle, being poor, shall hav equally the right to monthly pensions sufficient for their support for t 0 years from the death of their husbands. If the widow remarries, she shall lose this right.

"ART. 3. The mon thly pensions shall not be lower than the following: rIO for children less than 9 years old PI5 for children over 9 years old

I of

P 7 for children less than 9 years old PIO for children over 9 years old

l

r 5 for children below 9 years old P 7 for children over 9 year old

lof the rest

i

I

Gâ&#x201A;Źnerals

of Chiefs and Officers

1

"ART. 4. The amount for monthly pensions of widows will be the same as those assigned to all children over 9 years . old of the deceased.

"ART. 5. The children of one parent, irrespective of their number, shall not receive any pension greater than those given to ciulc1ren over 9 years old.

"ART. 6. In the case of those who die in battle without leaving legitimat.e children nor widows but only an old father and mother "Ivho 2..re unable to work, these will receive the same pension as that received by widows.

133

134

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

" ART, 7. Those who are physically disabled in balttle shall receive monthly pensions in the following order: Lieutenant General

...... P55.00

Captain

........ . . . . . .... 1'25.00

Major General ........... .PSO.OO

1st Lieutenant ....... . .. . 1'20.00

Brigadier General ....... . 1'45.00

2nd Lieutenant .. . . . ...... 1'15.00

Colonel .................. NO.OO

Sergeant

P 9.00

Lieutenant Colonel .. . . . .. P35.00

Corporal

I' 8.00

Major . . ... . .... . ...... . . P30.OO

Others

.... . .. .. . . . .. ... . I' 7.00

" ART. 9. * The government reserves the right to issue rules and regulations for the prompt implementation of this law.

" I command, therefore, all authorities, both civil and military and of any class and rank, to uphold and to keep, to comply and execute this decree in all its parts, as it expresses the sovereign will 0 the Filipino people.

"Given in Malolos, March 6, 1899.

" EMILIO AGUINALDO

" President of the Council: "ApOLINARIO MABINI"

I have the honor to transmit this to you for compliance.

May God always be with you.

Malolos, March 7, 1899.

ApOLIN ARlO MABIN I

*

Manuscript available does not have Article 8 . -

Ed.

LETTER TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDO

Malolos, March 7, 1899

Mr. President: Do not offer Luna the undersecretaryship of war, which was formerly the directorship, because we need for that post someone who undeTstands office work, the organization of the army, and the laws governing war. He might tangle up the organization, which will be worse.

If he insist on retiring to his hometown, dO' not mention to him the undersecretaryship of war, and feign to be ignorant of the matter.

If he is not good for the army, the less he will, be for the office, because he is a despot.

This is a sor of warning. I have already given you to understand long ago that he does not know the organization and the function of a war office.

He is a chemist and knows something about trenches, but he will not do for politics and law.

Command me.

Ap. MABINI

135

LETTER TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDO

March 7, 1899

Mr. President: I suppose Mr. Velez showed you last night the letter of Arquiza frem Laguna. I also received the letter of a lawyer from Pateros, who now lives in Santa Cruz, which says the same thing. It seems that the provincial chief cannot decide anything in view of the fact that Mr ~ Benitez, as a representative, is untouchable. ;M"y office companion received also a letter from Don Vicente Reyes, who, although he says nothing on the particular subject, relates that, according to persons who had nevvs from reliable sources, the Americans are going to bombard Dagupan and land there. Because of this, the launches that were ordered from Hongkong are coming over and proceeding to Laguna.

After Da.gupan is taken, the American forces in Manila and those in Pangasinan will have us cornered. The launches will bombard the coastal towns of Laguna.

This is the news going around over there. Even if the names of the persons who heard it from reliable sources are not mentioned, we can readily see that there is truth in it from the other letters received from the same place.

I believe we should not consent to the landing of the Americans in Santo Tomas, La Union. The military chiefs of Pangasinan and La Union shall oppose this firmly. Should the Americans succeed in taking positions in that place, Dagupan will be attacked by their forces from land and sea.

I am sending you the telegram I received from Luna as well as the draft of my answer. It is up to you to decide on his irrevocable resignation. I sent to the Department of War a General Order to be given to you. In this order, the attributes and jurisdiction of a Commander-in-Chief of Oper ations in the neighborhood of Manila are stated.

Inasmu~h as the resignation of Luna is irrevocable, you should appomt another and you should give the direction of the defellEâ&#x201A;Ź .work in this part of Polo to Don Ambrosio, he being your ChIef of Staff, so that there will be no friction and trouble afterwards.

136

137

LETTER TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDO

I have written below the draft of the acceptance of Luna's resignation, just in case you decide to accept said resignation and you have no answer in readiness. I leave everyth ing in your hands; command your servant,

Ap. MABINI

P.S. Concerning Mr. Benitez, I think we have to instruct the provincial chief to send him here accompanied by a trusted person. And would heaven th ::l t he would learn hi s lesson from this as the roads are very bad!

Same [DR FT OF A NS WER TO LUNA]

Having read yOUl irrevocable) resignation from your present position, I find myself constrained to accept it ,,-ith deep regret, because I am conscious of your merits and the great services you have rendered t o the counb'~- , ser vi ces t hat I shall never forget. By virtue thereof, kindly relinqui sh the command to General In th.anking yo u in t he name of the country for your services, I beg of you to count always on my sincere friendship.

NOTE TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDO

[Undated] 1

Yesteroay I sent telegrams to the municipal and military chiefs of the coastal provinces so that they can admit foreign merchant ships which might want to take loads of merchandise, but with a warning that they have to exercise ,great caution as the ships may be working under cover for the enemy so that they will not be detected. I told them also not to charge in exc.ess of the 10 per cent as agreed upon in the Budget Law and that goods coming from abroad are duty-free. r also said that we can accept Mexican coins should the merchants wish to pa,y in this kind of money for the goods they will take.

My aim is to encourage the ships to bring us rice and other prime necessities, and, at the same time, ,a fford our men to order armS' in secret.

) 1

Confidential note written by Mabini on March 12.

138

A. 1\1.

LETTER TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDO

[Undated]

Mr. President: The Municipal President of Pulilan was suspended from Dffice because of the denuI'.ciations Df his nephew.

I have reports that said Presiden t and his nephew are con::>idered respectable in Pulilan and can ve ry well lead the people.

The ro{)t of these troubles is that the nephew, who has led our forces in Pulilan from the very beginning of the war, was not chosen Captain, but only Lieutenant; and the one elected Captain was the son of the President.

Because of ,t hese troubles there is no chief in the town at present, and it is said that the cab ezas de. bamngay are in hiding.

In my opinion, this mattei' should be settled. The uncle should be retained in his position and the nephew should be made captain, since oth have rendered great services to' the cDuntry'. The son is illing to' r e ign, if necessary.

This case is getting wo::se. The nephew is soliciting th.e help of Don Amb.rosio Rianzares and Don Bartolome Revilla, brother-in-law of Don Ambrosio, to handle the case. This matter should be settled so that it would not lead to greater evils.

Please call the attention of Don Leandro.

I wish to inform you that I have already made arrangefor the trip on Monday morning. Your old servant awaits your orders. m~nts

AP. MABINI

139

LETTER TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDO

Malolos, March 12 [1899] The Secretary of War showed me a letter from Mr. Flores in which the latter agrees with Arguelles not to bombard Manila. at present, first, because the foreigners may intervene; secondly. because the same foreigners might say that our only object is to destroy, and, besides, our own countrymen may become disgusted. In my opinion, the only obstacle is the lack of munitions. As soon as we attack, the Americans will perforce, return the bombardment and, according to the Secretary of War, we shall rUll( out of ca.rtridges. The latter says that the danger .of the attack lies in the third zone because we have only about 600 men there without sufficient munitions. If the AmericaJ1S take N ovaliches, our forces in Polo will be besieged, and our lines of defense will be rendered useless.

Because of this, I believe it convenient that Captain Jose should gather his men. Let us give him back his three companies, two of which are now in Bulacan and another in lVIeyca.uayan. He says that they are hils former men with their old arms, and that they continue in the service only because of loyalty to him. If Captain Jose would be able to gather his men, we would be a little stronger along San Jose and Santa Maria beca.use they could immediately help the third zone as sO'on as the Americans would attack that place.

EncIos,ed is a telegram advising that the Americans will land in IIocos and Pangasinan.

AP. MABINI

140

A NOTE TO AGUINALDO ON THE AUDIENCIA

[Undatzd] 1

Enclosed is a copy of the minutes of the Council of Government on the 10th. If you have not yet answered the t elegram of General Malval' r egarding the prisoners, please let me know. I shall answer him in accordance with the minutes, if you agree.

In the meeting of the Council of Government last Saturday, we agreed with the Permanent Commission of Congress to establish the Audiencia in the capital of the Gov'ernment. The Audiencia, in turn, will establish the courts in the provinces and municipalities of the whole of Luzon in the meantime that the Supreme Court has not been constituted. The need for the Audiencia is great because the cases are piling up for lack of judges to try them.

We have carefully considered the lawye'f's who will compose the Aucliencia, They are: President Of the AudJenclito ........... ) .... Don Leandro Ibarra • Don Juan Arceo Chiefs of COurt .........................

'Don Aguedo Velarde Don Don Magistrates ................. .. ............ Don Don

Pablo Tecson Mariano Crisostomo Cecilio Hilario Anastacio Pinzon

Delegate-FIscal ... . ........................ Don Francisco Icasiano DCIll Juan Tongco Attorney-Flscalll ···························0on C ayo Alz ona Secretary of Government .................. DCIll Simplicio del Rosario Don Isidro Paredes Clerks of Court .......................... 'Don Ramon Salinas

If you appTove of these persons, I shall prepare the decree.

[Unsigned]

1 March 12 [1899] according to T. M. Kalaw.

Manila, 1930, p. 173.

141

See Cartas pOllticas.

MEMORANDUM TO THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR

TRANSMITTING ORDER ON ADMISSION OF FOREIGN VESSELS

GOVERNMENT COUNCIL PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

This presidency issued yesterday the following telegram to all provincial chiefs and superior Military Commanders of all provinces in Luzon: "FoTeign business vessels can be admitted to be able to export products; but all precautions should be taken to avoid deceit and surprises. They need not pay custom duties, but only 10/'0 of the value of merchandise as duty. Inform said vessels that they can bring articles that we need in exchange with our ploducts without paying 2,ny tax whatsoever. Vie can accept Mexican mo ey, for payment of articles that will be exported."

I am sending you this information so that your department will not take measures and actions that can go against the compliallce of this order.

May God always be with you.

Malolos, March 13, 1899.

ApOLIN ARlO MABIN I

To the Secretary of the Interior

142

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL TIRONA

[March 14, 1899]

To GENERAL TIRONA Laoag According to the Budget Law, which will take effect in all provinces beginning next April, commerce, exportation, and coastal trade via sea routes will pay 10%. Imports will not be taxable. This measure in accord with present circumstances and state of war.

Communications with Manila difficult and telegrams haTdly arrive there.

) LETTER TID DON ARCADIO MAXILOM

March 14, 1899 .My dear Don Arcadio: Make sure that the mil~tary ::md provincial chiefs get copies of the Budget Law before April 1st as it is impo-rtant that they know fully its contents for compliance.

Truly yours,

ApOLINARIO MABINI

143

MEMORANDUM TO AGUINALDO Malolos, March 14, 1899 1\11'. President: I am sending you the answer of Don Leandro Ibarra to my question as to whether he would accept the position of President of the Audiencia. \Ve can proceed with his election; and while he is not yet completely well, a Chief of Court can act in hjs place.

We can also elect another; and if such should be your wish, please let me know whom you prefer. 1 Command me.

AP. MABINl

NOTE TO TIlE SECRETARY OF WAR [?]

March 17, 1899 The bearer, Mr. La h on:, , is an old office companion who wishes to have a pass to be able to proceed to Batangas and be reunited with his family.

I am requesting the Secretary of War to please give him a pass as long as here are no objections whatsoever.

Sincerely, ApOLINARIO MABINI

~ In August, 1899, when Mabin! had already left the government, he was elected President of the Supreme Court. His political enemies protested, alleging physical disability. Mabini publicly stated that he would accept his election as long as he would be allowed to reorganize the administration of justice; otherwise, he would prefer to reject it. After Aguinaldo sought the opinion of his cabinet, he disapproved the election,

-T,M.K

144

MEMORANDUM TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR GoVERNMENT COUNCIL PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

In answer to your letter regarding the request of the Directol' of Artillery that he be given for his position a pay corresponding to that of a General of Brigade and considering tha.t in the decree that has been issued on the creation of offices no special pay is assigned to Directors other than the amounts equivalent to the ranks they hold, I'm leaving it to you to determine the need for this extraordinary expense, You may take it up in tr.e next session of the Council for whatever the Council believes to be fair and just.

M~y God always be with you, Malolos, Mc,1'ch 17, 1899.

ApOLIN ARlO MABINI

J MEMORANDUM TO THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR GOVERNMENT COUNCIL PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

I ha,ve the pleasure to send you the enclosed note about the special po,w ers of that Department so that you may examine it closely and in the next session, make the Council tako note of the observations tha.t your study may have suggested to you, May God keep you for many years, Malolos, March 17, 1899, ApOLINARIO MABINI

The Honorable The Secretary of the Interior [ENCLOSURE]

145

146

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

SPECIAL POWERS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

ARTICLE--. The following are the powers of this Departtment: 1st. To appoint all the personnel needed for this Department; to organize it; to fix the particular faculties and duties of the personnel.

2nd. To prepare annually the budget for the salaries of the personnel and the overhead expenses of this Department and send it to the Depar'tment of Finance.

3rcl. To proceed Ito the politico-territorial division of the Republic. crc~.te new province:::; and towns, increase their superficial extension; to diminish them or to suppress them; and to order the formation of the gerleral map of the Philippine territory and the par ticula,r map of each province or town.

4th. To appoint the provincial and local or popular pres'idents; to point out expressly their powers and! their duties, and to provide for their interpretc;ttion.

5th. To decide definitely any questions of competence, positive or negative, that may crop up among the presidents of several provinces or towns relative to cases of public administration.

6th. To have a direct understanding with the provincial deputations and members of the municipa,l governments of the Republic in the follow up of cases of particular concern to the above-mentioned corporate entities.

7th. To decide definiltely, without further appeal, questions of competence that may come up between provincial deputations. and members of municipal governments, or questions between one and the other regarding matters proper of said corporations.

8th. To examine or 'look into provincial budgets and make pertinent observations.

9th. To decide, as a last recourse, the questions that the municipal governments raise against the agreements among governors of their 1 especti ve provinces, or those of the provincial presidents with respect to the municipal or local budgets.

10th. To intervene in the elections of the representatives of the nation, of the provincial representatives and of the municipal councilors. wilth the sole aim of protecting suffrage and enforcing the electoral laws.

:\lE:\JORANDU:\l TO THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR 147

11th. To talce the town ce:1.SUS in t!le whole Philippine territory, and to order tho opening and the fu nctioning of a con\'enient civil ;'egistry in each town of the Republic.

12th. To attend to sanitation within and outside the State; to organize in his Department the administration of terrestrial and maritime sanitation, providing it with all the necessary personnel and equipment; to issue the convenient permits for the practice of the medical and pharmaceutica.1 professions with.in the Philippine territol y ; to attend to all matters concerning public health, such as th.ose referring to s.ewerage, cemeteries, places and buildings where people usually gather, lazarettos, vaccination, navigation warrants, sanitary cordons and mineral baths.

13th. To preserve public order throughout the Republic; to create, for this purpose, in this Department an administrative or a vigilance and public: security. board of policemen, providing it with the necessa1y perscnnel and equipment; to issue the necessary. permits for the legal use of m'ms; and to learn about all matters anq. affairs. that may h ave to do with the vigilance over and the security of the life, liber\ty and property of the residents in the territory of the Republic.

14th. To create a d to establish jails, penitentiaries a.nd reformatories, and ,to issue convenient rules for the management of such establishments.

15th. To look after the public welfare and prosperity which usually goes hand in hand with sanitation; to create and establish hospitals, hospices, houses for the destitute, emergency hospitals, maternity wards, asylums for the insane, pensions for widows and orphans, savings banks, pawllshops, providing such e'3 tablishments with regulations for their operation; and to attend to all matters related to the above-mentioned establishments and beneficent undertakings.

16th. To prescribe the suitable regulations for the preservation of good order in public games and recreations; and to attend to all matters pertaining to the purpose sought by this authority.

17th. To create and regulate the service of recruited soldiers, lodgings and other public taxes.

18th. To attend to all matters concerning what are known as private and common property of the towns of the Republic, those referring to educational establishments and benevolent inst'itutions, and those pertaining to the property of the provinCIal and local governments.

19th.

To study all matters relative to forced expropria-

tlOns for public use, whether the entity responsible to indem-

148

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

nify the particular interested party 01' parties in the expropriation be the State, the province, or the municipality.

20th. To bestow the paternal consent in cases where, without just cause, the fa.ther or, in her case, the mothel., refused to give it to their children who wish to get ffic'l.rried.

21st. To decide all consultations in which the advice of this Department is sought by any authority, center or office of the Republic.

22nd. To write all decrees and orders that the President of the Republic may decide to be issued in matters peculiar to this Department.

23rd. To order the opening in this very Department of a registry book where all incoming documents and action taken on the same be entered; and 'to' create an archive of all the records handled.

)

LETTER TO GALICANO AP ACIBLE*

March 18, 1899

SR. DON GALICANO APAClBLE

My dear Friend: I confirm my last letters of the 16th and the 28th of February, last. I do not know whether you received them or not.

The Goverllment orders that on the 12th of the coming month the town chiefs and military of the coastal provinces of Luzon should receive but not charge cu~tcm duties 'on commercial ships from foreign ports which might want to load our crops in exchange for our needs 01' in payment in Mexican dol Jars.

The Americans have blockaded our port::> but up to now they have not clocked in any of our provinces in Luzon.

As regards war onditions, our are not seriously bad. The American soldiers, wi h their variety of arms, up to now can llot be said to have ~Ul'passed us in strength; and although they have gains, they have had difficulty in obtaining them.

They will try to capture Malolos, believing perhaps that once Malolos fall, the wa.r will 路e nd; not thinking that this is as great a. mistake as in the case of the other territo路r ies they have captured . The people greatly desire to use guerr'illa warfare, in the hope of infiltrating the provinces. Since they are more or less scattered, it will be easy to destroy [the Americans], troop by troop.

The Gowrnment, the country agreeing, refuses to cOTlfer with the Americans up to nc路w, because it believes that the latter will refuse to recognize its independence, they having squadrons and cannons. I de not know how long the war will last, but victory will be ours. If we are unlucky, some of our provinces. in Luzon will be captured; but we will take them back somehow. This war \yill be a kind of preparation-a school from which we will learn how to govern better-the t.abak** that will draw out the rotten seeds sown by the Spaniards, the rcots that create dissension. Thus, we should not be impa.tient. Either of two things will happen: McKinley ,vill lose, or America's sons and wealth will be buried here. " Reprinted from EI Heraldo Filipino of March 20, 1899.

** The bolo.

149

150

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

They want to suppress our struggle and in their tryran~y they do not take into consideration that there is no power that can destroy our desire for independence unless they pluck out our hearts and lives. They can wipe it out, but only for a moment; a.n d the struggle will flare up again with renewed vigor. \Ve cannot ascertain what is happening in the Visayas and in Mindanao. The Americans have occupied N egros an<;l Cebu against the wishes of the residents there. Iloilo fought the Americans bravely. Although such beautiful islands fell into their hands, it will only be temporary, because their resl-d ents and those from Luzon will fight for them, and will not give up until they have realized their dream of independence and freedom for the Philippines.

The Commission at Manila says that the purpose of its coming here is to determine with General Otis and Admiral Dewey, of the Military Governm~nt, the extent of territory captured in the Philippines by the squadron and troops of America. If, as what that Commission has said, ilt will keep its Government informed with regards to the independence of the Philippines, good information about our independence will be given to its Goverm,nent, beca.use it seems Its plan is not to leave Manila unless to boa.I'd ship. Well and good, because there is nothing better tha we ca.n expect from the likes of them, who conceal their intention to enslave us by appealing to the sacred hope of a free country. Because the American3 think we are stupid, they are forcing us to believe that even if they enslave us we will not become slaves, we will be under the l~rotection of their free co.un'i:ry, the United States. The pubhc has every reason to beheve that the Americans are addicted to acts contrary' to custom.

Peace be with you; command your servant,

Ap. MABIN!

DRAFT OF A MILITARY ORDER

To THE MILITARY COMMANDER, PROVINCE OF PAMPANGA [Uncwt edl

As the Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Army, I advise you that you only have the faculty to' dictate proclamations when, because the provinces under your command are threatened or occupied by the enemy, you assume the position and J?owers of t,he chief of a province in accordance with paragraph 2 of Al'tJcle 8 of the Organic Decree of last J nne 18th; but, even so, you cannot impose a.ny punishment, except in accordance with the prescriptions of Chapter 3 of the Organic Decree of the 23rd of fast June.

Kindly annul, then, your proclamation dated [Handwritten by Mabinil

) TELEGRAM TO THE HISPANO-AMERICAN COMMISSION IN PARIS [Unda,ted]

[Messrs. GalicanD Apacible and Wm. McKinley] In accDrdance with th.e deCIsion of the Co-unci1 of GDvernment ,a nd of Generals, the Revolutionary Government of the Philippines is decided to find means of settlement with the American Government should the Commission a.gree on the independence of the whole Philippines under a temporary and exterior protectorate of the United States. Otherwise, the RevDlutionary Government is decided to continue the fight in conformity with the wishes of the FilipinO' people, whO' refuse to accept Spanish sovel eignty under whatever form or guise.

151

LETTER TO DON GRACIO* [ U ndll,ted J

My dear Don Gracio: Please send the pa,y ment of the enclosed account so that when we should need carts again, these people will serve us promptly.

Yours affectionately, Ap. MABINI

LETTER TO DON BALDOMERO AGUINALDO [Undated]

)

My dear DOll Baldomero:

I beg of you to tell me, if you know, the whereabouts of the Americans whose descriptions a:re given above.

Yours affectionately, ApOLINARIO :rVIABINI

P. S. 1 pray that you also have the kjndness to tell me, if it is true that the prisoner Don Julio del Rio, Marine Commander in the Spanish squadron, has really come from Castillejos.

Zambales.

Same

â&#x20AC;˘ Engracio Gonzaga, Secretary of

152

/l'on lJ!!.nto,

NOTE TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES [Undated]

To THE VERY HONORABLE MR. WILLIAM McKINLEY, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF NORTH AMERICA

Very' Honorable Sir: The Philippine Revolution, wishing to give you a token of sympathy, respect and consideration, feels honored in presenting you, througr. me, a gift, consisting of a sabre and other insignias belonging to the Orden del Zoison de Oro and to a military hierarchy, that comes from the Spanish army.

I take this opportunity to beg of you earnestly that you deign to accept this small token for the sake of the loyalty of this your attentive and faithful servant.

VerY, respectfully,

)

[Unsigned]

NOTE TO THE EMPEROR OF J AP AN [Undated]

To HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, THE EMPEROR OF JAPAN

SiT: The Philippine Revolution, wishing to give you a token of sympathy, respect and consideration, feels honored in presenting you, through me, a gift, consisting of a sabre and other insignias belonging to the Orden del Zoi-son de Oro and to a military hierarchy, that comes from the Spanish army.

I take this opportunity to beg of you earnestly that you deign to accept this small token, for the sake of the loyalty to Your Imperial Majesty, of this your attentive and faithful servant who respectfully kisses your hand.

[Unsigned]

153

LETTER TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDOl San Isidro, April 7, 1899 Mr. President: I have been here at San Isidro, according to your instruc路 tion, for the last three days. When I arrived, Don Baldomero, Don Gracio, and Don Severino were already here, but Don Arcadio arrived only this morning from Tarlac. We are all assembled here at San Isidro, and I am exerting all efforts to reduce the salary expenses of the Government.

With regards to the defense of this province, I conferred with Don Baldomero and Sr. Padilla, and I discovered that there is no force here except that which is slightly bigger than one comp3.nY. If you do not need the force from Nueva Ecija, send it back here or send arms confiscated from deserters so that they may be added to the force we have here. The rainy season is fast approaching and we need to defend the river which when swollen could be naviEated by launches. Also we need to put defenses at San Miguel and Cabiao. Sr. Padilla says that although he, will use the armed forces he cannot expect victory if there will be no guns to support the attack.

Don Baldomero wants to leave the secretaryship of war to Don Ambrosio and join you there. If you do not deem such a move wise, better write t'O him or to me and I will show him your letter.

The bearer, Basilio Teodoro, is requesting that you find out the reason why his brother was arrested there under orders given by General Luna; it might be that the charges made against him are false. If the charges are true, he should be punished; but if those charges are false, made as usual by those who envy him, he must be cleared.

I hear that one of your companions is ailing, but the other members of your family are well with the help of God. I am at your command.

Ap. MABINI 1 The Schunnan Commission arrived in Manila in March.

Malolos ..vas taken by the invading troops on the 31st. The Philippine Governme~t was moved to San Isidro in April. The war dragged. From San Isidro, Mabini answered the Proclamation of the Schurman Commission with a manifesto which was published in Spanish and Tagalog. He also answered through the press the questions that an American newspapennan asked Aguinaldo. It is a pity that of the various letters that Mabini wrote to the Hongkong Committee only one [dated April 24, 1899] was found.

-T.M.K.

154

LETTER TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDO

April 8, 1899

Mr. President: I am informing you that Don Baldomero is willing to be relieved from the Department of War to avoid trouble with General Luna, which is likely to happen in the face of the accusations coming to him. On the basis of what I see in Don Baldomero, it is necessary to make Don Mariano Trias take his place as he asks, because even without actual troubles, Don Baldomero and Luna may get so much entangled in personal animosities that they will eventually become obstacles themselves in the exercise of their respective duties and to the ideal we are after.

As !regards myself and the other Secretaries, even if we are aware that General Luna does not give the Government an account of what h does, we just close our eyes. Would to heaven that he can really raise high the national honor as it was your desire when ~ou appointed him to his present position.

Under other circumstances, these t 'ngs would. have given the Secretaries cause for resignation, but we are trying to hold on to avoid greater sufferings for our country.

What is taking place is sad because if we succeed, all the honor will be Luna's - and. I am very willing that he should have it; but if we fail, if his plans should end in failure, the respons'i bility will be ours because we allowed him to go on. If our Government were a dictatorship, and not a constitutional ane, this would still do, because you will, then, be the only person responsible. But I believe we should not now change our form of Government so .as not to give the world powers reason to believe the Americans when these tell them that with the capture of Malolosl our Government fell, We are not asking him any more to give the Government an account of his plans and policy of war; but we want, yes, that he notify us of the measures that he should take with regard to the townspeople, the foreigners, and other matters that fall under the classification of war poli~y路. I believe on this point, as well as in the organization of our forces, and in the recruiting of soldiers, the Government should intervene, since it is the one called upon to supply arms and provisions. It is the Government and not the Chief of Operations that is responsible for the war policy; that is why the Chief of Operations should obey the instructions that he gets.

155

156

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABIN I

We received a communication from Iloilo, coming from General Martin Delgado and from your Commissioner Francisco Soriano. Soriano says that the soldiers of D- did nothing but loot and rob the people of money when the Americans attacked the fort of Iloilo. There were soldiers whose guns were broken because they used them in carrying money to C-.

It is said that these soldiers not only refused to fight the Americans, but also refused to surrender their guns to those who were willing and ready to fight. They also do not like that Cshould help the people of Iloilo, who are the ones feeding the soldiers, including those of D-, who repaired to that place.

General Martin Delgado sÂŁ"ys. that the Americans attacked the fort of Iloilo on February 11, and because of the retreat of the forc.es of D- and of A-,. the invaders c.aptured the city aIJ.d also J aro and Molo on the following day. The enemy suffered around two hundred casualties, and we about thirty.

The enemy's general headquarters is in Santa Barbara and its forces total up to 3,000, half of which are musketeers, and the rest are armed in various ways. Of the musketeers, five hundred remained in Capiz, Concepcion and Antique. General Delgado continues to recruit men and he asks for more guns; and in case we have lJlothing more to give, D- should be told to give what he has. D~ and A~ say that they acknowledge Delgado as Chief as they realize that the enemy had taken Iloilo, J aro, and Molo because they failed to follow his instructions and kept faIling back.

A priest, M. Pascual Reyes, also arrived here from Cebu.

He says that in L-, General L- is committing many abuses, and that Colonel M- is only his instrument. There are also troubles in Cebu, beca.use Military Chief Magilom (Maxilom) is not in good terms with the people.

I was told that you received a proclamation from the Americans. I beg of you, if possible, to send me a copy of it so that I can answer it, should there be a need to. do so.

Command your old servant

Ap.

MABIN I

NOTE TO RAMON OCHOA April, 1899 Dear Mr. Ramon Ochoa: Don't send the communication any more. As from the 1st of this month the Permanent Commission will not be receiving any pay, please deduct what has been paid unfairly from what they ought to be paid henceforth. I understand that Don Arsenio has not been paid the corresponding amount for the 2nd half of March, for having been paid double in the 1st half. Please do the same thing with Mr. Ferrer.

Yours truly, APOLINARIO MABIN I

COMMANDERS

ORDER TO SUPERIOR GOVERNMENT COUNCI.IL.

PHIlLIPPINE ISLANDS

Being cognizant of the influx of many families in the provinces of Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija and Pangasinan as a result of the present war, the Government Council has deemed it advisable to recommend to the Superior Military Commanders of. those provinces the vigorous suppression of all acts of vi0lence, such as robbery, kidnapping, and rape; and the relentless prosecution of the authors of these crimes, who shall be judged according to military laws. Similar treatment will be given to prohibited, games, which are the origin and source of all vices.

This I transmit for your information and for the information of local presiHents, who shall be instructed to inform the public, through town criers, in three successive nights.

God be with you.

San Isidro, April 10, 1899.

ApOLIN ARIO MABINI

To the Superior Military Commanders of Pampanga., Tarlac, Nueva Ecij'a, and Pangasinan.

157

LETTER TO ARCADIO MAXILOM

GOVERNMENT COUNCIL PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC

San Isidro, April 11, 1899 MR. ARCADIO MAXILOM

Cebu My distinguished General: President Emilio Aguinaldo has asked me to extend to you his most cordial greetings and also those of the Government of the Republic and to congratulate you for your inviolable decision not to yield to American subjugation.

Our national Government knows that in Cebu it has an incorruptible patriot always ready to fight and die for our independence.

The President ~as asked me to tell you that in the meantime we cannot send firearms or forces to help you. You should limit yourself to the defense of the interior towns and to try to make your sol'diers behave properly in their relations with honest citizens in order to correct the lies that are being spread around, that all who offer resistance to the AmericanSi are the bad elements of the population.

If you do not stop right away the abuses of your soldiers, our towns would get tired and finally end up in accepting American authority.

The Government shall alwa,y s bear in mind the sacrifice and sleepless nights which you have gone through for the health of our country and, consequently, for its independence.

The G<>vernment has been transferred to San. Isidro as required by our plan of battle, which is to allow the enemy to expand its great resources. It is difficult to conquer it easily if it is not allowed to spread itself and to attack it part by part.

Our policy is reduced to the following: Fight till death and reject all proposals of the Americans which are [not] based on the recognition of our independence, which is. our only happiness.

ApOLINARIO MABINI

158

MEMORANDUM TO THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR TRANSMITTING DECREE ON SUPPORTERS OF THE WAR

"In order that all supporters of the war be recognized by the civil as well as military authorities as truly patriotic, the Na.tional Government decrees the following: "1. Those who have received for their extraordinary war contributions, in accordance with their wealth, the "Certificate of Citizenship," will have their persons and interest~ respected and will not be required to render public service without pre.vious reimbursement.

"2. Those who have in their possession such a Certificate do not need any travel pass in the provinces and towns that have not been invaded nor attacked by the enemy.

"3. Military authorities will not issue any pass to cross the zones of operation and the provinces and towns attaeked by the enemy to thosg who have not paid such contributions.

"4. Those whO. have not paid such contributions can be employed in public Jobs and positions, military as well as civil.

"5. All military and civil autq.0rities and their agents who go against this decree will be prosecuted and punished for dere.liction of duty.

"6. Make this known to the public and publish it for its knowledge and compliance.

"Issued in San Isidro, April 17, 1899.

"By authority of the President of the Republic: 4' ApOLIN ARlO

MABINI

"Secretary of \Var: "ARCADIO ROSARIO"

I'm sending you a copy in order that you may course it to all governors, who, in turn will order the mayors to proclaim it to the people.

May God be with you always.

San Isidro, April17~ 1899. . 'ApOLIN ARlO MABIN!

The Secretary of the Interior 159

LETTER TO THE FOREIGN TRADERS OF MANILAl

San Isidro, April 19, 1899 Distinguished Gentlemen: The Honorable President, Emilio Aguinaldo, has honored me with the request to express to you the sentiments evoked in him by the courteous memorandum for the freedom of the Spanish prisoners presented by that highly distinguished corp<>ration for whom thiSi country feels the hIghest regard which three quarters of a century have indelibly held in its soul.

The President reccgnizes in you the moral of the respective nations to which you belong, your absolute impartiality in the past struggle, your actual disinterestedness and the unanimity of your common sentiment; but he begs your leave to make the observa,tlOn that you have formed a mistaken judgment about the question.

The war betw en the Philippines and Spain is not yet ended; it has only changed its form, because the latter has transrerred, Withou't fr permIssion, what she called her right to dOIDlnate us to. the 1.1 ee American country:.

The North American Government, in claiming, through the present war, to impose its sovereignty on the PhIlippines as helr apparent to the old. Spanish sovereignty, has. incurred before humaruty, by Vi路l tue of the eternal prmciples of justIce, the obligatlOn to save the Spanish prisoners by force of arms or tlU路o.ugh a, treaty WIth us, m order to end the \var.

Try to exert efforts with the above-mentioned Government so that it would not deny the Fillpino people the sovereignty of which they are proud and for which their own sons fought, and you shall have worked for the freedom of the Spanish prisoners as well as for the millions of Filipinos, who. would be eternally grateful to you.

The President has the duty to work for the freedom o.f those millions even if, in so doing, he has very often, to repress the generous impulses of his heart; more so, even if he 1 This is Mabini's answer to the petition of foreigners in Manila reproduced as footnote to Note dated Feb. 27 [1899]. This exchange of letters on the Spanish prisoners continued with the answer to Archbishop Nozaleda, which Mabini prepared in Tarlac for the signature of Aguinaldo.

(See undated letter following letter to Sandiko dated August 31, 1899)

160

LETTEER TO THE FOREIGN TRADERS OF MANILA

161

has to give up his own freedom and his life and sacrifice a few thousand lives and countless properties.

This is all that I can express to you in carrying out the honorable trust given to me.

I am, with the highest reganl and respect, your attentive servant,

Ap. MABIN!

)

LETTER TO DON AMBROSIO GOVERNMENT COUNCIL PH ILIPPINE ISLANDS

April 20, 1899 My dear Don Ambrosio: The bearer wishes that the inclosed authorization be forwarded to Pampanga and Nueva Ecija and adjoining provin.ces.

Please find out if this would be convenient, with the condition that the f ire:;.rms collected should be deposited or should be at t he disposal of that Department.

Very: trulYI yours, AP. MABIN I

LETTER TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR San Isidro, April 23, 1899 Mr. Secretary of 'W ar: I received r eports tha.t an old man, among those who had been arrested by Major C- A-, died as a consequence. of the tortures he had been subjected to.

It is necessary that you. take strong measures to institute a court-martial against that Major, should the report prove to be true.

Punishment can be upheld as an example if it is imposed in accordance with law. But when it is imposed arbitrarily, it exasperates and causes horror..

I beg of you to do your best so that such forms of outrage shall not be repeated. If witnesses to testify cannot be found, the accusation may be false; and if there are witnesses, even if the accused would deny their guilt, they should be condemned.

Let the arm of the law catch the author of the crime by skillful and astute means and not by cruel methods. Shoot the convicted robber or malefactor, but do not torture him.

May, God keep you.

AP.

162

MABINI

LETTER TO AP ACIBLE AND SANTOS San Isidro, April 24, 1899 MESSRS. APACIBLE AND SANTOS

My dear Friends: I have just received your letters of February 28; of March 1st, 18th, 19th and 20th, anct of April 14th. In this last, you tell me that, up to then, you had only received what I sent you on February 16th. After the above-stated date, I have written and sent letters. to you on March 24th, and also on the 11 th and 18th, instant.

"Puno"1 requested! me to tell you that you excuse ,h im for his inability to answer y,ou personally since the outbreak of hostilities. He cannot leave the front as he is keeping up the spirit of the troops anti. watching over the unityl of the leaders. As he is not here, I cannot say whether or not this pilot Pedro has alreadY\come because I do not know him.

In my previous letters that you have not yet received, I was giving you an a~count of the progress of the campaign.

We had to evacuate Malolos which the AmericaM occupied on Good Friday last, because that town lacks adequate facilities for a strong defense and, besides, it is the opinion of our Generals that it is more convenient to allow the enemy land forces to go deeper into the interior so that they will go farther away from the squadron ,a nd in t.his way we can prevent the combined action of both. We could resolutely defend our positions but we lack munitions. We have machines for reloading that can produce 20,000 cartridges in 24 hours but we have no empty: shells. Our men were able to construct a machine to manufacture empty capsules but only a small one is actually functioning and the other four that have been begun will be finished only after a week or two.

Our lines of defense are in Hagonoy, Calumpit, Pulilan, Baliwag, Quingua, Bustos and all along the Quingua River.

Since Good Friday, the enemy has done nothing but reconnoiter; but we h2,ve just rece'ived news that beginning yesterda.y, the enemy attacked Pulilan and Quingua. We do not know yet the result.

Recent news from Manila say that American casualties have risen to 18,000 including three generals and several colonels. I do not know if this news is true; but it is known for certain that they suffered heavy casualties. We have a few 1

President Aguinaldo.

163

164

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

prisoners. Up to now, I know for sure that they are only more than ten.

Well-founded news are circulating that the Americans who went to Santa Cruz, La Laguna, had to fall back to Pasig, leaving those towns.

The Government is decided to continue the war as far as it can if the Americans insist in ramming their sovereignty down our throats. We are ready to enter into an agreement with the Americans, but it shall be on the basis of the recognition of our independence; and we also wish that the other world powers would advise America to desist from her plans of domination, but the intervention should not go beyond being purely friendly.

We believe the situation has not yet reached a point when we have to seek help outside America. The enclosed pamphlets will .give you clearer ideas of the stand and aims of the Government.

Enclosed with the pamphlets is the title of Commissioner Plenipotentiary that "Kita"l is ,a sking for. Please tell him and Naning2 that we are satisfied with their work. We have another reason for n t accepting the annexation that ap'p ears imminent, and in wliich America, ~cause of her understanding with England, may 1Ie deeply involved. Should the conflicts in Kowloon and Samoa be confirmed, great events maybe expected to come.

The prominent people of Manila, opportunists almost all, have just held a big reunion in which the idea to accept the autonomy offered by the Commission and to work for an understanding between the Americans and the Filipinos predominated. Let us see 'what will come out of this patriotism because the greater bulk of the people is protesting and showing that it has. more sense.

Please send a telegram to Ilustre and ask him whether he is willing to. work for our cause and if he can easily move to Hongkong, as Mr. Apacible may leave for another place, and, besides, because a knowledg~ of law may be necessary for a Central Committee like what we have over there. You can send a telegram to R. del Pan, who is a member of the Committee, at Bordado路res 10, Pral., so that he can relay the message to I1ustre. I am surpri.sed th~t despite my previous messages you have not done .a.nythmg. Y Oll can get your trip expenses from Government funds.

Affectionately yours, Ap. MABINI 1

2

Felipe Agoncillo Mariano Ponce.

LETTER TO LINO

San Isidro, April 25, 1899 My dear Friend Mr. Lino: 1 I received the packages tilat you have sent, with your last letter of the 15th instant, as: well as those that came with your two previous letters, which I have already answered through the kindness of Reyes when the bearer of the second returned.

I was not! able to answer the first letter because of the confusion caused by the trangfer of the Government from Malolos.

We evacuated this town because it lacks the conditions necessary for a strong defense; and, besides, it would suit our plan better to prolong the wa,r until the enemies shall give up their pretensions to dominate us and have their land forces go into the interior provinces and move farther away from their squadron. \Ve are now estl'\.blished in this town of San' Isidro, "where, servant. Y ur recommendee, Mr. Rios, is here, but his famil is there. If they want to send him, anything, they can do so, and' I will tafe care that what they send will reach his hands. This is the only fa-vor that I can do now inasmuch as it is not convenient to set the prisoners free at present, because we believe that their retention could influence the final outcome of actual events. as ever, you have you

I am sending you some pamphlets with the request that you distribute them among our friends over there, to, prevent them from committing any imprudence, as they may be carried away by their egoism and selfish designs. I am sending you also a copy of the letter of the foreign traders to Don Emilio and the answer we have given. Aside from the reasons stated in the p.amphlets, we have another one for not accepting autonomy.

There are great events approa.c hing that can pi"oduce a conflagration in which America will surely be involved, because of her understanding with England and because of the islands already acquired in the East. If we are bound to her, we shall doubtless be drawn into that collision of monsters, which will probably tear us into piece!:) and swallow us up. Let those oppo'r tunities move a.round, but you should advise them not to come to these places, because our men, without consulting us, may take them for emissaries of Uncle Sam and their lives may be endangered.

1

Dr. Aquilino Calvo, personal friend of Mabini.

165

166

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

The Government never doubted your services as it has unmistakable proofs Df your loyalty and patriotism. Be assured that we shall not forget you when harvest-time comes.

Affectionately yours,

PARALYTIC

LETTER TO KATIGBAKl We have no other choice except to prolong the war, allowing the enemy to. lose itself into the interior, going farther away from its squadron . . . .

We have succeeded here in having some of our countrymen construct machines for the manufacture of capsules. Our machines for reloading can produce 25,000 cartridges in 24 hours, . . .

I do not lose my faith; on the contrary, I all\l sure of triumph . . . .

The Americans cannot spread out to other towns that are already far from the railways because they will be weakened.

We can trouble them continuously and they will end up by getting tired . . . .

Feelers for rapprochement, for understanding,2 have been initiated today. But I doubt that we could come to an agreement, because we could not acknowledge. American sovereignty. Aside from the reasons which I adduced in the pamphlets that I addressed to the nation, we cannot accept autonomy because America, owing to her understanding with England and her investments in the East, is veryi likely to get involved in the conflict that threatens to. breaIc out in China, and it will not be to our interest to have a common causâ&#x201A;Źj with her if we want to have the pleasure of being mere spectatDrs of that spectacle that promises to' be grandiDse . . . .

Anyway, I am decided not to give in without independence, either absolute Dr limited. There will only be autonomy after I have fallen . . . .

1 The above paragraphs are excerpts from a letter of M'abini to his friend Gregorio Katigbak of Lipa, Batangas. - T.M.K. 2 Mabini refers to the Arguelles Commission.

LETTER TO TEODORO SANDIKO

April 25, 1899 My dear comrade Sr. Sandiko: Inform Don BaldO'mero about the contents O'f trJs letter in order that this abuse can be corrected right away. I will talk to him myself on this.

Please tell me who is this Mr. Baldo, whO' talkS about the D' Almonte plan, so that I may order our man in Manila to deal with him and convince him to reduce the price in the last hour.

Truly yours,

ApOLINARIO MABINI

}

167

MEMORANDUM TO THE SECRETARY OF INTERIOR

TRANSMITTING DECREE ON APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF OF OPERATIONS

GOVERNMENT COUNCIL PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

His excellency, the President of the Republic, in his letter dated the 27th of this month, says: "On this date, in view of the course of the operations and with the purpose of wing able to attend better to future risks regarding the campaign, I decree the following: "Appoint Brigadier-General Tomas Mascru.'do as Chief of Operations in the towns of Macabebe, Hagonoy, Sexmoan, San Miguel, Gua.gua, Betis, Bacolor, Sta. Rita, Porac, Florida Blanca, and Lubao, he assuming both civil and military commands in the entire area up to the boundaries of the provinces of Bataan and Zambales.

"This I tra.nsmit to you for your information.

"Issued in San Isidro, April 27, 1899.

"By the President and Commander-in-Chief: "EMILIO AGUINALDO"

Please inform the Provincial Commander of Pampanga in order that he may transmit this to all the towns mentioned above.

God. be with you.

San Isidro, April 28, 1899.

ApOLINARIO MABINI

The Secretary of the Interior 168

MEMORANDUM TO TIlE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR

TRAN MITTING DECREE OK CREATION OF PROVINCIAL COUNCILS IN THE VISAYAS

GOVERNMENT COUNCIL PHILIPPINE ISLA ' DS

"Whereas the Federal Council of Iloilo has been dissolved as a result of the present war, as most of its members have found themselves in places now occupied by the American forces; "Whereas, in these critical moments of great danger for our country, cooperation among the islands is essential in order to unite their efforts for the common purpOS E; of checking foreign invasion; "Whereas, in the said Federal Council, no elected representatives frem the lifferent islaI\ds ' . .., f'omposed the group, or Vi sayan region, and, consequently, it never l1aJ the features of a truE) regional Council; "Wherefore, on proposal of the Council of Secretaries, the President of the Republic decrees following: "1. The Federal Council of Iloilo is declared dissolved in its concept as Regional Council of Panay or Visayas. In its place the Provincial Council of Iloilo will be created and in the manner specified by this decree.

1.t2. General Mal'tin F. Delgado is hereby appointed politico-military Governor of the Province. of Iloilo and, as such, he will be considered both civilian and military Chief of said province.

"As military Chief he will request the national Government an auxiliary military Chief; and as civilian Chief he will request a Secretary of the Government to be appointed by him from the residents of the province who a1 e distinguished by their attainment, honesty, and personal prestige. The proposed auxiliary Chief and Sâ&#x201A;Źcretary can assume their respective positions temporarily until their appointments are approyed by the Government.

"The Secretary of the Govâ&#x201A;Źrnment and the counsellors of Justice, Police, and Finance will help the politico-military Governor in governing the province. The Secretary is responsible

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THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABIN!

for the performance of all business not included. in the Justice, Polioe, and Fina!1Ce branches. He shall help the Governor in the inspection of public services.

"The auxiliary chief will help the Governor in the direction of all work and campaign operations and will take his plaoe if the latteI'1 is absent or 'i s' unable to attend to his duties.

"The Counsellors will be elected by a genera;l assembly of the most notable and influential persons of the province called by the Governor. The latter will induct into office the auxiliary Chief, the SecreJtary, and the Counsellors and will send the national Government certified copies of all papers pertaining to their eh~ction and induction.

"3. Mr. Ananias Diokno, commanding general of the expeditionary forces from Batangas, is appointed Governor of the province of Capiz. He shall have in Capiz the same powers as these of the politico-military Governor of Iloilo and is dutybound to help the latter with his troops until the termination of the military operations in the latter province.

"The Ch:ief of Operations in a province shall be in touch with its politico-military governor' even when all or part of the for ces of other milita'rY gov.ernors of other provinces are participating in the campaign.

"4. General Vicente Lukban Relles is appointed politicomilita.ry Governor of Samar with the same powers a.s tho·oo of the other governors.

-'5. This decree shall take effect in all Visayan islands and all other places where politico-military governments exist, until the independence of the archipelago is recognized and acknowledged. ~'All other places not within the purview of this decree shall be governed by the general laws and statutes.

"6. Make this known and. publish it 'i n the Official Index for the information of €JVeryo,ne.

"Issued in San Isidro~ April 27, 1899.

"EMILIO AGUINALDO

"The Pres'idE1Ilt of the Republic

"By the Council: "Apolinario Mabini"

ME;'~O TO THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR

In compliance with transcribed decree mitting th is to you.

TO .

171

6, I am trans-

May God keep you always.

San Isidro, A1Jr'il28, 18.99 .

Ap. MABINI

The Secretary of the Interior

LETTER T

PRESIDENT AGUINALDO J [Undat,e.d]

.Mr. President : I read the letter you wrote, including the translation which I corrected here and there. I believe it is well-written and will help in our undertaking. However, copies of it should not be printed in p3.per and type WE1 have previously and cu~ tomarilYl used so that they will not arouse suspicion.

Attached also is a manifesto of the country which is to be issued to the Americans. It was given to me by the son of Don Hugo Ylagan so that I may comment on it and s.end it to Mr. Escamilla for translatiion into English, if I find it worthwhile.

Look into it and if you deem it wise, have it translated int.o English.

I am at your command,

Ap. MABINI

LETTER TO THE SCHURMAN COMMISSION

San Isidro, April 29, 1899

Honorable Sir: The Filipino people, through their Government, wish to make known to the Commission that they ha.ve not lost their faith in the friend .:3hip, justice and magnanimity of the North Ameri can nation.

The Filipino people feel weak before the .onslaught of the Amer ican troops, whose valor they admire; and in view of the superiority of the American forces in organization, discipline, war materials and other resources, the former do not consider it a humiliation to solicit peace, invoking the generous feelings of the Government of the North American people, worthily represented by the Commission, and the sacred interests of humanity.

But the Philippi e Governme t, fully convinced that it did l10t provoke the war and that it had .only taken the use of arms in defense of its native soil, asks for a suspension of hosJ-ilit ies and a general armistice in the whole Archipelago for the short period of three months, in order to sound the opinion of the people regarding the most advanta,g eous form of government for th.em, the proposal that shall be offered to the North American Government, and the appointment of a commission with full powers to act in the name of the Filipino people.

The happiness of this unfortunate country and the triumph of the party now in power in the United States depâ&#x201A;Ź'l1d on the prompt r estoration of this peace.

We admit our weakn.ess, but we still have other r'â&#x201A;Źlcourses and, above all, a firm resolution to prolong the war for an in1 After four days of hard fighting, General Luna, who was defending with his fOTces the strategic pomts of the Bagbag and Calumpit rivers, h ad to abandon them and fall back to Santo Tomas, Pampanga. From this place he sent his Staff Colonel, Manuel Arguelles, to the enemy camp to ask for a suspension of hostilities under the pretext of calling a session of Congress in San Fernando on May 1st. General Otis refused, alleging tha t he had only the power to make peace upon the unconditional surrender of the Filipinos. Mabini, as President of the Council of Government, followed up Luna's request, sending Arguelles anew with concrete instructions. Otis remained adamant. The war continued. - T.M.K.

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LETTER TO THE SCHURMAN COMMISSION

173

definite period of time, if the aim to dominate us by force persists.

In expressing these statements before the Commission, I believe I am interpreting the feelings of my President and his Government and those of the Filipino people.

I greet the Commission with the greatest respect.

Your obedient servant, ApOLINARIO MABINI

INSTRUCTIONS TO COL. ARGUELLES

The members of the Philippine Government have commissioned Colonel Manu 1 Arguelles to present and to expound tv the North American ommission in the Philippines the following points: â&#x20AC;˘ J First-The PhiIipp.i ne Government finds itself compelled to negotiate an armistice and a suspension of hostilities as indispensable means to arrive at peace: in the first place, to justifY1 itself before the eyes of its people for having made use of all the means within its power to avoid the ruin of the country; and, in the second place, to offer the Commission a means to end the war in a waY' which is more honorable t o the North American Army and more glorious to the Government of the United States.

Secondly-The Philippine Government does not solicit the armistice in order to gain time to reinforce itself or to await help from Japan or from any other nation, inasmuch as, up to the present time, no government has acknowledged its belligerency:. Neither is it decided to hurt its relations with the powerful American nation, because it knows that in so doing it would gain nothing. The Philippine Government, ardently desiring the happiness of its people, although it seeks its independence, would not insist on fighting for its ideal if the Filipino people, through their accredited representatives, would ask for peace and would accept autonomy.

Thi1'dltyr--The interest of humanity is at present in harmony with that of the American Government, and both ask for a brief period of time, so tl>...a.t, however short this may' be, the Filipino people can reflect on their sad situation and learn of the basis of the autonomy that may be offered them.

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OF APOLINARIO MABIN!

Fourthly-If, however, this ~ast recourse would be denied to it, no one can censure the Philippine Government for the t~ na.dty which it can give proofs of. The honor of the Army and the happiness of the people shall determine the line of conduct that it should follow; that is, the prolongation of the war until all means at its, command shall have been exhausted. This prolongation of the war would be fatal for both countries.

Let the Commission consider, while there is still time to do so, t.hat, should the war become a national war, it would be very hard to confine it within bounds. . Should this happen, peace would mean the annihilation of the Filipino people or of the imperialist party of America.

San Isidro, Ma路1I 1,

189~.

ApOLINARIO MABIN!

J

tETTER OF RESIGNATION TO AGUINALDOl

San Isidro, May 4, 1899

To the Honorable President of the Republic: The Council of Secretaries, in its meeting of this date, has come to believe that its duty is to expound before your authority the following considerations: The present Cabinet, from its formation in January last, is conscious of having done all that it believed conducive to the welfare of the country, which, in its opinion, consists in the independence of the same, within its meager strength and the limited resources at its command, and, in so doing, it has always been guided by a dispassionate consideration and the most unalloyed patriotism. It may have made mistakes in many of its decisions, but, evel1 then, it can prove that it has acted in goor1 faith.

Despite the Coun U's desire t continue working with all its strength in all tha could redou d to the general welfru:e, it is well aware that the 'e may be others who might know how to conduct public affairs wit!l better effect and luck. Its honor and the short service that it was able to render to th.e country with loyalty and unselfishness compel it not to obstruct the coming into power of tho:5e who may consider themselves with more stl'engih and greater knowledge; but, at the same time, that very honor and very service advise it also not to tender its resignation during these moments which are so critical and ~o serious to the counhvy, so that its attitude may not be taken for ,,-eakness.

Desirous to reconcile both extremes, the Secretaries of the Council earnestl:), pray that, as soon as you have become cOllvinced that other persons possess greater facilities for the realization of the happiness of the country, you consider the present Cabinet resigned, going through the kindness of communicating to it your resolution to have another Cabinet formed.

In acting thus, we believe that we axe serving better the 1 Letter of the Secretaries of the Council of Government announcing their decision to resign.

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THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABn,J't

country, which fortunes.

IS

now threatened with great dangers and mis-

The undersigned greet you with the grea.test respect and regard 1 â&#x20AC;˘

Ap. MABINI T.

SANDICO

GRACIO GONZAGA

1 President Aguir: Ida's ans\ver was as follows: "Mr. President of the Council of Secretaries:

"Please advise the Cabinet which you preside that, by virtue of the powers granted me by the Constitution, ] have decided to entrust to Mr. Pedro A. Paterno the form tion of a new Cabinet.

"I have taken this step liIrged, on on hand, by the agreement of the 3rd instant between Congress and the Council, which leaves me free to choose a new Cabinet when I consider such a step convenient to the general welfare; and, on the other, by my earnest desire to look for a remedy fCT the evils that afflict our unfortunate c'Ountry.

"Please inform also the Secretaries that compose the present Cabinet of my gratitude for the services that they have rendered to the country.

As regards all of them as well as you, I am fully satisfied with the zeal, loyalty and intelligence with which you all have discharged Ylour duties.

"God keep you fOT many years. ' 'Given in San Isidro on this 7th day of May, 1899.

"E. AGUTN'ALDO "President"

LETTER TO THE SECRETARY OF THE I:\TERIOR

Cabanatuan, l\Iay 6, 1899 To the Secretary of the Interior: I received yesterday a communication from the President of the Republic and Commanding General of the National Army regarding the appointment of Consul Pablo Tecson, of the brigade of General Gregorio del Pilar, as politico-military Commander of the town of San Miguel de Mayumo, as demanded by the circumstances and necessities in the present course of the campaIgn. Please inform all Departments and all authorities of the province of Bulacan and publish it in the Official Index. God be with you.

)

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ApOLINARIO MABIN I

LETTER TO AGUINALDO

Cabanatuan, May 8, 1899 To the Honorable President of the Republic: My colleagues and I fully understand your distinguished communication dated yesterday in which you inform us that you have entrusted the formation of a new Cabinet to Mr. Pedro A. Paterno.

In expressing' our profound gratitude for the kind phrases tha.t you have bestowed upon us as well as for the confidence that, though undeservedly, you have placed in us, we cannot but acknowledge the political wisdom of your decision, and we fervently wish that it ma.y serve as a means to obtain the general welfan~ that we all so earnestly desire.

In cordially congratulatbg you on this sound policy, we hope that you will kindly relay to the new Cabinet that will be formed and its wo,r thy President our most sincere congratulation1:; for their acces ion to power and our fervent wish that they attain the right direction and be successful in the mana2'emernt of public aff irs.!

We beg you to count, as ever, on our unconditional loyalty and our meager strength in everything that redounds in the welfare of t he country, Your most obedient servant greets you with the, greatest respect and consideration.

Ap. MABINI

178

LETTER TO AP ACIBLE AND SANTOS

Nueva Ecija, May 8, 1899 MESSRS.

Ap ACIBLE AND SANTOS

My dear Friends: Enclosed are some pamphlets containing the Message of the President to the National Assembly, delivered at its opening session on the 5th instant, a.nd a communication of the Council of Secretaries, leaving the President free to choose a new Cabinet, as it considers this step convenient for the good of the coun:try.

Congress asked for a change of Cabinet in view of the failure of the diplomatic talks with America - at least, that was what the fath · 's of the country believe - and besides they alleged that said cha ge was necessary because to the Americans the actual Cabinet i uncompromising.

In view of this, (le Prcsiden had to entrust the formation of a new Cabin€lt to Mr. Ped:'o A. Pat·enlO. It is said that peace is imperative, judging from be ravages wrought on properties and the troubles and damages caused by the war to families. The enemies were able to take possession of Baliwag in Bulacan and of San Fernando in Pampanga. Our great men are in the grip of feal". As these men have not fo reseen the present war, the results took them by surprise, and it is evident that they prefer to leave the sufferings and the fight to their children as long as they can have a relatively tranquil life in this ,,·orlel.

The Americans are set in not recognizing the Philippine Government anel they refuse to acquiesce in a suspension of hostilities without previous recognition of the soYereignty of their own Government. Being hopeful for a quick change in the fa.te of the combatants in fnxol' cf our forces as the enemies go farther into the intel'jor, I flatly oppcsed that demand; and this did not pl ease the opportunists and loyers of leisure.

At any rate, I sincerely ",ish them ~; ucces s , although I see no means of coming to a, settlement with the Americans without humiliation on om' part.

I have just received a telegram from :;'\Ir. Paterno, informing me that he is ready to accept autonomy for our country similar to that of Canada, and asking my opinion about it.

I answered that I do not liko for my country any kind of auto179

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THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

nomy under the sovereignty of another nation, because by accepting that autonom;y we will be in open conflict with the Constitution that the Representatives themselves have voted and which is still in force.

I cannot give you the names of those who form the new Cabinet, and who, it is said, have already taken their oath, because I still do not know who they are. They themselves will tell you.

Please communicate aU this 'to our agents. goodbye, I am, aÂŁ ever, your affectionate,

Bidding you

ApOLINARIO MABINl

CERTIFICATE FOR MARIANO AGUILAR This is to certify that Mr. Mariano Aguilar is an officer, 4th class, of the Office of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

He h.as rendered satisfactory service throughout the period he has been employed.

Cabanatuan, May 12, 1899.

AP. MABINI

LETTER TO LINO Nueva Ecija, May 15, 1899 My dea.}" Mr. Lino: I received a tampipi for Mr. Julio del Rio which I forwarded to the Director of Health to be given to the addressee, as I am no longer in the Government.

Since the 9th instant, I have turned over the office to Mr. Paterno, who has formed his Cabinet, with Mr. Buencamino as Secretary of Foreign Affairs; Alas, Secretary of the Interior; Trias, of \iVar; Ilagan, in the absence of Chuidian, of the Treasury; Velarde, of Public Instruction; and Guerrero, of Public Works. As the Americans refused to accept my request for a suspension of hostilities without the surrender of the Filipino Army and. its generals including Don Emilio, I decided to continue the fight, a decision which did not su'it those who wanted independence without any struggle.

It seems that the present Cabinet is negotiating with the Americans on the t>asis of the grant of autonomy, and this thing looks funny to me because P1eoPle who lose heart after a few months of fight ng are only good to carry the yoke of slavery.

I do not know what they can obtain and, would to heaven that all their efforts result in the good of the country; as, otherwise, the rich and cultured people of Manila, who are so well represented among the powers that be and have also a Committee in power, will look very ridiculous in the eyes of the civilized world. and of the other provinces of the Archipelago.

However, let us wait for further developments, as success will clear up everything. Let us respect the opinions of others since natural law makes us love our own personal comfort. The world calls a fool anyone who deviates from this natural law, and it is clear that the comfort-loving people do not like tills fight.

Please send this letter to Mr. - - so that he may be informed. Tell him to do all that is possible to obtain a good D' Almonte plan, the whereabouts of which is known to the brother-in-law of Sandiko. The country will be grateful to you for this service, and I, your affectionate friend, will never forget it.

Yours, ApOLINARIO MABINI

181

LETTER TO AP ACIBLE AND SANTOS

Nueva Ecija, May 31, 1899

MESSRS.

Ap ACIBLE

AND SANTOS

My dear Friends: I have just received your letter da.ted the 4th, instant, together with those addressed to the President, the letter of SolI together with a copy for Naning, the copy of the telegrams, and a letter of Gregorio Agoncillo. I have not received the pamphlets and the copies of the prospectus on the antiannexationist League; neither the memorandum on the lawsuit and transaction with the Bank, nor the fees of the la,vyers.

As for me, I am agreeable to the transaction, because there is the saying that .a bad transaction is preferable to a winning lawsuit. In this way we avoid disputes, misunderstandings and delays.

I turned over to Mr. Buencamino, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, the letters that you addressed to me with the copy of the telegrams, sending the other documents to the President, :so that they ca.n take into account what you say in them.

I am surprised that you complain about lack of instructions, since in my last letters to you I have given you plenty.

I carmot cite the dat2s now, because the antecedents and the copy book are now in the possession of Mr. Buencamino.

From the 9th, instant, I turned over the Government to the new Cabinet formed by P. A. Paterno, President; Alas, Secretary of the Interior; Trias, War and Navy; Hugo Ilagan, temporary, Treasury; Aguedo Velarde, Public Instruction; Maximo Paterno, Communications and Public Works; and Leon Maria Guerrero, Agriculture, Industry and Commeroe. 2 I am sending Dr. Calvo the numbers of the official newspaper containing articles about; tha.t talk of the change of the Cabinet, with the request tha,t he give them them to you so that you will know the details. In my last letter, I already mentioned to you that thel'e would soon be a change, and now the change has come.

Sun Yat-Sen. The name of Felipe Buencamino as Secretary of Foreign Affairs does not appear in the original letter, probably an inadvertent omission. - T.M.K 1

2

182

LEITER TO APACIBLE AND SANTOS

183

Since Calumpit was captured by the Americans, General Luna, knowing that I wanted a temporary suspension of hostilities in order to come to an understanding, had sent persons to parley with Gener8J Otis. These representatives had come back saying that the American General was ready to come to an understanding, and so we sent Commissioners with instructions to negotiate with the American Ccmmission. Our Commissioners came back to say that the Americans cannot recognize our Government, but would only deal with General Aguinaldo and the other generals; and that they were ready for peace if the former and the latter would surrender unconditionally to them. As I refused to agree to this absur.d demand, the members of the present Cabinet, almost all of them members 04' Congress, asked for a change of Cabinet, under the pretext that the previous one could not secure an understanding because of its uncompromising attitude from the beginning.

Immediately after the formation of the new Cabinet, the Government tried to send Commissioners to Manila with instructions to propose the acceptance of an autonomy like tha.t of Canada. But the Government had to desist from this intention in view of th~ opposition of the Army and of the people.

General Luna came (), call the IIJembers of the new Cabinet tra.itor's with a certain degree of reason because, with the Constitution still in fOTce, any program of autonomy that the Government may adopt 'is illegal.

Nevertheless, the President, in his capacity as General, has sent Commissioners with instructions to ask for a suspension of hostilities for the length of time that he may consider necessary to consult the people and the Army, alleging that, in his desire to come to an understanding with the American Government, he has sought the advice of a more moderate and conciliatory new Cabinet. I do not know the result of the talks of this Commission because it has not yet returned from Manila.

The last official new~ are flattering. It is said that the Americans have evacuated S2.n Isidro and San Fernando, going back to B8Jiwag and Calumpit. I believe this news to be true inasmuch as the President is still in San Isidro. I do not know the causes of this retreat.

I am taking advantage of these days of rest to look for relief for my ailment. I do not know whether I can find any; but, anyway, you have as ever, an affectionate friend and faithful servant,

AP. MABINI

LETTER TO LINO

Balungaw, June 16, 1899

My Dear Friend, Mr. Lino: On the 31st of last month, when I had just arrivEd in this town to take the hot bathsl, I received by mail a package with your letter and that of Mr. Reyes' and some newspapers from Europe. Said package contained the letters from Hongkong, which were so much delayed. In the letter that I wrote Mr. Reyes, which I do not know whether he has already received, I requested him to tell you that I received your letters with the newspapen; and the aforesaid letters from Hongkong.

I came to this secluded place with the purpose of trying the baths of Balungaw, the waters of which are salty, like that of the sea, and hot. I intend to stay here until the end of this month to see' the effects of the thermal baths on me. As soon as I leave this place, I shall attend to your recommendees, and find out means to obtain their freedom, even if only: in consideration of your serVices.

The bearer has left with me a letter for Don Gracio whom I had not seen from 'the time he left for that place as CommisSioner~ I also received from aforesaid bearer your letter of the 11th instant with the clippings and a pair of field glasses "Which I do nDt know whether it is for' me or for another. The bearer tells me that you told him to give it to me and, since you do not mention it in your letter, I am perplexed. I shall keep it until I receive some instructions from you or from another person.

Serious things have taken place down here. From this place, I learned from a private source that on the 5th inst.ant General Luna and Paco Roman died in Cabanatuan at the hands of the Presidential guards a.nd soldiers of the fort. I do 1 At long last, Mabini obtained forced retirement, a rest for his health. After he left the Government, he went to Talavera and afterwards to Umifigan, under the care of Juan Manankil, and from there to Rosales.

On the invitation of the Municipal President of Rosales, he stayed in BaLungaw, Pangasinan, with Cayo Al2lona, his private secretary, until the tlrst days of July, for the salty and thermal baths in that place. All was not rest fClr Mabini in Balungaw, though, because not only did he keep up his correspondence on national politics, urged by friends and countrymen, but he also published newspaper articles, like RizaIl, Wbat an Im,periallst Says and Wants, America in the Philippines, and others. - T.M.K.

184

185

LETTE R TO LINO

not know the cause nor the detail s of what took place, be'cause I live here almos t compl etely isolate d.

I canno t give you news of the campa ign while. I am here .

III close confin ement .

I shall read the copies that you have kindly sent me and transm it them to the Presid ent. I wiU see if I can write some short article s on the subjec t you pointe d out.

Thank you for your devoti on to under taking s favori ng our cause. Order as you wish your affect ionate and Tespectful Ap. MABIN I

LETTER TO BUENCAMINO Balun gaw, June 18, 1899 MR. FELIP E BUENC AMINO

My dear Frien d and Co.lleague: I am deeply gratef ul fol' the news that you aTe so kind to give me, and I sincer ely regret your hards hips which happe n in these tImes of confus ion and war. I do not doubt that your unalloyed patrio tism will give .you streng th to bear them up with resign ation.

I beg you in all sincer ity that you should not lay on my ailing should ers a heavy burde n that requir es exceptional streng th in these calam itous times. I am now decided to live away from politics, inasm uch as by a procla matio n of the Gover nment , I see that you all sustai n the same ideals upheld by the previo us Cabin et. The welfa re of the count ry depen ds on the effort s of many and I can well under stand that you need to carry out your plans of Gover nment . I would not like to find mys路e lf in the positi on of havin g to. refuse what the Presid ent may offer me, and I could not accep t anyth ing unless my assista nce, which is so limited, is indisp ensabl e. I have tasted the sweet ness of a peacef ul life, after one that has been

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THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABIN!

burdened with care, and I prefer to rest. My chal1acter is not suited to the restless life of th(JJ politician - a life that I have led only eut ef necessity.

Please dO' me the faver to expre3S my mest cordial regards to Don SeverinO' and Den Huge. I am alsO' sending sincere ones to' Fr. Aglipay, and please tell him that I am at his orders in whatever capacity I may be of use to' him. I cannot leave this place until the first days ef next month, and I still do not knew where to go because. ef the bad state ef the roads. I am grateful fer yeur good wishes. .

I am enclosing herewith two letters from Cebu concerning the priseners, one from Mr. Regider and the other from Mr. Centurion. Please prepese to those who may be cencerned the most convenient solution of the matters and kindly tell the said gentlemen, when you may find the opportunity to write to' them, to' excuse me at present for my inability to answer them because I am en vacation.

I reiterate my thanks. Command as you wish your affectienate and respec{;ful true servant,

)

Ap. MABINI

P. S. I have just received foreign newspaper clippings for the President. I am not sending them to him because" according to news, he is in Angeles, and it is faster to ' send them to him there. Accordin.g to said clippings, public epinion in America asks for the prompt suspension of hostilities' and the recall of the troops, as the imperialistic pelicy of McKinley is meeting with serious oppositien.

SAME

LETTER TO GREGORIO AGLIP A Y

Balungaw, June 18, 1899 FR. GREGORIO AGLIPAY

My: dear Friend: I received two ca路r ds from you which I have not been able

to answer until now, as I am almost completely isolated here.

It would be a great pleasure fOT me to confer with but I cannot leave this place until the end of the month. by then, I cannot assure you whether I would reach that as the roads are very bad.

I am grateful for your ,good wishes, and I beg you what you consider best in view of what I expla.ined.

you, Even place

to do

I am, your ever affectionate and respectful,

)

187

AP. MABIN I

LETTER TO RAFAEL PALMA

BaIungaw, June 23, 1899 THE EDITOR OF "LA INDEPENDENCIA"l

My dea:r Sir: Four da,y s ago f I sent you through Don Marcelino de Santos, and in the absence of the latter through Don Ambrosio Flores, some translations of news reports from foreign papers, among which was an rurticle of La, Patria, dedicated to Mr. Aguinaldo.

Two days later, I sent you again, through the said Don Ambrosio, the translation of an article of the Indeperndent of New York, at the end of which I added a short comment. Now, I am sending directly to you another short work, begging that you favor me with a few copies of the number in which you may be kind enough to insert this last article, if it would not hurt the interests of the paper.

If all O!r part of the above-cited articles cannot be published, either because they have been already previously printed or for any other reason, I beg of you also to send them back to me through the bearer.

I enclosed in the first package a few articles that were sent to me from Manila.

Command your a.ffectionate and respectful

Ap. MABINI

1 Mabini's articles in those days were published in the newspaper La Independencia, the most important organ of the Revolution. Rafael Palma was the ad interim editor, because the editor, Antonio Luna, was busy with military operations. On Luna's death, Palma assumed the editorship and the responsibility of the publication.

The letters between Mabini and Palma refer to the collaboration of the former and to a certain incident caused by the publication of the article "Algo para el Congreso," in which the Government was censured.

-T.M.K.

188

LETTER TO ISIDORO DE SANTOS

Balungaw, July 2, 1899

MR.

ISlDORO DE SANTOS

My dear Friend: Within the past month of June, I recelved a letter f:rom you in which you wrote about the p'robability that Naning' has found some means to prepare Sergel with the help of "Sol"2 as he had just asked for money. I immediately setnt the letter to "Puno"3 without taking the trouble to take down its date.

Then I received your pleasa:nt letter dated April 26th with a copy of .a letter of the Ohio Single Tale and of the answer to the letter, with some clippings and copies of telegrams, all of which I, likewise, sent to "Puno." Lastly, your letter of June 9th with the enclosed papers came to my hands yesterday. 1. shaH not answer YQu regarding the contents of the letters because, as! I sent to "Buno" all those addressed to him and to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Buencamino, those addressed to me, the latter 11}:ust by this time have taken the care to answer you and to' let you know the policy of the present Government.

According to the versions going around he路r e, General La,wton had to CQme back to' Manila because the forces under his command refused to advance farther into the towns of the interior of Laguna when they met the stiff resistance put up by the people of Laguna, aided by those of Batangas, who arrived a few days later at the scene of the fighting. The Manila papers say that said General came back because his only object was to reconnoiter in those places.

The Americans have not attacked for some weeks now, remaining inactive in th.eir positions in San Fernando and Baliwag; but I have just received news that they directed their attacks to Cavite and that, after exerting great efforts and suffering heavy casualties, they have reached Kawit. I dO' not know whether this news is true.

We already know that McKinley is the cause of all of this.

That is why we try to keep up the fight S.Q that he will not 1 2

3

Arms.

Sun Yat-sen President Aguinaldo

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THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

gain popularity and prestige in the eyes of his people and he will not be re-elected. Weare also of the same belief as Blumentritt, because almost all are convinced that we are going to win. this fight. Even Paterno himself had to ch3.n.ge his policy when he saw that his life would be in danger had he persisted with his autonomy patterned to that of Canada.

With reference to this, important things have taken place from the time the big-stomached Cabinet, as Don. Gracio calls it, has come into power. Paterno, on taking his oath of office, announced his intention to seek understanding with the Americans on the basis of the autonomy like that of Canada's and, to that effect, he appointed a Commission of nine individuals headed by Buencamino, the grand leader of the new arrangement. Luna, impetuous as usual, accused Buencamino of being a traitor and, according to some, he even slapped him creating a capital scandal in the office of the President, which was in Cabanatuan. In consequence thereof, the Commission was suspended, and another was appointed in its place, composed of Don Gracio Gonzaga, General Gregorio H. del Pilar and Barretto, who all went to Manila, with insiructions to work for the suspension of hostilities in order to consult the people Luna, who aspired to the Presidency of the Council of Government with the W,a r portfo)io, seeing that, despite the scandal, the present Cabinet would not resign, indicted Colonel Arguelles, whom he wanted shot by musketry, for favoring autonomy, but the Council of War condemned him only to 12 years of imprisonment. Luna summoned the son of Buencamino, a Major, who disappeared a short time later, murdered, according to some, and killed in combat, according to the newspaper La Independenma. Lastly, Luna ordered Paterno and Buencamino arrested, but in this he failed.

Finally, on June 5th, Luna went to Cabanatuan at a time when the President was awa,y, .a nd he died there with Colonel Paco Roman, murdered by the Presidential guard. I still do not know the causes of this tragic end; but I suppose that, somehow, the hatred that the companies of Kawit felt towards him contributed to it. The deceased had these companies disarmed twice, once in Tuliahan and again in Calumpit, for infractions of discipline, according to the deceased, and out of hatred towards the Gaviienos, according to the punished.

I do not laww how much truth there is in this. But impartial persons see in Luna dangerous tendencies, because, while he wanted to impose obedience on everyone by fOTce, he did not like to obey anyone; and he did whatever he fancied

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without consulting anybody. Anyway, I deplore his sad end; it would have been less painful had he died in the battlefield

and not at the hands of his own countrymen.

I am now somewhat removed from public affairs as I left Cabanatuan on the 11th of May and I arrived here in Balungaw on the 31st of the same month to take thermal baths. I spent the whole month of June here without finding any improve", ment in ' my health. The water is very' hdt and very salty, just like that of the sea.. I am only a step away from Rosales and very near Bayambang. Nevertheless, in order to help the cause, I publish articles in La In(/)e.pendenc1.f.L, using as a basis the clippings that friends send me. Do not fail, therefore, to send me translations or clippings that you may consider favorable to our cause and should be known to the people..

I cannot send you the issues that contain my short artides, becaus'e I do not have them, as my stay here is not permanent but only temporary. I received newSi that the Government moved fro Gabanatuan to Tarlac, but I do not know if this is true, although I am certain that the President has been there from the time of the Luna events.

Please extend my cordial regards to our colleague Kanoy and other countrymen O'f that cdlony, and command your affectionate and respectful

Ap. MABINI

P. S. The Commission headed by Don Gracio obained nothing.

Otis stands pat; he does not agree to a suspension of hostilities without our previous surrender. In view of this, Paterno issued a proclamation notifying the people of the cO'ntinuation of the war.

Your father and B.arcelona are in Paniqui. It is said that Don MarcelinO' had a serious illness, but he is now well. The Moreno family and others are back in Manila.

Same

LETTER TO BUENCAMINO

Balungaw, July 3, 1899

MR.

FELIPE BUENCAMINO

My dear Fll'iend and Colleague: I have in my possession yOU'f pleasant letter of June' 30th in which you talk of the proposals made by Maxilom. I cannot also understand the cause ofl the delay of my' letter of the 18th, which was brought along on the same d.ay with others addressed to my colleaguEs, Don Cayo <lind Don Gracio, by tenants of Don Juan Mananquil, the nephew of Dona Maria, owner of the house which was used as headqua;rters of the President of the Government Council in Cabanatuan.

My colleague, DOll Cayo, who arrived here yesterday from there, tells me that he ha.s not received my letter, due, maybe, to an oversight of the above-mentioned Don Juan Mananquil, because the other leters were receive.d in Talavera on that very day, the 19th.

I know nothing either ,a bout previous records concerning Don Arcadio Maxilom or any of his proposals. The only thing I know is tha't said Maxilom has been the leader of the revolutionists since the start of their movement in Cebu and continues to be so until now. None of the so-caJled generals of lloilo and Cebu has an appointment from the Government for the simple reason that the letter does, not recognize the aptitudes of the former. We have, however, tried to give them the title of General so as not to displease them, with the promise to determine their respective ranks wh~n we could send arms and duly organize the fO'l'ces over there. Settle the matter as well as you can. The few records on this subject must be in the office of the, President and in the Department of War.

If the sons of Mr. Centurion have been given their freedom in, return for the efforts of the father in fa VOl' of the Filipino exiles, it is but just, it seems to me, to grant Don Julio del Rio and his son-in-law their freedom which is persistently solicited by Dr. Calvo, who is getting married to a daughter of the form er. Dr. Calvo is one of our trusted agents in Manila who has taken charge for a long time now of coursing our correspondence abroad. That is why I believe

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LETTER TO BUENCAMINO

we should please him. I have already had an occasion to sa:.: as much to the President.

Having found no relief in these thermal baths, r am making preparations to go to Rosales.

I may not find it possible to go over there, since I made the resolution to get away nowadays from the political life which is too exciting for my little strength. I need to rest because I have noticed 'that continuous, work, like the one I have done from Cavite until a short while ago, will end up in my complete annihilation.

Nevertheless, in what little I can, I shaH contlibute my share, publishing now and then short a:rticles which, although pitiful, due to lack of proper training and excess of leve of country, are the路 only means I .h ave in order to help.

I share your sorrow for the death or your son. You may, at least, take the comfort in that his was an honorable death, worthy of a punctilious soldier. I also deplore with you the tTagic death of General Luna.

I am glad to Ie n of your ,h appy hopes of a coming peace.

Everyone desires peace as long as it is honorable.

Thank you so much for your} generous offers. Kindly give my respects to tH.e President and his family, and command your affectionate and respectful

AP. MABINI

LETTER TO RAFAEL PALMA

Rosales, July 5, 1899 Mr. Rafael Palma My dear Sir: Day before yesterday, a shart while before leaving Balungaw for this place, I received your pleasant letter of the 24th of June, last.

I am grateful for the good opinion that the paper has of my short works a:s well as for the favor that you do me in publishing them. I am also grateful, and very deeply so, for your offer to send me a copy every day from that date, although so far I have not yet received any number.

Enclosed is another short article, just in case you may consider it suitable for publication. As it is the only means that I have now of helping in the common work, I shall always toil in this way as long as I can; but one cannot expect brilliant articles from a an deficient in learning and strength.

I take advantage of this opportunity to offer myself as your attâ&#x201A;Ź'Iltive and loya.} servant.

Ap.

194

MABINI

LETER TO ISIDORO DE SANTOSl Rosales, July 22. 1899 DR. J.S1ooRO DE SANTOS

Hongkong My dear Friend:

On the 19th, instant, I received your pleasant letter of June 17th with another from our friend Apacible and translations of foreign news which I sent at once to "Puno", who is in the capital of Tarlac with the whole Government. I have just received a letter from "Puno" in which he tells me tha.t he expects to stay in peace for some time in that capital as the Americans. who a:r<e occupying San Fernando, Candaba and Baliwag, do not give any indications of moving upwards. However, I have also received news that American forces are being concentrated in San Fernando.

