The development of Philippine politics

102 THE DEVELOPMENT OF PHILIPPINE POLITICS

The address presented to you by the 25 or 30 Filipinos
who gathered about the consulate discloses an understanding
on their part that the object of Admiral Dewey was to support the cause of General Aguinaldo, and that the ultimate
object of our action is to secure the independence of the
Philippines under the protection of the United States; your
address does not repel this implication.(1)
The American Consul in Hongkong, Rounseville Williams, like his comrade at Singapore, was also interested
in securing the cooperation of Aguinaldo with Dewey. In
a letter he wrote to Aguinaldo a little later (June 25th
1898) he said: "Do not forget that the United States
undertook this war for the sole purpose of relieving the
Cubans from the cruelties under which they were sufferiung
and not for love of conquest and the love for gain. They
are actuated by precisely the same feelings for the Filipinos." (2)
Aguinaldo Consults with Filipino Committee
In accordance with the request of Commodore Dewey.
Aguinaldo left Singapore for Hongkong. Wheli Aguinaldo
arrived in IHongkong the American Commander had already
left for Manila to give the Spanish armada that memorable
blow of May 1st, 1898, which completely annihilated it.
Aguinaldo was still doubting whether to proceed to
Manila or not, despite the friendship assured him by Consul Pratt and the invitation subsequently extended by
Dewey himself. The exact conditions for the desired co(1) Ibid, p. 357.
The address of the Filipinos to which Pratt replied read in part as
follows:
"Our countrymen at home, and those of us residing here * * * hope
that the United States, your nation persevering in its humane policy, will
efficaciously second the piogiamme arnanged between you, Sir, and General
Aguinaldo in this port of Singapore and secure to us our independence under
the protection of the United States." (Ibid, pp. 352. 353.)
Consul-General Pratt replied in part thus:
"Rest assuted * * * that your words, which have sunk deep in my
neart, shall be faithfully repeated to the President, to Admi al Dewey. and to
the American people from v hom I am suie, they will meet with full and
generous response * * *. I can only hope that the eventual outcome will
be all that can be desired for the happiness and welfare of the Filipinos."
(Ibid. p. 358.)
(2) Congressional Record, April 7, 1900. Quoted in Blount, The American Occupation of the Philippinea, p. 19.