Fifteen minutes later, at 11.05, he received a reply to his telegram to General Riego de Dios, in which that officer communicated the views of Araneta [147] and Buencamino, who had been unable to find General Anderson.  This important communication follows:—­

“Most urgent.  Araneta and Buencamino having been consulted in regard to your telegram of to-day, they confirm capitulation, and in regard to the telegraphic note of General Anderson they are of the opinion, first that we should continue hostilities while we ask for an explanation; second, that explanation should be in the following terms:  Inquire reason for note and ask why our troops are not to enter Manila without permission of the American commander; third, in case the (terms of?) capitulation is given as the reason, to answer that we do not suspend our attempt to enter Manila.  Its capitulation is not favourable to our independence.  General Anderson is not here.  General Merritt is probably in Manila.  Only Admiral Dewey is in the Bay.  We ask authorization to express our explanation in the proposed terms and to have a conference with Admiral Dewey in order to have our claims reach General Merritt.” [148]

An endorsement written by Mabini and signed by Aguinaldo on the above paper reads:—­

“I authorize every assertion of right, but state that we believe that we have the right to enter Manila without permission as we have a part in the surrender of the Spaniards.  They would not have surrendered if our troops had not cut off their retreat to the interior.  Besides but for us the landing of troops would have cost them much blood.  Obtain an answer as soon as possible in order to lay a protest before the consuls in case it is necessary.” [149]

Naturally, trouble followed.  At 1.30 P.M.  General Ricarte telegraphed to Aguinaldo:—­

“Americans wish to put us out.  Give directions.” [150]

Apparently about the same hour he wired more at length, as follows:—­

“Most urgent.  American troops rearguard our trenches.  Mabolo and San Jose warn us that they will fire on us when the time comes.  Impossible to remain there without disagreeing with them.  Since 5 o’clock this morning we have been furiously attacking.  Americans firing incessantly, Spaniards silent.  No losses yet.” [151]

At 3.52 he wired again:—­

“General Pio del Pilar informs me of the following:  ’Come here, if possible, as our soldiers at the barrio of Concepcion are not allowed to go out and we are prohibited to move on any farther.  We it was who succeeded in capturing that place.  Come here or there will be trouble, since they are driving me away, and refusing to listen to what I say.’  I am at this very moment going to aforesaid place.” [152]

At 5 P.M. another was sent by Ricarte to Aguinaldo as follows:—­

“Colonel San Miguel arrived here from Ermita.  Regional Exposition, Agricultural College and other buildings are ours.  Our flag flies already at Ermita.  Colonel Agapito Donzon with his troops is in the Perez building, Paco.  Colonels Julian Ocampo and Isidoro Tolentino are in the convent of Ermita.  All houses without flag are guarded by our soldiers.” [153]