"Puno" tells m~ besid,es, that the Americans who wttacked Cavite had to fall 'back again towards Manila, leaving the towns they had tak n and retaining' only Imus and Bacoor where our ovrn forces were attaCKing them. La Independeneia has just published the news that the American forces had to return to Manila, leaving Cavite completely.

It seems that the Americans want really to take the narrow path they .a re talking about, because they suffered heavy casualties in the battle with our men between Morong and Binangonan. Let us see if they can do this, especially now that heavy rains have started to fall.

I have already informed you in my previous letters of the truth of the murder of Luna and Paco Roma::1. According to a circular of the Department of the Interior, Luna insulted the guards. kicking and slapping them and hitting them with 1 From Balungaw, Mabini went to Kabaruan, a barrio of Villasis, accompanied by Aguinaldo; then to the town proper of Villasis on the invitation of F. Isidoro C. Perez. and back to Rosales on the insistence of Zenon Corrales, Municipal President. The Government of the Republic had moved to Tarlac, the place becoming the provisional capital of the Republic, where the new Revolutionary Congress convened on July 14th, electing Ambrosia Rianzares Bautista as its President.

During his stay in Rosales up to November, when due to the dispersion of the Philippine Government with the capture of Tarlac and Bayambang he had to hide from the invading army, he continued more intensely writing newspaper articles. - T.M.K.

2

General Emilio Aguinaldo.

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THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

the butt of his gun, for which reason the soldiers killed him.

As I was in Balungaw on the date of the murder and from there I came to' Rosales where I still am now, I cannot tell you anything definite. What there was to it was that Luna, as Undersecretary of War and ad interim Secretary in the absence of Don Mariano Trias, using as a pretext the tendency shown earlier by the present C&binet to look for a settlement with the Americans on the basis of autonomy like that of Ca~ nada, moved the Department to Bay~bang and there he ran matt ers all by himself completely disregarding "Puno'" and his collea.gues in the Government. He acted thus because he wanted the Paterno Cabinet to resign, so that he could take charge of forming another Cabinet retaining for himnelf the Pres,i dency wit h the Department -of War. He announced thus in his newspaper when he was called by the President to Cabanatuan.

You add to all these data the scandal against Buencamino and P at erno and the death of the son of the former, and you have enough to break your head if you try to' imagine what took place. You do not need to recommend y;our father to me, be~ cause "PUllO" regards him highly, and even if it were not so, you know full well that I like him as much as I do like you, and I would do what little I can in his favor.

Actually" I see that the American people are beginning to side with us and, as long as they do not change their way of t.hinking, they can largely contribute to our triumph. I have seen that they do not know the truth in the events that have taken place, that is whY] I have tried to coordinate my ideas and write them down on the enclosed sheet, without deviating in the least from the truth. If you and the others there believe that its pUblication is still timely, have it translated and published in the newspapers of America and of the neighboring places. See to it that the trans'lation is faithful in order to avoid any change of concepts that may not be so convenient.

I leave to' you the choice of the best means for its publication because I believe that it cannot fail to cause an impression on the American people. I have not yet published it here for feaT that the Yankees would adopt measures to prevent its' publication in America. When I learn that you have already published it over there, I shall also release it here.

I think I have nothing more to tell you now. Should you find a good opportunity to send me a purely English dictionary, among the best of those being used by the Englishmen, I would be very grateful. The English~Spanish dictionaries contain

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LETTER TO ISIDORO DE SANTOS

very few terms and they neither give a good explanation of the real meaning nor the proper use of each term.

You know that you always h!1ve in me a friend that truly likes you.

Ap. MABINI

P.S. Please send me foreign newspapers so that I will be thoroughly informed of what is going on there. Although I am out of the Government, I help with my modest short works that I publish in La Indepemdencia. I do not send you copies of the paper, because I suppose you receive them from the Administration itself.

)

Same

LETTER TO BUENCAMINO

Rosales, July 24, 1899

MR.

FELIPE BUENCAMINO

My deal' Friend and Colleague:

Yesterday I received letters from Hongkong dated June 26 in which our agents over there acknowledged receipt of my letter wherein I informed them of the change of Cabinet. They find it strange that they have not so far received any communication either from you or from the President of the Council. I suppose you have already written them, and they had not no~ received your letters at the time they wrote me.

Enclosed with their letters were translations of news from American newspapers, which show that favorable public opinion in America is steadily gaining ground to the detriment of the imperialist party. Also enclosed was a copy of the agreement between Spain and Germany on the situation of Jolo, an agreement written in English and which I did not thoroughly understand because when I received the letters a person who was on his way over there cam~ to me, and I took advantage of the opportunity to send all the papers to the President since they were addressed to him.

I find it more comfortable here than in Balungaw; only that when it rains the rivers overflow their bank, flood the streets and roads, and we become isolated.

The agents in Hongkong say that, according to letters they received from Manila, there are divergencies among us and factions are being formed. I am informing you of this so that when you write to them you can deny those news which I consider false. They also ask whether the news of General Luna's death, which was wired by the Americans to Europe and America, 'is' true. \ When I was still in the Government, I wrote to our agents in Hongkong that they call Don Vicente Ilustre, who was then in Madrid, to help them in the work as he is a good lawyer.

Now they tell me that this gentleman asks for 800 gold pesos to enable him to leave Madrid but they cannot give him that amount without an orde.r from the Government. If you do not need him, I do not thinkit 1S necessary to make this upense, ]98

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LEITER TO BUENCAMINO

and because of this I beg you to write to our agents: to see what the Government may have decided on this matter. These aTe the only points they have touched upon in the note they sent me; and I suppose they have already been trea.ted extensivey in the letters they addressed to the President.

You know that you can always command your affectionate and respectful

Ap. MABIN!

P. S. I suppose the package that I mentioned in the first paragraphs of this letter will be the last that I shall receive.

)

Same

LETTER TO KANOY AND IKKISI

Rosales, July 25, 1899 MESSRS. KANOY AND IKKIS2

Hongkong My dear Friends : I acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the 25th and 26th of June which I got only two days ago, not knowing what could have caused the delay. I sent "Puno" the translations of the f oreign news, with the copy of the treaty between Spain a.nd Germany, and your letters to him. I wrote Mr. Buencamino, telling him that you are complaining of his silence and t hat of the President of the Council of Government, and l'equesting him to inform you of the decision of the Government abou t Ilustre's request for 800 gold pesos for his return expenses, an amount which, to me, seems somewhat excessive, unless he ha.s to meet some obligations. I told him also that you already know ab ut the change of the Cabinet, that is why I anl of the opinion ' hat yJou should also write to him about the general progress of the affairs over there, so that the members of the Ca.binet will not think that you are not with them. The welfare of the country and our goals demand that you do this.

The autonomists of Manila are very much discredited in the eyes of the country ~ and in those of the Americans themselves who believed that the former could be of great service to them with the revolutionists. Even the present Cabinet has to change iis opinion and program very soon and to continue our previous policy, because it has seen that if it would not lend itself to this change, it could not remain long in power, a.s "Puno", backed by the Army and by the people, is decided to fight for independence. "Puno" wanted a suspension of hostilities only for a short time tOI afford the troops a muchneeded rest and to gather pills. 3 Otis Tie fused out of distrust, but " Puno" has partly obtained his wish, because the rains are forcing the enemy almo's t to inaction and the soldiers are 1 Although retired from power, Mabini oontinued writing to the Committee in Hongkong and to his friends to inform them of the progress of the national politics with its varied incidents. It is a pity that the whole correspondence of this period has not been saved. - T .M.K. 2 Dr. Isidoro de Santos 3 Munitions

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LETTER TO KANOY AND IKKIS

201

disheartened. "Pund' tells me that the Governm{:mt is ready to receive the Sergei any time, but it is necessary that it be soon.

The news about dissensions and formation of factions is not true. There are only the autonomists and the partisans of the war. The first are very few and they are within Manila and, even among these few, it seems to me that many show that they are so only for the sake of convenience. Among us, although I deplore and condemn the violent death of Luna, his demise has warded off a threatening tempest. Luna aimed high, convinced maybe that he was more cultured than "Puno" and, if he had not done anything as yet, it was because he had not yet acquired the necâ&#x201A;Ź's sary prestige to challenge "Puno" openly. That is, why he aspired to the Presidency of the Council with the portfolio of war. "Puno's" weakness before Luna has contributed much to rouse Luna's ambitions. Because "Puno" allowed him to do wl;lat he wanted, Luna thought that he could manipUlate "Puno" like a puppet. But, knowing "Puno" as I do, it is safe to suppose that had Luna obtained; what he wanted, a cleavage would have taken place that may have destroyed us all. Despite everything, however, I frankly admit that, until now, I am yet in fhe dark as to the real :m0tives behind Luna's eath, which I still cannot determine whether it was casual .or premeditated.

I do not know if it is true that Paterno has asked to be allowed to return to M3Jnila. It may be true, but the request may have been made before his coming into power, and after robbers have entered his house in Mejico, robbing him of plenty of money and jewelry. The news about General G. del Pilar is not true either; so much so, that "Puno" had ,appointeel him one of the commissioners who went to Manila to ask for a sllspension of hostilities, after Arguelles had failed and following the scandal stirred up by Luna against Buencamino and Paterno right after the formation of the present Cabinet. "'PUllO" has just ,uitten to me' about the appointment of Antonio Regidor as envoy to America. He tells me that Regoidor's power is limited to askinrr for the recognition of our Il1riependentc. Would to heaven that he be more luck than "Kita." As long as he would not allow himself to be fl3Jtter by the Amel'ic&ns, like the political acrobats ,of Manila, he can be of some sen'ice to us. The trouble with Regidor is that because he does not kno,Y our people well he may be guided by the information thnt he m:1Y receive from thos,e of Manila. It will be up to J 011 to put us on guard if needs be. On the other hand, the Americans know by now that the truly influential 1

Arms

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THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABIN'I

men in the Revolution and in the country are not those who are on their side.

It seems that the friars do not really stop resorting to every means, however, inhuman, in order to s'a ve their interests from being lost. But let us see if they can do it. While I have an atom of strength and influence left, I shall use them to destroy their plans and calculations. Their expulsion from the Philippines for our tranquillity is' becoming indispensable.

McKinley, Otis and their followers are falling under those leeches. On the other hand, the campaign in Cavite failed to yield the result that the Americans had expected.

With my last letter of July 21st, I enclosed a narrative, which I signed" of the events o!" of the behavior of the Americans towards US.I Please translate it into English so that the American people shall know of such behavior. If you think it is necessary, you can give the lie to an interview which is a.ttributed to me, because there has been no such interview, and much less have I said that we are awaiting foreign intervention, that is, a European one.

August 11th

Up to now, I hav.e not found an opportunity to send this letter. Neither can I add other news, because there has been no remarkable occurrence. Military operations are paralyzed.

The roads are almost impassable because of the rains. However, a rumor is going around that the Americans will renew their attacks on the 15th and that the Government is contemplating to move to Bay amban g. I do not know how much truth there is in this.

Congres's has voted a foreign loan of twenty million pesos in order to give formal authorization to "Kita" to negotiate for it. I am against any other world po'w er, aside from America, to be our creditor nowadays because I am afraid of a dangerous intervention. That world power will get back her money either by siding with us or by forging an understanding with the enemy to divide us between them. The means that I consider safest is that America herself, upon recognizing our independence, should lend us the money. However, if that loan is badly needed I consider it indispensable that the world power which will be our creditor should recognize our independence or, at least, our belligerence.

September 13, 1899 I have already sent this letter to Manila by a mess'enger, but he had to return it to me because he could not cross the American lines. On the other hand, as in my letter of July

LEITER TO KANOY AND IKKIS

203

21st, I had already announcEd many of the things, that I re11eated here, I did not consider its sending very necessary and urgent and, hence, the delay.

As of today., I have just received the very pleasant letter of "Ikkis," dated July 25th, last, with the transla.tions of clippings and of fo~eign news, which I sent to La Independencia tog-e~ her with the letter and the news fo'r this newspape'r.

Om communications Rl'e in truth, VEry slow; but I have already previously writteIll to "Puno" about your wishes that he arrange a faster means of communication. I am now going to f.eiterate this request. "Puno" has just told me that you have retained the credentia.ls of Regidol' and that he has approved said retention, and ordered the sending of said credentials withheld until further orders, because of certain inconveniences that you have found and w~ich he considers r easonable. I a,n swered him saying that, in my opinion, Reg-idor has the disa,dvanta.ge of kno'w ing our ccuntry only very slightlly, as he has been away fr.om here for quite along' time, If to this is added the consideration he has kept no connections with the Philippines except "",ith the rich people of Manila, particulall~ly, may be, with Pa;rdo e, Tavera, the leader of autonomism and political "acrobatism," cannot lay aside the fear that he would ]~epresent in America said pernicious element, disreg.arding our legitimate aspirations.

On the 23th of last month, Congress and the Government elected me President of the Supreme Court of Justice which, according to our Constitution, carries with it the office of the Vice-President of the Republic, "Puno" sided by' Doctor Barce~ lona, Don Gracio and others, worked for my election; but the Council of Government, backed by Tio Bosiong, the actual P:resident of Congress, and Ferrer, opposes my appointment tenaciously. I is being said that they are working hard to annul my election on the ground of physical disability and, for this reason, I have not Yelt been informed of my election. But I do not know if they would succeed, because ('Puno" appears to be firm in his' wish that I be the one to occupy that position.

It is also being said that Pa.terno is set on being elected to the post because he SEes that "Puno" does not have much conficlence in him and he may lose his position any time; that is why he wants to insure an honorable exit. Besides, if these people did not like me before, they like me less now that I ha\Te published articles describing gra,phica.lly some errors and blunders that, in my opinion, would be fatal unless they are corrected. You know well enough. that I am often harsh in my language, and, besides, I purposely called aloud to make sure that I would be heard. Result: a warning from the Department of the Interior

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THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABIN1

which considered my article antipatriDtic, because they, the perSDns in power, say that I am giving the fDreigners cause to' think unfavDrable of Dur capacity to gO' vern and Df Dur uniDn. I had to convince the editor Df the paper that to' pDint Dut Dur own errors is patriDtism and it will, at the s,ame time, ShDW the fDreigners that we have definite natiDns Df the art Df governing: that pDlemics are nO't discDrds, and they cannDt harm us, unless they weaken Dr break our union in Dur effDrts to' attain Dur final goal, which is independece. In the beginning he felt certain scruples; but now, in the last issues of the paper, he himself wrDte twO' editDrials against the pDlitics Df deceits and lies which Dur politicians and emplo.yees, cDpying the Spanish mDdel, seem t-o pursue. This is why certain elements' whO' are fond Df Dstentation, but whO' pay very little attention to' the CDnstitutiDn and to the laws, hate me sO' much.

We have started here the campaign Df the FilipinO' clergy, Dw ing to the excDmmunicatiDn launched against P. Aglipay by t.he nDted N Dzaleda. I am sending YDU herewith the answer l in the fDrm of manifestO', Df said priest. I dO' nDt knDw if I cDuld send YDU other wO'rks. that have been published, to ShDW that Nozaleda h~s nO' longer eclesiastical jurisdiction Dver the Philippines. I have Dt yet received the cDpies that I was prDmised, but if they dO' not CDme Dn time to' gO' with this letter,. I shall send them to' YDU when I T.eceive路 them.

BuencaminD wants alsO' to' assure fDr himself Df an hDnorable exit. He is wor:king Dn the clergy SO' that they will appoint him ambassadDr to' Rome. But his路 intentions are nDt gDDd, because he says that he will earnestly tr:y to Dbtain frDm N Dzaleda the appointment Df an Ecclesiastical GDvernor,. I dO' not underSitand what this man thinks. But I told the clergy that shDuld they allDw themselves' to be taken in and CDme to' an understanding with NDzaleda, they will becDme the enemies Df the cDunty and of the truly patriotic elements. I feel ashamed Df having to' infDrm you of these internal prOoblems, because I consider them ugly; but I tnlst in YDur discretiDn and, besides, I believe it convenient that you ShDUld, knDW what is gDing Dn here.

Fortunately, these things dO' nDt prev:ent our army from becDming mOore and more animated, neither dO' they detract from the enthusiasm Df the people, despite the sorrDWS caus'ed by certain abuses and burdens. The Americans can hardly move fDrward despite all their effDrts; that is why the GDvernment has' decided to' stay in Tarlac. ,There are very persistent 1 Written by Mabini. by him.

It is in the book, "The Philippine Revolution,"

LEITER TO KANOY AND IKKIS

205

rumors that the volunteers and seme American officials in Manila. are very much displeased, and that, over there, there is much fear of a sudden at:ack by them in combination with the native police. Hence, our communication with Manila has become more difficult, because the American authorities have taken certain precautions.

I received with great satisfaction the news that my answers to the foreign traders and to the questions of the Oceanic had contributed to the formation abroad, of a favorable opinion about our aptitudes, and I am deeply grateful for your congratulations, although I do not deserve so much, because yery few are really free from this childish weakness.

A Spanish Commission, working for the freedom of the Spanish prisoners, has been here a short time ago -to confer with the Government, and our Government has asked for six or seve'n million pesos as indemnification. I can understand that, maybe, the penury of eur Treasury and the expenses which the maintenance of the prisoners occasions in our towns, could have forced the Government to this decision; but I am afra,id that he payment may be interpreted as a ransom and other peopl may ferm a very poor idea of our culture.

I am ef the opinion that you sho ld hear "Kita" and Naning on this particular m tter, and yO' should advise "Puno" on what is: most convenie, t to do, ju t in case said demand may be harmful te our reputation, because the Spanish Cemmission which has b~n authoriz.ed to offer one million, premised te come back.

I have just read La Independencia 0'f the 11th, which says that according to' news from Manila, General Wheeler has just arrived te relieve Otis, who, owing to some last-minute cemmunications with his Government, has succceeded in retaining his pos,t, leaving the newcomer in an embarrassi.ng positien.

If this is true, the dissensions between the two Wlll be favorable to us. Enclosed herewith is a number of La Independencia that carries one ef my articles. I do net know whether its publicati0'n is advisable er not, because some people may say that it means putting the colossi on guard. But I say to myself that the latter already know, without our saying so, that our Revolution is injurious te them. And in this supposition I believe that it would be to our advantage that they sh0'uld understand that we possess seme knowledge. If being reserve was convenient to us au the beginning, I de not anymore consider it necessary today, because the question now is te show our capability. It is up to you to decide whether it is advisable to send this' article to "Kita," se that he can see whether or not it is suitable f0'r publication in European papers. It seems to' me that you should work over there se that the Pope

206

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

will appoint a Filipino Bishop, inasmuch as to appoint a foreigner would result into schism, because the clergy has established its Chapter for the government of the Philippine Church and appointed a Commission to Rome which sails as soon as it can. Of course, I am talking of work in the press a.nd not of other kinds of efforts which are not possible nowadaY's. This would help our aspirations for the expuls,i on of the leeches' with cowls.

If you have not received my article of July 21st, which I sent you with lI).y letter containing an exact and faithful narration of the conduct of the Americans towards us, please tell me so that I ean send you another copy.

I am still as before, waiting for relief that may never come. Regards to all from your ~ffectionate

Ap.

MABIN!

p. S.

Is the loss of many grains1 which have been loaded for tha;t place due really to the recent storm, true? It seems that the obstacles which are trying our dedication to the cause are not yet through. Fortunately, the stormy weather has to pass and, by force or by the unavoidable law of Natur路e, better days will come in which, with a stroke, we shall make up for our losses and ga.in much more.

Same

LETTER TO RAF AEL PALMA

Rosales, August 6, 1899 THE EDITOR OF "LA INDEPENDENCIA"

My dear Sir: I received your short note in which you inform me that you have slightly modified in some parts the form of my last article, "Algo pO/11m el Congr eso路." I have not yet r ead the modified article, as the last number I received was that of the 20th of last month.

I, of course, acknowledge the right of the editor of the paper and I have to respect his judgment; but with the Constitution still in force and the freedoms pr.ocla.i med in it not being restricted by any law, I consider myself authorized to publish the truth, in the form I may deem convenient, to awaken those who are still placidly sleeping in error.

As the form I chose is, clearlY', not in consonance with your way of thinking, which I re,s:pect, of course I shall stop writing articles, and I apl telling thIS to you just for the effect that it might have on your offer to send me a copy of the paper every day in my capacity as collaborator.

Aside from the difference of opinions., (You can always count on the friendship and gratitude of your affectionate and respectful

Ap. MABINI

207

LETTER TO RAFAEL PALMA

Rosales, August 11, 1899 THE EDITOR OF "LA INDEPENDENCIA"

My dear Sir and Friend: I received your pleasant letter of the 9th, instant, with the newspaper that contains my article. I agree to the sup~ pressions that you have made as my purpose has been served, which was solely and exclusively to call the attention and not to satisfy a mean sentiment.

Enclosed is a short article. It is', of course, up to ypu to decide whether it is suitable for pUblication or not, because I can well understand that even if we (that is, you and I) are l'â&#x201A;Ź'ady to face the ires of the Government, you should look after the interests' of the paper. I do not know up to what point they can rn.ak~ you responsible for the M'ticles signed by me, but. by all means, I authol1ize you to make the whole responsibility devolve on me, should this be, in any way, useful to you and to the paper.

I beg you not to send me anymore the paper in my capacity as a collaborator. I shall forward to you as many articles as: I can, with. a request that you give me only those numbers in which you print any of my works and the refutations that others may publish in turn, so that the truth may be established through a well-reasoned and fully understood argument.

The warning of the Secretary of the Interior has caused me no EttIe surprise; it seems to me that the most legal pro-

cedure would have been to propose before Congress a law suspending the constitutional guarantees and submit the press to censorship. I already said when I was still in power that even if I considered the Constitution premature, I would still keep it and have it respected better than the very persons who voted it.

Regretting this unfortunate incident and thanking you for everything, I beg you to command your affectionate and respectfUl

Ap. MABIN I 208

ANOTHER LETTER TO BUENCAMINO

Rosales, August 12, 1899

MR.

FELIPE BUENCAMINO

My dear Friend and Colleague: I received your last tW.o letters, that is, the one of July 1st and that of August 6th. I am grateful not only for your offers but also for the news that you are so kind to impart.

I congratulate you for the improvemen,t that 路 is taking place in our foreign relations, and I congratulate myself also, because said improvement indefinitely prolongs my rest. Even if I consider the present Cabinet patriotic to the utmost, I cannot free myself of the misgiving that, when the tempest and the dangers increase in violence, it may find itself hard;\ pressed enough to shift the weight to other shoulders as it had happened to me. It would not be so bad if you should 'have the luck that I had in finding stronger ones.

T agree with ,you. We have t try all means to make the American people put qown McKinley or force him to cha.nge policy. It is in this "yay alone that we can .obtain our independenoe with less danger for the integrity of our territory.

Any negotiation that may result in a foreign intervention is very dangerous, because the world power that may intervene ean forge an understanding with America if in so doing it can get greater advantages than by helping us.

I am afraid that, despite yOUr best wishes, the plan of establishing r.chools would entail a useless expenditure. Uutil we can have the cE-rtainty that the Americans will not attack, I do not believe that opening schools is advi~able.

You know that you can always command your affectionate and and respectful Ap. MABIN I

209

LETTER TO THE TOWN PRESIDENT OF ALCALA

Rosales, August 13, 1899 To .THE TOWN PRESIDENT OF ALCALA

My dear Sir: I have received the one hundred pesos you sent me by order of the provincial president.

It seems that the provincial president has taken this step through Pres'i dent Aguinaldo's a.dvice.

I beg of you to please make known to the provincial president my gratefulness and tOo s路e nd the inclosed letter for President Aguinaldo acknowledging receipt of the amount.

Please count always on my friendship and gratitude.

Very truly yours,

)

210

Ap.

MABINI

LETTER TO RAFAEL PALMA

Rosales, August 19, 1899 THE EDITOR OF "LA INDEPENDENCIA~'

My dear Sir and Friend: With my answer of the 12th (or it must have been om the 11th), instant, to your last letter, with which you kindly sent me a copy of the paper for July 24th, and a copy of the warning of the Department of the Interior, I also sent you a short article in which I explained the reasons that moved me to write the one intended for Congress, which the latter as well as the Government consider anti-government and anti patriotic" according to that warning and to the letters of several friends.

I am afraid YQu may not have received said short article, in which case I beg' ou to let me know so that I maYi send you a new one, because ~y ,a ttention ' as been called to the necessity of removing a ~d suspicion caused maybe by the lack of serenity in the judgment whic wounded pride never fails to produce.

J If you have received. the short article and you do not consider it suitable for publication, I also beg you to let me know both your point of view and your obs'e rvations so that I may know by what to abide.

I have received lately the issues of the 25th, 26th and 27th of July and that of the 14th of August, and I am thanking you very much for your attention.

You know that you can always command your affectionatâ&#x201A;Ź and respectful

Ap. MABIN I

211

LETTER TO RAFAEL PALMA

Rosales, August 30, 1899 THE

EDITOR OF "LA INDEPENDENCIA"

,\ 1Y dl'a r Friend:

The reading of yOul' letter of the 24thl has given me the greatest satisfaction, and I cannot but agree with you when .\路ou say that a newspaper must prevent diYergences of opinion from degenerating into real disputes and personal discussions.

But I am sure that you will not take offense if I differ with you about the effects of differences of opinion. I bet /(TC' that only differences about the f1mdamemtal airn, which i8 /'rI dc]J(,I1ri.ence. Il'ould harm. us. As long as ,ve are united in this goal, the discussions that may arise about the means of attaining it are the natural consequences of human condition and are evident signs that we are not very ignorant in the art of governing. Beside, those discussions are necessary for getting at the truth, or better government, and for the instruction of the people.

Furthermore, when I think that the Revolution is geting {Jut of its propel' course, I lay; aside all considerations because to me the welfare .of the people is above everything else. I am of the opinion that we have to fight from now, and with all our energy, certain vices and errors to prevent their pro..,. pagation and their taking root; because, sooner or later, they will undermine the welfare of the country. This' damage can be immensely greater than that which any unfavorable opinion about oUl~selves can cause us.

Talking about my writings, the ha,rshness of my language is due partly to my character, which does' not know how to mask thoughts with attractive garments, and partly to calculation, as it seems to me that it is necessary to call aloud in order to be heard, especially by those who Me wrapped up in th eir own personal affairs. I am an enemy of political factions, hence I shall never belong to one; but I shall a.}ways be with the people in everything that would bring them good.

As regards my last article, I submit it to your impartial opinion, because being the interested party, my judgment may 1

This letter has never been found, not even a copy of it. -

212

T.M.K.

LETTER TO RAFAEL PALMA

213

be biased. Besides, even if I believe that, despite the harshness of my language, the article would not change the differences of opinions into deep dissidences, I consider its publication already late, because if it is true that I have been elected PresidEmt of the Supreme Court, I have to watch IIo/ steps more carefully, considering that the position being entrusted to me shall give me some political significance which you so kindly acknowledge, for which acknowledgment and for your affectionate congratulations I feel deeply grateful.

I am sending you a copy of ,a document which I am ad-

dressing to Congress and to the Government, requesting that you insert it in the paper if you find no inconvenience in s'o dding.

I appreciate fully the franlmess and confidence that you have just shown me as wen as the favorable opinion you have of me, and I hope that, in return, you will accept the friendship and the high regard of your very affectionate and respectful.

!

Ap. MABINI

LETTER TO SANDIKO Rosales, August 31, 1899 My dear Friend: I was told that you are there in Santo Domingo as manager of the estate of the late Sanciangko; and I am glad that it is SQ, because you are, thus, away from gossips. I am still here in Rosales spending days which are comparatively better and more peaceful. Nevertheless, some gossips reach me still.

I have puhlished articles pointing out the defects of the first Congress and the errors in policies it has incurred. This has vexed the Cabinet very much, because the members have adopted the system of blaminz on us even their own failures.

They are mistaken, for I shall know how to defend in the press our work because we always' acted in good faith. Besides, I am ready to fight with all my strength the Spanish virus which they have fully caught and with which they are so much in love.

In the elections of the 23rd, the President worked hard so that I would come. out as President of the Supreme Court, Don Gracio as Solicitor General and, according to news reports and a note of the latter, we have been elected. I do not know yet whether this is true, because I have not yet received any official communication.

Paterno and Rianzares Bautista, the present President of Congress, must be feeling very much vexed as: they dislike me thoroughlY. They believe that I am forming a political faction, since they accuse me of everything, when, in fact, I am so opposed to polit~cal factions. I shall be, yes, a partisan of the people, and nothing mo~¡e.

Regidor 1 has been appointed to go to America, and Congress has just authorized a foreign loan of twenty million pesos.

The America,l1s appear deeided to advance in order to obtain some decisive result~ before October when, acco-rding to news, therâ&#x201A;Ź! will be an extraQrdinary session of the U.S. Congress.

Regards to your family and command your affectionate

Ap. MABIN I 1

Antonio Regidor

214

DRAFT OF MARINI'S ANSWER TO FATHER NOZALEDA

Tarlac, [Undated] MOST REVEREND

FR.

BERNARDINO NOZALEDA

Distinguished Archbishop: I have the satisfaction to acknowledge rec~ipt of your letter of August 21st, last, and of the one which the Most Eminent Cardinal Rampolla addressed to you in behalf of the freedom of the Spanish prisoners. 1 BefoTe going further, I have to beg yoU that, in answering the letter of the above-mentioned Cardinal, you should make clear to him that the clergy and the Catholic people of the Philippines are imbued with the most irrevocable 3.Jttachment to the Holy See. You are so right when you say in retaining the Spanish prisoners, especially the religious ones, we are neither prompted by the repugn~t spirit of commercialism nor by the memory of affronts that we keep in our minds. Our only aim 'is t.hat it should serve us as a benefici3.Jl lesson for the future, and never for purpos~s of wreaking vengeance, which is incompatible with the valor and charity of which we hope to give some proofs to the cultured world.

In retaining the Spanish members of the .religious orders of whom Monsignor Rampolla speaks, we have been moved. by the highest spirit of justice and! by the sacred interests of the Catholic religion in the Philippines.

When Pope Alexander VI granted on May 4, 1493, to the Catholic Kings of Spain the authority to extend the Christian Gospel to the East Indies, he did not authorize them in such a manner that after the discovered people shall have been preached the Gospel they shall be given over and sold like merchandise to the pagan nations. I may be permitted to call the North American nation pagan. because the Constitution of the same has not declared the Catholic religion as official religion in the way that the Spanish Constitution doeS. We know that the Vatican, before looking after the welfare of a few members of the religious orders, should be more interested in the fate of eight millions of Catholic Filipinos, who are channeled into slavery by the deed and virtue of that immoral sale. The Filipino people, in opposing that sale, sacrificing their lives and their interests, labor not only for their freedom but also for their religion and their fidelity to the Holy 1

For texts of letters, see Appendix A.

215

216

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABIN1

See. That is why I, who, a.s a Filipino, have to fight for the independence of my country and, as a Catholic, ha,ve to look after the integrity of the Catholic religion, consider myself duty-bound to temporarily deprive of freedom those persons ,vhose brothers are working tirelessly for the consummation of t he above-mentioned sale, until I can have the certainty that they cannot harm us wny more.

Please advise the Cardinal that the Filipino clergy and the Filipino people will receive with pleasure, deference, and respect the nuncio or Apostolic Legate of his Holiness, whose presence is truly needed so that the Vatican can understand in all its said reality the state of Oatholicism in the Philippines.

But, on the other hand, they are firmly resolved not to recognize any for eign bishop as head of any of the dioceses of the Philippines. As the Pope does not dare appoint in Spain, for example, bishops who are not Spaniards, for reasons that he knows, the appointment of foreign bishops for the dioceses of the Philippines under the actual state -of tltings would no less involve certain inconveniences. The Philippine Government would not allow it, being a dangerous measure for the peace and order and the very interests of the Catholic Church.

You should not "(orry regarding the moral effect that the retention of th.e Spanish prisoners will produce ' on public opinion. vVhen public conscience, which is said to be cultured and the sole repository of civilization, will consider the sale of countries as licit and ordinary just because they are classified as colonies, even if this sale be the continuation in grand scale of the old slave trade, we know that we are excused for flattering that opinion. The Vatican dares not raise its authoritative voice against that inveterate custom, which is so opposed to Christian morals but regarded, as lawful in the positive international law, because it does not find itself convenient to be in open controversy with the interests of many world powe'r s. For this very reason, I do not doubt that it will also respect the interests of the Filipino people, interests that would advise the temporary retention of some Spanish members of the religious clrders. Besides, I believe said religious prisoners would prefer to live in the midst of a Catholic country to being turned over to anothâ&#x201A;Źlr which is pagan or which practices free cult.

It may not suit you to let t;:is letter reach the hands of His Holiness; hence, I shall refrain from requesting that you include it with your answer to the venerable Cardinal Rampolla.

I am returning your gTeetings with the same respectful consideration, pledging myself to be your attentive and sincere servant.

LETTER TO PRESIDENT AGUINALDO

Rosales, September 24, 1899 My dear President Emilio Aguir..aldo: The bearer, Mr. Jose Fernandez, a very good friend from Ma.nila, wishes to be appointed military Chief in th.e reserve force.

Regarding his position and conduct, I can't say anyth.ing against them.

I suggest that you ask for information rega,r ding his cha,r acter and conduct from persons in the government service and if you consider his petition fair enough, please give him a fair deal.

Excuse me always.

fo~

bothering you.

)

217

I am at your service as

Ap. MABINI

LETTER TO LINO

Rosales, October 3, 1899

Mv dear Friend, Mr. Lino: I have just received your pleasant letter of the 14th of last month, which I was not able to answer on time because I was not yet in Tarlac. r am deeply grateful for your congratulations, although I doubt very much that the result of the election will bâ&#x201A;Ź carried through, because the Cabinet and the President of Congress, N,o r Bosiong, are fighting it vigorously on t.he ground of my physical disability. Instead of fighting for that position, I sent a message imposing conditions which I consider necessary for the better administration of justice under the present circumstances and adding that, should those conditions be not accceptable, r would give up the position.

Even if you acC,.use me of being conceited, I am fully convinced that, unlike them, I do not need any position in order to work for the country. As long as I can write, they shall do what I want, and I will be the one to trace the course of the Revolution. They hate me because I am exposing their errors one by one, at the same time showing to the people what should be done, and, as they cannot refute my arguments, they want to take revenge in another waYi. I am fighting without hate and animated only by the desire that everything should be done well, irrespective of who are in command. And I have the certainty that, sooner or later, the triumph shall be mine.

r can give y:ou very little news. The American prisoners, released by the Government and a.ccompanied by a Commission, the intentions of which r do not know, must have arrived there by now. Please tell me something about what that Commission wants, because I am not well informed of certain plans of the Government. All is quiet with regard to military operations. Now and then, there are slight cla.shes of reconnoitering detachments from both sides', but they are insignificant.

I shall not do all that I can for your father-in-law and your brother-in-law when I get near the President, who has also worked for my election, although the Cabinet is fighting against it.

Our agents in Hongkong complain about the delay in the correspondence and they are right; but r cannot do anything 218

219

LETTER TO LINO

about it now. While I am in this town, I cannot easily communicate with you over there. Nevertheless, I have pointed this out to the President so that he may look for a remedy. I am glad that Del Pan is joining our cause, because he is a valuable addition to the ranks.

Unfortunately, I am still as before; the baths in Balungaw have not given me any relief. But if I have not improved in health, I have not worsened either, which is already an advantage.

I would like to send you some numbers of the La Indeprmdenma but I am afraid that the big size of the package may

cause you trouble, and besides, I suppose that you are receiv路 ing the paper direct from the editor's office ..

I reiterate my thanks for the field-glasses and, as ever, command YOl~r affectionate

PARALYTIC

J

LETTER'TO MR. ZERSARIANI

October 5, 1899 Most amiable Gentleman: Your long reply has caused surprise and, at the same time, pain. Surprise, because we could not convince ours'elves, that a consultation is a demand that needs a reply, a duplicate, a proof, and conclusions. If the questioner is not satisfied with our reply to his query, then please ask others who are more competent, as by your side are the authors of the organic law, and who will be able to answer you better, unless they have copied it only without understanding it. It is not then nobleness that obliges Mr. Zersarian to answer but the importance brought about by passions at a high degree.

Pains, because such a reply shows the facility with which those who occupy high positions forget their duties when they anow themselves to be carried away by their passions. In our answer, please take note of this, Mr. Zersarian, we have not defended our candidacy but the prestige of the Congress and of the government.

We haven't defended our candidacy because we have pre路 sented and published our message in which we exposed sincerely our humble opinions regarding the most convenient way of administering justice under these circumstances; adding that if Congress and the government would not agree with our recommendations, we would confess our incapability for such a position which has been offered to us and we would ask for the annulment of the election. Besides, among those recommendations, it appears that if both powers preferred to continue maintaining the Audiencia, they would postpone the establishment of the Supreme Court to a better time in order to avoid unnecessary expenses. Finally, in said messag.e we confessed that we owned our election to favor and to good路will rather than to justice. All of these put us at the mercy of your unjust attacks and give us the right to look down on you with grave contempt.

In our reply to the query we say that we have fought for the prestige of the Congress and the government because of our principal wish to demonstrate that both bodies had legally preceded and dictated it. It is clear, however, that we haven't 1

Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista

220

LETTER TO MR. ZERSARIAN

221

been able to cut off with our proper personality as an indispensable means, above all, as we have been provoked by said query; but we haven't mentioned anything regarding our services because we offer them freely as a duty without expecting payments in return. "Ve are unduly proud to beg for your votes and favors. As Mr. Zersarian has already forgotten his duty to defend the prestige of that body he presides, putting beforehand all his childish grudges and his personal interests as he is already convinced that the law has not been followed, le~ 'him accuse and ask for the pa-:oper punishment of the guilty, giving the first example of integrity and valor for the defense of Justice. But Mr. Zersarian, instead of doing so, burns incense before the altar of those in power without taking into account that such a behavior has a very ugly name.

Mr. Zersarian says that our theory of irresponsibility of legislative power tends to absolutism, because it would be just like a horse without any reins or control. This is not true, because the control is public opinion that manifests itself in the press, in the tribb\nal and in literary works of critics, that will censure such power when an unjust law is passed. If Mr. Zersarian is not satisfred with this restTaint, he should start asking for the reform 0 the Constitution, the suppression of the inviolability of the Representative in their decisions, and the ms,titution of any punishment in case the latter vote for an unjust thing. He might also ask for the creation of great jury or a special tribunal in charge of judging and punishing the legislative power when it fails in the compliance of its mission.

In the meantime that he does not get it, his attacks will not be directed against us but aga:inst the Constitution.

Would Mr. Zersarian place the legislative power at the mercy of the executive powen'l If he wants the executive power to answer for the execution of the laws of Congress, why is the absolute veto not given the President of the Republic in order that he may free himself from the obligation of executing an illegal agreement? If the election held by the legislative power has no force of law, we fail to undarstand why it is made at all. It is clear, therefore, Mr. Zersarian, that it is you, not we, who advocate absolutism, and the worst of it is that it impairs the integrity of an institution placed in your hands.

We shall not follow step by step the letter of Mr. Zersarian, because all of it is almost dedicated only to purely personnal matters and does not lead us anywhere. Besides, we need to make an effort in imagination and intelligence to form an idea of the entire significance of the concepts vV:lich are scattered right and left in their long periods, and ,ve confess' that it tires and perturbs us. The popular Spanish orater

222

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

Castelar had the ability to make long sentences with notable clarity and eloquence; but Spanish writers themseleves confess that those who have tried to imitate such an educated trjbune have done it very badly. In our case, we intend not to answer him anymore.

But before bidding a fr"rewell to such an amiable gentleman, we cannot but thank him for the benevolent judgment that he has given our "Decalogue," which I consider superior to that of God (which is not blasphemy, although he says it so) even if he assures, too, that "the ignorant public under路 stood it to be a great blasphemy against God." We don't think Mr. Zersarian thinks in the manner the ignorant public does; and, thus, we beg of him with all our hearts not to lose any time in undeceiving the same public, demonstrating that no such blasphemy exists.

Being assU'red that old age produces in definite persons a. sickness at least as inconvenient as paralysis, I shall not keep you any grudge.

