Aguinaldo himself finally became disheartened over his inability to maintain a decent state of public order in the territory which he claimed to govern, and in December, 1898, tendered his resignation, giving among other reasons odious favouritism on the part of some of the military chiefs, together with a desire to enrich themselves by improper means, such as accepting bribes, making prisoners a source of gain, and decreasing the allowance of the soldiers.  He said that many soldiers had received sums of money as their share of booty, and intimated that officers must have done the same.  He made charges against civil as well as military officers and ended by saying that he retained the evidence for presentation when called on. [345]

Aguinaldo was later persuaded to withdraw his resignation.  No wonder that he wished to tender it!

In referring to the report of Wilcox and Sargent, Blount has said:—­

“This report was submitted by them to Admiral Dewey under date of November 23, 1898, and by him forwarded to the Navy Department for its information, with the comment that it ’in my opinion contains the most complete and reliable information obtainable in regard to the present state of the northern part of Luzon Island.’  The Admiral’s indorsement was not sent to the Senate along with the report.” [346]

He thus gives it to be understood that the admiral believed that the report truthfully set forth the conditions which actually existed in these provinces, and that his indorsement was suppressed.  Not only was it true that this report when rendered contained the most complete and reliable information then available in regard to the existing state of the northern part of Luzon Island, but it contained the only first-hand information available.  The facts ultimately leaked out and led the admiral radically to change his opinion as to the conditions which arose under Insurgent rule.  Of them he later said:—­

“There was a sort of a reign of terror; there was no government.  These people had got power for the first time in their lives and they were riding roughshod over the community.  The acts of cruelty which were brought to my notice were hardly credible.  I sent word to Aguinaldo that he must treat his prisoners kindly, and he said he would.”

I believe that I have fully demonstrated the truth of these statements.  Blount was thoroughly familiar with Dewey’s testimony before the Senate Committee, in which they occur, but he did not mention them.

I cannot close this discussion of Insurgent rule without quoting extracts from a remarkable document written by Isabelo Artacho in October, [347] 1899.  It was entitled “Declaration Letter and Proclamation” and was addressed to the Filipino people.  While it is probable that Artacho was impelled to tell the truth by his hatred for Aguinaldo, tell the truth he did, and his rank and standing entitle his statements to consideration:—­