Militarism in the Philippines:

' From the begining of the relations, when Aguinaldo was urged
in Singapore and Hong Kong to return to Cavite and assist the
Americans until Manila fell, we acted under the advice and knowledge of the American, officials. During that time we conquered all
Luzon outside Manila, and were informally recognised and
encouraged by the Americans; but when Manila was captured, and \
the chief end obtained, we were no longer recognised, and were
even treated as untrustworthy. Is thisjust? We can only
attribute the sudden change from friendly.encouragement and
co-operation to the orders from Washington to the officials at
Manila to avoid compromising the. American Government, by any
recognition of the Filipinos or their Government. They endeavoured
to carry out these instructions literally, believing that it was their 'I
proper course to ignore the Filipinos entirely. losing sight of their
former friendly intercourse and assistance, and of the assurances
which the American officials made to our leader, General Aguinaldo,
who in turn commu:tated the same to his followers. I
" In concluding our humble but earnest appeal to the President
and people of the great American Republic, we wish to emphasise
our absolute confidence in him and them, to make it plain that our
protests are not prompted by any feeling of animosity, but are
directed against the conditions existing in Manila, and not against
the American Government or people; to acknowledge our gratitude
to the American arms for destroying the Spanish power in the
Philippines, and permitting the return of Aguinaldo; and to express
a hope that America will stand by her determination not to return
the Islands to Spain. We wait the arbitrament of the Peace
Commission, for whose good judgment we have profound respect,
with even greater interest than the Americans, because it concerns
our native land, our happiness, our freedom, and our homes. In
the meantime, we pray for peace and a perfect understanding with
the Americans."
III.
General Merritt forgot his previous statements, and endeavoured
to rebuke the Filipinos in the word~ contained in the following
interview:" It was impossible to recognise the inslrgents I made it a point "
not to do so, as I knew it would lead to complications. I think
Admiral Dewey after my arrival pursued the same course.