Yours very affectionately,

PARALITICO

LETTER TO LINO

Ros'ales, October 5, 1899 My dear Friend, Lino; I received your letter of the 15th of September, which I answered the day before yesterday. I have also before me that of the 26'th, which I am answering now. I r egret I cannot acknowledge receipt of the packages addressed to the President because it was he himself who sent me your letter with that of Mr. Del Pan. As I have not moved yet to Tarlac, the carrier must have given them to the President Nevertheless, I shall write to him sO' that he may acknowledge the receipt of the packages and those that he may receive in the future. I do not think he lacKs trust in you, but he may be a little bit ashamed he cannot do as you wish. I regret I cannot immediately work on the question concerning your father-in-law nd brother-in-law. but I do not know as y.et when I can go to Tarlac, because the Council of Govern,. ment is opposed to ml election and to my plans. It is even being said that it will , esign if I could have my projects prevail.

I have not received any telemeter nor any letter from you about this instrument. I received only the field glasses that you say you had received from Hongkong - a favor which I shall never forget.

I wrote to the President, :requesting that he try to find a more hapid and surer means of communication with: you over there. He has not answered me yet despite the fact that I lllive already po,i nted this out to him several times. Please have the enclosed letter delivered to Mr. Del Pan. Co'm mand, as ever, your affectionate and respectful

Ap. MABIN!

223

ANSWER TO AGUINALDO 1

Rosales, October 17, 1899 My dear President Aguinaldo:

I have read the conferences between General Alejandrino and Otis, according to the memoir signed by the former and his' companions a.nd I stilI remember the previous conferemces.

From said conferences, we get the conclusion that the Americans maintain the same attitude that they had when I resigned from my position in the gov路e rnment, to wit: They a~e not ready to recognize the Philippine Government and they wIll only admit a commission formed by General Aguinaldo as Commander-in-Chief of the Army and not as President of the Republic.

The petition of General Alejandrino that Otis be the peacemaker of the Philippines has completely destroyed the good 路e ffect that the spontaneous pardon of the American prisioner& should proQ.uce. 2 Otis can say with rea.son that the remission of a few American prisoners. was a gift to him to make him a partisan of peace, which shows weakness and is very damaging to our cause, because the triumph of our ideals consists in making the Americans believe that we are strong and tenacious. If our cause has won sympathies abroad and in the United States, it is because the people of tmosel countries marvel at our resolute attitude and all weakness, therefore, is harmful to us.

Now, then the Americans do not admit Commissioners of the Government but only Commissioners of General Aguinaldo. I ask: Is General Aguinaldo ready to answer all alone for the good or bar result that the work of that Commission may produce on the country? The Government will not answer for it, inasmuch as Otis does not recognize it. General Aguinaldo Answer to Aguir.aldo's letter dated Oct. 16, 1899. flI am not trying to discuss, much less to defend myself against t.'1e opinion expressed by Mabini in his letter dated October 17, 1899, from Rosales, Pangasinan, and addressed to President Aguinaldo, on my actuation as special envoy of the Philippine Republic. My only aim is to state the historical truth, leaving it to posterity to judge us.

"After the official conference with General Otis, the latter asked me: .. 'What can I do for you, General?' " .. 'Officially, there is nothing I war.t nor I can ask for you, because r have not been authorized to do so by my Government, but I thank you for your offer, and, personally, I would be grateful to your Excellency 1

2

224

ANSWER TO AGUINALDO

225

alone can answer it, because he is tne only one recognized by the said American general. It seems to me that the glory and the prestige of General Aguinaldo should be well guarded by every patriot and should not be exposed to any failure, because once that glory and that prestige are destroyed, our unity will be seriously threatened.

I will prove that the way the Commissicn intends to carry on its work can be considered treacherous by the country. May the President forgive my language, which is inspired by my yery loyalty to him, much more so \\ hEm I shall expound the reasons with the g"reatest clearness possible.

The policy of the American Government, if we pay close attention to the Treaty of Paris and to this conduct here, also in Cuba and in Puerto Rico, is nothing but a policy of deceit.

Everything tends to. show that Americans seek to find that we want, so that, once the terms of our claims al'e made public, we can no longer turn b2.ck Qven if circumstances favorable to us should turn up. They alre cl verly trying to shy away any compromise with us, so that they can avail themselves of all the advantages that the fOII'tunes of \\'ar ma}i bring them.

If the Commissi ners of G neral Aguinaldo can state their terms, they do sa only by virtue of the instructions that they receive from General Aguinaldo and not from the Go\'ernment. General Aguinaldo in his capacity as General can only ask for the suspension of hostilities in order to be able to consult the will of the provinces through their lawful representatives, who aTe the only ones who can talk in the name of the people. If Otis would accept a Commission appointed b~ the Government, General Aguinaldo could carTY out what the Cabinet would decide, which, in accordance with the Constitution, is the body responsible; but as long as Otis does not, let General AguinaJdo consider the terrible responsibility that he has to shoulder in the eyes of public opinion and of history.

Should General Aguinaldo deal with an American G2'neral who admits that he is not vested with ample powers b) his should you interpose your valuable influence with your Government so that it would recognize our ilhldependent Republic and may your Excellency be in this way the peacemaker of the Philippines.' " " , I do not think I have such influence. ' " " . On the contrary, General, I believe that your opinion would be of great weight in vVashington, :md it can influence in the termination of this unfortunate war. ' " "Among the witnesses present at this c?nference who .are still living, I can cite Col. Ramon Soriano and Ex-MagIstrate Fred FIsher, who was then acting as interpreter of General Otis" - Excerpt from a letter of General Alejandrino to Teodoro M. Kalaw.

226

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

Dwn Government on the terms of pacification that the present Cabinet wants, he will exceed his attributes as General. Those terms can only be agreed upon by: the President of thE" Republic and his Government, and these are neither recognized nor accepted by the Americans. When the Americans shall recognize the Philippine Republic and the Philippine Government, then the discussion on sajd terms will be in order. If General Otis declines to' act Dn the ground of lack Df pDwers from his Government and CDngress, then, let General AguinaldO' excuse himself likewise, alleging that, as a simple general, he is not empowered to discuss any thing concerning the future Df the country. But should they acoeprt his rank as President of the Republic, he will talk things over with his GDvernment.

When the Americans shaH come to recognize the Philippine GDvernment, I shalt try to' gO' there to cooperate in the preparation Df a treaty which is advantageous to the country under Dbtaining circumstances. While the Americans refuse to dO' this, I c0'nsider my pres~nce unnecessary, because, over the uncertainty Df these negDtiations, I also want to save my prestige.

This is my answ r to youtr CDUrteoUS letter of the 16th instant, being deeply g.rateful for the honor that you do me in asking to hear my humble opinion.

I am always your respectful and Dbedient servant.

Ap. MABIN I

[ENCLOSURES]

PRELIMIN ARY REQUIREMEN'f.S

1st. Work fO'r the official recognition of CDmmissioners appointed by the Philippine Government, and not by General AguinaldO', for reasons already expressed in the letter.

2nd. Ask f0'r the suspensiDn of hostilities in order t0' convDke all the provinoes to a special meeting. Said prDvinces shall be advised bef0'rehand t0' appoint Representatives who will expound their wishes on the future of Philippines. In this way, cDnfusions that would arise as a result of the nDnc0'nformity of SDme Dn the ground that they have nDt been prDprely represented shall be aVDided; such confusiDns would tend to' give cause to the wDrld pDwers to dominate us.

ANSWER TO AGUINALDO

227

DISADVANTAGES OF TALKS WITHOUT PRELIMINARY REQUIREMENTS

1st. Otis will prove to his Government that the recognition of our Government is not necessary, because we a.re amenable to have talks with them under any condition. If the recognition of our Government is not necessary, neither would there be anor need for the recognition of our indep,endence. Otis and the American Government would make the American Congress understand thus, so that it would deny us said recognition.

2nd. We shall become toblly discredited in the eyes of the Americans, who will say that we are ignorant, and, because of this concept, thdy will only 'try to deceive us. A Government that insists on talks when it is denied the propel' legal personality and representation, is either ignorant or has neither honor nor dignity. A Government without dignity does not deserve the consideration of t e enemy but only its contempt. Besi.des, it wo lel be settin up a precedent which may be used against us.

3r'd. The agreement r c:!ched up on without the abovestated requirements can be annull ed because it is not valid.

The Cabinet, which adopted the agreement. should the sue: cessor refuse to a.ccept OJ' honol' it, ,,'ould be embarrassed and liable to indictment.

4th. If we prosect in a.dvance om' tel'ms fOl' a treaty, th e Imperialist Party can present those that are onerous and incompatible with the honor and interests of America, in order to convince Congress of th.e necessity of ordering the American Government to subdue the insurrection at all costs or, at least, to decide on the terms under which it would recognize our Independence, which terms we shall have to accept if we want to avoid a nation-wide Wal'. On the other hand, if we say nothing except that we wa.nt independence, the AmericaJl Congress may limit itself to give the American Government the po,ver to. l'eccgnize our Independence under the conditions most profitable to them, in which case 'Vve can still take advantage of fa.vorable circumstances that may come up.

228

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABIN!

F ACTS To

BE CONSIDERED

1st. Despite the c'Onference that have taken place between the C'Ommissi'Oners 'Of General Aguinald'O and th'Ose 'Of General Otis last January, it is still p'Ossible to maintain a different stand, inasmuch as said c'Ommissi'Oners were n'Ot appointed by the G'Overnments 'Of both sides and neither have they received fr'Om the G'Overnments special instructi'Ons for the c'Onferences. General Aguinald'O will not be in an embarrassing positi'On, because he can allege that, in those days, the pe'Ople had appr'Oved the pr'Op'Ositi'Ons in 'Order t'O avoid war; but that said pr'Opositi'Ons are n'O l'Onger acceptable because the pe'Ople have already shed so much bl'Ood and have suffered heavy losses.

2nd. The best g'Oal for the Philippines is abs'Olute independence with its neutrality protected by the w'Orld powers.

This is not imp'Ossible to have, because many 'Of them will think that inasmuch as n'Ot all of them can pr'Ofit let no 'One else d'O ~o. I am trying t'O sh'Ow in the press that the end of the Revoluti'On will n'Ot be advantage'Ous f'Or the c'Ol'Onizing powers S'O that they w'll imp'Ose neutrality 'On us and they will guarantee it in their own interest , inasmuch as it is not possible to crush a rev'Oluti'On which is pressed forward by science and supported by the people, even if it is prejudicial t'O col'Onial interests.

This is the g'Oal to which we must aspire; and when we see that it is physically imp'Oss'ible to 'Obtain it, we yield t'O what is best under 'Obtaining circumstances accepting the least 'Of possible limitations. And this is another reason that shows the disadvantage 'Of making 'Our wishes known now.

3rd. It is true en'Ough that 'Our h'Ope 'Of defeating the Americans is pr'Oblematical. But we can force them t'O come to an understanding with us, because neither to them nor to the world powers nor to any'One else would an indefinite war be fav'Orable. The Americans cannot just leave us to the mercy of the other w'Orld powers after having spent much here and having shed plenty of blood. When the fight will n'O longer suit them, they themselves shall come f'Or us, and that will be the time to talk 'Of terms and c'Onditi'Ons for a treaty, because then we may be able to 'Obtain advantages. Insisting 'On talks n'Ow will make them believe that we are weak and make them press their advantage.

4th.. This war is not rec'Ognize as an internatio.nal wrur by the w'Orld powers. They neither rec'Ognize 'Our flag nor can

ANSWER TO AGUINALDO

229

we acquire arms from them openly like the Americans. As a general rule, a revolution doesn't indemnify, because the recognition of the country's independence means its triumph. If we obtain that independence as a favor granted to us, it is but natural that we have to offer indemnification.

Besides, a protectorate per se is a far heavier responsibility than indemnification. The protectorate of Egypt was at the beginning nothing more than a complete financial inspection or control which became, in fact, a sort of joint ownership between France and England. Now that it is overrun by English troops, Egypt is, in reality, an English colony .

A protectorate is not bound ~y any laws except the agreement between the protector and the protected. This is why there is always a, danger of war, because the protector misuses its power and very often pays no attention to the treaty. For this reason, we have to wait until the Americans prop.ose the protectorate to us, so that it will be, as much as possible, less onerous. otherwi&e, the Americans would not accept it, unless it gives them greater advantages than a real indemnification.

The concession of naval statilons should be looked into with utmost care, be?fus,e if thes naval stations are found among islands, the AJ;I1ericans could use them as points or centers of their machinations in fomenting discord 0'1' insurrection, in order to have a, reason to intevene and insist on a military occupation under the pretext of insuring peace. I would concede the Americans only one in the Batanes Islands.

Lastly, one should look carefully into the concessions of privileges on industries, because the Americans are dangerous monopolizers:. Any disagreement later on, may be a cause of future wars and, therefore, W ,e would not, after all have insured our tranquillity and propsperity. Before the termination of the time-limit of the protectorate, the protector will not be wanting of pretexts to find fault with the protected and prolong the protectorate indefiniteJy. With all that I have expounded, I believe I have sufficiently shown how pernicious it would be to enter now into treaties with a general who, in order not to promise anything, always gives the excuse that he is not empowered by his Government to make statements. When they see that we are as diplomatic as they are, they will not have any cause to attempt to take away from us the direction of our foreign affairs in the future. But if they find us stupid and ignorant, they wi II

230

LETTER TO REMONTADO

say, with reason, that we are incompetent and that we might seriDusly embarrass them.

When the Dccasion comes, I offer myself to form part of the CommissiOlIl taking charge of drafting the conditions of the Treaty of Peace.

Rosales, October 17, 1899.

A. M.

LETTER TO REMONTADO Friday, November 3, 1899.

My dear M路r. Remontado:

I consider it ~l act of courtesy and good bre(,ding to express tOo you my aclmowledgment for the: favor tha,t you have so kindly afforded e, bringing me tOo an explorer's trip to the Island of Truth. Having satisfied this debt of atte;ntion, I don't think I commit t.he sin of being importunate if I revea,l at. the proper time same important reflections suggested by different aims that have come Our way, at the mercy of the products of your rich imagination and clear taI.ent.

I ought to warm you, however, that said reflections do not originate from an exceptional intelligence that has the exactness and certainty of a prDfound study of nature" of history, and of other wDrks of the learned; they are offspring of an scaJflCely cultiv.ated mind, like a plant that had finally sprDuted in the dark prison Df "Old Fogyism," and which upon le~ving it believes it ready to understand everything and to judge the grave pr-oblems of science. It is true that this is an abuse of liberty, or your benevolence, and of the patience Df the readers; but in that fault 1: carry the penance that goes with it.

You are right to affilrm that the Filipino nation as a collective e..lltity at the service of humanity, as an agent of Providence for the good and perfeotion of the Filipino citizens specialty, and of all men ill general, has a greater aim than what I have jum pointed 'out. But it is alsO' true that if the rational being, in order to be truly useful to himself and to the species, has need Df liberty, a nation requires independence to work for the equality of all the people.

LETTER TO REMONTADO

231

On the other hand you confess that the present States, abusing the word "patriotism," conspire against that soUdarity instead 'Of establishing and consolidating it, to procure greater comfort at the cost of the weak nations. With such a motive, it is indispensable that we forestall that avalanche of barbarism and despotism.

As long as there are men who allow themselves to be enslaved by othâ&#x201A;Źlrs and nations that will accept the domination of others, there will be no s'Olidarity nor any possible equilibrium. In fact, I have pointed out the purpose of the Philippine Revolution, which, as it is now, expects that in its hour of triumph there will be persons who shall point out if not yet determined by science what have to be the goals of an independent Philippines.

If we have to believe in history, Al exander, Caesar and Napoleon tried the fusion of nations into one to establish a universal empire through conqllest. In the Middle Ages the Roman Popes tried the same eling through despotism in conscience; and in. that way we saw the consecration of the Kings and the placing of kingdoms under their whims since Charlemagne, until Pope Alexander VI conceded to the Catholic kings of Spain, on May 4, 1493, jurisdiction over the lands that might be discovere East of th~ meridian line drawn from the Arctic pole to the Antarctic, at a distance of 100 leagues towards the West and halfway between the Azores islands and Cape Verde, as if he were absolute owner of the terrestrial globe. Today, the great thinkers point out a universal fed eration as the most reasonable means of fusion; but it seems that the great powers have a different opinion, as it is more advantageous to exploit the weak nations than to' pil'Otect them with their alliance ,a nd friendship. Undoubtedly, universal solidarity is the most efficient means to Ir ealize the highest aim of humanity. Philosophers cor",sider it the essence of infiinite progress or of the rising perfection of the rational being' to the highest grade possible, but how can we accomplish it?

Please pardon me if I cannot agree with you that the cradle of mankind was in the neigbhorhood of the equator.

If the earth, obeying the general law of planets, had passed from the primitive and nebulous state to the incandescent, and then to the solid by a slow freezing process, it is hut reasonable to suppose that all cold zones were accessible to animal life before the torrid zone could be sO', and, consequently, that cradle should be searched in the cord zones; moreover, it is repugnant to man's instinct to immigrate to countries where he has to fight greater difficulties for self-existence. I think we find in the towns near the equator not the cra.dle but the future of the human race.

232

THE LETTERS OF APOLIN'ARIO MABINI

It is true that the colored race, compared to' the white race, is inferiar up to the present in culture amd civilization; but I hope that it will nat be that way always. History teaches us that culture takes raat, nQt to perpetuate itself in a certain lacality, but to flawer and bear fruit, in arder that the wind may spread its seeds to' all distant regions. Besides, in the same manner that the earth turns sterile with cantinuaus eultivatian, 10' the point where the artificial fertilizer is nO' langeI' capable af giving life and substance to' new plants by such. a superiar process, a society with a rich life and corrupted custams, which brings always abuse to' refined culture and tawards which man is always inclined, weakens and degenerates. until it 13icks the necessary vigar to cantinue advancing up the raad af civilizati'an. At this instance, there sprouts. suddenly by chance a new nation endowed with vigor and youthful exuberance, anCl this: takes charge of the esteemed legacy from the aId and the impermanent, managing it and lending it a high degree af development and prasperity until it carnes to' its end itself.

Such is nature's law that guides and rules the life of all natians. Babylan and Phaenicia, naw Sy;ria, in Asia, Egypt and Cart.hage in Africa, Greece and Rame, in Europe; the United States, in America; and the Philippines, in Oceania: herein lies the route af civilizatiQn marked by the tra,cks of centuries in the vast field af histary. My cauntrymen wander if I have been mistaken 0'1' nat in my last step, as it seems that same d) not see nor want .to' see 1he sweet luck reserved fQr the FilipinO' natian in arder to' thraw aU weight of the war k to' the caming generation, ar else, give up in favar of anather the glary that Providence offers.

T.he great pawers are cantinuausly awaiting to take the first QPpartunity af taking passessian af the present means af life af the weak natians. Gad does nat stop it because he has given men the freedam to dO' as they please, making them responsible far their own acts. But He will make use af their unsatiable avarice as a medium to' extend civilization and as an instrument to' humiliate the praud and exult the humbl.a Present and future wars will serve far the aggrandizement af the ra.ces that naw graan under the weight af ignaminy and slavery. When this yQung natian, full of strength and abundant in lave, inherits the expe,r ience af anQther which is already old and warn out, the sciences will advance greatly and will humanize, sa to' say, the sentiments to' the extent required by the aspired universal equilibrium.

Vale et me am!},.

PARALITICO

ANSWER TO GENERAL WHEELER

Manila, Philipines, December 25, 1899 GENERAL JOSEPH WHEELER,

Of the American Army in These Islands (Present) General : I have the honor and the satisfaction to send to your Excellency' the answers. to' your questions, with a short articlEl on the "Congress of the United States," which has for its only merit the sincerity with which it has been written. I beg, therefore, to be forgiven if, because of my little ca.pacity and deficient learning, I have not been able to give a clearer expression to my thoughts.

I have taken the liberty, General, to speak with all frankness, fully believin'g that Your Excellency and your worthy colleagues in the Pi'my desi 'e, and are sbiving for the aggrandizement of yo . country above the interest and conveniences of class or party, and tb'at the knoweldge of the truth would help to avoid, in time, lamentable mistakes. Besides, lowe it to myself to cooperate in the attainment of a satisfactory solution for both sides that would put an end to this war between two peoples who should be bound by eternal friendship in order to serve the: cause of humanity and CIVIlization.

With the greatest consideration and respect,

I

am.

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

Ap.

233

MABIN I

234

THE LETTERS OF APOLIN'ARIO MABINI [ENCLOSURE]

ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS

1. Q. Is it PO'ssible that ther.e may nO't be a RevO'lutiO'n?

A. It is..

Q. How? A. By satisfying the aspirations of the peo'ple.

2. Q. What were the causes O'f the RevO'lution?

A. The causes O'f the RevO'lutiO'n can be cO'ndensed as fO'llO'ws: The PO'Pular desire O'f the peO'ple to' have a gO'vernment that WO'uld assure to the Filipinos freedO'm O'f thought, conscience and assO'ciation; immunity in their persons, hO'mes and C'()I~espondence ; popular representation in the drafting of laws and imposition O'f taxes; equality of participatiO'n in public offices and public benefits; res,p ect fO'r laws and property; and the prO'gressive development O'f public welfare with the help O'f means offered b;y mO'dern progress.

3. Q. Would all the TagalO'g. peO'ple be satisfied should AguinaldO' stay as President?

A. All the FilipinO's, not the TagalO'gs alO'ne, will be haiPPY with a President th.at they themselves WO'uld elect in the way that may be stipulated in the United States Congress.

TO'day, they acknO'wledge General AguinaldO' as President because he persO'nifies their aspiratiO'ns. But the mO'ment they O'bserve that his acts are prompted O'nly by personal ambitiO'ns, they will withdraw their support and acknowledge anO'ther whO' prO'ves to' be mO'st wOlTthy O'f their trust.

4. Q. Will all the people be happy?

A. This has been included in the previous questiO'n.

5. Q. DO'es Mi". AguinaldO' PO'ssess enO'ugh strength to' bring the Islands to order!'

A. He! has, as IO'ng as he cO'unts with the supPO'rt O'f the people.

6. Q. Where will the mO'ney fO'r running the GO'vernment cO'me from? .

A. FO'r the expenses that are absolutâ&#x201A;Źly necessary in the installatiO'n of a permanent GO'vernment a fO'reign IO'an

ANSWER TO GENERAL WHEELER

235

insufficient amount with the guarantees and conditions previously stipulated with the Congress of the United States shall be negotiated. For the amortization of this debt and for the ordinary expenses of public administration, taxes voted by the representatives of the people shall be imposed with the greatest equity.

7. Q. And the Southern Islands?

A. They follow by the decisions made in Luzon as they have alwa:ys sho-wn. Those who assure that there is no national aspiratio-n in these Islands and that the Revolution is purely Tagalog in nature show groos ignorance of the Filipinos.

From the year 1872, in which the Spaniards unjustly decapitated three Filipino priests - among whom was Father Burgos - the people began to reflect on their sad plight and showed their discontent, although nobody as yet dared to show it outside the inner circle and intimacy of the home. Later on, Rizal, Marcelo H. del Pilar, and others who went to Europe to obtain highe,r learning, started a resolute and energetic campaign to instruct their countrymen in their rights and in the freedoms that are enjoyed in other countries. With this, the unanimous aspiratio-n of the Filipi o-s, which was vague at the beginning, acquired d¢'inite form, with the persecution organized by the Spanish Government against reformist and secret societies greatly contributing to this development. It is true that the less-educated classes, and the more numerous at that, could not translate into clear words their aspirations and 'wishes, a fad which ailso happens in the more progressive countries; but the popular and unanimo-us aspiration exists The Revolution of 1896 started from this class, and latâ&#x201A;Źfr, it was taken up by the whole social strata, all fused together in a single ideal, in 1898. When Aguinaldo returned from Hongkong, the people', by spontaneous inspiration, rose up in a mass and foug-ht against the Spaniards without orders nor instructions nor help from the sa,i d General, as is proven by the swift surrend~r of the Spaniards.

All the Filipinos acknowledged Aguinaldo as their leader in order to avoid internal struggles and rivalries. The Revolution is not the work of Aguinaldo, but of the circumstances, and he will maintain his popularity as long as he remains worthy of the confidence o-f the people.

8. Q. Do the people o-f these Islands: like war?

A. No; so much so, that during the 300 years of Span~ ish domination, not one has, been registered except the one that broke out in 1896, of which the present one is but a continuation, and which the Filipinos are sustaining in the assuurance that they are defending sacred rights that are inherent to all peoples.

236

THE LETTERS OF APOLTN'ARIO MABIN!

9. Q. Do the people want a good government by the United States?

A. The Filipinos, like aJI other peoples, believe that the best Government is their own. Hence, when they are convinced that it is not possible for them now to obtain a govenrment from the United States without other limitations than those that are determined in an agreement or a written Constitutional Charter drafted by their representatives, it is probable that the government which the United States will impose on the Filipinos by force would serve to exemplify the attainment of a government more to their own liking inasmuch as progress, which is the law of all people, so demands it.

Should the American people oppose this law, the time of their decadence anCL ruin will not be far away.

10. Q. Do the Filipino people like progress, railroads, etc., very much.'!

A. One of the causes of the Revolution is the aspiration t o a life of progress that the greater facility of communication with other countries nowadays has awakened in the hear ts of the Filipinos notwithstanding the efforts of the Spanish Government to neutralize this influence.

11. Q. Is it the manner that Spain governs that the Filipinos want?

A. The sensible opinion in the cO'untry detests the Spanish administration for the deep-rooted vices it carries with it. That was why when Aguinaldo chose as advisers some persons whO' wanted to revive the Spanish system of government and showed little energy to repress the old abuses, the honest Filipinos began to- withdraw and disillusionment among the people became evident.

Decemb-er 25, 1899

NOTES TO DR. CALVO

I would like to request you to work for the publication of the enclosed short article in the newspapers. If you think it would displease the Americans, it would not be advisable to publish it first in La- Pa-trW, which is already branded.

That is, if there is another paper which might want to publish it.

I would not like it to be mutilated, as I may find myself hard pressed to answer it, should anyone impugn it.

In publishing it, don't you think it would be prud~mt to suspend, in the meantime, sending me milk, just in case the Americarls may feel annoyed? I leav路e it to yO'll to decide.

Janua-ry 12, 1900

Dear friend: If the newspapers would not dare publish my article, please do not have It published clandestinely. I do not want to be called a traitor. I would like to prove that we know how to fight with nobility, integrity a d dignity.

Jan'ufL1'Y .15, 1890

Please have the endosed short article published. If El Comercio would publish it, please tell it to avoid glaring mistakes in printing, as had happened in the first time.

If the newspapers here wouldn't dare, please send it to Hongkon,g so that our friends will have it published in the papers over there.

I sent a signed copy to路 General Wheeler so that he would deliver it to the Senate.

If El Comercio路 does not dare publish the enclosed work, please take it to Lx Pa-t1"'i.a aT to El Libe'r路tad. If n either one dares, kindly send it to Don Gracia so that he could giw it to Mr. Osmefia, to whom I promised one article for the newspaper that he is bent on publishing in Cebu. In the later case, please let me know, so that I can have another copy for Hongkong.

237

238

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

There goes another short article, in the pUblication of which I am very much interested. El Comerebo does not dare publish it, I believe that El Liberal would try to do so. In the end, let us see. Anyway, if no one would accept it fOT publication, give it to Don Gra.cio for Osmefia, and let me know so that I can send you another copy.

Venancio 1 sellt me this morning a woolen suit and a pair of colored cotton pants. Please do me the favor of sending him the needed amount if I still have some money left there. When I was still free, I also ordered two raincoats and it is necessary to pay his expenses because I am already ca/USing him much inconvenience. Kindly tell him that I am ver'.y' grateful.

I hope you will excuse rna for so much trouble.

Please read the enclosed letter of Cayo.2 Also kindly tell my brother where and how he could get stamps and mail the letters for Wheeler and for Cayo. If it would not cause you so much trouble, J?lease do me the favor of sending them through safer means, getting from my brother what is needed for stamps.

TomolTow I shall send you an article to the American Senate which I am enclosing in a letter to Wheeler. Wheeler asked me from Hongkong a list of the names of the Secretaries of Aguinaldo in the two Cabinets. In my exposition, I commented on the proposals presented by Senator Bacon of Georgia..

If El Commer cio does not dare publish such an exposition, send it to Hon,gkong s:> that it will be published in Spanish and then translated into English in the newspapers.

Please forgive me for giving you so much trouble.

1

2

Venancio Reyes Cayo Alzona

LETTER TO AMERICAN CORRESPONDENTS.

Manila, Jan. 22, 1900 MESSRS, WM. DINWIDDIE, JOHN F. BRASS, AND MCCUTHEON,

Correspondents of Harpe-r's Weekly, New San Francisco Call and Chicago Reconl

York

Herald,

Distinguished Gentlemen: Convinced that you trea.t the Filipino question with impartiality in order that the public opinion of' the U.S. may not be misled and may be worth.y of a great, free and cultured nation, I take the liberty of requesting you to consider and make kn0W11 the following points:

1st. The Filipino nation does not encourage any hatred against foreigners; but on the contrary, she welcomes with pleasure and grat~tude whoever wishes to cooperate with her to attain her liberti~s and prosperity.

2nd. The Filipi os maintain the fight against American forces not because of }:latred, but )ta demonstrate to the American nation th.at, far from looking with indifference the country's political situation, they know, on th.e contrary, to sacrifice for a government that will assure her of individual liberties in accordance with the wishes and necessities of the nation. They ha.v e not been able to' avoid such a fight because so far they have not obtained any clear OT formal promise f'l'om the government of the U. S. for the establishment of such a kind or government.

;]1'(Z. The present state of war does not permit the nation to manifest sincerely her aspirations. The Filipinos ardently wish that the American Congress find a means of hearing them before adopting any resolution which will decide defini tely her future.

4th. For this end, the Filipino people are asking Congress for the following: that it either appoint an American Commissi'On that will come in contact with Filipinos who are influential with both the peaceful civilians and those engaged in hattle, or accept a Commission of this g'r oup of people in ordell that it may be informed about the wishes of our nahon.

5th. In order that the information can be complete and the work of the Commission, in one way or another, can give

239

240

THE LEITERS OF APOLIN'ARIO MABIN!

results for the coming of peace, it is necessary that the American forces 'Of occupation refrain from curtailing the open manifestations of public opinion in the press and in peaceful reunions; suspend temporarily the attacks against Filipino barracks, whenever Filipinos do not intentionally attack the Americans; and give the Commissioners the utmost in facility of communication with the revoluti'Onists.

6th. The Filipinos, without much reflection upon seeing the triumph 'Of American forces, will not be able to think less than that all concessions in favor of the Philippines in these moments proceed exclusively from the liberality of the North American nation, which is one more reason for Congress to show more benevolence and indulgence.

I ardently hope and trust that when both the American people and the Filipino people- will know each other better, the present conflict will nDt only cease but will avoid future ones.

The sensible 'Opinion 'Of the U.S. seems to be more inclined not to draw away from their traditions and form their spirit of Justice and Humanity which, at the present, constitutes the only hope of an honest Filipino nation.

Thanking

YDU

for such a favor, I remain

Very truly yours,

Ap. MABINI

LETTER TO GENERAL OTISl

Manila, February 8, 1900

MAJOR GENERAL OTIS

Commander-in-Chief of the American Army (P.resent) General: The Provost-Marshall General was kind enough to honor me with a visit this mo,r ning, to inform me that YOl~1 Excellency, displeased with the articles that, wi'th my signature and unde.r my responsibility, were published by El Comme1'cio, wishes that I should take no part whatsoever in politics, in the belief that I have SOl promised to Your Excellency.

I remember very well having promised to conduct myself just like a private i dividual, for I have been such in the revolutionary camp since last May u~.til the date of my capture.

I also, promised to cu all commu~cations with the revolutionists, but since I cannot advise t~em to lay down their arms unconditionally or to aJbandon the ungentlemanly tactics which necessity forces on them, to fight in ambuscades, neither should I encourage them with my advice, in order to correspond to the generosity of Your Excellency.

But the indestructible fa,ct of my having been born in the Philippines imposes upon me inescapable and painful duties. I am duty-bound to labor so that the struggle may be regulated by just ideals and not by hate; so that pea.ce shall once again abide not only in the battlefields but also in the homes .' .. the granting of ... that people need. To renounce , . . . . is to dishonor myself, and I certainly do not expect that Your Excellency would demand of me more than what I have promised, because as a General, you wouldn't hesitate to punish your soldiers who, made prisoners, would accept their freedom on the promise of not taking up arms against the enemy again. Neither do I believe that Your Excellency would deprive me of the recoUirse of appealing to the good sense and 1 When Mabini received the order prohibiting him to write for publication in the newspapers, he at once prepared and sent this letter to Otis, who mentioned it in his communication to the War Department. -

r.M.K.

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THE LETTERS OF APOLTh'"'ARIO MABINI

generosity of the American people, because, then, freedom would be more asphyxiating than prison.

r acknowledge that r am much indebted to the generosity of Your Excellency; that is why r prefer voluntary seclusion to a free and agitated life among the politicians of Manila in order to fulfill better my word. Even if my stay here constitutes a burden for the American Government, r dare not ask Your Exoellency now to allow me to go back to my hometown, because there r could not avoid contact with the rebels.

At least, the moral fight that r carry on is frank and loyal. r stand for my convictions without hate or mncor, without trying to elude or disregard our authority. This fact cannot fail to create a favorable impression fOir t.he Filipinos in the minds of free men.

r have the honor to be, Your most humble and respectful servant,

}

Ap. MABIN I

LETTER TO ISIDORO SANTOSl

Manila, February 24, 1900 My dear Mr. Isidoro: I received your pleasant l€,tter of the 12th instant. I am grateful for the $60 that was sent me. But I said that it should be handled by a Committee organized to help indigent prisoners, with the understanding, of cours€, that I could ask some amount from it should there be any need. I am not agreeable to the coming of funds from there.

I am all right here, with free board and lodging. The Americans allow me the freedom to live where I want, as long as I give my word n.ot to meddle in politics. I said that I promised to behave just like a private individual, for a mere individual I have been even in the Revolutionary camp since last May, and I p 'omised, besides, not to communicate with the rebels. I, never.the].ess, told General Otis that living outside would make it very hard fOli me to fulfill my promise; hence, I live here at he €lXpense of the Americans, a virtual prisoner, although I am free to- receive any visitor.

R€garding my p'..lbli»hed articles, the provost of Manila came the other day to brin;: the order from General Otis that I should stop writing ann publishing my works. But 1 answered that, it being impossible to alter the fact of my )laving been born in the Philippir:_es, I could not very well free myself from my duties as a Filipino without dishonoring myself. I wrote to G €~nera,l Otis teiling him that although I was stmding by my convictions, I was doing it in an open and loyal manner, without trying to escape from the scope of his authority.

I am convinced that -we shall not succeed in making any favoTable impression while we lack valor to stand by our convictions, even within the ten-i'iory occupied by the enemy. The Americans are almost right in considering us unworthy, because in Manila they found only opportunists and not worthy men, from the highest tf) the lowest ranks. The n swspapers do not dare publish an article which tells the truth, even if it does not insult, when they think that it might displease the American Government; but these newspapers 1 This letter and the following one to Luisita de Alvar tell about his confinement i'n Anda Street prison, Manila.

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THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO M'ABIN!

publish insulting articles when the person attacked can do them no harm. This is nothing new, of course, but it will make yeu understand that your influe:::ltial men of Manila have not changed despite the example of Rizal.

I am grateful for the offer of the house; but for the reasons whic.lt I already stated, I cannot accept it. I thank you also for your benevolent prais.e for my statements although I am well aware of their little merit.

With regard to Wheeler, I had to give him new copies, because he did not receive the first ones. On his way through that plaoe, he wrote me for a list of the names of the members of the two C~binets of Aguinaldo, and I sent it to him by mail with a signed copy of my article for the Senate, which was published by El Comercio, and a clipping from the same newspapâ&#x201A;Źlr of my article on religi'o us corporations.

About the present state of things, I have already given something of my humble opinion to our colleague, Mr. Ilustre, when I answered his letter. I asked him to show my letter to you. I believe we are passing through difficult trials. If our leaders can bear them up with valor, patriotism, and perseverance, we shall attain our desires, because then we would be worthy of independence. If they cannot, we shall have to wait for other times. I beliâ&#x201A;ŹJVe, should Don Emilio repeat the Biyak-na-bato episode, he would lose what little is! still left of his prestige. But I cannot advise him, because I do not know where he is; besides, in so doing, I would be breaking my word.

Of his Secretary 'a nd advisers, nothing can be expected.

They all surrendered, except Buencamino, who was captured and imprisoned, and Pedro Paterno and Flores, who are hiding I know not where. The fact is that they are not with Don Emilio and they cannot give him any ad vi ee. On the other hand, they can not attend to anything else, except quarrel among themselves, if they are not trying to hide to elude .the Americans.

As for me, I can only say that there is nothing else I can do except to write, in the hope that! we can make the American Government come to reason-although I believe it impossible. Nevertheless, it would be to our advantage that they should have a. better opinion of us, because as of now they believe we are semibarbarians. I do not sustain an inflexible creed; neither have I given up independence. I try to do the best I can for the country under whatevelr circumstances. I do not know wh.ether you have hit upon a. means of

LEITER TO ISIDORO SANTOS

245

making all that we say come to the notice of the Government and of the people of the United States.

We hear that a Commission is coming to establish Civil Government. I have just written an article which analyzed the pending questions. But El Comercio, after publishing the fir:st section in which I talked of generalities, has not published the last two parts wherein I explained our rights. I do not know whether the said articles were not published because of surplus of materials. Well, let us see. If the paper is afraid, I shall send the articles to you that you might decide if they are suitable for publication in the newspapers of the Union and in other places. Please do not publish my articles without my' signature, so that the Americans may not say that I am disloyal.

Command, as ever, your affectionate

)

Ap. MABINI

LETTER TO GENERAL MACARTHURl

Manila, June 19, 1900 MAJOR-GENERAL ARTHUR MACARTHUR Commander-in-Chief of the Philippine Division, United States Army General: In one of the past few days, Mr. Fernando Canon came to see me with the authorization, according to him, of Your Excellency, for a conference on the present situation. But as I had been previously notified of an order of General Otis, forbidding me all communication, oral or written with the public, and, not knowing very well said person, I refused to give an explanation.

Mr. Canon (I do not know whether it was to win my confidence) assured me that he heard Your Excellency say that I am a prisoner and that I can move to any other house where I may feel com ortable. Earlier, General Otis as well as Colonel Willi ston hJ..d assured me repeatedly that I was not a prisoner; doubtless because I was not holding any public position, either civil or military, in the Republic of the Revolution at the time of my ca.pture and they could not find any justifiable cause to make me a prisoner. But, in reality, they have always treated me as a war prisoner, and even worse than one. Believing in their assurances, I asked that I be allowed to move to anoter house; but General Otis denied my request, claiming that he considered me as a most dangerous rebel. This conduct appeared to me strange; and had, not the 1 The month of June, 1900 brought some changes in local politics.

General MacArthur had just taken over the milita ry command from General Otis, and it was but natural that he should introduce some changes to distinguish himself fram his predecessor. The Taft Commission had also just arrived in Manila wi'th its announcement of civil government. Althaugh there was still shooting and almost daily fighti'ng in the fields, people in Manila were beginning to talk of peace and of a certain proclamation of amnesty by General MacArthur. Paterno and Buencami'no, who had been imprisoned in Manila, were already moving, with the permission of the American authorities, to gain Filipino opinion in favor of peace. Actually, they already had several conferences with General MacArthur and even with the Taft Commission. On the 21st.

Paterno convoked a group of important citizens, amO'l1g them were some generals of the Revolution who had surrendered, who agreed to present eight bases for peace. On the same day, the ProclamatiO'l1 of Amnesty was decreed, giving freedom to many poli'tical prisoners. - T.M.K.

246

LETTER TO GENERAL MACARTHUR

247

seriousness, honesty, and gentlemanly behavior of General Otis inspired me with prof\}und respect and sincere faith, I would have come to believe that the two were making fun of an unfortunate being.

Mr. Canon assured me, besides, that your Excellency wishes to confer with me, an.d t.:> this I answered that such oonference would ,give me as much honor as pleasure, and that if I had not solicited it before, it was because of fear that we would not be able to convince each 'Other. I did not want to waste Your Excellency's precious time which should be devoted to your multiple activities.

I am taking the liberty to write you this letter~ not to give you explanations whici":.. you did not ask for, but to beg that you deign to tell me whether I am in truth actuallyr free, as I should be by right.

