[339] P.I.R., 512.  A 5.

[340] Extract from a letter to Apacible of the Hongkong junta dated February 26, 1899:—­

“It is also said that the Cantonal Government of Negros has wished to make a treaty with the Americans, some members of that government having come in American transports to confer with General Otis.  We are not aware of the conditions of the arrangement, because the Negros people have thus far not wished to put themselves in communication with us; we only know by news more or loss reliable that the capital of that island has been occupied by the American forces without opposition.

“Of Mindanao we know absolutely nothing; we also are ignorant of what has been the lot of our agents in America.”

[341] “Of the Visayas and Mindanao we know nothing positive as yet, it is whispered that the Americans have succeeded in occupying Negros and Cebu against the will of the inhabitants.  Iloilo continues the struggle energetically.  It does not matter that they occupy temporarily those beautiful islands, because Luzon will know how to fight for herself and the rest of the islands, and will not lay down arms without the independence of the Philippine Archipelago.”

[342] Blount, p. 140.

[343] P.I.R., 62. 2.

[344] Ibid., 144. 1.

[345] “The second reason for my resignation is the pain caused me by having still to read among the reports of our military associates that in some of the chiefs, besides odious favouritism, is clearly seen a desire to enrich themselves, accepting bribes, making even prisoners a means of gain, and others there are, above all the commissaries, who dare to decrease the allowance of the soldier, little enough already;—­I throw the blame of all this upon those who taught us such a custom; consequently I have reason to hope that they will change their methods.

“The same cause of complaint I have concerning some companions who are discharging civil offices, especially those who are far from the oversight of the government, who put their own welfare before the common good, and devise a thousand means to further their own ends, even to the extent of gambling.  Where are the police?  Are they, perchance, also bribed?  Pity money is so ill spent!  However, every one is obliged to know that falsehood will never prevail against truth, and as evidence hereof many soldiers have confessed to the government as to having received certain sums in the share of the booty, and if we consider that the latter who receive their share have told the truth, why should those who are present during the partition of the money and receive nothing, not do so?  In this way the eyes of some that were blinded are gradually opened; I confess, moreover, that the latter are to be blamed less than those in authority who are so attached to the methods of the past administration, who, we may hope, will change their mode of conduct and exhibit true patriotism.