(Circular printed in Tagalog. P.I.R., 17-6. Supplement to _Heraldo Filipino_.
"Friday, 24th February, 1899.
"_Countrymen_:
"We must consider ourselves fortunate that the bad intentions of North America were found out early. If we had not found them out by this time we should have been entrapped. And we should thank G.o.d that they commenced the war.
"You ought to know by this time that these people can teach us nothing good. What we can learn from them is all evil. You must admit the truth of what they are reported to do to our brothers in Manila where they rob the houses when the dwellers in them are out or busy. Their evil inclinations prevail over them to such an extent that the houses most worthy of consideration are not safe. They are worse than the wild people who live in the woods, they have not the slightest idea of looking at things from the point of view of a man of honour nor have they the slightest respect for reason, for this does not control their actions in the least. Without the slightest attention to civility they rush into houses and if they find the people eating, without saying a word, they take what they want from the table, put it into their mouths and go as they came.
"If they find people sleeping or resting, taking the siesta, it makes no difference to them; they go into the most private parts of the house as though they were walking in the street.
"In the shops they take what pleases them and if the owner wants payment they threaten him with their rifles.
"One can hardly believe and my pen refuses to write all of the perversity, and evil and bad habits of these people.
"Their habits and manners are a disgrace to the country where they were born. In no history have such customs and manners been described even in that of the most ignorant people.
"They search women who pa.s.s, feeling all over their bodies, taking from them money and whatever else they carry and if they come on them in a lonely place they strip them naked after violating them and do not leave a rag on them.
"Are these those honest men of whom we have heard? Are these the people who were going to teach us good habits? Are these the people who were going to guide us? The race which does these things is the most hated one in the world, it is the race which commits most cruelties, it is the race which does not treat its mother with respect; in this race there is not the slightest idea of personal dignity, it is a race which does not know what honour is, which does not possess the slightest vestige of regard for good manners. Are these the people who are going to protect us? It is better for us to die at once than fall into the power of these unequalled malefactors.
"Down with the bad men!
"Kill the Americans!!
"Let the people of the United States be exterminated!!!
"Notice.--This sheet is distributed gratis."
[409] "A light upon the treatment of women by these people is given by the fact that after an American detachment had captured Lukban"s papers and family on August 18, and came so close to taking him that he was able to recognize their guide, one of his correspondents wrote to him that to their surprise the women, who had fully expected to be abused, had been treated with respect and given a house to live in. (P.I.R., 1143.4.)"--_Taylor_, 84 HS.
[410] In a letter to General Ambrosio Moxica from ------ dated March 2, 1900, occurs the following:--
"The guerillas quartered in the neighbourhood must render mutual a.s.sistance and keep up communication, so as to get the news as to where the enemy comes or goes, and the time at which they will pa.s.s certain points, endeavouring also to arrange that all the guerilla bands should have regular couriers, with you or with general headquarters, giving advice daily of any occurrence and carrying correspondence. They must select trustworthy women to carry correspondence, charging them to hide the letters underneath their skirts, bearing in mind that the Americans do not search them; and in sending to the towns for arms or food, the orders must be sent by women and for small quant.i.ties, so as not to attract attention."--P.I.R., 2035. 3.
[411] Simeon Villa, who accompanied Aguinaldo on his long flight, kept a somewhat detailed account of events in the form of a diary.
[412] P.I.R., 869.
[413] _Ibid._
[414] P.I.R., 2035. 3.
[415] P.I.R., 886. 13.
[416] Exhibit 1233
(Original in Spanish. Contemporary copy. P.I.R., Books B. 4.)
"_General Headquarters, Santa Barbara_, Feb. 28th, 1899."
(Literal copy of telegram.)
"Casualties, Americans, on 6th, 2000 Colonels dead, one General; all churches converted into hospitals full American wounded; total American casualties 7000 confirmed by General Fullon just arrived from Malolos; says also Iloilo quiet and not taken.
"A true copy
"By order of Chief of Staff.
"_Juan Beloso_."
[417] (Supplement to the _Filipino Herald_.)
"Thursday, Feb. 23rd, 1899.--4 P.M.
"The Filipino Army occupies the suburbs of Manila.
"The three columns commanded by Generals Pio del Pilar and Licerio and Col. Hizon now occupy the suburbs of Sampaloc, San Miguel, San Sebastian, Binondo, San Nicholas and Tondo.
"The Cavite battalion has possession of the Cuartel de Meisic and our flag is now flying there.
"_Six Thousand Americans Besieged!!!_
"The American troops now in Caloocan and La Loma to the number of over six thousand are besieged by the columns commanded by Generals Luna, Llanera and Garcia.
"_The Honourable President_
"This very moment the special train carrying the Honourable President has left for Caloocan.
"Viva the independent Philippines!!!
"Viva the unconquerable Philippine Army!!!
"Notice. This sheet is distributed gratis."--P.I.R., 70-6.
[418] (News.) The American General, MacArthur, with his entire staff, was taken prisoner by our troops in Northern Luzon. Another American general died on the 5th of January last in the North, who was seriously wounded in an ambush or fight. When shot he was a colonel, but on account of said fight he was promoted to the rank of a general, so that later when he died, he had the benefit of that rank."--P.I.R., 2035. 3.
[419] (Telegrams)
"_Washington_, January 15, 1900, 10 A.M.
"(Received, Cebu, January 16, 1900, 11 A.M.)
"Owing to a new disaster of the Union Army, MacKinley has tendered his resignation as President, Mr. Bryan succeeding him.
"Peace promulgated in the Philippines. Basis of the protectorate is being discussed.
"Philippine independence will be proclaimed February the 4th.