With the highest regards, I remain Your Excellency's respectful

)

Ap. MABIN I

LETTER TO PATERNOl

Manila, June 20, 1900 My dear and distinguished Friend: I regret my inability to a.ttend your meeting, although, like you, I want pea.ce. I hope you will consider me excused, because, in the words of Don Ambrosio B. Bautista, the presence of a man so sick is not decorous- in any fo-r mal meeting.

You want my opinion; I am giving it to! you, frankly and loyally, I believe you should first ask the, American authoriti.es that they allow freedom of the press a.nd the holding of lawful meetings in order to sound public opinion, veiled by neither feaT nor convenience.

It is not the question of forming a political party, as there is always enough time fo r that, but it is a matter of looking for a formula, 'that could bring into the sanctuary of the homes not only material peace but also, above alI, moral peace.

Even supposing that rou have Aguinaldo on YOUT side, if the p eople are not satisfied, at most you have found a pallia.tive but not the cure for the e'hl.

Would you then limit yourself to momentarily ward off the danger without taking steps to prevent its reappeal'ance in, perhaps, a stronger form? If such be the case, I would wish you much happiness and prosperity and may the thing do you much good.

Your affectionate and respectful

Ap. MABINI

1 Mabini's answer to Paterno's invitation to one of the meetings held for talks on peace.

248

REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE WITH MACARTHUR

Anda Station, June 22, 1900 Owing to the preceding letter, G.eneral MacArthur hO!1ored me with a summons to his office in the Ayuntamiento at four o'clock this afternoon.

He informed me that he had not said anything to Mr. Canon about my freedom; but that he was ready, of course, to grant it to me as soon as I accept the amnesty that he ha.d just published.

In answer to all of t:lis, I requested that I be allowed to postpone the oath-taking required by the amnesty until such time as the Americans have swern to respect the rights of Filipines as free citizens. I 2_dded that in every cultured and liberal country, constituted aut hority is entitled to the obedience of the citiz~ns after it Ms bound itself to respoct the individual rights of the latter. I made the observation, besides, that I wa.s limiting myself to individual rights u.s I was just a mere priva: e citizeIl! wi hout being a representative of or having a comnupsien frem he Revolution.

General MacArthur told me that, after taking the oath, I would enjoy complete f,reedom; to which I replied that I would not believe him as long as the freooem to which every citizen was entitled to was not decreed by law.

He then, read to me some provisions on freedom taken frem the Censtitutien 'Of the United States, emphasizing te me that he was autheriz ed to implant them in the Philippines when these whe were in the fields had laid devvn their arms.

I teld him that the treuble lies in that the President' of the United States is the arbiter of those provisions, and, because 'Of this, he can give them and withdraw them at will, and that we, the Filipines, do net want freedem under a precarious title. "'W e wa.nt," I added, "a law that weuld insure 'Our freedems in a way th.at neither the president of the United States ner any ether authority ceuld destroy, such as the Constitution of the United States; and we want besides that said law be passed and promulgated new, te calm the anxiety 'Of the people, even theugh it sheuld not be implemented until after the signing of the treaty 'Of peace."

249

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THE LETTERS OF APOLIN ARlO MABINI

He answered that such a guaranty was not necessary, because the American people who grew under the protection of democratic Constitutions and practices, could not lay aside their traditions in their dealings with the Filipino people.

I told him that I considered that guaranty indispensable because if the Government of the United States had the boldness to seize the sovereignty that by natural right belonged to the Filipino people, it could also be bold enough to dis,r egard the individual rights of the Filipinos when in so doing it would suit its aims; and that its tenacious refusal to make any formal promise or gu:;t,r .anty i!:creased the distrust of the people. I pointed out that, when I was with the Government of Malolos, I required, as guaranty, a formal agreement, with a previous acknowledgment of our juridical personality. Now that might has the upper hand in the strugglel which. is being fought with reason, it would! be ridiculous to insist on the same guaranty, and hence, as a private citizen, I limit myself to asking1 for the promulgation of a fundamental law that would insure the ,:(reedoms and right of private citizens or individuals.

He told me., th n, that he reg.retted that he COuld no;t count OIl me for the ~acification of the country; that I should understand that dl kinds of resist.ance w,a s not only useless but, at the same time, pernicious; that I would be rl2:lldering a great service to my country in convincing Aguinaldo of the necessity of accepting the amnesty, coming to. ManiLa, and, if n eeds be, going to the United States to work by p~3i(;.eful means for t.he ~ttainment of the fr:eedom that we want, i1npwr'irng the generosity of the people.

I answer€d that ,as long as it concerns peace, the Filipino people can count on my humble services in everything which is not opposed to my convictions; that although I have l,o yally stood for the defence of my rights as a private individual, I do not like to contest from AguinaJdo the right to stipulate the general bases of pacification, because he may still be aspiring for independence or he may settle for another form of Government that without any authority from him, there was nothing I could say at the moment except to ask for a free expression of opinion in the press and freedom to hold peaceful meetings; that I could not advise an unconditional surrender, because, were I in Aguinaldo's place I would consider myself dishonored by the mere fact of doing it. I said, besides, that any tra.nsaction that in itself is a renunciation of political and civil rights is dishonorable, because our duty is to sacrifice everything, including life itself, for them.

REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE WITH MACARTHUR

251

Our conference ended here. Others may, perhaps, censure my frank and sincere conduct in the belief that sincerity and good faith de not count in politics and diplomacy; but I needed to' put en record our true sentiments, to make public cur culture, and to give our example for neble courage in the defense of the mo~t sa.cred rights and highest principles.

Could 1 have been mistaken? Could 1 have committed a useless and foolish act? 1 may have, and again, I may not have; time will tell. Anyway, the harm done, if any, would have been to myself alone.

Ap. MABIN I

LETTER TO LUrSITA DE ALVAR

J

Manila, P.L, July 1, 1900

MISS LUI,SITA DE ALVAR

My dear Miss Alvar: Inasmuch as in your letter to Aguinaldo you told him that you have learned Spanish, I am going to answer you in this language, as 1 do not yet write correctly in English.

On June 29th, last, I received your letter dated April 11 th, together with the one addressed to Aguinaldo and the very iruteresting short articles that you wrote which I read with so much pleasure. But, being a prisoner and irncomunicada at that, 1 had to open the letter in the presence of the military officer in charge of my custody whO' asked for the short article. For this reason and a.Iso because I do not know the whereabouts of Aguinaldo, I was not able to send him either said article or the! letter.

Aguinaldo did not esca,pe to' Singapore as you have been told. His wife is still living; only his two boys died. I am thanking you in his i~.ame for the interest that you take in him and in his family.

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THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO M'ABINI

As I have already said, I have been a prisoner since last December, because, having been a paralytic since 1896, I was easily captured. They offer me freedom in exchange for an oath or a formal promise that I renounce my allegiance to the Philippine Government and acknowledge American sovereighty. But as you can well understand., I can not accept any freedom, not even life, at the cost of my honor and convictions. Many companions who had big families to support had to' swear allegiance beca.use they could not have their freedO'm without previously taking the oath.

While it pains the mind to see strong men tearing apart the weak ones in order to acquire better conditions of living, the noble and generous hearts who refuse acts which are unworthy' of rational and cultured beings cause admiration and give happiness. I have, therefore, to express my profound admiration and gratitude tOI you, to' the Anti-Imperialist League, and to all those whO' work generously in favor of a free Philippines. ) expect much frO'm your appeal to the American wO'men who worthily are on the forefront in the fight a.gainst secular rejudices opposed to the emancipation Df persDns of your sex.

When I regain my freedom, I shan let you know, because it would please me very much to correspond with you.

I am. with highest regards and respect,

Ap. MABINI Miss Luisi.ta de Alv,a r 283 Shermerhorn. St. Brooklyn, N.Y. c/o Mrs. S. F. de Velasco

ANSWER TO BUENCAMINO

July 20, 1900

l\1R. FELIPE BUENCAMINO

My dear Sir and Friend: In inviting me to a meeting af the Filip,ina people I soo that yeu have overleoked the fact that I sheuld net attend it because I am neither the peeple ner have I have been autherized by the people to. represent them. I beg you, therefo.re, to. excuse me and accelpt my thanks and net to. misuse so. much the name ef the poer Filipino. peeple.

Yeu say tha t ene ef the purpo.ses ef the mee.ting is to make knewn the peaceful aims ef General MacArthur, which is co.mpletely usel ess. In the articles published in the newspapers and signed by yo.U, cepies of which yeu have so. kindly sent me, you quete the bove-mentioned General as having said thes,e werds: "It is '8,. mistake to believe that semething can be ebtained by ferce f em the United States; but, o.n the other hand, it is t ue that al,\y cencessioIl! can be expected frem the generesity ef the AI!1erlCan peeple.' You ceuld not have feund a better and a clearer way ef expressing the theught than this.

I believe, hewever, that it weuld be mo.re practical and pesitive that you tell the General that to believe in their generesity, it is necessary that we fil-si see jus.tice. A genereus act cests the deer mere than any act of justice, because in the latter case he does nothing more than payor give what is due, while in the former case he has to. make a pres,ent ef something which is his very ewn. If the Americans begin by taking pessessien ef the severeignty that belengs to the Filipino peeple, yeu are more than sagacieus to. understand that it is useless to expect gifts frem ene who., not content with what is his, takes pessessien: of wha,t belengs to anether.

Anether purpese ef the meeting, accerding to. yeu, is to make the peeple see the necessity and the advantage ef peace as a basis ef freedom. It seems to. me that instea.d ef making 1.he peeple see the necessity ef this, it sheuld be treated as semething which is already knewn er understeed. We all want 1 This letter clearly shows that in those days, in Manila and in the eyes of the Americans, two tendencies were at odds, the very same ones that cause the change of the Cabinet in May 1899: one, radical, which is that of Mabini'; and the other, peaceable and temporizing, which was supported by Paterna and Buencamir.o. - T.M.K.

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THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO M'ABINI

peOOâ&#x201A;Ź' and there are those who suffer and fight just to obtain it. I grant that the masses may, perhaps, believe that once the armed fight is over we shall have peace. But you are not the masses; you who have grown grey hair in the struggle of life will not allow yourself to be fooled by appearances. You know perfectly well that there cannot be real peace, which is the only basis of freedom, etc., 'Nhere there are igno.red rights, outraged justice, and crimes.

A humiliating peace is tolerated only in uncivilized countries. Do you m ean that those who believe us lacking in all culture are right - yeu, who, beca.use of your learning and experience, are the ones most called. upon to honor our culture in the eyes of the world?

I am your courteous n:nd respectful,

Ap. MABINI

)

SUMMARY OF THE CONFERENCE WITH THE AMERICAN COMMISSIONl

Wednesday, August 1, 1900 At four o'clock in the afternoon I was taken to the Ayuntmmiento and introduoed to the North American Commission. Pres路e nt were the President of the Commission, Mr. Taft, two members of the same, the interpreter, and a stenographer. I asked for this conference so that it would not be said that I have shut myself up to appear self-important doing no effort to find means for solution and understanding under obtaining circumstances.

When the session opened, I said the f.ollowing: "I have been a prisoner since last December and I 2..m denied my freedom unless beforehand I acknowledge American sovereignty. In international law, the word sovereignty has no precise and fixed definition, so much so that in the South African question England still claims to haVie sovereignty OVeT two Republics, notwithsta,楼ing the fact that she has recognized the oomplete independence of the same regarding the interior administration of the 路 government. My efforts in favor of my country ha.ve no other purpose than to obtain the most solid guaranty for the freedoms and the rights of the Filipinos. If, therefore, the American sovereignty offers mOTe or less the same guaranty that a proper government could offer, I would, th.en, have no difficulty in acknowledging it in the service of peace."

I ended by saY'ing that I had solicited the conference in order to find out up to what point the Americans would limit the sovereignty which, by nature, beLongs to the Filipino .people.

Mr. Taft, after listening to the observations of his oompanions, answered as follows: If American sovereignty has for its purpose to give the Filipinos a good government. The sovereignty that the United States of America claim is the same that Russia or Turkey would claim if they were to occupy the Philippines, with the only differenee that, in the case of the United States of America, the exercise of this sovereignty shall be inspired by the spirit of the Constitution. The Onnmission shall try to es1 Wm. H. Taft's letter to MacArthur dated Aug. 1,1900 (see Appendix) B) ir.dicated Taft's willingness to hear Mabini's views.

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THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

tablish a popular government in the Philippines within the moulds of the one which has been recently voted for Puerto Rico."

To this I replied that the principles on which the American constitution is based dec1.are that sovereignty belongs to the people by natural right; that the American Gov路e rnment, therefore, in wanting not only to limit but to annul completely the sovereignty of th e Filipino people, commits an injustice that sooner or later will exact a reparation or an expiation and that there can be no popul~r government where the people are not given real and effective participation in the constitution and in the running of that same government.

The members of the Commission answered tha.t they were not authorized to discuss abstract matters, as they had orders to make their opinion prevail by force, if needs be, after hearing the opinions of the Filipinos.

I said then that I considered the conference over, because I believe it useless. to bedate with force and 11:0 give my opinions

to one who did not Hke to listen to the voice of reason.

Mr. Taft asked ~e if I wanted to help in the study of the taxes that could be Imposed on the people, I answered that, considering unjust all taxes impolSed without a concourse of the representatives of those called upon to pay them, I could not take part in said study without the representation and the mandate of the people.

I see all too clearly now that the Americans are set on reducing uS! to the cruel alternative of dishonor or death. Since this is so, I shall try to conduct myself as an honorable man who places his duties and his honor before everything else.

Between dishonor and death, it is our duty to prefer the la.t-

ter.

Ap. MABINI

Note: I limited myself to writing down the substance of the talks although in the actunl conference the expr.essions were softened by the accepted forms of oourtesy and culture.

LETTER WITHOUT ADDRESSEE

[Undated]

I have not received amy letter from Teodorico. Do not trust C- so much. The whites are using him as a cantactman to lure me.

Paterno and Buencamino are trying to ingratiate themselves with their new protector, wishing to be the agents Df those from ahroad. But they, have no backbone, they are panicky and unable to' s:tand difficulty and hardship; that is why they at once seek shelter under a shady tree.

If they fight Dutside, I a.Iso toil here within, in accordance with my sincere knowledge and understanding. I cannot sa.y that I shalt ,t riumph; but I promise not to slip away while they perseve 0 . And ,even supposing that they flee and I .am left alone in t e arena, I shall still go o~ whether I can stand the strain Dr gO' under, to defend with tenacity the rights Df the people a d to serve ~ an example to those who will come after.

J

Thalt is why they should decide well whom to appo'int as delegate or intermediary to' confer with the whites. There are manYI who want to be, out of love, they sa:y, of country; but analyzing well their conduct, they only think of their pe.rsonal advantalge. When they get tired and they can no longe:r stand the hardship, let them hold to Paterno and Buencamino, since the latter two dO' not mind being jeered at behind their back as, long as they; are Dpenly Hattered. \Vhat the white people do is, to' promise them savory dishes and attractive garments, because the latter know that just by mentioning to t.hem such gifts, they leap with joy.

But before showing the second part of the farce of Biyakna-bato, they should think a little that the times have changed.

Then, Captain Emilio was not famous; now, all the nations regard him highly and they, compare him with the most renowned of the world. In times of prosperity, he managed to be the representative of his people; if now, in adversity he abandons 'those whose safety he has endangered, in order to Sleek peace in a foreign land, he can be accused Df being a contemptible man, without honor or dignity. Then, in truth, 257

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THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

his saying of Florante can be applied to him: "Kung ano arng taas ng pa.g kadakila, siya 'ring lagapak naman kung marapa."

1

Ar.

MABINI

P. S. him.

1

Be warY' with C--; but do not show that you suspect

The higher the climb, the heavier the fall.

ANSWER TO LETTER OF GENERAL BELL

Manila, P.L, August 31, 1900

GENERAL

J. F. BELL

My dear and distinguished General: The reading 'o f YQur personal letter of the 28th instantl has made me very happy_ Mter having oonsidered closely the points treated in it, I cannot bUtt acknowledge the loftiness of your intentions and the nobility of y.our sentiments. I shall try to match your kind autentjon and courtesy and give you, with the greatest clearness and frankness, my private opinion on the subject under consideration, with so much more pleasure, as I am no less anxious to find a satisfactory solution of the same.

You bewail tQ,at the Filipino people do not know how to a'PPTeciate the effo ts and sacrifices of the Americans. May I take the l'iberty to tell you that until now all the efforts and s.acrifices of the Am'ericans tend .only to show their devastating strength, and tliis fact the Filipino people understand.

'When the American authorities turn back their eyes to reason and j ustiee, making less use of flOrce, I can assure you that the F'ilipino people shall at once know how to appreciate the change .of procedure.

You yourself corroborate my estiInaJte of the situation when in your letter ypu set up thiSi principle: "The only justifiable condition .of war under whatev,e r circumstance is the possibility of success." Were this principle true and were it constantly put into practice, the s.olution of all international and civil questions would have to be sought in force, and men would have to blot out with a stroke .of the pen the eternal principles of morality and justice, written with the blood of many, generations, and bring back mankind to its primitive state.'

You could not invoke the words "humanity." and "civilization" without demolishing your principle. If in real life the strong nations so easily' make use of force to impose their claims on t.he weak ones, it 'is because even now civilization and humanitariaar sentiments that are so often invoked, are, for some, more apparent than reaL In accordance with your 1

See page 265.

(Letter dated Aug. 28, 1900)

259

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THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABIN!

principle, it has to' be ndmitted tha,t the war which the Americans aI'€' waging in the Philippines is just and humanitarian, because the Filipinos are weak, which trend of reasoning not even the most ignorant Filipino will believe to be true.

I am the first to deplore deeply the guerrilla and ambush system of warfare which the Filipinos have been forced to adopt, because I have always considered the fight that offers equal risks to both combatants more noble and more worthy of men. But the laws of war that authorizes t.he strong nations the use of their powerful weapons of ccmbat in their fight with a weak people who lack said weapDns, are the very laws that persuade the weak peop},e to make use .of the guerrilla and ambush s~7stem, e.specially when it comes to defending their homes and their freedoms against an invasion.. In this extreme case, those very laws implacably order the weak people to defend their threatened honor and natural rights under pain of being called uncivilized and incapable of understanding the responsibilities of a proper gDvernment. I agree with you 'in this: force as the .only factor used in the solution of all kinds of questionS! among rational being is not only crimnal in itsE,lf but it is al8.o the cause of all the miseries and ruin that have afflicted humanity and the p.eoples of ·al1 ages, FDr the reasons, that I hav'€1 stated in the previous pa,ragraphs, the Americans and not the Filip'inos should be reminded of this lesson from history.

The Filipinos know only too well that by, force, they can expect nothing from the United States. They fight to show to the United States that t.hey possess suffid'e nt culture to know their rights even when there is a pretense to hide them by means of clever sophisms. The Filipinos hope that the fight will remind the Americans of the struggle born~ by their an.cestors against the Engl'ishmen for the emancipation of the colonies which are now the free States of North America. Then the Americans were in the same place which the Filipjn:os ara in today. If at that time the justice of the American cause found defenders in France, the Filipinos hope to have on their part the v€lry Americans when the latter will realize that the fight is not motivated by hatred of race, but by the same principles: se~led. wHh the blO'od of their .own ancestors.

The Filipinos know alsO' that the art of gO'vernmg, Ilke .:ill other practical knowledge, is acquired through experience a.nd that, 'in. order to be good citiz,ens and to be able to oonduct rightly a republican form of government, it is necessary tha.t they know how to appreciate honor and defend j ustioo This does not destroy the natur,al disposition of peoples to learn the art by themselves as the American penple learned it

ANSWER TO LETTER OF GENERAL BELL

261

without the help of any other men. If the Filipinos, giving up the faculties that by nature belong to them, would let the Americans govern the Islands by themselves as the latter claim tc do, the Filipinos would never learn the art of governing, ~J]d t hey would give the Americans a cause to say that the Filipino's are by nature incapable to govern. The Filipinos cannot believe in the promised help because the conditions required for the granting of said help make the realization of t h.e promise impossible.

I hope the Americans will understand that the present state of culture of the Filipino people shall not put up with subjugation by force as 31 permanent condition. The Filipinos ma,y be vanquished now and again, but as long as they are denied every kind of right, there will not be lasting peace.

The Spaniards were able to rule the Islands without great troubles for three centuries because the Filipinos were then sunk in the most complete ignorance and they lived without cO'llsciousness of national solidarity. Today it is different; today the Filipinos {'hare in the life of other nations and they have tasted, even it only for aJ short time and in an incomplete manner, the joys of -an independent life.

I can understan 1 tha,t its Impossible, na,y , even pernicious, that the Amel~icans shoul abandon the Islands to the mercy of other ambitious world powers. The< Filipinos know likewise that the un:ion between the two peoples is the only thing that can undo and avert the dangers of the futur e.

Mutual convenience demands the prompt cessation of hostil ities; because as the war drags on, it will necessarily engender hatred and make it impossible for the Americans, and the Filipinos to lead a, common life together. In the Revolution of 1896, the Filipinos were only asking of Spain the concession of certa.in pr'iviJ.eges which the Spaniards enj O!yed, but the Spanish Government refused to grant them their request; had those privileges been granted, the Revolution would not only have been stopped, but the Filipinos would have made common cause with Spain in the war against the United States.

The Filipinos a,r e ready for an understanding as long as said understanding would not demand as a concfition an unconditional submission to the claims of the Americans, but the acoeptance of a formula in the advantages and disadvantages of which both sides would equally share. The Filipinos would not halVe faith in the promises of the American authorities while the latt,er pin them down to thEl cruel alternative of dishonor or death. In the meantime that American sovereignty is not content with limiting the prerogatives inherent to the Filip.ino people, and would go so far as to claim the complete annulment of the same, such sovereignty shall be hated by the

262

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

Filipinos who will see in it the origin of all thetr humiliation.

If the war does not prevent the organization of municipalities,

much less can 'it prevent the creation of a constitutiona,l project that will laYI the cornerstone of the political future of the Philippines. When the Congress of the United States shall become convinced that the completiO'Il of sa'id project will paralyze the fighting, it will ma:ke it into law. Any; reference to the just claims of the Filipino;:; far from weakening among them the prestige of the Americans, would make it more firm to serve as a base ()In which the solidarity, of inteICests, which is the best! guaranty of union and peace, would stand.

For my part, I shall do everything that I can to facilitate such understanding. The one branded as uncompromising wm give a clear and practical proof of the greatest adaptab:i1ity, because he knows that he who lives in this world has to undergo the inconv.eniences in it. Hence, I shall not advocate absolute independence, knowing that I cannot obtain it now.

Neither would I talk about 'independence with protectorate nor of autonomy, beC<'l.use both are pur:ely theQiYetical. Protectorate is a. limit?. .tion thE'; nature and importance of which depends upon the mutual agreement, tacit or exp,r essed, between the protector and the protected. Autonomy, on the other hand, involves in itself the idea of independence more or less ;restricted. To discuss these formulas, therefore, is to waste time on abstract questions.

I shall go direct to the point as is commonly said, following the example of the Americans who are a very practical people. I shall limit myself 1n point out the bases on which, in my opinion, the political edifice of the Philippines should stand, to wit: 1st. The enj'oyment by the Filipinos of the same individual rights, natural as well as politica:l, that the citizens of cultured and free nations enjoy;

2nd. Complote equality between the Americans and the Filipinos within the territory of the Philippine Islands; and

The organization of government which would offer the best guarantees for the realiz.a tion of the fkst two conditions.

31"路d.

I should like to see a project of the Constitution that would fix the rules which shall serve as basis for the solution of the questions that may arise from the three capital points w.hich I have just specified; and should I find it accepta.ble to the! majority of the Filipinos., I would not have any inconvenience in advising my countrymen the acceptance of the

ANSWER TO LETTER OF GENERAL BELL

263

same. My uncompromising attitude has no other purpose but the assurance of a real pea.ce; henoe, I cannot accept conditions which, in my opinion, will not lessen the unrest of the minds.

Please forgive me if I have written long and if, involuntarily, I have expressed my self with more frankness than courtesy. I wanted to have these poor lines reflect faithfully the sentiments of the majority of the Filipinos, and I hope I have achieved it. Many maybe cannot or will not like to express their real thoughts on these questions; but it does not matter.

E'Verything that I have said beats to the core of the hearts of all Filipinos.

I have the greatest pleasure to be your most a.ttentive servant.

AP. MABINI

}

A WORD OF CAUTION*

Of the enclos·ed letter in English of General Bell and of the answer to it in Spanish, typewritten copies shall be cru:efully made. These copies, together with the letter to Mr. Pratt, shall be sent to Hongkong, so that they can be sent, in turn, to the addressee.

According to the papers, L.x Luz published the translation of the letter of General Bell. I suppose that the translation published is a copy of the one I gave to Cayo, beca.use the Americans would not have published it.

As I have been prohibited all communications with the public, I believe that such course of action would hurt me without bringing any benefit to the people. Should the Amell'i~ns discover that I pl!blish diplomatic correspondence, they will never allow me 'to write another; and, what is worse, they might be more strict with me without any benefit to the cause.

I beg, therefore, that you take more precautions so that no article coming fro~ me shall be published without my ord€ll' or consent. I am r0a.qy to suEel' for the country should there be any need for it 01" to obtain great benefits for all.

However, inasmuch as the letter has already been published, you should also publish the answer and have this caution observed in the future.

Ap. MABIN I

.* Ni'abini himself new that his answer [dated Aug. 31] to General Bell's letter [dated August 28, 1900] was worth reading. This can be deduced from the "Caution," which he wrote in prison when he sent articles to the Committee of Hongkong. In his letter to Consul General Pratt [dated Sept. 15, 1900], in his Memorandum to General MacArthur [dated Sept. 19, 1900], as well as in his letter to Miss Blanchard later on in: October, [dated Oct. 13, 1900], he stated in various ways, that in his answer to General Bell he expressed the general sentiments of the Filipino people and outlined thc peaceful form of government which, in: his opinion, would satisfy the Filipino people and prove advantageous to the prestige and the interest of the United States, adding, in his letter to Miss Blanchard, that even should his efforts at peacemaking fail, he would at least have the conviction that he did everythmg within his power to prevent further bloodshed. - T.M.K.

264

[ENCLOSURE]

LETTER FROM GENERAL BELL*

Manila, P.I., August 28, 1900 My dear Mr. Mabini: In view of what you have told me in our last conversation, it seems that it will not be difficult for the Americans and the Filipinos to come to an understanding mo:r e definite than the one that exists between them now, as long as the latter would be willing to recognize clearly the wisdom of the policy which I shaH try to explain to you.

In this compromise, the Americans do not constitute an enemy people. They only want as any other nation would want, that their good intentions shall be recogni:ued. They need to see. a sign that the Filipino people appreciate the efforts and sacrifices that the .Americans have done for the benefit of the same.

It will probably l:Je impossibl that the Americans would feel inclined to conceCie anything to an ungrateful people, especially while the latter continue to be at war with the former.

The Filipino people should understand that they cannot obtain anything from the Americans by force. Those who are familiar with the customs of the Americans should also understand that, under favorable circumstances, almost â&#x201A;Ź'verything can be expected from their generosity. But this generosity cannot be put into practice for lack of an object, while the American soldiers are being killed under conditions that (a,cco'r ding to the laws of war respected by all civilized nations) make their death, in re::>.lity, a murder.

T.he only justifiable condition of war under whatever circumstance is the possibility of success. As soon as this possibility disappears with the fluctuations of the fortunes of war, civilization demands that the defeated side, in the name of humanity, should surrender and accept the result, although it may be painful to its feelings. That is what civilization * This letter of General Bell to Mabini and the answer of the latter [dated August 31] were both published in the local press, and they caused quite a stir in those days. The nationali'sts, in the fields as well as in the cities, expressed approval and pure joy. - T.M.K.

265

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THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABTh"l

would expect, and combatants who would stray from this principle place themselves in a separate classification among civilized peoples and show themselves as incompetent in the managâ&#x201A;Źment of civil affairs to the extent of their ignorance of the demands of humanity.

The Filipinos have been clearly defeated in the battlefiel.ds and, in my opinion, in this stage of the war, the onl~ .~se thing to do is to> admit what is inevitable, suspend hostIlIties, surrender the arms and cooperate with the United States in t.he regeneration of the Islands. This is the only road to the sympathy of the people of the United States and, after the lapse of a few years, fifteen or twenty at most, 'i t is! probable that the government shall have been well adjusted in the whole Archipolago, functioning smoothly and with all the questions and disputes satisfactorily settled. If, by that time, the people of these Islands, ha.ving already shown their capacity for selfgovernment and self-control, and their fitness in the management of their own affairs, would come to the American people and expre-,ss their aspi1ration for a more ample self-government and ask for the indulgence of the same, in my opinion, there is almost no doubt as to the outcome. I consider too probable that the people of the United States would gr:ant evâ&#x201A;Źrry reasonable petition m ,de unanimously by the Filipino people.

The logic of the situation, therefore, plaoes the fate of the Filipino people in their very hands and points out to the fact that with the accepbnce of peace and the cultivation of t.he arts of civilization, they would, in due time, become the masters of their own destiny. Under the present circumstances, the use of force as a factor is not only criminal but it is: also daily shoving the natives of the Archipelago headlong towards a deeper alttitude of s.emicivilizatio!l in which they will become completely incapable of r.ppreciating and understanding the responsibilities of civil government. The Filipino people can only show their fitness in this matter by laying down their arms and stop forcing the United States to granrt: any concession which, at presenrt: is utterly 'impossible for anyone in her position.

The fitness to establish and run a republican form of government in accordance with the upright principles of the American people is not an inborn gift. It is a lll.atter of cooperation and iIt is acquired through experience. The people of the United States have been studying and le3irning this problem for more than two centuries. They cannot, therefore, beheve that the Filipino people will be capable of developing all at 'Once such a government. The Americans, however, have no doubt that they can help the Filipinos learn this art in a short time.

267

LETTER FROM GENERAL BELL

I should like you to understand that I do not speak here in my official capacity as Provost-Marshal, not even as an American official, but simply in my personal status as an American citizen, expressing my own private convictions to a personal friend whom I have always respected for his frank and friendly confidE1nce in me and for the sincerity of his intentions.

It would please me very much if, after a J)â&#x201A;Źrsonal discusSlOn, we could come to an agreement over a definite proposition that would be feasible, with which we would be doing a service to the people of these Islands who now live in a deplorahle condition of doubt and uncertainty.

Yours very sincerely,

J. F. BELL To Mr. Apolinar'io Anda Street

}

REPLY TO LETTER OF SPENCER PRATT*

Manila, P.I., Sept. 15, 1900 To MR. E.

SPENCER PRATT

Late U. S. Consul General at Singapore Sir: Your letter dated on board the Steamship "Tonkin" on the 9th of lust month has just been received. I will very pleasantly try to assist you in you~ purpose, inspired by the sound and liberal spirit of the American people, with which you are identified.

To this effect I enclose you a copy of my answer to General Bell's letter, the copy of which, I inclose also. By this answer you will be in full acquaintance not only with the general sentiments of the Filipino people, but with the outlines of the peaceful settlement and form of government which would, in my opinion, satisfy them and prove advantageous to the prestige as well as the i terest of the Un~ted States.

I cannot treat the matter in its minute details, for I am under arrest since December of last year and for this reason I am not allowed any occasion to get some information about definite views of the people in arms.

Begging your forbearance for any incorrectness in this leJtter, I remain, Very respectfully yours,

Ap.

â&#x20AC;˘ Dated August 9, 1900.

268

MABIN I

LETTER TO GENERAL BELL

October 1, 1900 GENERAL

J. F.

BELL

My dear General: I ha.ve the honoT to send you the enclosed Memorandum for General MacArthur regarding the authority granted me, which document I delivered to you on the 24th of last mowth.

If there is no urgency for the conference and it can be indefinitely postponed, I shaH, with your permission, start my prepar8Jtions to move to another place.

Deeply grateful for your attention, I am, with the greatest consideration, Your most respectful sE:.yvant, )

Ap. MABINI

[ENCLOSURE]

MEMORANDUM TO GENERAL MACARTHUR

The power signed by Aguinaldo in my favor shows that the armed forces, notwithstanding the recent reverses, persist in the ideal of Independence maintained since before the war. Likewise, I am convinced that this is the same ideal cherished by the immense majority of the Filipino people.

From this it can be inferred that the most effective remedy to calm the minds of the Filipinos and to make them consider peace as a blessing is Independence, with the limitJatoons that the Americans lJ'YllLy impose arnd that the Filipinos may accept.

But I see that the word Irndepeooenoe is as distasteful to the hearing of the party in power in the United States as the word control, in the sense of American domination, is dis-

269

270

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINI

pleasing to the ears of the Filipinos. If the Republica.ns do not like to hear Philippine Independence, let them not talk either' of American domination in the Philippines as, otherwise, they shall never become fljends with the Filip路jnos.

Can a state of relationship be found which would not imply either domination on the part of Americans or independence for the Filipinos? This is the real problem and its soIUJtion in the affirmative sense is the key that would unlock the doors to peace. The bases which I proposed in the answer 1 to the letter of General Bell may be considered as an expressed equation in the search for thd unknown state, which is the real formula of salvation.

If such a state does not exist, the Republican party of the United States, unless it modif:es its program with :regard tv the Philippines, can never solve the Filipino problem. History, which is the only infallible guide in this world, teaches that force only beg'e ts misery, never the welfa~e ' of peoples; that the Americans cannot destroy the Filipino people without, a.t the same time, attempting the destruction of the very people of the United States.

The future of the United States is magnifioent, flattering, secure; that of the Flilipino people, sad and uncertain. The policy of expansion claimed by the party in power will doubtless produce gr'e at advantages; but it has the misfortune of binding two peoples to a common fate, making the strong parcipaite in the miseries 'Of the weak. Should the Philippines be annexed to America in the cense which the party in power claims up to now, the future of the United Sta;tes will not be in the hands of the Americ.ans alone; it will also be in the hands of the Filipinos. If the latter a:re not happy, the former cannot be happy either. Can all the advantages put together make up even for this inc'Onvenience alone? Let the American politicians reflect well on this and may they not be dazzled by their strength and their triumph! Let them look not only at the present but also towards the future, since they take pride in being practical.

In short, the Filipinos offer' the Americans two roads to peace: one straight and safe, the one proposed by Aguinaldo in the authority he had conferred on me; and the other, tortuous and uncer.tain, the one I .have proposed. I say that the bases I have proposed will not lead directly to peace, because, coming as It hey do from a private individual mediator, they need the approval of public opinion and of t,he a:rmed forces.

Let the American authorities, therefore, decide whether they accept the authority which General Aguinaldo conferred 1

See letter of Mabini dated AUg1.,Ist 31, 1900, p. 259.

LETTER TO GENERAL BELL

271

on me or the term:> which I h.ave proposed. It is only after this preliminary queSition has been solved that I can come to the principal problem and go into the details. The Americans have shown only too clearly their excellence as soldiers; what is now lacking is for them to show the virtues proper to politidans and rulers, so th3.lt they can rightly say that they are worthy sons of a country destined by Providence to' regenerate the world.

Manila, Sept.ember 19, 1900.1

1 In the conference between Mabini and General MacArthur, the latter wanted that Aguinaldo should surrender unconditionally and yield himself to the generosity of the Ameri'cans, The Filipino representatives could not, of course, accept negotia~ions based on that condition; hence the conference failed. - T.M.K.

)

LETTER TO MISS BLANCHARD October, 13, 1900 When during my imprisonmenV I had the pleasure to answer your courteous letter of the 11th of April last, acknowledging the receipt of your short article, "Save the Republic," I promised to let you know of my! freedom as soon as I could obtain it.

Given my freedom since the 3rd instanJt, without parole of any kind, I now fulfill, with pleasure, my promise, with so much inducement as, on leaving the prison, I rec路eived the number of the Springfield Sunday RepubliOO/n of February.11 and March 25th, last, from which I read with real pleasure two beautiful articles written by you on the Philippines and Aguinaldo. I admit my ignorance when it comes to English llterature; nevertheless your works reveal a soul which!s highly culitured and very sensitive to everything that is great.

How interesting does the image of Aguinaldo appear as pictured by you! At the fiirst opportunity, I shall send to you the two numbers, as I feel certain that the reading of your articles will not only soften your sonows and hardships but also encourage you to persevere in virtue and be worthy of the admir:ation and sympathy that it inspires.

I am enclosing herewith a clipping of my letter to Genera.l Bell so that you can appreciate the real aspect of the 1 For almost ten months, Mabini lived under the vigilance of the American military authorities. Although his condition was ~hat of a prisoner .............. he was accorded all kinds of considerations by the said authorities. The order for his freedom, transmitted to the Provost Marshal General, was couched in the following manner:

"Inform Senor Mabini that he is released and has permission to leave whenever desires, without the imposition of any conditions whatever, but the Government hopes that, out of regard for the delicacy of the situation, his good judgement and taste will lead him to avoid agftation. In other words, no obligation whatever is imposed upon him to avoid agitation.

In other words, no obligation whatever is imposed upon him by the Government which trusts in his high character as a sufficient guaran路 tee that he will conduct himself appropriately.

"He can live wherever he likes, but in case he wishes to leave Manila, it is desired that he first make his destination and purpose of going made known to the Provost Marshall General."

When M'abini left prison on October 3rd, he went to live on Nag. tahan Street, in a house which belonged to an old poor couple woo loved him very dearly, a love which Mabini tried to return as best he could even during his exile in Guam .

- T.M.K.

272

LETTER TO MISS BLANCHARD

273

Philippine question at present. All Filipinos, with very few exceptions, some out of conviction and others by instinct, persist in the defense of their naJiural rights, fully convinced that sooner or later they will arrive at the summit of their. aspirations. As you can d-educe from my answer to General Bell, I am trying to make the Americans cooperate with us in a peaceful and progressive evolution and to be content with the ::tdvantages that are not incompatible with our honor and diguity, and not to persist in opposing the just wishes of the Filipino people and thus giving a motive to the indefinite prolongation of th-e war. I have taken this step in the hope that even if ilt would not lead to pacii'icartJion, it would give m y minru the conviction of having worked all my strength to avoid further bloodshed.

Pl-ease receive the sincere expression of the gratiltude and admiration of Y Olll:; respectful and obedient servant,

)

AP.

MABINI

LETTER TO MISS BLANCHARD

Manila, November 9, 1900 MISS LurSI'J'A BLANCHARD

111 i qu,erioo amiga: As you desire, I reply in English your kind letters of August 21st and Se]1tembâ&#x201A;Ź1r 14th just r,eceived. I hope you will excuse any incorrectness, for I have studied also that language by myself, therefore I do not speak it, though I u~ derstand any writing of lit with some easiness.

1 am very much obliged to you for your deep sympathy and true friendship toward me as well as for your sorrow for my illness. Let me shake very friendly and warmly your hands across the seas, seeing that it is indiscreet to kiss it. To COfl'espond you familiarly I tell you that about thirty-five years ago I was born in a town of Batangas province soulth of Manila between the Cavite and Laguna provinces and between the lake of Bai and the lake of Bombon or Taal. By m;y father and mother I am of pure native origin. Although my parents were poor I have got some instruction and became a lawyer, thanks to p â&#x201A;Źlrsistive efforts. Since January, 1896, I cannot stand because of weakness in my waist and legs. I do not suffer any other ache and I look as if I were not sick. The physicians however sa,y that I will never recover my health; but I do not despair because I am Sltill able to do something good for my country. Fortunately, I have neither wife nor children, for this r eason the sadness of my life 'is. more tolerable, for I do not suffer in my loves excep,t in that of my country. My father and mOlther are dead.

In my letter written aftell' my release on the 3rd of laSit Oct. I acknowledged the rec,eiptt of two numbers of the Springfield Sunday Repub~hOatn. I have sent these papers jointly w'i th your letter and leaflet to Aguinaldo, who has a new child 1lOW. On the first oppOlI'tunity I will send also the outline received with lour las.t letter. Y()U are a true Fibi;pim.a by heart and feelings and so I love and admire you, Your dream is very strange indeed, but very explicable to the Spiritists or believers in the spirits.

I am fond of reading, but ignorant of music. Please accept as a remembrance the enclosed national and Independence hymns. I enclose also a photograph of myself and will

274

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LETTER TO MISS BLANCHARD

highly appreciate a photograph of yourself. All the Filipinos are very sorry for the catastrophe of Galveston: the U.S. of America is great not only in its improvements but in its misfortunes. I do no1 personally know Mr. Ramon Reyes Lala, for his residence in the Philippines has been very short; but 1 know his father, who is a native of the Indian Empire. Nor do I know his book.

