“In the jurisdiction of the Americans, I have surprised small groups of officers, who devote themselves to summoning persons before them and arresting them.  These groups can be found in Binondo, Tondo and Trozo.  I have used all friendly measures to secure their dissolution, but if they continue their conduct, I shall be obliged to turn them over to the American authorities, although I inform you that I shall not make use of such measures, until diplomatic means are exhausted.

“I understand very well that in endeavouring to stop the abuses committed by our officers and by the Filipinos who claim to belong to us, in Manila, I expose myself to becoming a victim of their vengeance; nevertheless, this does not terrify me, because my duty to the country requires it.

“I beg of you that if you take any steps against Major Carmona and the barber lieutenant, to be very careful and call General Pio del Pilar and come to an understanding with him as to the mode of punishment of these officers ....

“I have discovered grave cases which are occurring in the Presidio of Manila, which I propose to relate to you when I shall have the honor to see you personally.  The Americans are already aware of these cases, and are working in their own interest untiringly.

“I could tell you a good many other things, but I do not do so on account of lack of time, and because I wish to reserve them until I can speak to you privately.  In the meantime, order me as you will, etc.”

—­P.I.R., 416. 7.

[174] “General Anderson received us very well, but in the proposed agreement the clauses requiring the prior permission of our commanders before American troops could pass or approach our lines displeased him very much.  Gen. Anderson refuses to treat until after the withdrawal of Noriel’s troops.  I think it prudent to yield.  This telegram is in amplification of another which, at the request of Gen. Anderson, we sent through his telegraph station to your excellency.”—­P.I.R., 849.

[175] “It is impossible to order General Noriel to fall back because if we order it they will ask the same thing from General Pio and we shall get nothing ourselves.  And the worst is that after we have evacuated Manila and its environs they will follow us up to our new positions to take them too without our being able to obtain from them any formal statement of the concession signed in duo form.  Tho conflict is coming sooner or later and we shall gain nothing by asking as favours of them what are really our rights.  We shall maintain them as long as we are able, confiding in Providence and in Justice.  I confirm my last telegram.  Tell General Anderson that we shall hold a meeting of the council of Government in order to decide.  Please return here soon with your companions.  I inclose the map which I hope you will return.”—­P.I.R., 427. 1.

[176] Senate Document No. 208, p. 22.

[177] Ibid., p. 23.