The development of Philippine politics

268 THE DEVELOPMENT OF PHILIPPINE POLITICS

Selior Pedro A. Paterno,
Calle San Roque, Santa Cruz,
Manila.
The following similar letter came from General MacArthur:
OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES. MILITARY GOVERNOR IN THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS
Manila, July 28, 1900.
Mr. Pedro Alejandro Pateano,
Manila.
My dear Sir:
It has been intimated to ine that speeches are to be
delivered at the banquet this evening to the effect that an
independent government should be erected in these islands
under the protection of the United States.
Such speeches cannot be delivered without disregarding
the assurances you gave me when proposing the organization
of the banquet to the effect that the speeches should be confined exclusively to expressions of satisfaction at the extension of the amnesty by the United States; and that no questions related to the future form of government to be instituted in these islands should be discussed.
I shall expect you to conform strictly to your obligation
in this particular, and not encourage or permit any oratory
such as that referred to in the opening paragraph of this
note.
Very respectfully,
(Sgd.) ARTHUR MACARTHUR,
U. S. Military Governor in the Philippines.
The celebration was continued, but the speakers had
to be content with keeping their set speeches in their
pockets. Paterno would have said, in part: "At one end
is the American people requiring the recognition of their
sovereignty in order to fulfill their international obligations,
At the other end is the Filipino people under the leadership
of Aguinaldo who demanded the recognition of their national Independence even at the cost of their last drop of
blood.
"Are there any means worthy of honor for reconciling
the two extremes?