I enclose also a translation of an article published by me in a Manila newspaper. I am not familiar with the particular construction of English language; so I ask you the favor of correcting and sending it to a review or newspaper, if you find it publicable. 1 Besides, I send to you a copy of General Bell's original letter and the translation of my answer, that you may understand the real nature of Filipino problem and, if necessary, rectify the misjudgments of American people. vVith the re-eleation of Preside11t McKinley, it is probable that Americans here will soon inaugurate the era of oppression and cruelties to repress by force the so-called insurrection.

Many abuses are already being recorded, among which you may courut women w'th hair recently shaved by American soldiers, after having be n Plundered. , Excuse me these troubles.

I appreciate the American women in their culture al1cl independent habits: which render them utterly helpful workers to the aggrandizement of womankind. You are a highest sample.

Your very thankful and affectionate friend, Ap. MABINI P.S. You may address through Mr. Calvo dir路ectly to:

In

Hongkong

01'

Apolinario Mabini 21 Nagtahan St., Sampalok, Manila.

[As Written by Mab拢ni -in English]

1

Publishable,

LETTER WITHOUT ADDRESSEEl

Manila, November 12, 1900 MR. [Name erased]

My dear Friend and Colleague: I 'Owe it to our old friendship to inquire after your health and that of your family and to let yQU know, at the same time, of my fireedom and the important things that have happened to me.

Mter you had left, I had a conference with the American Commission., a conference that bore no result, as said Commis.siQn assured me that the s.overeignty that the United States cl3.!ims to establish is the same that Russia .or Turkey would claim to establish if they were to occupy the Philippines, but boftened only by; the democratic spirit of the American institutions and customs. And when I was trying to show the great advantage that could be ga~ned were they to recognize, even if only in part, the rights of the people, the members stopped me flatly saying that they had orders to carry out the instructions they received from their Government by f.orce, if needs be.

But afterwards you may have learned of the letter of General. Bell and 'Of my answer, both of which were published by the newspapâ&#x201A;Źll's here. As a private mediator wh.o wants to E:xhaust all means to prevent the prolongation of the war, I prQPosed three bases for p'eace, trying to give the Americans the widest latitude possible, so that they CQuld be familiar with the different ideals and make easier the bargaining and the exchange o.f impressions.

Shertly after the receipt of the letter, I unexpectedly received the nQtificatiQn tha.t I could m.ove to aJl37; other hQuse in Manila, but that I could net leave the capitaL without the perm:ission .of the American authorities. Availing myself of this authorization, I left the station on Anda Street on October 3rd last and I am staying temporarily in a house on N agtahan Street, No. 21, Sampalok, where you have me ready to serve you in what means I can.

1 The above letter reached the camp of Aguinaldo on March 6. In the original, the address appears erased.: It is believed that it is addressed either to a person in the confidence of Aguinaldo, or to Agllinaldo himself, or to one who was in Agui'naldo's company. - T.M.K.

276

LETTER WITHOUT ADDRESSEE

277

Lately, I had another conference in which I was asked to specify tht:' wishes of the armed elements. I said that I had no definite and ample instructions from General Aguinaldo, who is the only one accredited to formulat e said wishes.

Nevertheless, I told them of my private opinion, that not only the armed element but the whole people of the country would receiv€ with pleasure a syste::n of government similar to that which the South African Republics had before the war, supported by an agreement on terms that would definitely avoid a war like the one that broke out between the Englishmen and the Boers. The Americans told me that they cannot agree en the independence of the Philippines; that in ord€r to avert the great evils that com€ with the pro!ongation of the war, Aguinaldo should lay down the arms, yield himself to the generosity of the Americans and come to Manila, with the assurance that General Ben would himself go to meet him at any place that h€, Ag!l!naldo, m2..y des'ignate and that Gene'I'al MacArthur would welcome him as a guest in his palace and tr.eat him like a Real brother. I promised, of course, to relay the m€ssage.

Do not ask me . bout the te 11S that I pl"Dposed, because there is nothing tha I can say. The Americans are silent about them; they do not say whellher they accept them or not.

I told them frankly that any stipulation I may make is useless without the approval of the armed element and of public opinion. I told them also that, although J am looking for means of rapprochement, my allegiance is still 'with the Revolution, and that I continue to acknowledge that the right to stipulate the terms belongs to the leaders of same.

McKinley has rep€atedly said that he cannot concede us independence, and McKinley has been re-ele.cted. N everth€less, if the revolutionists insist on independence, I will be with them. If, however, they should lack the strength to go on defending said ideal a,nd they should authorize me to ask fOl" another thing, I would still be with them in everything that would not be prejudicial to our honor.

Allow me to say that you can always command your affectiona,t e

ApOLINARIO MABINI

LETTER TO PACHECO*

Manila, Novemb€r 29, 1900 My dear Mr. Pacheco·: I received your pLeasant letter and I am deeply grateful for your congratulations on my freedom.

There is nothing I can tell you regarding our present situation, except that the Americans keep maintaining their stand that it is only the United States Congress which can decide our fate, and that the present Congress will keep mum while the fight goes on. That is why they ask fo·r our unconditional surrender, so that the Congress of the United States can adopt concrete resolutions regarding our political future.

I still do not know the attitude of Don Emilio on this determined stand of the Americans, although in this city we hear from all sides strong opposition. I believe the armed forces are the ones that should decide our attitude, because without the acqniescence of said forces there can be no peace.

When you hav·e the: oppor.tunity, please send my most aff €dionate regards to G. Mojica and other comrades in the work that recognizes no class distinctions.

You know that you have ever in me a f.ellow-believer in the common struggle and a friend, and I do not need to tell you that you can alwa.y s command me in all that I can be of help.

I am your aff.ectionate, attentive and respectful

ApOLINARIO MABINI

* A guerrilla fighter of th€ Revolution.

278

LETTER TO HIS BROTHER ALEJANDRO

[Undated] *

MR. ALEJANDRO MABINI

Manila, Phil. Is. My dear Brother: Thinking that you are waiting for news about Kuya1,a.nd me, I shall give them to you briefly in this letter.

W路e were taken aboard the transport RoseGrlOJnS on the morning o.f Tuesday. January 15th last, and we left Manila Bay on the afternoon of the next day. We sailed towards the South, passed Camarines and Albay, crossed San Bernardino Strait and, at last, found ourselves in the Pacific Ocean, where ing N o.rtheast, if I am not mistaken, en route tOI Guam, where we arrived at almo&t- noon on the 24th. In short, we traveled eight days, more or 1 ss, across a ocean that I was seeing for the first time.

Do not ask me for details aoout our voyage, because not even once had I been able to! leave the cabin during the crossing. As to accidents, I know of only one damage to the engines of the ship, the fixing of which forced us to stay idle for half a day in the middle of the Pacific; I also suffered a slight dizziness, caused maybe by the salty ai'l' of the sea. KU(]J"(L suffered no inconvenien0e and he is in perfect health.

Owing to the lack of buildings to house us, we had' to. remain aboard for about nineteen days. We went ashor路e on the afternoon of the 12th, instant, in ai barrio called Piti. "We then p.roceeded, mostly on foot, towairds the town of Agana, which was previously the ca.pital of the Marianas Islands, and now of Guam alone. After three quarters of an hour of walking, we arrived in the Barrio of Asan, which is said to be about mo,r e than an hour路' s walk from Agana (four miles approximately), and we stopped in this place.

Despite our lo.ng stay aboard ship, the jail has not yet been constructed; and because o.f this we are being provi(Weare occupying a lot sionally housed in army tents. * Date is supposedly Feb. 17, 1901. See item 135, in "Escritos de Mabini," in Philippine Review, April, 1919, p. 277-287.

1 Elder brother, Tagalog.

Mabini was accompanied by Prudencio, his (-' Idest brother.

279

280

THE LETTERS C>F APOLINARIO MABINI

\X,-here, during the Spanish domination, once stood tho hospital for lepers which has been burned dowIL This makes one say that the place is very appropriate, because the Americans, in the conviction that our minds suffer from an infectlOus disease, segregate us, like lepers, from social contact with our fellow men. Would to路 heaven that our segregation contribute to the pacification of those beloved lands, because exiled as I am,. I do not think of myself but only of you over there who are exposed to many dangers while the wa~ lasts.) 1 This land, at first glance, is arid. Along the road that we have traversed from the landing place there were only a few small houses pla.ced far apart and the mountain, as well as the plain that met our eyes, showed only scanty vegetation; and the little that there was appeared toasted by the sun. By the looks of said vegetation, one would think that the hot season is at its end instead 'o f just beginning.

However, we are occupying a lot with beautiful grounds.

Imagine a terrain carpeted with fine sand very similar to the color of bran and, nevertheless, planted with coconuts that I wish were more close together and with thickel'i a,n d more luxuriant fO'liage to intercept the rays 'Of the sun that the canvas roofs of our tents ca not completely keep 路a way. If I face towards the North, I see an ever turbulent sea, a steep hill screens my back and left side; to' the right, I see a street, with the small huts of the barrio almost hidden among coconut trees and partly destroyed by the last typhoon; and farher another hill, almost balre. People say that behind this last hill, towards the Northeast, lies hidden the town of Agana.

At a glance, the natives of this island appear to belong to our race, the climate is practically the same as curs over there although we still have frequent showers even during these months.

To one who, looks at life not through ease and comfort, our situation is bearable. We are given wholesome food, enough to keep us well, and the Commandant of the Prison has, so far, done all he could to avoid humiliations and unnecessary labor for us. I do not say anything in his praise because this letter will pass thr:o ugh censorship and I do not want him to take whalt I say as flattery. Besides, he does not need praises from any of us.

There is one sad note. Yesterday we received the news of the death of one of our companions, Don Lucas Carnerino, resident of Imus, who died after six o'clock in the morning 1

The enclosed portion was suppressed by the U,S. Army censor.

LETTER TO IDS BROTHER ALEJANDRO

281

in the hospital in Agana. The Commandant acceding to our request, allowed two of us to attend the burial. The deceased got on board the ship a fever which took him to the grave in two weeks. May he rest in peace!

Please give my regards to Aling Sima} and her family and also to compad'nrt Agrava and Bunda. 2 Your very affectionate brother,

Ap. MABINI

P. S. Today, 18th, this letter was returned to me because the a.uthorities found ~bjectionable the part which they enclosed in parentheses.

A.M.

1

Z

The owner of the house on Nagtahan Street where M'abini lived.

Honorato Agrava, of Ermita; and Andres Bunda, of Pandacan.

ELECTION IN PRISON

Asan Pris'On, Guam Island March 17, 1901 Acceding to the wish 'Of the pris'Oners that a president and a vice-president be appointed to look after the orderly and punctual carrying out af the orders and the decisions of the authorities rela.tive to the well-being and intenlal government of the prisoners themselves, Major Orwig, Comma.n dant of the E stablishment, has ordered that said president and vicepresident who will take charge should be chosen from among the prisoners themselves. H0 appointocl Mr. Apolinario Mabini to presi de over the elections; Messrs. Cornelio Requie5t2,s and Silvestr e Legaspi, as inspecto J's, and Messrs. Julian Gerona and Pancrasio Palting, as clertk-secretaries.

With all the prisoners present on this date within the prison, Mr. Mabini explained to them the plan 'Of the Commandant, pointing out to them also that the said Commandant was leaving the election to themselves so that they could choose those who were worthy a.nd give them all the necessary support in the discharge of their duties. Only forty prisoners took p.art in the voting as Don Faustino Adiarte was sick and Messrs.

Eulogio Gonzales and Joaquin Agram'On decided to abide by the will of the majority.

The voting was ma.de in writing and when the ballots were examined by the inspectors, the following results were obtained : For President, Mr. Pio del Pilar came out with twenty votes; Mr. Artemio Rica.rte, nine votes; Mr. Pablo Ocampo, eight V'Otes; Mr. Apolinario Mahini, two votes; and Mr. Julian Gerone., one vote. For Vice-President, Mr. Pio del Pilar had twelve votes; Mr. Julian Gerona, another twelve votes; Mr. Pablo Ocampo, seven votes; Mr. Simon Tecson, four votes; Mr. Artemio Ricarte, three votes; Mr. Lucino Almeida and Mr. Requiestas, one vote each. After the results of the election were read aloud, Mr. Mabini proclaimed Mr. Pio del Pilar President-elect by, a majority of votes and Mr. Julian Gerona Vice路President.

Mr. Del Pilar, after thanking the electors, proceeded to state his lack of qualifications fOT the position, inasmuch as he did not knDw either Spanish Dr English; to this Mr. Mabini answered, with the 31pproval of everyone present, that

282

283

ELECTION IN PRISON

the majority, in electing him, must have taken into consideration other conditions that make him more qualified, inasmuch as his lack of knowledge of Spanish and English could be easily supplied with the help of any companion who is in a position to give it to him.

And as the persons concerned accepted their elections and no one made any obj ection to the whole proceeding, this act was considered closed and will be signed by the Presiding Officer, the inspectors, and the clerk-secretaries.

Ap. MABINl Pres/i路ding Officer

COMPLAINT TO CAPTAIN McKELVY Presidio of Asan, Island of Guam November 30, 1901

W. N. McKELVY, Commanding

CAPTAIN

)

Sir: I am bound by duty to inform you that our cook has not taken any canned meat from the commissary this mOl'ning, for the p-risoners can no longer eat it, as they have continually eaten it since January.

He has done that, only because he does not want to waste it. My companions and 1. beg you not to regret that.

Let us now call your attention to the fact that some of us have. no money at all and some have only a little of it for their' private use; besides we can not get now any food from without so easily, as we did a while ago, when the boys of our companions in Agana were admitted into the ambulance.

We beg you to a~quaint the competent authorities with this fact and induce them to preserve us from diseases by starvation. Do it for humanity's sake, if not for other motives.

This favor will oblige us to you very much.

Respectfully yours, [As (Yf/,gimaltV written -拢n English by Mabini]

LETTER TO HIS BROTHER ALEJANDRO

December 12, 1901 MR. ALEJANDRO MABIN!

My dear Brother: I am wri ting you these lines so that you will not take me for dead as, luckily for me, I am still alivel and as well as when I left that place. Kuya., by the grace of God, is also in good health.

Utst Februa:ry 17th, I sent you a letter informing you, agide from our safe arrival in this island, that we were housed provisionally in army tents. From March 11th, date on which our permanent lodgings wer e finished, we have been living in a sort of a big storehouse, at least resignedly, if not ha:ppily, and in good harmony. For some time now, some of our companions al'(~ living on their own and with greater freedom in Agana, not farthâ&#x201A;Źfr from this barrio of Asan, where we are, than our native barri of Talaga is from the town proper of Tanauan. I understand that July 4th was celebrated there with popular rejoicing on account of the inauguration of the governorship of Judge Taft. We also spent the d~y nicely here, beca use Captain Show, who was then our Commandant, took us to Agana to see the fireworks with which that memorable day for the Americans was celebrated here. This 'was the first time that I saw Agana.

Captain McKelvy, our present chief, told me of the probabilitY\ that the transport Solace, which will ca'r ry this. letter, may come back here after six weeks. I would like you to take advantage of this opportunity to write to me, if by then you have received this letter and the previouS! one, and to t.ell me how you are all faring over there. Do not write me anything that has any' relation to politics. Please extend to Aling Sima and her family affectiona,t e regards from Kuya as well as from me, together with our best wishes for a Merry Christmas and ~ Happy New Year., Tell them also that the woman, Segunda, from Santa M~sa, who has been exiled here from the time of the Spaniards, is still alive and she is staying in the house of a wealtny family of Agana who took her in. I was told that after the war between the Americans and the Spaniards the former allowed the Filipinos who had been exiled here to take a boat for home, but only few were ab1e to

28(

LEITER TO HIS BROTHER ALEJANDRO

285

l"teturn, because: later a fare of fifty pesos was required of each person. I have not talked with this woman Segunda; but if it is true that she is here, not of her own fl'ee wiU but due to lack of means for the trip home, I intend to talk to the authorities here so tha.t on the day of our return they will allow her to board the ship with us. A woman in a fore ign land, without relatives or means, is an object of compassion.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to cornp((,dre Agra va, to Bunda and to all.

Receive an embra.ce of your brother Ap. MABINI

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM THE PRISONERS

) W. N. Commanding

CAPTAIN

Presidio of Asan, Island of Guam, December 25, 1901

McKELVY,

Sir: True to their inveterate custom, the Filipino prisoners congratulate you and Mrs. McKelvy, hoping Merry Christmas for yOU and fOri the Officers and soldiers of your command.

They entreat you also that you will convey to the Governor and Major White and their fc;.milies their compliments of Merry Christmas and Hap~y New Year.

I am, with the highest regards, Your most obedient servant, For the Prisoners: MARIANO LLANERA

[As o1'uinally ~V1"'tten in E'ngl'ish by M abini]

LETTER TO HIS 13ROTH~:a. AL:8J ANbRO February 17, 1902 MR. ALEJANDRO MABINI

My dear Brother: I received your letter dated the 2nd instant.

You do not tell me anything about our brothers who live in Taruman nor of Agapito, and I wish you would write "to me something about their condition. Neither have you said to me anything about Aling Sima and her family, which I find very strange, as you have even forgotten to tell me where and how you live. Please tell Don Paulino Zamora that I am grateful for his. compliments, a.nd greet him warmly for me as well as for his office companions who may be my old acquaintanc~s.

Extend my regards also to oompadn3 and Bunda.

You can write to me any time by mail, because it has been observed that the letters (even boxes) reach us here almost always. If by luck you can mail your letter before the sailing of a boat which comes direct to this island, as it happens a few times, I shall receive it in eight days or even in less time. But if the is no boat coming direct to this place, the letter will take three months in reaching me, because from that capital it will be carried to San Francisco and brought to this place by the first boat that makes a stopover a~ this island.

Don Francisco de los Santos, Imown as General Quico, has not r,eceived up to now either news or letter from his wife, Dona Victoria de la Cruz, who lives in barrio Kalumpang of the town of Mariquina. He only received a group picture of her and their son, thrust among the things belonging to Mr. Gerona. As Aling Sima has some acquaintances in that place, please request her to find out how the above-mentioned lady is faring, if she received the letterSi sent to her by her husband, and why she has not written him until now. Let me know of her answer.

Do not forget to clean my books now and then so that the moths will not destroy them.

We are all in good health here and almost every one feels like going back. As for me, I welcome whatever fate decides since I cannot free myself from the hands of PII"ovidemce.

Be good and receive an embra.ce from your brother Ap. MABIN I

286

PRISONERS' PETITION

Presidio of Asan, Island of Guam March 24th, 1902 Mr. Governor: The undersigned, Philippine prisoners, do respectfully entreat you: That you wm permit them to get out of the Presidio until Agana town, every morning at the hour you may name, under the obligation of returning on the evening at the chosen hour.

The undersigned crave from you this favor with no other purpose, apart from the expansion of soul and corporal eXeTcise for their health, than that of looking for a change in their food. The necessity, which has compelled them to take, contrary to their custom, canned food stuffs during more than one year, has sp 'led thenr stomachs so that now after every meaJ they, instead of feeling themselves satisfied in their necessity . feel nauseou ness and propensity to vomit.

While they be ou , of the Pre idio, the undersigned oblige ,t hemselves to behave as peaceful and honest citazens and, if necessary, to execute faithfully the conditions imposed upon their companions in Agana, as well as any, other requisite you matV deem necessary.

Herewith please accept the greetings and respectful compliments of your obQdient servants.

[Written in English by Mabi1Vi ]

287

P~TITION'

FOR FREEDOM May 24, 1902

Mr. Governor of the Island of Guam: We, Simon Tecson and Maximino Trias, Filipino prisoners, respectfully request Your Honor to course this petition throngh competent authorities, in case they may find it just and convenient to decree our return to' the Philippines and to our homes, in view of the foHowing considerations: We were deported to this island iIll January of last year ~ ] 901, on the charges of having sympathized with., and, helped, the revolutionists against the United States. We do not know until now the events o~ which these charges have been founded, bC'Cause we have been condemned without having, been given a chance to be heard. On the other hand" we have always been peaceful men, and we do not ,r emember having personally takQn up arms, either against the Spaniards or agrunst the Americans.

We do not pretend to justify here our innocence, because such a step would be useless. Neither is it our purpose to aCiCuse the Americans, because we know that men are net infall ible, and that, if the disturbances of physical na.ture hurt the guilty as much as the just, social disturbance affects all individuals of society; and it has been observed that they crush the innocent more easily for the very reason that the latter, shielded behind his tranquil conscience, is! not aecustomed to take precautions against the designs of the strong.

But of one thing we are completely sure; and it is that on one would have thought of formulating or formulated any accusation against us if Our brothers Pablo Tecson Ocampo and Mariano Trias had not commanded gu~ll:as to fight &.gainst the American forces. Our relatively comfortable situatIon in life and our blood relationship with the above-mentioned Filipino leaders constitute, to the best of our understanding, the only proof of our supposed guilt.

Now, this being so, the above-cited leaders had surrendered a long time ago and they a.t present occuPiY important positionS' under the sovereignty of the United States in order to help more effica,ciously in the pacification of the Islands.

We do not only approve of this procedure but we also declare our firm intention to help them, upon our return, in said work.

Not being politicians by profession, and having scarcely the in-

288

PETITION FOR FREEDOM

289

dispensable instruction for the humblest of the citizens, it is only possible to SRppose that QUI' h elp to the revolutionists, had it been real and effective, would have only been motivated either by force or for the love for our brothers.

Hence, we consider our return just, even supposing that we be guilty. Because if the leaders had desETved the pa,l-clon and the confidence of the Amorican authorities, we do not believe it reasonable to deny the same to a mere sympathizer and helper. In the certainty that the Amer ican authorities will not show to the Filipinos that the surest means to evade punishment is to take up arms against them, we earnestly request our return to our country and to the bosom of our families, as a measure of rigorous justice and high political convenience.

We do not doubt that Your Honor will concede the grace that we ask, and we pray God to keep Your Honor for many years.

Agana, Island bt Guam, May the twenty-fourth, ni:r.8teen hundred and two.

J

[Writt&n bV Mabini]

LETTER TO HIS BROTHER ALEJ ANbRO May 24, 1902 MR. ALEJANDRO MABIN I

Dear Brother: I re.ceived your letter dated March 10th through the transport that made a stopover here on the 20th instant, coming from San Fra.nci5co for the Philippines. The news that you have given me about Aling Sima and her family and our brothers has given me no little 5atisfaction. I wish nothing more than that all of you there should continue in good health.

Would to heaven that on my rehlrn I should find little Lumpo already walking. Paralysis does not matter anymore to me-one who is disappoip..ted with the world and has drunk to the dregs the bitterness of real life. I wish nothing more than to be able tOo fall into eternal sleep, with the satisfaction of not having left behind a hateful memory. But I do not wish it for one ho has scarcely stepped on the threshold of existence, beca.use soon he will find the road stre'w n with flowers.

I deplore deeply the death of Dona Pensiang, who has always treated me with kindness and affection from the beginlling of our acquaintance. Please do not forget to extend my most heartfelt condolence to Don Arcadio l and hj~ children.

Our life here runs quietly aild monotonously, without gr,e at joys or anxieties, which is, of course, only natural ill a prison. We try to comfort ourselves with the thought that each situation in life has its sorrows and thai there are many other persons more weizhted down with sufferings than we are. One of our worries is the question of food. We a.:re given plenty of flour, ric~. coffee and sugar of good quality for which we are very grateful; but from the time of our arrival here we have been. fed on canned meat and canned tomatoes of which we arel not only fed up but sick as well. Since last N 0vember I could no longer take canned meat j because it gives me nausea and makes me vomit, an ailment which I cannot attribute to my weak and sickly constitution, because the same thing happens to my companions, even to the most robust of them. Fortunately, this ailment is disappearing from the time the prisoners obtained authorization to go to Agana every day, in groups of five, for purposes of recreation and exercise, from 1

Don Arcadio del Rosario

290

LETTER TO HIS BROTHER ALEJANDRO

291

nine o'clock and a half in the morning to four o'clock in the afternoon, with the exception of four or five who did not ask for permission to go, because they did not like to or they could not go out.

Rov,fever, I suffered very little. Thanks to the resources I brought with me and which I try to economize as much as possible. I can request others to buy for me fresh meat, chickens, eggs, fish and vegetable from Agana. N ow and then, I also receive small presents, either from the companions who live in Agana 01' from the very one)3 who are with me in prison. On the other hand, we also receive frozen meat from the commissary every other time. Mr. Pressey, marine official and an e:mployee in the Government here, has twice invited me to come over to Agana, telling me not to bother about expenses. But I have declined this generous offer, because it is so oppressive to me to live at the expense of a stranger. \Ve have no complaint about the treatment, because -vve have always been accorded some considerations.

Thera is nothing I can say 3Jbout this island for I have not seen any of it be and the extension visible to. my eyes from the: windows of the pr' son. I can s y, howsver, that the prime commodities ar,e sca,rce here and co tly. Only the flies and the mins are abund3Jnt, two things we do not lack, by the grace of God, throughout all the seasons of the year. Kuya wishes that you send, him some pounds of good picadura1 because the tobacco here is tasteless. With willingness and a little money, you can accomplish, this request very easily. Buy a few packages of a pound each, place the packages on top of one another, bind them with leteng 2 inteTlaced on all sides in the manner of a net, paste on top of the parcel a piece of paper with the address written on it in bold and dear letters, and then' take it to the Post Office to place on it, the stamps corresponding to its weight. If, in addition, you have the good idea of registering the parcel, yOU have nothing more to worry about b61Cause, so far, only very few parcels addressed to the prisoners have been lost.

You can go to Albay, if YQu think you will be better off there. My only advice is that anywhere and under whatever &ituation in life, you should try to live honestly and avoid that which may dishonor our family name, and you should always remember that our parents, although poor and unlettered, knew how 1:0 bequeath it to us clean and stainless. Avoid bad companies, which are the greatest dangers to which an inexperienoed young man is exposed. I am glad you are trying to 1 It

Finely cut tobacco for the manufacture of home-made cigarettes.

Ordinary twine

292

THE LETTERS oF' APOLINARIO MABiN!

learn English, bE>Ca.use the knowledge of this language will be very useful to you.

Please tell Mang Eli0 3 and Aling Sima that, with better luck and a longer life, we shall find me3ins to show our gratitude for the favors we owe them.

With our regards to all our friends, receive an embrace from K uya and from your brother Ap.

MABINI

PETITION OF THE PRISONERS

[June 1, 1902]

Mr. Governor of the Island of Guam: The undersigned, 3ill Filipip-o prisoners confined in the Prison of Asan, respectfully bring to your attention the following: That the ffi€iIlial work which the well-being of the prisoners demand, has been done, so far, by ;the individuals who had come in the category of servants, not of all of the pr.isoners but only of some of them, inasmuch as some of said servants lent themsalves to do the work even for those who w·e re not their mas,ters.

From the time, however, that some of the companions who had brought the most number of servants had moved with

them to live in Agana, the other servants who were left in the prison refuse to do the work of those who were not their masters; some of them alleging, as in the case of the brother of Mr. Mabini a,n d the son of Don Francisco de los Santos, that the-I had come only out of love and consideration. for their r'e latives; 3iud the others, out of gratitude, to repay favors previously received from their Tespective masters. And because of this they consider it highly unjust that they should be forced to serve other perso:ns to. whom they are not bound by any obligation.

S

Cecilio Esguerra, Mabini's landlord in Nagtahan.

PETITION OF THE PRISONERS

293

The prisoners cannot but acknowledge the logic of this and understand that the measure most in conformity with justice is to distributer the work equitably among all. The prisoners, however, in the belie:e thatJ they deserve a measure of con s ideration from the American authorities, either because of their social position, or their exemplary behavior, or the generosity possessed by cultured and strong me!Il, before taking this recours,e, ha e agreed to request, as they do now request, you to be sd kind as to assign two menservants, paid by the government, to cio all the menial work in the prison - like cleaning the comfort-room, lugging water and food supplies, etc. The undersigned, in the firm belief that you will try to do all in your power to spare them a great measure of humiliation, do not doubt that they shall profit from your kindness.

May God keep you many ~'ears. ~rgument,

Presidio of Asa.n, Guam, June first, nineteen hundred and

two.

)

[Written by Mabin;]

LETTER TO HIS BROTHER AGAPITO

June 18, 1902 MR. AGAPITO MABINI

My dear Brother: On May 24th, last, I wrote Alejandro answering his letter of March 10th at the same time relating !to him som~ incidents of our life in prison. Although I sent my letter to the Commandant of the prison for his revision on the 25th of the same month, it is probable th2,t you would receive it at the same time as the present one, because the boat that will carry this seems to be the fint that has, since then, passed this way for that place. I write these lines to tell you some things that I was not able to say in my previous letter.

A f.ew days ago, the coil-sp,r ing of my watch broke. I wish you would buy for me a new one, and as sample I am sending you a piece of the broken spring, because Roskoff watches ha.ve special springs. Try to choose one which is really n ew and strong~ and, to be very sure, ask OUr friend Bunda or compa-dre1 to accompany you. We live on an island Jost in the immensity of the, ocean and I would like that the coil-spring that' you would send me would last at least as long as my feeble and miserable existence lasts. Ha,v ing a watch, one feels that th~ hours are slipping away and if the fleeting time sa{ldens those who are happy, on the other hand, it comforts. one who suffers, because it reminds him that sufferings pass away in the manner the: joys and the greatness in this world have to pass. Wrap the coil-spring in thin paper, placing it afterwards in an envelope that you will seal very well, and then register it in the: post office.

I want also to say something about the Navy transport Solace} the bearer of this letter. It is being sajd that this

transport will come ba.ck he:re after a month or six weeks, more or less, and I should like that you would findl out the exact date of its return and send me via this vessell the coil-spring and the picadura for Kuya that I mentioned in my letter to Alej andro. You should bring the parcels to the post office 1

Honorato Agrava.

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LETTER TO H[S BROTHER AGAPITO

shortly before the sailing of the above-mentioned transport, be路 cause if you mail them long before it sails, they may be can~ed by anot.her transport to San Francisco; in which case, I shall receive them only after three months.

Your very affectionate brother, Ap.

MABINI

ANSWER TO DON PABLO OCAMPO* All your friends here are deeply grateful for your kind invitation. Those who went out today have been requested to expr路ess to you how much we regret our inability to spend with you your birthday and our ardent wishes that you will enjoy this anniversary a agreeably and as happily as possible, and that you 'Will spend the next onel in the Jl1idst of your beloved family. vVe are also taking this opportunity to request you to extend our sincere, alithough late, congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Calvo, assuring them that we wish them all manifestations of prosperity and a honeymoon that is as long as their married lif.e.

Please accept the most cordial congratulations of your very affectionate friends and servants.

Ap.

MABINI

*Letter answering Ocampo's invitation to lunch dated June '2:7, 1902.

MABINI'S LAST WILL [July 11, 1902] In the Presidio of ASAn, Island of Guam, on July 11, 1902 I, Apolinario Mabini, legitimate son of Inocencio Mabini and Dionisia Maranan, expound the following: In case, because of the ailment I have beeR suffering, I should die, I have decided to express here my last will to my brothers, who are my nearest of kin still living'. I hope this document, despite its privrute, charaater, shall merit the respect of all my brothers as my lasct will.

I her,eby declare that I do not have vast properties to leave ; nevertheless, I request that what little I leave behind, whatever it may be, should be given to my brother Prudencio Mabini, as a remembrance from me in consideration of the care that he has given me during my sicknessl and in sharing my suffering and hardships.

I beg my brothers net to be offended with this arrangement, since I cannot find any other worthy means to rewa: d the services of the ~bove-mentioned Prudencio. Please understand that I would nbt mind being ill 'Or even dying if I had some wealth to bequeath to ypu that would serve as remembrance to all those ÂŁFom whom I owe favors. Since this is God's will, let us be resigned to it.

In witness whereof, I make this my last will and I sign it at the above-mentioned place and date.

4

Ap. MABINI P. S. I request all my companions in prison, in particular Don Pablo Ocampo, Julian Gerona and Norberto Dimayuga, to m.ake efforts to the American authorities of the Island for the return of my brother Prudencio Mabini to the Philippines on board the first transport that may make a stopover here after my death. If my bro.ther should prefer to stay in Agana until thâ&#x201A;Ź\ coming of the transport, please do me the favor to work also fOT this.

In the hove my companions win not fail tol attend to this last request, I die in peace.

I sign this on the above-mentioned date and place.

Ap. MABINI

296

LETTER TO HIS BROTHER ALEJANDROl Presidio of Asan, Guam August 25, 1902 My dear Brother: Set free by virtue of the amnesty of July 4th last, all my companionsl in. exile, with the exception of those who died (three prisoners and a servant) and of Mr. Artemio Ricarte and me, will arrive there! at the same time as this letter. You must be anxi'o us to know why I am not returning, hence I am writing you this letter.2 I

On the 23 th of July last, which was my 38th birthday anniversary, we r elCeived, for the first time, the news that a g'eneral amnesty had been published on the 4th of the same month. But as the ship that brought the news had left San Francisco on the 1st we were not able to get any' official, information. The t aMPoIit which docked at this port on the 22nd instant, confirmed the news offici3l11y, and I was honored with! a, visit of M ssrs. Buenqunino and Abreu, who were among the passengers of said bc.a and who brought with them very flattering impressions f!I''Om the United States. Y8lSter~ dalY afternoon, the Officer of the Day, a lieutenant of the Marines, brought us a copy of the decree of amnesty and he told one of our companions who understands English a little, to inform all the other prisoners that the Governor had received orders to ship to Manila on the next tra,n sport to arrive' here, all of those who would sign the oath in accordance with the formula contained in said decree, and that the authorities were expecting the forms to be signed this morning. I did not take the oath beca.use of the following reasons : 1st. According to th e formula, I have to acknowledge and accept voluntarily the supreme authority of the United 1 The Revolution was slowly drawing to a close.

The capture of Aguinaldo in 1901 was followed by other captures and surrenders. Vicente Lukban and Miguel Malvar, the two principal leaders who were still left, fell within the first half of 1902. Or. July 1st, the Congress of t he United States approved the provi'sional Organic Law for the Philippines.

On July 4th, President Roosevelt decreed the Proclamation of amnesty which gran ted pardon by virtue of a previous oath-taking of loyalty to the United States. When the deportees in Guam were informed by the a uthorities that they could return to the Philippines because of the amnesty, everyone, except Mabi'r.i and Ricarte, took advantage of this benefit. - T.M.K. 2 This letter of Mabini expl ains his [Mabini's] reasons for not taking the oath. - T.M.K

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States in the Philippines Clnd maintain sincere loyalty and obedience to the same, without mental reservation nor any intention of evading this obligation. My conscience refuses to accept a s'eriotls obligation without first knowing the laws and dispositions that the United States have published in the Philippines and their designs and intentions for the future, as well as the: state of public opinion in the Philippines with regard to these matters. I have been away from those Islands since January of last year, and 1. cannot possibly decide here whether I can or I cannot fulfill such an obligation.

2nd. The oath has to be taken in the Philippines and thus the decree itself orders that it shall be taken befofle any authority in the Philippine Archipelago with the power to administer oaths. Inasmuch as this island is not a part of the Philippine Archipelago, I believe said decree gives me the right to take the oath there, after I have ascertained. that the circumstances obtaining there would allow me to take it..

3rd. Lastly the degree for our deportation is clear and definite; we halve been deported from the Philippines until the restoration Df peace. AccDrding to the decree of amnesty, peace is a fact in nhe whole Archipelago, with the ex.ception of the part inhabited by the Moros. Therefore, the, decree of deportation is aloo' cor..sistent with my wish to return first so. that, Dnce I am there, I c.:1n decide on my future action.

As you must have: seen, my refusal is due to mere scruples of conscience. Anyone might say that should I cDntinue in exile, while I do not sign the OD-th, this would, for this very reason, cease to be voluntary, and would become forced and vDid. But I cannot scoff at God or at myself. I feel I would not live long, and remorse which such weakness would cause would embitter the last moments of my life.

I did not explain these reasons directly to. the American authorities here, first, because this letter will pass through their hands, and secondly, because they doubt my sincerity and good faith. They will not beHeve that my attitude is due, precisely, to my intention of being faithful to my word. They will attribute it to stubbosnness or at least to. as.rtuteness. They are fully convinced that I am a clever and very dangerous agitator, and it is very hard to disahuse their minds of this conviction as shown by experience.

In the past, after having worked with Rizal and Del Pilar, I could not convince the Spaniards that I was not an agitator, because they would nat believe that the former were asking for the pDlitical assimilation of the Philippines by a province of Spain precisely to plfeV'2nt the Filipino people from revDlting, despite tne fact that the above-mentiDned gentlemen had so.

LETTER TO HIS BROTHER ALEJANDRO

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stated sE!YEral times in theil" writings. In the same manner, I can neither make the Americans believe that I am not an agitator, even when I say that I was nevel' a member of the Katipurum, nor did I take part in the insurrection of 1896. And even if I assure them that it was only in 1898, when, unable any longer to live in peace, because all the Filipinos were restless due to the blind obstinacy of the Spanish Government, I started to advocate the rights of the people, fully convinced that in the official r ecogni,t ion of these rights peace would be restored and new rebellions would be avoided. Of course, this is not surprising, because the Americans have not yet had time to comprehend the political trends in the Philippines, although their preoccup~tions would not prevent their studying them later. But after a tho'ro.ugh self-examination I have a sked myself many times if, seeing the people leading a tranquil life, I could at any time have the courage to disturb them. Reason has always an::nver ed no, becaus~ the duties of a citizen in times of war aJr~ different from those he has in times of peace.

Such are the r asons that have decided me not to sign the oath here. I do, not know w''hether this letter will reach your hands, because we ar not allowed to' write thing5 which have any relation with poli ics, and I c nnot think of any reasons which are not political in nature. But, anyway, it will come to the hands of competent authonties, and I hope they will interpret it in its right and true sense, as proper for r epresentatives of a peopel whom f r eedom and justice have made great and prosperous.

Kuya does not liike t o retm:n there, much as I t ried to make him see that his presence here is not very n ecessary.

He says that he cannot leave me alone because of my ailment.

We alr e botp. well by the grace of God. Please extend our regards to our friends and acquaintances, and receive an embrace from KUY'a and from your brother

Ap. MABINI

P. S. I have just been notified by Captain McGill, Commanda,n t of the fort, of a leter of the. GOVE1l"nOr in which he states that he has nO' powers to send m e to Manila if I do not filr st t ake the oath. But, by next transport, he is going to communicate my reasons for refusing to take the oath and my wishes t o the Commanding General of the Division of the Philippines S0

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THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINl

that the latter may decide what is convenient. The answer mao' be received here by 't he end of December and, should it be a favorable one, I could be on boa.rd the January tra.nsport.

Let us have patience, as "something good comes; out of evil," so says the maxim. 1 It is worthwhile to know that. a Proclamation of the President of. the United States, countersigned by the Secretary of War, cannot be inteI'1preted' 0Ir' carried OUlt to the letter. This fact will show us how: to appreciate properly the promise of the supreme authority of the United States.

The above-mentioned Captain learned of the reasons that I have stated at the beginning of this letter during my talk with him on the subjectrmatter on the 25t.h and 27th instant.

Goodbye,

Ap. MABINI

1

Spanish, No hay mal que por bien no venga.

LETTER TO HONORATO AGRAV A

January 20, 1903 My Dear Com padre: I have just received by mail a parcel containing four thick undershirts, coming from you, according to the superscription, I suppose you are sending them to me as a Christmas gift, and I accept them in this spirit, giving you a million thaNes. I reg.r et that, in exchange, I can only send my affectionate regards to oompra.dre, a kiss to Celedonio, and a happy New YeaJl' to y:ou and all your folks.

I ~m still living in Presidio of Asan without knowing definitely the day of, my return because- we have, as yet, not received the decision 'on our petition to return before taking the oath. \Ve live a little bit better than before, because Kwya can go out to buy; what we need, in the same way as when I was in prison over there. Mr. Rica;rte takes a walk every day, accompanied by a g1)ar'd. We are 11 well by the grace of God. From the time 0 !the strong earthquake in September, it is seldom that; a day passes without our feeling some tremors, but 'o nly slight ones. I cannot understand the cause of this 'phenomenon.

If, by chance, you meet my brother Agapito, please tell him that I received his le;tter and that I am requesting him 11;0 extend my Christmas: and New Year grteetings to the family in whose house he lives.

