Mr. Wildman to Mr. Day.

No. 19.]

Hongkong, November 3, 1897.

Sir:  Since my arrival in Hongkong I have been called upon several times by Mr. F. Agoncillo, foreign agent and high commissioner, etc., of the new republic of the Philippines.

Mr. Agoncillo holds a commission, signed by the president, members of cabinet, and general in chief of the republic of Philippines, empowering him absolutely with power to conclude treaties with foreign governments.

Mr. Agoncillo offers on behalf of his government alliance offensive and defensive with the United States when the United States declares war on Spain, which, in Mr. Agoncillo’s judgment, will be very soon.  In the meantime he wishes the United States to send to some port in the Philippines 20,000 stand of arms and 200,000 rounds of ammunition for the use of his government, to be paid for on the recognition of his government by the United States.  He pledges as security two provinces and the custom-house at Manila.

He is not particular about the price—­is willing the United States should make 25 per cent or 30 per cent profit.

He is a very earnest and attentive diplomat and a great admirer of the United States.

On his last visit he surprised me with the information that he had written his government that he had hopes of inducing the United States to supply the much-needed guns, etc.

In case Senor Agoncillo’s dispatch should fall into the hands of an unfriendly power and find its way into the newspapers, I have thought it wise to apprise the State Department of the nature of the high commissioner’s proposals.

Senor Agoncillo informs me by late mail that he will proceed at once to Washington to conclude the proposed treaty, if I advise.

I shall not advise said step until so instructed by the State Department.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

Rounseville Wildman, Consul.

The offensive impertinence of Mr. Agoncillo is quite conspicuous in this consular communication.  On the money question he was very peculiar.

Mr. Wildman was instructed by Assistant Secretary Cridler to “briefly advise Mr. Agoncillo” that the United States “does not negotiate such treaties,” and that he “should not encourage any advances on the part of Mr. Agoncillo.”  Mr. Wildman busied himself with sending tenders of allegiance to the United States from influential families of Manila.

Mr. Williams cabled the following: 

Manila, September 5, 1898, (Received 10.20 a.m.)

To-day delegation from 4,000 Viscayan soldiers, also representing southern business interests, came to me pledging loyalty to annexation.  Several insurgent leaders, likewise.  Spain can not control; if we evacuate, anarchy rules. Williams.

Mr. Wildman, writing from Hongkong, July 18th, said: