According to this decree the dictatorial government was in future to be entitled the revolutionary government.  Its duty was to struggle for the independence of the Philippines in order to estabish a true republic.  The dictator was to be known as the president of the revolutionary government.  There were to be four secretaries—­one of foreign affairs, commerce and marine; one of war and public works; one of police and interior order, justice, education and hygiene; one of the treasury, agriculture and manufactures.  The government could increase the number of secretaries if necessary.  They were to assist the president in the despatch of business coming under their departments.

In addition to the president and his secretaries, there was to be a revolutionary congress composed of representatives from the provinces of the Philippine Archipelago, elected as provided by the decree of June 18.  In case a province was not able to elect representatives, the government would appoint them for such province.  The congress was to discuss and advise, to approve treaties and loans, and to examine and approve the accounts of the secretary of the treasury.  If important matters admitted of delay, the congress would be heard concerning them; but if they did not admit of delay, the president of the government was to act at once.  Projects of law could be presented by any representative, and by the secretaries of the government.

A permanent committee of congress presided over by the vice-president was to be chosen by that body.  This was to serve as a court of appeal in criminal cases and as a court of final jurisdiction in cases arising between the secretaries of the government and provincial officials.  The acts of congress were not to go into effect until the president of the government ordered their execution.  He was also to have the right of veto.

This was a well-devised plan to secure control for the central group about Aguinaldo.  His commissioners, under a form of election in which the electors were carefully selected men, established municipal governments devoted to the cause of the revolution.  These were to choose provincial officials and members of the congress.  All elections were subject to Aguinaldo’s approval, and every province was under the command of a military representative of his, who could and did call upon the civil authorities for such supplies as he deemed fit.  All real power was vested in the central group, and the central group was composed of Emilio Aguinaldo and his public and private advisers.  By this time he had gathered about him men who were trained in the law, some of whom had served the Spanish government in various capacities.  They were accustomed to the methods that had previously prevailed under the Spanish regime, and were now ready to draw up constitutions and regulations for the new government.  Mabini wrote the three organic decrees.  Copies of them were sent to the foreign consuls in Manila, and on July 15, 1898 to Admiral Dewey.