May you all be in good health, and with the regards from [(uY(k, receive also the embrace of your very a;ffectionate

Ap. MABINI

301

ANSWER TO COMMANDER SEWELL* Presidio of Asan, Island of Guam Sir: As I understand by your communication of 9th iILStant, "I shall not be allowed to land in the Philippines, without iaking the oath of aUelg iance."

Should I desire to go to the Philippines on the next transpol1, please tell me where and when I must take the oathJ of allegiance, in order to be able to make up my: mind in time.

I am much obliged to you for your congratulatioILS on my release and your best wishes for my welfare.

Please accept, with my compliments, my hearty welcome to you and yours, Y'o urs respectfully, Ap. MABINI Commander W.E. Sewell Governor' of Guam

*

)

The above is Mabini's answer in English to the following letter: U.S. Naval Station Island of Guam February 9, 1903

Sir: You are informed that in obedience to instructions from the Navy Department you are no longer held as a prisoner of War. The conditions of your release are shown by the following extract from my instructions: "You will inform them that they can leave the Islands without making the oath of allegiance by a government transport to go to any port outside of the Philippine Islands touched by the United States Army Transports and that on a private vessel they can go wherever they will, it being understood however that they will not be allowed to land in the Philippines without taking t he oath of allegiance."

You will still be allowed subsistence until the arrival of a transport which is expected this month.

Congratulating you on your release, and with my best wishes for your welfare, I am Yours respectfully,

W. E. SEWELL Commander, U.S. Navy Commandant.

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ANOTHER REPLY TO COMMANDER SEWELL* Presidio of Asan, Island of Guam F ebruary 11, 1903 Sill': I acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 9th instant, and thank you for the information you have given me therein.

Following the sugge's ti'o n of the Commanding Officer of this Post, I have the honor to let you know that I wish to take passage OIll the next trans.port with my brother to Manila. My full name is Apolina,r io Mabini and that of my brother is Prudencio Mabini.

If oath must be takm, I prefer doing it just bef()lre or after landing in Manila. I think that I ought to take time oj<

The above is Mabini's reply in English to the following letter: February 9, 1903

}

Sir:

In reply to your communication of this date requesting further information in: regard to yoUr transportation and landing in the Philippines,

I have to reply as follows; I understand that you have the privilege of taking or not taking the oath of allegiance before leaving on a transport, and that, if after your arrival at Manila and before your departure you take the oath, you will be allowed to land, but if you decide not to take the oath you will be allowed to proce€d to any port not in the Philippines, but otherwise at your own expense.

I have no doubt but that some time will be given you in Manila to consider the matter.

The transport is expected in about ten days and it is desirable to know within a week whether or not you wish to take passage.

The time of arrival of a second transport is uncertatn.

If you so desire the oath of allegiance can be taken at Asan at any time before sailing, and before the Commanding Officer in that Post.

Mr. A. Mabini Presidio of Asan Respectfully,

W. E.

SEWELL

Commander, U.S. Navy Commandant

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THE LETTE RS OF APOLINARIO MABffiT

enough for careful consideration, before making a final decision.

However, you may communicate to the competent authorities, if you like, that I do not wish to expatriate myself, if I can peacefully live in the Philippines, my home. I believe I can still prove to' the American authorities that they have mistaken the m eaning of my independent judgment 0'n the political conditions of the islan ds Believe m e, Respectfully yours,

Ap. MABINI

Commander W. E . Sewell 'Govlerrnm" 0 f GUl1m~

) REQUEST FOR PERSONAL CEDULA CERTIFICATE*

Apolinario Mabini, native of Tanauan, province of Batangas, single, 38 years of age, writer, residem.t of No. 21 Nagtahan Street, of the district 'o f Sampaloc, requests that he be issued ,a per sonal residence tax, without requiring him to sign it in your presence, because his ailment prevents him from personally appearing in ;your office.

H e has no ,r esidence tax to' show for last year, because he was then in Guam as. a/ political deportee.

Mani la, May' 12, 1903.

* This is Mabini's last writing - a short note to the corresponding authority requesting that he be issued a cedula certificate ... - T.M.K.

MABINI'S STATEMENT TO THE PRESS ON HIS RETURNl

About the end of August of last year, I requested that I be brought to' Manila and be all Jwed to find out, in the first place, the state of public opinion in the Philippines before taking the oath of allegiance and loyalty to the supreme authority of the United States, in the conviction that this claim is in conformity with the paragraph of the Proclamatinn of Amnesty, which orders that the o:lth-akingJ be administered by anYj authority' in the Philippine Archipelago.

Five months later, on February 9th of the currenJt year, I received a communication from the Governor of Guam in which the latter, carrying out the instructions of the GO'vernment in Washington, informed me that I was free to go anywhere, except to the Philippine , where I would not be allowed to land without taking the abO've-cited oath. Aftenv.ards, in answer to consulta:t;j.ons, the Governor said that the authorities of Guam, as well the United States consuls abroad, are authorized to 3jdminister the oath.

It now appears c ~ar that thE; intention of the President of the United States is that the ooth may be taken before any Government official authorized to administer it, whether he be in, or outside of the Philippine ArchipelagO'. I have to put on rocord that I never had any intentiO'n to PUit off sign'i ng in order to evade the o.ath, nn. Right from the beginning, I cO'nsidered it the same, to take the oath either in Guam, or in Manila orl anywhere else. All I wanted was to acertain, before taking it, whether the circumstances nO'w obtaining in the Islands justify my taking it 0'1' not, so that I would not be t.aken for a rash man whO' places very little value nn his word.

In the full conviction that, in order to know what is useful and necessaJry for my counrt:ry, I have, before dO'ing anything else, tn find out what the majority of my countrymen think and want. And, fully convinced also that I could not effectively find out what I wanted to' know with the greatest pos1 Mabini, together with Ricarte, arrived at the Manila Bay on February 26, aboard the transport Thomas, after an exile of 25 months. He was courteously attended upon by the Customs authorities and, in general, by all the American officials in the Government who had anything to do with him, The Governor of Guam, W. E. Sewell, whom we already know, in a letter to the Commander of the Division of the Philippines, said: "On account of the helpless condition of Mr. Mabini, and of the high opinion of his character held by all those who have known him here, I recommend that he be given every possible consideration." - T.M.K.

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sible certainty, without coming back to the Islands and findmg it out for myself, I teok the oath, hoping a~ I have said to the: Governor of Guam, t.o be still able to convince the American authorities that they have wrongly interpreted the independent criterion with which I judged the political questions of the Archipelago.

After an absence of two long years, I come back, so to speak, utterly confused, and, what IS worse, almost annihilated by ailment and sufferings. Nevertheless, I hope, after some time of tranquility and study, to be still of some usefulness,l unless I have just returned to the Islands. with the sole purpose of dying.2

1 Of some usefulness to his country, working to obtain the longedfor freedom, looking for satisfactory solutions to the Filipino problem, showing the culture and the capacity of the Filipinos for an independent life: that was what M'abini wanted to say. The Americans offered him, a few days after his arrival, the position of Register of Deeds, but Mabini refused it. Before his deportatian to Guam, the Americans vainly tried to lure him with seats in the Judiciary. - T.M.K. 2 Only a little time was left to Mlabini to serve the cause of his country in time of peace. His presentiment that he was to die soon cam~ true. He died at eleven o'clock on May 13, 1903, two months and seventeen days from his return from Guam. - T.M.K.

LETTER TO RAFAEL DEL PAN

Manila, May 2, 1903

MR.

RAFAEL

DEL

PAN

My, dear Friend and Comrade: Although I seldom communicate to you, I dare write you today with the confidence and familiarity proper to our long intimate friendship.

I have written a short literary work wherein I cited my hopes, politically as well as economically. May my efforts be meritorius! I have sent copies to the press but the proprietor senlt them back to me fearing that he and hiS' press might be involved in a libel suit.

I have the full conviction that in the work referred to, I have not written anw; serious criticism against the existing laws in the Philippine' . littl Gt of our time in p erusing my Could you devote work?, If, so could you keep its contents only to yourself'i l I would like to know your opinion about it. If it contains anything against the libel law, I should like to hear your advice and the steps that I have to follow for its prompt publication.

Affectionately yours,

A.

MABIN I

P.S. If you could do me this favor, please tell ml\ when I could take the copies. Please tell me alsO' just in case you have much work to do, because I should like to ha.ve it published at once.

Adieu

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REQUEST FOR PERSONAL CEDULA CERTIFICATE *

Apolinario Mabini, native of Tanauan, province of Batangas, single, 38 years of age, writer, resident of No. 21 Nagtahan Street, of the district 'Of Sampaloc, requests that he be issued a perwnal residence tax, without requiring him to sign it in your presence, because his ailment prevents him from perwnally appearing in your office.

He has no .residence tax to show for last year, because he was then in Guam as a; political deportee.

Maniw" May 12; 1903.

* This is Mabinl's last writing - a short note to the corresponding authority requesting that he be issued a cedula certificate . . . - T.M.K.

)

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APPENDIX A

CORRESPONDENCE ON RELEASE OF FRIARS

LETTER FROM, CARDINAL RAMPOLLA TO ARCHBISHOP NOZALEDA

YOUR MOST ILLUSTRIOUS AND MOST REVEREND LORDSHIP TRUE SERVANT M. CARDINAL RAMPOLLA

Rome, MOIro.h 13, 1899 Most Illustrious and Most Reverend Sir: On reading t~~ pres.e nt letter', Your Most Illustrious and Most Revere'nd Lor~'p will fullW' realize how great are the wishes that animate t e Holy Fr...ther to' s~o peace and tranquility T'e-established in t e Philippi~le Islands. But what grieves most his he..vt as the conun~!l. Fnther of all the faithful is the very sad fate of so many religious priests who were IT..ade prisoners by the Filipinos when the latter w ere at war with Spain. And even if the latest news make us entertain wellf'OundJed hopes that the ~bove-mentioned prisoners will not be treated anymore with so much se.verity as they had been at the beginning, it is a most sac.."'ed duty that we all have to leave nothing undone that could, in any way, serve to obtain the complete freedorn of those unfortunates.

HiSi Holiness is dcoeply wnvinc€d that it will greatly contribune to' the happy success of t!lis noble undertaking that you, Monsignor Bernardino N oialeda de Villa, Archbishop of Manila" would take advaatage of the v.a luable help that you can obtain from the native clergy, who, having an easier access to '!(he leaders of the Philippine forces, can try to inspire in all its membe·rs a magnanimous and humanitarian feeling. It is well understood, of cO'urse, that a prompt and spontaneous freedO'm of the prisoners, especisJly the members of the religio1.~3 orders, will give prestige to t!le Filipinos in th e eyes of the civilized world and, just beC3.usc of this fact, they will find in

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THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABI'NT

the latter a strong support for tr"e cause that th:ey are fighting for. But, 0Ili the contrary, to persist in acting in a differe:lt way, retJaining the pri::;oners, is to bring down upon the Filipinos. the indignatiol'J of cultured p sople and help maintain in the latter the lx!.d imp,r essions that such acts, as the one that we deplore, produce' and cY'eat~ scandal and serve as a bad example to all.

In the name, therefore, of the Holy Father, I earnestly recommend to Your Lordship that you do not overlook any means that could serve in obtaining what is being attempted, because this is the only way to satisfy fully the ardent wishes of His Holiness, wishes that are also lartent in all of us who desire that the events which have been taking place in those regions should find an honorable solution. And the native priests who will help you i~ such a noble andj merciful u ~~d,2r足 taking should be convinced that they ::;hall be worthy of the civilized world as of their sacred and evangelical ministration.

If. for t~e sat~sfactory settIemen~ of the reJjgious I?atters, Your Lordship belIeves that the sendmg of an Apostollc Delegate will be useful, the Holy; Father will be willing to send over one, but requiring as a, condition the previous fre.edom of the religious prisoners.

I beg Your Lordship to please thoroughly inform me of the events that are taking place over there and to communicate to me also the results of the means. you are employing to realize the above-cited end.

I am taking the present opportunity to reiterate my feelings of sincere . . . _ Please command the servant of Your Most Illustrious and Most Reverend Lordship_

M . CARDINAL RAMPOLLA

LETTER OF ARCHBISHOP NOZALEDA TO AGUINALDO

August 21, 1899

Distinguished Mr. President: With faitL in divine Mercy and in your Christian sentiments, and strengthened by thee suggesltions of our Most Holy Father Leon XIII, I appeal to your clemency, reiterating the request for the freedom of the Spanish prisoners.

What are the obstacles that you should so tenaciously deny the freedom for which not only the interested parties and their families implore, but also all the noble hearts in the whole world whom the voice of religion joins through its august representative, the Vicar of Jesus Ghrist on earth?

It cannot surely be what evil tongues had been insinuating as a stigma on th~ Filipino people, who are deeply Christian and who are, being slandered by ifue belief that [hey are enslaved 6y the re!pugnant spirit of commercialism, :ready to traffic with the freedom of men. Neither could it be the memor.y, bitter as it ml짜,ht be, of .a st affronts, because your gentlemanly character repels tRe possibility that vengeful feelings should find place in yom' heart.

It is only possible, therefore, to suppose that it is a political idea which is behind the obstinate denial that your pursue with regard to the prisoners.

But, is 'thait a just policy?

It should not surprise you that a prelate of the Church should find unjust a policy that inspires acts which the Church condemns with the most severe sanctions. The Church, as Mother of all the faithful, weeps over the captivity of her sons and the revilement of her priests, and she grieves also because her own sons are the ones who are causing the misery of their own brotherso{ Even if there were a political interest involved in this conduct, it would still be worthy of censure, because it would not be just that the interests of Religion and Humanity should be sacrificed to political interests; more so when, as our Most Holy Father, Leon XIII, observes in the letter that I received, the very interest of the Filipino people, the means to inspire sympathy in the outside world and the only way, even, to the attainment of their aspirations demand that the conduct followed up to now with the prisoners be rectified.

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THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABINU:

I do not want to tire you, Mr. President, with lengthy expositions of co~iderations; but I shall not close this letter before adding that you will not repent for grantihg free-dom to the prisoners, performing before the eyes of the world this public act of clemency and righting an injus.1:.iice. The cause of th.e Filipino peo'ple, far from suffering a setback before the eyes of the peoples of the world, shall gain universal sympathy and add to its favor a powerful moral support. That act of magnanimity and of justice that will result in universal r esponse will also cause God, Our Lord, who is in Heaven, but who rules. the destinies of men, to turn His' merciful eyes towards the Filipino people to guide them through the roads that will: lead to their happiness.

Thus begs this humble servant who greets you on this occasion and offers his most respectful regards.

FR. BERNARDINO

)

Arohbishop

APPENDIX B

CORRESPONDENCE ON DEPORTATION OF PRISONERS OF WAR

.b.:XCERPTS FROM SPECIAL REPORT OF GENERAL OTIS TO SECRETARY OF VvAR

"Mabini taking advantage of the apparent licence thus given him, entered with all his energy upon politicat discussion. As sO'on as I had knowledg1o of the publica,tion, of 路the enclosed pamphlet, * I directed him to cease hiSi labours and, as a result, received f'rom him a long letter in which he invited a discussiol1 of his right to assert his political convictions and to which I Have made no answer . . . .

"Mabini's pamphlet has aroused more or less excitement among the people - a class 'o f ~om are actively engaged in attempts to keep the insurrecti n alive . . . He is an uncompromising insurgent and wouln r'e sort to any expedient for insurgents' interests."

ORDER FROM PROVOST-MARSHAL GENERAL

"The Provost-Marshal General directs that you inform Senor Mabini tha.t in case he continues to write for publication, his further residence at your station (la Estaci6n de la calle Anda) will be terminated, and he will be removed there from receiving his residence from the authorities here2.fter.

"Sen,or Mabini has been informed of the orders from the office of the Military Go'v ernor to the effect that he will not write articles of 2,ny kind for; the press and no fUl,ther violation of said orders will be tolerated." * "El Gobierno de los Estadas Unidos en Filipinas," published by the Hongkong Committee.

315

REPLY OF WAR DEPARTMENT TO SPECIAL REPORT OF GENERAL OTIS

Washington, D.C., April 14, 1900 OTIS

Manila The S€cretary of War instructs me to say your letter of March second enclosing Mabini's pamphlet gives us much uneasiness. Greatest vigilance will be required in Manila to pnevent an outbreak. lit must be prevented. The insurgents who are in your hands should be tIieated humanely but they should nat be permitted to plot treason or encourage insurrection. The President directs you to do all things necessary to these ends.

REPORT OF GENE AL OTIS TO ADJUTANT GENERAL, WAR DEPARTMENT Manila, April 15th, 1900 AGWAR Washington Mabini in close confinement since issuing pamphlet. Has ceased to write and accepts conditions gracefully. Some of his associates and Chief of Manila: Junta confin€d. Other m€mbers of Junta released on taking modified oath of allegiance. City- affairs progressing favorably. Inhabitants more ~heerful and have abundant employment. Busin€ss very active.

Conditions in city better than at any time since November, 1898, and no uprising planned sinc€! October last. The former vigilance constantly, maintained.

OTIS

316

LETTER OF COMMISSIONER TAFT TO GENERAL MAcARTHUR UNITED STATES PHILIPPINE COMMISSION

Manila, August 1, 1900路 MAJOR-GENERAL ARTHUR MACARTHUR, U.S.V., Commanding General, Division of the Philippines Manila

My

de~r

General:

The Commission has received words from Mabini that he woubd like to come before it. He is, I beliqve, in the custody of the Provost-Marshal General. If there is no objection, win you be good enough to direct the Provost-Malrshal Gener~l to p.rovide for his conveyance to the Commission rooms this afternoon at 3 :30 and greatly oblige. very respectfully, )

W. H. TAFT, President

MACARTHUR SEEKS DEPORTATION ORDER

Manila, P.I. December 24, 1900 AGWAR, Washington

Would like to emphasize new policy by deporting to Guam, at early date, a few prominent leaders now in my hands. Request authority accordingly.

MAcARTHUR

317

SECWAR SETS UP MACHINERY FOR DEPORTATION \AT AR DEPARTMENT

vV ASHINGTON December 26, 1900 THE HONORABLE, Th>E SECRETARY OF THE. NAVY.

Sir. : In a confidential dispatch from General MacArthur, Commanding the Division of the Philippines, and the Military Governor, dated December 25, 1900, he outlines a, plan that he has initiated for "a more r igid policy enjoining precise observance of laws of war,'" with special reference to sending supplies and information to the enemy and intimidation of natives. He has issued a, proclamation warning leaders that these offenses will lead to trial for felonious crimes, unless the principals becoIl\e fugitives beyond the jurisdicton of the United States, and to emphazise the sincerity of the Government's purpose, and as a practical eX3JIlple to the natives.

General MacArthur desires to deport certain of the prominent insurgent leaders to the Island of) Guam.

Subs~tially the same plan as recommended by General MacArthur has been discussed by us, and our conclusions approved by the President. It is now requested that definite instructions be issued by you to the Naval Officer in Command of the Island of Guam to receive and care for' such prisoners as may! be sent to the Island: by the Commanding General Division of the Philippines. A copy of this letter has been furnished General MacAlrthur for his guidance, and it is re~ quested that a copy of such instructions as you mayl see proper to giv:e to the Commanding officer of Guam be furnished this Department, in order that our agreement malY be ma.de of record, and that there may be no misunderstanding on the part of the subordinates of elither Depa,rtment in the Philippines and Guam.

I have the Honor to be Sir, Very respectfully, ELIHU ROOT,

Secretary of vVwr

318

DEPORTATION ORDER

Washington, D.C., December 27, 1900 MACARTHUR,

Manila Secretary of War au;thorizes you to deport insurgent leaders to Guam. Send them under orders to deliv~ to custody of Naval officer in command who will be instructed by the Secr.e1ary of the Navy to receive and keep ...

CORBIN

IMPLEMENTATION OF DEPORTATION ORDER

I

[January 7, 1901]

In pursuance of authorityt obtained from the War Department by cable under date December 27, 1900, the followin.g named persons, whos.e overt acts have clearly revealed them as in aid of o.r in sympathy with the insurrection and the irregul:a.r guerrilla warfare by which it is being maintained and whose coniinuled residence in these Islands is in every essential reg3!rd, inimical to pacification thereof, will be deported at the earliest practicable daite to the Island of Guam, there to be held under surveillanco or in actual custody, as circumstances may requi're, during the further progress of hostilities and until such time as 1fu.e restoraltion of normal peace conditions in the Philippines has resulted in a public declaration of the termination of such hostilities.

319

ARRANGEMENT FOR SHIPMENT OF PRISONERS Manila, P.I., January 13, 1901 ADMIRAL REMEY, Flagship Brooklyn Care Capt. of Port Arrangements are being perfected for the deporta:tion of the prisoners to Guam and it is probable that the Rosecrans will loove here the 15th illSltaTIlt. If~ you have a,nything t,o send to Guam would be glad to have the Riosec11(JJY1,s take it; and if there are any marines to go I would be glad tOI utilize them as ,guard. Please give the necessary instructions to the Governor of Guam in the p,r emises, of! which I would be pleased to hav.e a copy.

MACARTHUR

INSTRUOTIONS TO GOVERNOR OF GUAM United States Naval Force on Asiatic Station Flagship Brooklyn Office (i)f the Commander-In-Chief Manila, P.I., 14th January, 1901

Sir: Referring) to your telegram of the 131th instant about the arrangements for the deportation of the prisoners to Guam, 1 have the honor to inform you that it was nO't my intention to' send any more marines to Gua,m at present. I enclose a copy of the instruotions to Governor of Guam, in regard to the Filipino p:;:' is(mers, in acoOif'da:l1Ce with your request; and I enclose a cover for the Naval Governor of Guam,. which Ire}路 ques~ you will please have delivered by the Senior Comnlissioned Officer of the Army that occompanies the pl 'isoners sent by th e Ros,ec'nans.

Very respectfully, GEO. C. REMEY, Real' Admiral, U.S. Navy, Manila, P.I., Janua:ry 14, 1901 THE U,S' I MILITARY GOVERNOR IN THE PHILIPPINES 320

TRAVEL ORDERS FOR MAJOR H. B. ORWIG Headquarters Division of the Philippines Manila, P.L, January 14, 1901

To MAJOR HENRY B. ORWIG, 37th Infantry) U.S. Volunteers

As contemplated in paragraph 9, Special Orders No.6, current series, these HeadqU2,rters, the Division Commander directs that you take chaJrge of the prisioners. designated for deportation in General Orders No.4, current series, these H~dquarters, tog-ether' wilth ,a ny others that may be designated in subsequent orders, and proceed with them an the transport Resec:r1anS to the Islann of Guam.

Upon arrival at the la:tter place, you will report to the Governor of the Island, allcl conform to such instructions in the premises as you may receive f<r:om.

The Division Commanse~ desires and d~rects that ev:eTY liberty and considelÂĽltion consistent with thei.r safekeeping on :the Island, be extend to the prisoners, and at the same time, every necessary step be taken It;) prevlent their escape therefrom.

It is further di{'e cted that y.ou make r eport by every opportunity tol these Headquarters, ' giving; in detail the conditions and surroundings of th8' prisoners and al matters affecting thâ&#x201A;Źlir comfort, safekeeping, health, etc. Copies of the orders referred. to above, together with an extract copy of the War Departme!lt cablegram on the subject, are enclosed for your information and guidance.

Th-e priso.neJ!.'swhom you take to. Guam will not be permitted. to receive or send letters that have no.~ been examined by an officer designated for this purpos.e. All such letters that rew.te exclusively to domestic affai'r s, dire0ted to members of the family of the writer, may be permitted to pass their destination" and similar letters may be received by the prisoners of any kind [sic] to public affairs .or politics. It is considered important that these restrictions on correspondence be strictly enforced.

I

Very respectfully, THOMAS H. BARRY, Brigadier General, U.S., Volunteers, Chief of Staff.

321

NAMES OF PRISONERS AND THEIR SERVANTS DEPORTED TO GUAM ON THE TRANSPORT "ROSECRANS"l

PRISONERS

Juan Leandr.o Villrurino Jose Mata Igmidio de Jesus Alipio Tecson Pio Varican Anastacio Carmona Lucino Almeida Simon Tecson Silvestre Legaspi Juan Mauricio Doroteo Espino Bartolome de la Rosa N orberto Dimayuga Jose B.uena'v entura Antonio Prisco Reyes J oaquin A~ramon Eulogio Gonzales

Maximo Trias Maca/rio de Ocampo Julian Gerona Francisco de los Santos Apolinal'io l\1abini Artemio RicartEMariano Llanera Pio del Pilar Pablo Ocampo Maximino Hizon Esteban Consortes Lucas Camerino Pedro Cobarrubias Mariano Barruga Hermogenes Plata Cornelio Requiestas Fabian Villaruel

SERVANTS

Maximiano Clamor Adel Mage-alas Juan Guan Faustino de los Santos Prudencio Mabini Aquiiino Gandeza Beni to de N uya

Jose Javier Manuel Rivera Antonio Bruno Vicente Antiguera, Exequiel de los Santos Juan Guasay

1 The deportees and their servants boarded the vessel on January 15 and 16, 1901, and the vessel sailed at 3 p.m. on January 16.

A second transport, "Solace," which was on its way to the United States from the Philippines, unloaded in Guam on February 1, 1901, the following additional prisoners from the Ilocos pravinces:

Roberto Salvante Marcelo Quintos Jaime Morales Pancrasio Palting Leon Flores Gabino Domingo

Florencio Castro Inocente Cayetano PedI10 Hernando Pancrasio Adiarte Faustino Adiarte

322

SENATE INQUIRES ABOUT DEPORTATION OF MABINI

Washington, D. C., January 25, 1901 MACARTHUR, MANILA

... Telegraph for information Senate whether Mabini bâ&#x201A;Źen deported to Guam as political prisoner and offense.

CORBIN

GEN. lV[AcARTtIUR SENDS ADJUTANT GENERAL CODED ANSWER TO SENATE INQUIRY

MaL a P. I., January 26, 1901 AGWAR, Washington.

M.ahini deportlS-D as a most aitive lidroso1 persistently and defiantly 'refusing lignantem and maintaining rhiliastic with marsamodo in the makis while living in mutoniatus undelf' mestossen of the! mylitJta also for meidende infundibula in regard to recenO rnesadon enforcing laws of war his deportation disdeco.

MACARTHUR

1

Translation:

M'abini deported as most active agitator persistently and defiantly refusing amnesty and maintaining extensive correspondence with insurgents in the field while living in Manila under protection of the United States; also for offensive statements in regard to recent proclamation enforclng laws of war. His deportation absolutely essential.

323

SECvVAR ANSWERS SE

ATE INQUIRY ABOUT MABINI*

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington, February 2, 1901 Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the recei,pt of the following resolution of 1he Senate, da'ced Janual'y 24, 1901: That the Secreu:lJ:y of War be, and is. hereby, di'r ected to inform the SGlua1:e whether A , Mabini, 8~ citi~ zen of thePhilippine Isla,n ds, has been deported to Guam or any other place as a political prisoner; and if s.o, for what offense, together with all papers\ on file in relation to the matter, A. Mabini, the person r eferred to, is a prisoner of war, captured by the :r:nilitary forces of the United States on the 10th day of December, 1899. While such prisoner, he was found to be maintaining correspondencl2' with insurgents engaged in armed resistance to tlte autholr ity of the United States, and his place of confinemQnt has beel1, during the pastJ month of January, changed from Manila to the island of Guam.

I enclose herewith the papers on file in, relation to the matter, together witil a copy of thE'.! regulations govâ&#x201A;Źtrning' the armies of the United States under which the action in this case has been take'll.

Very respectfully,

ELIHU ROOT

Secreta1ry of War THE PRESIDENT PRo-TEMPORE UNITED STATES SENATE

'* Senate Document No, 135, Fifty-sixth Congress session.

~24

LETTBR FROM TAFT TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR OFFICE OF THE CIVIL GOVERNOR OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

Manila, Janua'r y 12, 1903 Respectfully referred, as requested by the Commar..ding General, Division of the Philippines, to the Secretary of War. The question of the power of the Gove['nment to detain Mabini at Guam is not one on which I am called upon to express an opinion. I do think, how8v~, that for self-pro.tection it is within the power of bhis Government to deny to any p~son seeking to land within the Archipelago the opportunity to do so unless he will taJce an oath to be loyal to the Government while in the Islands and to acknowledge the 30vereignty of the United States. Such a law is now in force. Certainly the Gove~ent of the United States might) ve:ry well say to Mabini that i't. ould not carry him from Guam to the Philippine Islands urrl~s it could be assured that he would take such an oalth an thus be a itt~ to the Archipelago.

Mabini has been a oons路stent oppon nt of American sovereignty aIlld a persistetnt inspiTer of rebellion and insurrectiO'n. He was fer a long time the chief adviser o:fl Aguinaldo. He has manifested much skm and cunning in his appeals to' the people of the Philippine Isla,nds against the American Government, and may be said to' be the 'YIwSit prominent ~rr'e C'Oncilable arrwng too Filipi(rw's. His phYSical infirmity, of cOUir'se, has appealed to the imagination of the Filipinos and to' the pity of all who have seen him. His consistent c.ourse of opposition t0' the Government, in prison and OUit 'Of prison, his physical condition as a hep~less paiI"alytic, and his gentle and courteous manners, have all served to place him in the attitude of a martyr and to give him that kind of influence and populaJrity which it may be supposed would come from such qualities and circumstances.

I

As a matter of fact, while in custo,.dy in Manila ne was much more comfortable than when he was at his home, and I presume the same is true of his life at Guam, and that so far as persenal comfOTt is concerned he is better off where he is.

If he were allO'wed to come to Manila he would form a nucleus for all the discontented elements which he would be certain to encourage in wery form of plo't and conspiracy against! the existing ,government. Nothing he writes, nothing he says, but 325

326

THE LETTERS OF APOLINARIO MABIN'!

contains just insinuations against the American Government and its good faith. The claim 't hat h e is not just as 'well able now t o decide in Guam whether he will take the oath as when he comes to Manila, is a palpabl e pretonse. What he desires is to be brought to Manila, because he thinks that even if imprisoned h ere he will ,form a. po-int of concentration for the rapidly diminishing number of irreconcilables in these Islands.

I think it would be unwise tol allow him to come unless he is willing in a.dvance, by his oath of allegiance, to agree not to plot against this Government. This Government we are sworn to maintain, aJld a policy of allowin.g openlJ1 avowed enemies of our Government in our sight to take steps to inaugurate conspi'racies and plots against it, is not one that I favor. Ali that. Mabini has to dO! to secure his liberty and his Ir'etul'n to these Islands is take the oath by whiclr he agrees that he will not plot and conspire against the existence of this Government.

If h e is not willing to make this ,agr'eement then he ought not to come into the country. One can have admiration for his consistency and his uti~erl y wild dreams of benefit to his country from indep endence without being in favor of exposing the Government, which is doing more for the Filipino people than any Government ever did, to the danger of disturbance and conspi1r'acy which his presence would promote and of a possible new insurrection, which could work nothing but misfortune and hardship to the people whom he thinks he loves and would aid.

WM. H. TAFT Ci1.-,il Goverrvol'

REPORT OF THE COLLECTOR OF CUSTOMS ON MABINI'S OATH-TAKING Manila, February 26, 1903

H. TAFT, Civil Governor of the Philippine Islands, Manila HONORABLE WILLIAM

Sir: I have the honor' to report that pursuant to your instructions, and. und.elJ: authority c s nfer~d by Act No. 265, of the Philippiine Commission, I proceeded this morning to the U.S. Army Tran::;.port "Thom[;.S" recently arrived in this haTbor, and presented oath of allegiance prescribed by! the above Act' to Sres. Apolinario Mabini and Artemio Ricarte, who were brought to these IsI.:mds on said transport from the Island of Guam.

Act No. 265 was read by me to Sr. Mabini in Spanish and he signifield his WIllingness to sign the oath (in Spanish), which thereupon pres.ented to himl and by him signed. He was then informed that h~ was at li"jj~rty to land in these islands whenever he wished, and exprecsed his. desire to be furnished trmsportation 3.shore and to his house, for which the nJecessary order have been given. I enclose you herewith the original of said oa1:h, duly witnessed by me.

Sr. Ricarte declined to sign the oath, and was deported in accordance with, law by the steamer "Ga,elic" leaving at noon this da;y.

Sr. Mabini took his oath in the presence of the undersigned Insular Collector of Customs, Mr. F. S. Cairns, Insular Surveyor of Customs, Captain Jesse M. Baker, Quartermaster of the U.S. Army Transport "Thomas," and Sefior ATtemio Rica:rte.

Re<;nectfully, W. MORGAN SHUSTER Collector of Customs for the Philippine Archipelago

327

INDEOC

}

INDEX A Abbey, the, 68, 100.

Absolule independence, 262.

Absolutism, advocate of, 22l.

Adiartc, Faustino, ~2, 322.

Adiarle, Par.crasio, 322.

Adriano, Numeriano, 14, 22, 23n.

Agana, Guam Island, 284, 289, 290.

Agnis, Gimeno, 15. i\glipoy, Gregorio, 186, 187.

Agoncil\o, Felipe, 45, 164n.

AgoncilJo, Gregorio, 182.

Agramon, Joaquin, 282, 322.

Agrava, Honorato, 83, 281n, 285, 294, 30l.

Aguilar, Mariano, 180.

Aguir.aldo, Baldomero, 61n, 112, 152 Aguinaldo, Emilio, 42n, 45, 46, 49, 54, 58, 59, 66, 70, 74 76, 77, 78, 82, 86, 91, 97, 98, IQ3, 105, 111, 112, 114, 122-125, ll;n, 129, 130-132, 133-138, 140, 141, 144, 154, 155, 158, 160, 170, 171, 175, 178, 189,n, 195, 200, 201, 22~ 227-22~ 250, 251, 277; expresses gratitude to Cabinet, 176n; capture of, 297n; letter of Archbishop Nozaleda to, on Spanish prisoners' freedom, 313.

Agustin, General, 45,5 55.

AgLlstinians, 15.

Ala , Severino de las, 85, 181, 182.

Albay, 291.

Alcala, Pangasinan, 210.

Aldaba, Ceferino, 32n.

Aldaba , Vicente, 33n.

Alejandrino, General, 53; conferences with General Otis, 224.

Alexander, 231.

"Algo para el Congreso," 188n.

A1in~ Sima, 284, 286, 290, 292.

Alipio Oran, 5, 8, 33, 35; see also Mabini, Apolinario.

Almeida, Lucino, 282, 322.

Alvarez, Jose, 62.

Aviar, Luisita de, 243n, 251.

A1zano, Cayo, 141, 184n.

AmbrOSio, Don, 136, 162.

America, public opinion in, favors suspension of hostilities, 186.

American aggression, 116.

American and Filipino forces, hostilities between, 131. .

American armies, 58, 119, 136.

American casualties, 163.

American Commission, 276; peace negotiations with, 183; summary of the conference with, 255, 256. merican commissioners, 102, 119.

American Congress, 227.

American correspondents, 239.

American Government, 84, 111n, 12;), 151, 160.

American institution and customs, 276.

American newspapers, 198.

American occupation government, 71.

American people, political constitution of, 80; the change of attitude of, 196.

American prisoners, released by the government, 218; effect of the spontaneous pardon of, 224.

American sea and land forces, 100.

American soldiers, 149, 150.

American sovereignty, 166, 253, 261; purpose of, 255, 256.

American subjugation, 158.

American troop~, 172.

331

332

INDEX Apostolic Legate of His Holiness, 216.

Araneta, Pablo, 52n, 79, 103, 105n.

Arcadio, Don, 121, Arceo, Juan, HI. Arellano, Cayetano, 60n, 69-71.

Arellano, Deodato, 18n, 32n, 79.

Arevalo, Bonifacio, 14, 101.

Arguelles, Manuel, 98n, 112, 172n, 173, 190.

Arms, 201n.

Arquiza, 136.

Arsenio, Don, 71, 125, 157.

Asan Barrio, 284.

Asan Prison, Guam Island, 282, 284; election of officers in, 282.

Asylum for insane, 147.

Audiencia~ 79, 220; composition of, 141.

Autonomists of Manila, 200, 20l.

Avanceiia, Ramon, 103, 105n.

Ayuntamiento, 249, 255.

Azores island, 231.

Americans, 114, 171, 260, 264; conflict with the, 52n; atrocities committed by, 117, 118; refuse suspension of hostilities, 181; behavior of, 202; and Filipinos, equality between, 262; and Germans, the friction between, 119.

Anda Street, Manila, 267, 276.

Anderson, Thomas JYI'., 47, 51, 52, 56.

Annexation, 164; proclamation of, 100; American policy of, 101.

Annexationists, 9l.

Antiannexation League, prospectus on, 182.

Anti-Imperialist League, 251.

Antiguera, Vicente, 322.

Apacible, Galicano, 15, 48, 68, 70, 71, 78, 80, 100, 116, 149, 151, 163, 179, 182.

Apacible, Leon, 104.

Apostolic Delegate 312.

B Bacoor, Cavite, 46, 47, 48n, 49, 51, 52, 56, 57.

Bagbag and Calumpit Rivers, defense of, 172n.

Baldomero, Don, 91, 97, 154.

Baliwag, Bulacan, and San Fernando, Pampanga, capture of, Balungaw, 185, 187-189, 191, 195, 198.

Bank notes, 73.

Bar Association, 37.

Barbarism and despotism, 230, 23I. Barcelona, Santiago, 37, 203.

Barry, Thomas H., takes charge of Filipino prisoners, 321.

Barruga, Mariano, 322.

Basa, Jose Ma., 49.

Batanes, 73.

Bat~s Island, as naval stations, 229.

Batangas Province, 63, 144, 274.

Bautista, Ariston, 7, 27n, 37.

Bayambang, 202.

Becerra, 13.

Becker, Mr., 86.

Belarmino, Mr., 100.

Belda, 22.

Bell, General J . F., 259-261, 264, 269, 276, 277; on the generosity and good intention of the Americans, 265; suggests cooperation with the United States, 266.

"Benevolent assimilation," 98n.

Benitez, Mr., 136, 137.

Betances, Dr., 71.

Bills of exchange, 73.

Bisayan IslandS, 103.

Bisayan revolutionists, 84.

INDEX Bisayas, the defense and security of, 106.

Bitas, 114.

Biyak-na-bato, 257.

Blanchard, Miss, 264n, 272, 274, 275.

Blanco, Eugenio, 54, 55.

Blanco, General, 4, 7, 24, 33.

Blumentrltt, 16, 119, 124, 190.

Board of Defense, 103.

Board of Treasury, 82.

Boers, the, 277.

Bohol Island, 99.

Bosiong, Nor, see Rianzares Bautista, Ambrosio, Zersarian.

333

Bray, Mr., 59, 86, 101.

Bruno, Antonio, 322.

BUan, see Luna, Juan.

Budget, 146.

Budget Law, 121, 122, 130, 143.

Bunda, Andres, 281n, 285, 286.

Buenaventura, Jose, 322.

Buencarnino, Felipe, 51, 52, 53, 94, 95, 181, 182, 185, 189, 192, 193, 198, ,200, 201, 209, 224, 253, 257.

Buendia, Saturnino, 3n.

Bulacan, 132.

Bulacan Province, lines of defense in, 163.

c Cabanatuan, 177, 178, 184.

Cabarrubias, Pedro, 22.

Cabezas de barangay, '137.

CabUdo Catedral, 5.

Cabinet, M'abini, 175-176; 178, 179-180.

Caesar, 231.

Cagayan Valley, 72n.

Calceta, Eduardo, 99.

Caloocan, 117, 118; railroad station, 56.

CalumpH. Bulacan, 183, 190.

Calvo, Aquilino, 124, 125, 165, 237, 275.

Camarines and Albay, 279.

Camerino, Lucas, 280, 322.

Canada, 179, 190.

Canon, Fernando, 64, 246, 247, Cantonal Government of Negros, 107, 118.

Cape Verde, 231.

Carlism, article on, 6.

Carlos, Don, 6, 7.

Carmona, Anastacio, 322, Cartas Politicas, 141n.

Castillejos, Zambales, 152.

Castro, Florencio, 322.

Oataclysm, omen of, 33.

Catholic church, 216.

Catholic Filipinos, fate of, 215.

Catholic religion, 216.

Cavite, 23; attack of, by the American forces, 189; campaign in, 202. ayetano, 1l1Jocente, 322. <I:ayo, Don, 192.

