The development of Philippine politics

198 THE DEVELOPMENT OF PHILIPPINE POLITICS

New Appeal for Suspension of Hostilities
On one thing, however, were Mabini and Luna in accord, and that was in their opposition to the acceptance of
the Hay offered or the so-called autonomy plan. Meetings
of members of the Congress and generals were held, and in
one such meeting Luna protested against any understanding
with the United States unless it be the basis of the recognition of independence.
The attitude of Aguinaldo at this time indicates that
he occupies the middle ground in this matter. He was not
in favor of accepting the autonomy proposition unconditionally. He wanted to consult the people and the army
first; so he decided to send another commission for the
purpose of requesting the suspension of hostilities so as to
have time to accomplish this. (1) The new peace commission
was composed of G. Gonzaga, Alberto Barretto, Gregorio
del Pilar and Captain Zialcita. It obtained no result, SchurAs for me and the other secretaries, although we note that General Luna
neither consults nor infoi ms the gover nment about any act of his, we let it
pass; Cod grant that he may maintain our honor as you had hoped when you
appointed him. Under other circumstances, the secretaries would have resigned
on account of such procedure; however, we restrain ourselves, so as not to
increase the adversities through which our country is now passing.
This state of affairs is very serious. If an incident turns out well, the
credit belongs to him alone, and while I wish him all that is due him, still if
the result is bad, if his plans end in a disaster, the blame falls upon us,
because we permitted the same. If our government were dictatorial in form
instead of constitutional, it might be all right, because the entire responsibility
would rest with you; but I believe that it is not advisable to change the form
of government, because this would furnish ground for the other powers to believe what the Amer icans say to the effect that when they took Malolos our
Government was dissolved.
We do not demand that he advises and consults with the Government concerning the plans and dispositions that he is to carry out in battle, but that
he should inform us of any instructions that he may think best to issue concerning the inhabitants, foreigners and other matters, as well as in recruiting
men and organizing same, he should consult with the government which has
to provide arms and subsistence. In the policy of war it is not the commander
of operations who has the responsibility, but the government, for which reason
he should be obliged to obey the instructions he nmay receive.
(1) In Mabini's letter dated May 31, 1899, quoted above, we find the following
paragraph: "However, the President in his capacity as general has sent comnissioners instructed to request a suspension of hostilities for a sufficient time
in which to consult the people and the army, maintaining that in his desire
to come to an agreement he is now advised by a new cabinet which is more
moderate and conciliatory. I do not know the result of the commission for
It has not yet arrived from Manila.*"