Cebu, 85; defense of, 158.

Censorshcip, 101.

Central Government, 103n.

Centurion, Mr., 192.

Certificat.e of citizenship, 159.

Charlemagne, 231.

Chief of Operations, 132, 155.

Chief of Staff, 76.

China, 27; merchant vessels from, 59, Chinese, 132; Collection of fee from, 72.

Christian Gospel In the East Indies, 215.

Christian morals, 216.

Church and State, separation of, 79, 90.

Ciborium, theft of, in Paco church, 31.

Civil Code, 7.

Civil Government, 245; responsibilities of, 266.

Civil Guards, 23, 31.

Civil marriage, resolution on, 76.

334

INDEX

Civil registry, 147.

Civilian prisoners, 110.

CiviJization and culture of Fili路 pinos, 25.

Clamor, Maximiano, 322.

Colmenar, Mr., 60.

Comandanc ia de In Veterana, 4.

Comenge, 16.

Commerce, American, conflict with English, 59.

Commerce, exportation and coastal t r ade , 143.

Compania Maritima, 87, 88.

Comprom isar:os, Cuerpo de, 10, 14, 15, 20, 22.

Concepcion, Venancio, 105n.

Congress, disbandment of, 93; powers of, 94, 95; closure of, 120.

Congr ess in San Fernando, 172n.

Congress of the United States, 262, 297n.

Congress of Representatives, 86.

Consortes, Esteban, 322.

Conspirat orial Committee, 103n.

Const ant ino, Nazario, 11, 12.

Constitution, the, 76, 91, 92, 94.96, 104, 120, 122, 130, 180, 203, 204, 225, 255, 262; Memorandum on the, 90; provisions of, 93; reform of, 221; principles of the American, 256.

Constitution of the Federal Council, 105.

Constitution of Nor t h America, 215.

Constitution of the Phi 1 i P pin e Republic, 61n, 105.

Constitution of tbe United States, 249.

Constitutional Cabinet, 61n.

Constitutional guarantees, suspension of, 208.

Constitutive Charter, 1-3.

Consul of Singapore, 45.

Cor.tributions and taxes, 106.

Corbin, 323.

Corrales, Zenon, 195n.

Cortes, Doroteo, 8, 12.

Cortes, the, 5.

Counsellors of Revenue, 122.

Council of Discipline, 15.

Council of Government, 52,' 94, 141, 203, 223; authority and powers of, 92.

Council of Ministers, composi tion of, 61n.

Council of Secretaries, 76, 128, Council of War, 13, 190.

Govadonga, the, 51.

Crime and punishment, dispartty between, 13.

Cr:sost omo, Manuel, 32n.

Crisostomo, Mariano, 141.

Crowder, Lieu~enant.-ColoneI, 98n.

Cruz, Victorina de la, 286.

Cuba, 225.

Cuban independence, 39.

Cuerpo de Compromisarios, 10, 12, 14, 15, 20, 22.

Cuesta, Brother, 2.

Cuestiones Filipinas, 16.

Custom duties, 149.

D Dadivas, Commissioner, 103.

Dagupan, 136.

Dapit.an, 4, 24.

D'Almonte plan, the, 167, 181.

Death by musketry, 127.

"Decalogue," 222.

Decree, 72, 73, 76, 82, 86, 95, 108, 109, 121, 122, 128, 130, 148, on elections and organization of

armed forces in Bohol, 99; on the appointment of MarlarlO trias Cavite government delegate, 113; on pensions, 133; on supporters of the war, 159; on appointment of chief of operations, 168; on creation of Provincial Councils in the Visayas, 169-171.

INDEX Defense Board, 122.

Delgado, Martin F., 103, 105n, 156, 169.

Department of Finance, 146.

Department of Foreign Affairs, 60n.

Department of the Interior, 203, 211.

Department of the Treasury, 82, 121.

Department of War, 121, 136, 155, 192.

Department Secretaries, appointment of, 94, 97.

Deportation of Filipino leaders to Guam, 318.

Deportation of prisoners of war, correspondence on, 315.

335

Deposito de Aguas, 114.

Destitutes, house!! for, 147.

Dewey, Admiral, 50, 71, 150.

Dictator of War, 132.

Dimayuga, Norberto, 296, 322.

Diokno, Ananias, 103n, 122, 123, 170.

Director of Artillery, 145.

Domingo, Gavino, 322.

Dominican, 5.

Duart.e, Brother, 2.

Duties, port, regulation and collection of, 121.

Duties on exports, 121.

Duties on transportation and export, 121n.

E E glish press, the, 59.

English equadron, 101.

Ennita, 68.

Escarnilla, Mr., 68, 171.

Escritos de Mabini, 11n, 279.

Espino, Doroteo, 322.

Expeditionary forces, 103.

Expeditions for all-out revolution, 72n.

Expropriatjons, 147.

Economics, 64.

Education, 147.

Egypt, protectorate of, 229.

El Comerclo, 16, 20, 237, 238, 241, 244, 245.

"El Globa," 27.

EI Heraldo Filipino, 149n.

El Llbertad., 237, 288.

Emigration, 21.

England, 164, 165, 166, 255.

Englishmen, 260.

F Faustino, Don, 69.

Fabie, the decree of, 12.

Federal Council, 106.

Federal Council of Doilo, 105; dissolution of, 169.

Federal Republic, 91.

Federal State, 105n.

"FeU~ Leal y Cornpafta," 18; see a~8o Leal, Felipe.

175.

Ferre;r, Mr., 157.

FlUPWSS' the, 73.

Filipino-American conflict, 64.

Filipino bishops, 71, 206.

Filipino Central Government, 84.

Filipino clergy, the, campaign of, 204.

Filipino exiles, 192.

Filipino government, 111.

Filipin0 Masons, 1-3.

Filipino people, 313; aspiration of, for independence, 100; culture of, 261.

336

INDEX

Filipino prisoners, 100; in Guam, 320, 321.

Filipino problem, 275.

Fi:ipino so1diers, 41.

Filipinos, freedom of, 160; indivi~ dual rights of, 262.

Fisher, Fred, 225n.

Florante, 258.

Flores, Ambrosio, 16, 20, 98n, 140,

Foreign traders, 160, 165.

Foreign vessels, order for admission of, 142.

Fort Santiago, 30.

France, 260, and England, joint ownership of Egypt, 229.

Fra.pco, Domingo, 4, 6, 23m Francisco, Don, 25.

Franco, Vicente, 105n.

Freedom, petition' for, 288.

Freedom of the citizen, 249; of the press, 248.

Freemason, 36n.

Freemasonry, Spanish, 25.

Freemasons, 8, 9; persecution of, 25.

Free Press, Singapore, 69, 86.

Friars, correspondence on release of, 311; expulsion from the Philippines, 202.

Fullon, Alejandro, 103n.

Fundamental law, 250.

188.

Flores, Leon, 322.

Foreign affairs, direction of, 229.

Foreign Affairs Department, 70n.

Foreign bishops, appointments of, for the Philippine dioceses, 216.

Foreign intervation, 209.

Foreign invasion, 169.

Foreign investments, 102; protection of, 84, 85.

Foreign loan, 202, 214.

Foreign merchants, 138.

G Galveston, catastrophe of, 275.

Galza, Daniel, 108.

Galza, Gabriel, 108.

Games and recreations, 147.

Gandeza, Aquilino, 322.

Garcia, Pantaleon, 56, 118.

Gatmaitan, Vicente, 32n.

Gella, Vicente, 105TI,.

Geneva Convention, 110.

German Consul, 26.

Germany, 74.

Gerona, Julian, 282, 286, 296, 322.

Geronimo, Glicerio, 118.

Gobernadorcillos, 7.

Gold,73.

Gomez, Mr., 4.

Gonzaga, Don Engracio, 611'1, 97, 98, 152, 154, 176, 184 190-192, 203, 214.

Gonzales, Eulogio, 282, 322.

Gonzales, Joaquin, 108.

Gonzales, Fr. Roman, 66.

Government Council, 88, 104, 107, 108, 110, 112, 113, 128, 141, 142, 145, 151, 157, 158, 162, 168, 169.

Government of the Republic, 195n; of Malolos, 250.

Gran Oriente Espanol, 1, 2, 3.

Grande Oriente, 2, 3, 8.

Gremios, 7.

Grimmer, 68.

Guadalupe, 114.

Guam, 272, 279, 305.

Guan, Juan, 322.

Guardia Civil, 2.

Guardia Civil Veterana, 36.

Gmisay, Juan, 322.

Guerrero, Mr. 86, 181.

Guerrilla warfare, 149.

Guerrillas, 188.

INDEX

337

H Hispano-Filipino Association, 17.

Hizon, Maxirnino, 322.

Hongkong, 17, 42n, 74,78,124,136, 164, 184, 200, 264, 275.

Hongkong Committee, the, 154n, 315.

Hospitals, 147.

Hostilities, suspensiOl~ of, 172, 201, 226.

Hughes, General, 98n.

Herald, the, 130.

Heraldo de 1a. Revolucion, 7L Hernandez, Julio, 105n.

Hernandez, Prudencio, 33n.

Hernando, Pedro, 322.

Higgins, Mr., 64, 65, 116.

Hilario, Cecilio, 141.

Hispano-American Commission, 151

I

Ibarra, Leandro, 141, 144.

Icasiano, Francisco, 1 I. Igriacia, see Romping. !locos, 1,40.

Iloilo, 24, 103, 150; block a e', 98n; occupation by America1}s, 84n; porr of, 85; forts of, 1'18.

Illustre, Vicente, 164, 198, 244, Indemnification, 205.

Independence, 69, 92, 158; aspiration for, 59; recognition of.

101, 102, 201, 202; recognition of absolute, 98n; goal of ar solute, 228.

Independence of the Philippines, 149, 150.

Independent, the, of New York, published M'abini's La Patrla., 188.

Indio, 7.

I dividual freedom, 125n.

Individual liberties, protection of, 90.

Individual rights of the Filipinos, 250, 262.

Industries. concessions of privileges on, 229.

Ipil, see Adriano, Numeriano.

Irene, the German ship, 117.

Ison, Colonel, 112.

J

Jacinto, Emilio, death of, 81n .

Jaena, Mr., 24.

Japan, 21, 29, 34, 68 74, 78, 79, 100.

Japane e immigration, 24.

J aro, forts of, 118.

Jaro and Iloilo, capture of, by the Americans, 156.

Javellana, Magdaleno, 105n.

Javier, Jose, 322.

Jesus, Igmidio de, 322.

J010, 10L ,Tones, 69.

Juanzo, Don, 9.

JuecE's de policia, 7.

Junoy, Mr., 18.

Justice, promotion of, 110.

338

INDEX

K Kabaruan, Pangasinan, 195n.

Kalakal, 10l.

Kalaw, T. M. , 23n, 25n, 35n, 36n, 39n, 42n, 48n, 52n, 61n, 72r., 81n, 84n, 90n, 97n, 98n, 103n104n, 105n, 106n, 109n, Illn, 121n, 141n, 144n, 154n, 166n.

172, 182n, 184n, 188n, 195n.

200n, 225n, 241r., 246n, 253n,

264n, 265n, 271n, 272n, 297n, 305n, 306n, 308n; mentions del Pilar's pur.ctiliousness, 17n.

Kanoy and Ikkis, 200, 201.

KaUgbak, Gregorio, 166.

Kawit, Cavite, 127, 189, 190.

Kowloon and Samoa, conflicts in, 164.

L La lndependencla, 188, 190, 191, 195, 197, 203, 205, 208, 211, 212, 219.

La Lorna, 114, 118.

La Luz, 264.

La Patrla, 188, 237.

La Prieta, Padre, 3l.

La. Solidarldad, 34, 35n, 37, 38n.

La Union, 24.

Laguna, 136.

La~a, 136; and Batangas, )'Q.sistance by the people of, 189.

Laguna de Bay, the, 88, 116, 131.

Lahora, Mr., 144.

La~taw, Pedro Serrano, 12.

LaIJd lease and expropriation, 109.

Lake Bai, 274.

Lake Bonbon, 63, 274.

Lara, Mr., 77.

Laws, electoral, 147.

Laws of justice, 42.

Lawton, General, 189.

Leal, Felipe, 4, 20, 23.

Leandro, Don, 137.

Lease of property, 92.

Legarda, 52n, 55.

Legaspi, 85.

Legaspi, Silvest re, 282, 322.

Lepers, 280.

Leon, Anastacio de, 32n.

Leon, Juan de, 105n.

Leon, Santiago Rillo de, 62.

Leon XIII, 313.

Leroy, James A., 60n.

Leteng, 291.

Leyva, Mr., 73. ~ibel suit, 307.

Lichauco, Mr., 45, 79, 101.

Liga FUiplna, the, 37, 38 Limjap, 15, 23, 27.

Lino, Mr. , 181, 184, 223, 218.

Liongson, Francisco, 12.

Liongson, Pedro, 108.

Lipa, Batangas, 31.

Lipa, R., 4, 6. See also Pilar, Marcelo H . del.

Llanera, MarIano, 118, 322; extends greetings to the McKelvys, 285.

Lodge Balagtas, 8, 9, 15.

Lodge Bathala, 2.

Lodge Blnlu, 20.

Ledge Integridad Nacional, 2.

Lodge Modestia, 20.

Lodge NUad, 1, 2.

Lodge Solldarldad, 3.

Lopez, 51, 54.

Lopez, Florentino, 125.

Lopez, Roque, 105n.

Love, Pilar, 57.

Lozada, 76, 78, 79.

Lukban , Vicente, 170, 297n.

Lumpo, see Mabini, Apolinario.

Luna, Antonio, 27, 76, 83, 118, 132, 154, 155, 172n, 183; resignation of, 136, 137; condemns Colonel Arguelles to imprisonment, 19U; orders arrest of Paterno and Buencamino, 190; and Paco Roman, death of, 184, 190.

Luna, Jose, 23.

Luna, Juan, 4, 79.

INDEX

339

M Mubini, Agapito, 294. labir,.i, Alejandro, 284, 290, 296, 297.

1\l路abini, ApolinarlO, 42n, 61n, 200n, 282, 322; on Lodges, 1-3; on intrigues in the government, 4; on the conflict in the Santo Domingo Church, 5; on Cm'lists and Carl ism, 6-7; on Maonry, 8; on campaign funds and remittances, 9-10, 11_12, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 30, 32, 34; on the creation of the Council of War, 12-13; on the Cuerpo

de

Compromlsarlos,

14-15; on tobacco monopoly, 16; on the Hi ano-Filipino Association, 17; expresses de,sire for reter.tion of "Felipe Leal y Campania," 18 路 on the El Comerclo, 20; on migration proposed by Japan, 21; begs Del Pilar to rema;n propaganda head, 22; on Limjap's case, 23; on the case of the parish priest of Santa Isabel , Bulacan and two Municipal School g irls, 24; on rebellion, 25; on Antonio Luna's refusal to write on the Regional Exposition, 24; on RizaI's imprisonment in Fort Santiago, 30: on abuses committed by Civil Guards, 31; on the Masonry bilI of exchange, 32; on the "La SoUdarida::l, 34; petitions dismissal of his case and for his freedom, 36-38; writes to Revolutionary leaders on conduct of war, 39-41; draws lesson from the deat!} of Rizal, 43, on treachery of the Spanish goverr.ment, 43; on unity and power, 44; places himself in the service of his country, 45; on food supply for U. S . for~, 46; tells Anderson of

country's inability to supply needs of U.S. Army, 47; on proclamation of independence, 48; offers Americans barges and motorboats, 49; wants expulsion of Spaniards from Manila, 50; on navigation and commerce, 50; on withdrawal of General Noriel, 51; on landing of Americans, 51; on recall of Noriel, 52; on neutral military zone, 53; on behavior of American soldiers, 54; on reLef of General Agustih of his command, 54-55; OU openir.g of station in Manila for foreign forces, 56; opposes marriage of Montenegro to Pilar Love, 57; asks nullification of elections held by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, 58; on Filipino aspiration for inclependence, 59; on Bray's offers to secure arms, 59; on conflict of English and Americans on commerce, 59; submits draft of decree on acts of Revolutionary Government, 60-61; on resolution concerning lease of Pansipit fishpond, 62-63; on concession to the Railroad Enterprise, 64-65; on church funds of the diocese of Camarines, 66; on licenses for firearms, 67 ; on procurement of arms, 68-69; on the provisional Consti tu tion, 70-71; on the appointment of Filipino bishops, 71; on contributions from sales of tobacco, 72; on decree on military organization, 73; on prisoners of war, 73; on relations with foreign powers, 74; on training of Filipinos in the art of warfare, 74; on the organization of information o(fice abroad, 75;

340

INDEX

on decree on military matters, 76; on diplomatic missions, 77; on religion, 78; on codes, 7879; on separation of church and State and freedom of religion.

79; on funds of the State, 79; on the politic at constitution of the American people, 80; on the progress of government, 81; on rentals of government estate, 82; on the composition of the Board of Treasury, 82, 83; on foreign investment, 84; on the American occupation of the Bisayas, 84-85, 86路87; on American reinforcement in the Bisayas, 88; on the proclamation of the Republic, 90; on thE' Constitution and its proposed amendments, 91-93, 94-96, 97; protes s against Americans in TIoilo, 98; transmits decree on arme forces election and organization in Bohol, 99; on Japan's attitude to the Filipino cause, 100; on Otis's proclamation of annexation, 100-101; on American censorship of telegrams, 101; on protection of an indepen. dent Philippines, 102; on discord amon~ generals in the Bisayas, 103; suggests unified command in the Bisayas, 103; on the Constitution of the Federal Council of Iloilo, 105; on officers of thp. Provincial Councils and Popular Boards, 106; on contributions and taxes, 106; on defense and security, 106; on protection of individual liberties and interests, 106; on Ambrosio Moxica's appointment as politicomilitary governor IOf Leyte, 107; on the liberty of prisoners of war, 108; on expropriation of land, 109; on release of civilian prisoners,

110; on the aspiration of the Filipino, 111; on the sincerity of the Spaniards, 112; on the commission of Mru.:iano Trias special delegate in Cavite Pro路 vince, 113; gives instruction on mode of assault on American positions in and around M'anila, 114-115; on American aggression and atrocities, 116117; on progress of the war in different fronts, 118-119; disallows session of the Permanent Commission, 120; on colle~tion of duties in ports, 121; on the Budget Law, 121路122, 130; on appointments of delegates to the Bisayan "Regional Council," 122; on military command in Cagayan, 123; on ammunitions, 124; war n s against agreement with Americans, 124; on the peace pro路 posals of the Americans, 125; on freedom of Spanish prisoners, 125-126; on the effects of Luna's resignation as Commander-in-Chief of Operations in Manila, 127; quotes decree on people's cooperation, 128129; on relations with American forces of occupation, 131; on complaints against General Luna's abuses, 132; on war widows' pension, 133; objects Luna's appointment to the war office, 135; on hostilities in Pangasinan and La Union; on resignation or Luna, 137; on the admission of foreign Merchant ships, 138; on troubles in Pulil an , 137; on attack on the American forces, 140; elected President of the Supreme Court, 144n; on the personal animosities between Don Baldomero and General Luna, 155; on the war in Iloilo, 156; on violence and vices, 157; on

INDEX the defense ot Cebu, 158; on arms in Pampanga and Nueva Ecija, 162; on punishment, 162; on progress of the war against the Americans, 163 ; sets terms of agreement with Americans, 164; note of optimism, 166; forced retirement of, 184n; on his state of health, 185; on the war in Laguna, Batangas and Cavite, 189; on Don Arcarno Maxilom, 192; on his resolution t.o get away from politics, 193; on the death of Buencamino's son and General Luna, 193; on the death of Luna and Roman, 195-196; on the change of attitude of the American people, 196; on American public opinion, 198; on the partisans and autonomists of Manilil, 200, 201; on his article, Alg ~ara el Congreso, 207, 208; 0 foreign relations, 209; on his being President of the Supreme Court, 213; on his article on defects of the first Congress, 214; on his election as President of thâ&#x201A;Ź Supreme Court 214; on freedom of Spanish prisoners, 215; on liberty and independence, 230; on the purpose of the rervolution, 231; on Universal solidarity, 231; on cult.ure and civilization, 232; on cooperation to put an end to the war, 233; answers questions on the causes of the Revolution, 234-237; on points to consider of the Filipino nation and her aspirations, 239-240; on contributions for prisoners, 243: on his life as prisoner under the Americans, 243; on peace talks, 248; reports conference with MacArthur on amnesty, oath-taking, and freedom, 249-

. &41 251; on his refusal to accept freedom, 251 ; gives reasons for not attending meeting of the Filipino people, 253; on humanity and civilization, 259; on FilipinO guerrilla and ambush system of warfare, 260; on cessation of hostilities, 261; advises caution in the publication of his article, 264; on form of government for the Filipino people, 268 ; ideal of independence cherished by Filipinos, 269 ; praises Blanchard's articles publiished in Springfield Sunday Republican, 272; admits ignorance in English literature, 272; order for his freedom, 272n; expresses opinion on the natural rights of Filipinos, 273; gives sketch of is life to Miss Blanchard, 74; expresses his love and admiration for her, 274; expresses fear for era of oppression and cruelties, 275: speaks of his freedom, 276; proposes bases for peace, 276; specifies terms of armed elements, 277 ; on authority of U.S. Congress to decide fate of Filipinos, 278; on his voyage to Guam, and on segregations by the Americans, 279; describes Guam and its people, 280; complains against food served the prisoners. 283 ; on his life in Guam, 284; on Filipino prisoners in Guam, 290-291; petitions for better treatment of Filipino prisoners, 293; last will, 296; orr general amnesty of Filipino prisoners in Guam, 297; explains refusal to sign oath of loyalty, 297 -298; desires to take outh of allegiance, 302; prefers to take oath in

342

INDEX

Manila, 303-304; refuses to expatriate himself, 304; press statement on his return, 305 ; refers to Proclamation of Amnesty on oath-taking, 305306; refuses position of Register of Deeds, 306; on his Ii t e路路 rary work, 307; requests personal cedula certificate, 308: prohibited to write articles fo :' th~ press, 315; Senate inquiries on dep<:>rtation of, 32:1.

Mabini, Inocencio, 296.

Mabini, Prudencio, 279n, 296, 322.

Macapagal, 45.

MacArthur, General Arthur, 246, 249, 253, 264n, 277, 317; suggests unconditional surrender of Aguinaldo, 271; seeks order to deport Filipino leaders to Guam, 317, 318; receives deportration authority, 319: arranges shipment to Guam of prisoners, 320; answers queries on Mab:ni's deportration.

323.

Magealas, AdeI, 322.

Magilom, 156.

M'aisan barrio, 127.

Malabon, 127.

Malapad-na -bat.o, 117.

Malate, 68.

Malibay, 117.

MaIolo.;;, 32, 67! 68, 70, 72, 78, 80, 81, 86, 88, 100, 105, 109, 110, 116, 120, 127, 130, 131, 135, 140, 144, 149; transfer of Govfrom, 165.

MaJolos. Congress, 48n.

Malvar, Jose, 63.

Malvar, Miguel, 48, 62, 141, 297n.

M'an ankil , Juan, 184n, 192.

Mandaluyong, 118.

Mang Elio, 292.

Manila, 4, 6, 9, 11, 14, 17, 20, 22.

22, 25, 27, 29, 34, 36, 54, 248, 251, 278, 307, 316, 317, 320, 325; conquest of 52n.

Manila zone, 132.

Marikina, 116, 117, 118.

Marella, Gliceria, 62, 63.

Marianas Island, 279.

Mariano, Don, 82. l\i"arkina, 116, 117, 118.

Marriage, 148.

Martinez, Jose BeIda, 20.

Mascru'do, Tomas, appointed chief of operations in Pampanga, 168.

Masonic principles, l.

Masonry, 1-3, 8.

Mata, Jose, 322.

Mauricio, Juan, 322.

Maxi'om, Arcadio, 143, 158, 192.

Maypajo, 114.

Medical and ph3.rmaceut"cal pro 路 fessions, 147.

Meisic Barracks, 118.

Mejico, 20l.

Me'liza, Raymunio, 105n.

Mercado, Simeon, 11, 20, 22 Merritt, General, 50, 55, 56.

Mestizos, 7.

Mexican dollars, 149.

Mexican money, 124, 142.

McGill, Captain, 299. .McKelvy, Captain, 283, 284, 285.

McKin 1py, Wm .. 84n. 149, 151, 153.

189, 202, 209, 277; re-election of, 275.

Middle Ages, 231.

Miguel, Aniceto. 66 .

Military Court, 36.

Military dictatorship, 127.

Milit.ary operations, 202, 218.

Military order, draft of. 151.

Military prisoners, 110.

Miller, General, invasi on of Iloilo by, 87.

Mindanao. 85. 101, 103, 150.

Mineral baths, 147.

Mo.iica, G., 278.

Mojo, Iloilo, 103n; forts of, 118.

Montenegro, Colonel, 57.

Mon'ero, General, 87.

Mont ilIa, Agustin, 105n.

Morales, Jaime, 322.

Morayta, Miguel, 27n.

INDEX Morin. Manuel F., 112.

Morong and Binangonan, American forces suffer heavy casualties in, 195.

343

Moxica, Ambrosio, 107.

Municipal School for Girls, 24.

"Muza, see Flores, Ambrosio.

N orth American nation, faith in the, 172.

North American squadron, 39.

North Americans, 47.

Novaliches, 140.

Nozaleda, Archbishop Bernardino, 160n; launches excommun:cOl lion agains Aglipay, 204: re.. quests Aguinaldo for freedom of Spanish prisoners, 313-314.

Nueva Ecija, 157, 179, 181, 182.

Nueva Vizcaya, 73.

Nuya, Benito de, 322.

Nagtahan. Manila, 275.

Napindan, the, 88.

Napoleon, 231.

National Assembly, 106, 133, 179.

Naval Governor of Guam, 320.

Naval stations, concession of, 229.

Navigation warrants, 147.

N'egros, 85, 103.

Ner, Mr. , 84, 122, 125, 126.

Noriel, General, 51, 52, North American Commission, 173.

North American Govermment, 41.

o o

ganic Law, 220; for the Philippines, 297n.

Orient Seas, Pearl of, the, 41.

Orwig, Major Henry B ., 282, 321.

Osmefla, Mr., 237, 238.

O tis , General, 71, 84, 87, 98, 100, 112, 116, 118, 125, 131, 150, 172n, 183, 191, 200, 202, 246, 247; reports on Mabini's "El Gobierno de los Estados Unidos,"315; advised vigilar.ce to prevent insun'ection, 316; reports condition in Manila, 316.

Ocampo, Mariano de, 322.

Ocampo, Pablo, 282, 2~5, 296, 322.

Ocana, Senor, 112.

Oceanic, the , 205.

Ochoa, Ramon, 157.

Official Inllex, 170, 177.

Ohio Single Ta:le, 189.

Olive, Francisco, 36.

Orcos, Agustin, 72.

Orden del ZOison de Oro, 153.

Organic Decree, 106, 151.

p Pacheco, 278.

Pacific Ocean, 279.

Paco, 69, 117.

Padilla, Sr., 154.

Palting, Pancrasio, 282.

Pa~ma, Rafael, 188, 194, 207, 208, 211, 213.

Pampanga, 132, 151, 157.

Panay, 87.

Panday, 1 . .

Panday Pira, see Laktaw, Pedro Serrano.

Pan, Rafael del, 164, 223 , 307; joins the cause of the Revolution, 219.

Pangasinan, 136, 140, 157.

Pansipit fishpond, lease of, 62, 63.

Pantoja, Ce feri no, 101.

344

INDEX

Papal Bull, 5.

Paredes, Isidro, 14l.

Paris, 74, 76, 78, 79.

Pasay, 53.

Paseo, the 5.

Pasig, 164.

Pasig River, 88.

Pasquina des, 10, 13, 98.

Paterno, P. A., 65, 82, 176n, 178, 179, 181, 182, 190, 201, 214, 244, 248, 253n, 257.

Paterors, 117, 136.

Patrio tism, 204.

Pawnshops, 147.

Peace and order, 127.

Peace and tranquility, Mabini hopes for, 311.

Peace, rest.oration of, 172.

Pearl of the Orient Seas, 4l.

Pensiang, Dona, 290.

Pensions, 147.

Pena , 22, 25.

Perez, F. Isidrr C, 195n.

Permanen t Commission, 93, 129, 157; of . Congr€ss, 141 Philippine Archipelago, 40, 305.

Philippine Autonomy, 165, 166.

Philippine Government, 172; petition t o, 126; negotiates an armistice and suspension of hostilities, 173.

Philippine Independence, 269, 270.

Philippine prisoners, petition of, to the Governor of Guam, 287, 292.

Philippine Regional Exposition, 25, 27.

Philippine Review, 11n, 279.

Philippine Revolution, 153; purpose of, 230.

Philippine territory, map of, 146. l~jcadura, 291, 294.

Pilar, Gregorio del, 177, 20.1; and Barreto work for suspension of hostilities, 190.

Pilar, Juan, 33n.

Pilar, Marcelo H. del, 1, 9, 11, 14, 17, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29, 32, 35n, 43.

Pilar, Pio del, 118, 282, -322.

Pineda, 114.

Pinzon, Anastacio, 14l.

Pio, General, 51, 52, 54.

Plata, Hermogenes, 322.

Poblador, Perfecto, 71.

Ponce, Mariano, 12,. 22, 164n.

Political acrobats of Manila, 20l.

Political and civil rights, 250.

Politics and diplomacy, 250.

Politics and law, 135.

Policy of attraction, 79n.

Polo, 127, 132, 136, 140.

Pope Alexander VI, 215, 231.

Popular Boards, 106.

Porang, 45.

Poto see~, 120.

Powers of the Department of In· terior, 146.

President of the Republic, authority and powers of, 92.

Pratt, E. Spencer, 264, 268. pnjeSident of the United State', 153.

Presidents, provincial and local, powers and duties of 146.

Presidio de Asan, Guam, 283, 285, 287, 293, 296, 297, 301, 302, 303.

Pressey, Mr., 291.

Principalia, 7.

Principles of justice, 160.

Prisoners of war, 40, 315; decree on, 108.

Process of Law, 132.

Proclamation of Amnest.y decree, 246n.

Progressives, the, 23.

Propaganda, the, 14, 22.

Protectorate, 10l.

Provincial Councils, 106.

Provisional Government of the Bisayas, 103n, 105n.

Provisol', the, 5.

Public health and welfare, 147.

Public order, preservatoin of, 147.

Puerto Rico, 225, 256.

"Puno," see Aguinaldo, Emilio.

INDEX

345

Q Quico, General, 286.'

Quintos, Marcela, 322.

Quixote, 26.

R Railroad Enterprises. 64.

Rama, Esteban de la, 50.

Rampolla, Cardinal, 215, 216, 311.

Ransom, 205.

Reactionaries, 23.

Rebellion, 25.

Red Cross of the Philippines, 49.

Regidor, Antonio, 203; appointed to negotiate loan in America, 124; appointment as envoy to America, 201.

Regular Force of the Republic, 133.

Religion, discussion on the question of, 78.

Religion and hwnanity, 313.

Religious organizations, 121n.

Remedios Terrace, 118.

Remey, Admiral Geo C., 320.

Remontado, Mr., 230, 231, 232.

Rentals of government estates, 82.

Republic of the Philippines, 44; proclamation of, 90.

Republican party of U. S., 270.

Requiestas, Cornelio, 282, 322.

Resignation of Mabini Cabinet, 175-176, 178, 179.

Resolutions, 106, 119; on the lease of Pansipit fishpond, 62, 63. to sign oath of allegiance, Resolutions, 106, 119.

Revenue, sources of, 121n.

Revilla, Bartolome, 137.

Revolution, 39n, 84, 121n, 188, 202, 228, 249, 297n; in路 Cuba, 39.

Revolutionary Anny, 151.

Revolutionary Assembly, 103n.

Revolutionary Congress, 195n.

Revolutionary forces, 41.

Revolutionary Government, the, 45, 151.

Revolutionists, 200, 288.

Reyes, Antonio Prisco, 322.

Reyes, Bernabe, 99.

Reyes Lala, Ramon. 275.

Reyes, M. Pascual, 156.

Reyes, Vicente, 136.

Rianzares Bautista, Ambrosio, 9, 58, 11, 12, 14, 15" 137, 214; elected President of Revolutionary Congress, 195n; see also Zersarian.

Ricarte, Artemio, 116, 131, 282, 297, 301, 305n, 322; refuses to sign oat hof allegiance, 327. go, General, 10l.

R10, Don Julio del, 152, 181, 192.

Rios, General, 87, 125, 165.

Rivera, Francisco, 69.

Rivera, Manuel, 322.

Rizal, Jose, 4, 5, 24, 26, 30, 43.

Roji, Colonel, 2.

Roman, Paco, 196; death, 190.

Roman Popes, 231.

Roman Pontiff, 71.

Rome, 311.

Romping, 100, 10l.

Roosevelt, President, decrees Proclamation of amnesty, 297n.

Root, Elihu, on deportation of Filipino leaders to Guam, 319; writes about Mabini as prisoner of war, 324.

Rosa, Bartolome de la, 322.

Rosales, Pangasinan, 184n, 195 207, 208, 209, 210, 217, 218, 223, 223, 224, 230.

Rosario, Arcadio del, 100, 159, 290.

Rosario, Mateo del, 62.

346

INDEX

Rosario, Simplicio del, 14l.

Rosecrans, the, 279, 320, 32l.

Route of civili zat ion, 232.

Roxas, Pedro, 27.

Ruiz, Brother, 1--3.

Russia, 255, 276.

s Sabater, Fr., 66.

Sainz, E., and Sons, 32.

Salas, Fernando, 105n.

Salas, Quintin, 103n.

Salinas, Ramon, 14l.

Salvante, Roberto, 322.

Samper, 68, 69.

Sampaloc, 118.

San Agustin Convent, 66.

San Bernardino Strait, 279.

San Francisco del Monte, 118.

San Isidro, Nueva Ecija, 154, 158, 160, 162, 163, 165, 168, 172, 174, 175, and San Fernando, Americans evacuate, 183.

San Jose, 140.

San Juan de Dios Hospital, 31, 36.

San Juan del Monte, 88, \16, 131.

San Miguel, General, 116, 131.

San Mi guel de Mayumo, 177.

San Pedro Macati, 114, 118.

San Sebastian, 118.

Sa nci angko, 214.

Sandiko, Teodoro, 52n, 61n, 68, 75, 79, 84, 167, 176, 214.

Sanitary cordones, 147.

Sanitations, terrestrial and maritime, 147.

Santa Ana, 116, 117, 118, 131.

Santa Barbara, noilo, 130n.

Santa Cruz, Laguna, 81, 164.

Santa Isabel, Bulacan, 23.

Santa Maria, 140.

Santa Rosa, 117.

Santamaria, Dr. 4.

Santo Domingo, 114, 118; Church, 5.

Santo Tomas, Pampanga, defense of, 172n.

Santolan, 114, 118.

Santos, Mr., 69 101, 102.

Santos, Exequiel de los, 322.

S antos, Isidro de, 37, 189, 196, 143, 244; see a1so Kanoy and Ikkl~.

Santos, Marcelino de, 188.

"Save the Americans," 272.

Savings banks, 147.

Schurman Commission, 154, 172, 173.

Secretary of Fomento, 113.

108, 128, 142 145, 145, 159, 168, 169, 177.

Secretary of Treasury, 88.

Secretary of the Interior, 104, 107.

Secretary of War, 110, 144, 145, 316; urges v1gilance against insurrection, 316.

Secular yoke, liberation from, 103n.

Segunda, 284.

Serge, 201.

Serrano, 8.

Severino, Don, 154.

Sewell, W. E., 303, 305n.

Shuster, W. Morgan, writes to Governor Taft on Mabini's oath of allegIance, 327.

Sibul, 83.

Sing along, 53.

Singapore, 17.

Singapore Free Press, 6~, 86.

Slavery, 215.

Slaves, 150.

Smith, Colonel James E., 98n.

Soriano, Francisco, 103, 105n.

Soriano, Ramon, 225n.

South Africa, 255.

South African Republics, 277.

South American Republics, 95.

Sovereignty, 250, 255.

Spain, 25; and Germany, treaty between, 198, 200.

Spaniards, 44, 46, 50, 57, 71, 85, 112, 149, 261; retreat of, 40; expUlsion, 47; embargo on, 72.

Spanish army, 153.

Spanish Commission, 205.

Spanish Constitution, 215.

Spanish donation, 280.

INDEX

347

Sua] (Pangasinan), 73.

Sun Yat-Sen, 182n, 189n.

Superior Military Com man del', powers of, 128; order to, 157.

Supreme Court of Justice, 203.

Sylves~er, W.F., 68, 80.

Taft, William H., 255n, 256; asks MacArthur to allow Mabini to appear before U.S. Philippine Commission, 317; on Mabini's detent ion at Guam, 325-326.

Spanish Governmer.l, 110, 125, 299, treachery of, 43.

Spanish prisoners, 73, 125n, 205; freedom of, 160.

Spanish regime, 82.

Spanish sovereignty, 151, 160.

Spanish squadron, 162.

Spanish writers, 222.

Spiritists, 274.

Sprir.gfield Sun:1ay Republican, 272, 274.

Steamship "Tonkin," 268.

T "Tindalo," see Cortes, Doroteo.

Tinio, Manuel, 72n.

Tirona, Daniel, 72, 143.

Tobacco, 72, 291; monopoly, effacts of the abolition of, 16. ongco, Juan, 141. orres, Florerntino, 98, 108, 11I. Torres, H. D. c., 67. rrorres, Isidro, 108.

Town census, 147.

Trade relations, 125n.

Transport Solace, 284, 294.

Transport Thomas, 305n.

Treason, 92.

Treaty, 160; agreements, 92.

Treaty of ParLs, 225.

Treaty of Peace, 230, 249.

Trias, Mariano, 61n, 85, 89, 155, 182, 195.

Trias, Maximino, 288.

Trias, Maximo, 322.

Trozo, 118.

Tuliahan, 190.

Turkey, 255. 276.

Tabak, the, 149.

Taft Commission, announces civil government, 246!l.

Talavera, 184n.

Talisay, Batangas, 26, 1.

Tampipi, 181.

Tarlac, 157, 215; ar.d Ba ambang, capture of, 195n.

Tavera, Trinidad Pardo de, 37, 5211, 60n, 70, 203.

Tax, 143; on merchandise, 54.

Taxes, 147; personal, 82, 83.

Ta.xpayers, 106.

Taylor, J. W., 58n.

Tecson, Alipio, 322.

Tecson, Pablo, 108, 141, 177.

Tecson, Simon, 282, 288, 322.

Ter.ants, 83.

Teniente mayor, 7.

Teodorico, 257.

Teodoro, Basilio, 154.

Teodoro, Justo, 32n.

Territorial integrity, 209.

Tinajeros, 118.

u Uncle Sam, 165.

Umingan, 184n.

United United State, 150, 264nj relations with, 131.

Ur.ited States Congress, 278.

United States-Philippine Commission, 117.

United States sovereignty, 276.

348

INDEX

v Vaccination, 147.

Valez, Mr., 73.

Varican, Pio, 322..

Vatican, the, 216.

Velarde, Aguedo, 141, 181, 182.

Velez, Mr., 123, 136.

Vicar of Jesus Christ, 313.

Villalobos, Numeriano, 105n.

Villanueva, Francisco, 105n.

Villarino, Juan Leandro, 322.

Villaruel, Fabian, 322.

Vista, Mr., 73.

Vito,

~neral,

104.

w Washington, D.C., 316, 318, 323, 324.

War, ravages wrought by, 179.

War between Spain and U.S., 39.

War contributions, 12 In. War pollcy, 155.

War widows, decree on pensions of, 133-134.

Warfare, art of, 74.

Wheeler, General Joseph, 233, 244; relieves Generral Otis, 205.

White, Major, 285.

Williston, Colonel, 246.

y Ylagan, Hugo, 171, 181, 182.

Yusay, Jovito, 105n.

z Zamora, Paulino, 286.

Zersarian, Mr., 220-222; see also

Rianzares Bauti st a, Ambrosio.

;';",';';';::: I II"!!I ~IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII I

Contem ra [ 11273 OS 679 M13 1999 II E R I TAG E The letters of Apolinario Mabini I with a preface by Carlos Quirino, compiled and translated by the National Heroes L I IJ R A R Y Commission . __ Manila : The National Historical Institute,

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(1965).

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