It will be noted that several sentences and phrases in Blount’s statement are enclosed in quotation marks.  From what were they quoted?  The next paragraph in his book tells us:—­

“Says the newspaper clipping which has preserved the Pratt oration:  At the conclusion of Mr. Pratt’s speech, refreshments were served, and as the Filipinos, being Christians, drink alcohol, there was no difficulty in arranging as to refreshments.” [26]

The use of this clipping from the Singapore Free Press illustrates admirably Blount’s methods.  The Free Press had at first displayed a marked coldness toward the insurgent cause, but its editor, Mr. St. Clair, was opportunely “seen” by Bray, who reported that as a result of his visit, both the editor and the paper would thereafter be friendly, and they were.  In other words, the Free Press became the Singapore organ of the insurrection, and its editor, according to Bray, “a true and loyal friend” of Aguinaldo.

Blount claims to have made “an exhaustive examination of the records of that period.” [27] Why then did he use as evidence a newspaper clipping from an Insurgent organ, instead of Santos’s letter?

Blount endeavours to make capital out of the fact that Pratt forwarded to the State Department a proclamation which he says was gotten up by the Insurgent leaders at Hongkong and sent to the Philippines in advance of Aguinaldo’s coming.  He says that it was headed “America’s Allies” and quotes from it as follows:—­

“Compatriots:  Divine Providence is about to place independence within our reach....  The Americans, not from mercenary motives, but for the sake of humanity and the lamentations of so many persecuted people, have considered it opportune, etc. [Here follows a reference to Cuba.] At the present moment an American squadron is preparing to sail for the Philippines....  The Americans will attack by sea and prevent any reenforcements coming from Spain; ... we insurgents must attack by land.  Probably you will have more than sufficient arms, because the Americans have arms and will find means to assist us. There where you see the American flag flying, assemble in numbers; they are our redeemers!” [28]

The translation that he used is that given in Senate Document No. 62, L. 60, and is none too accurate.  He allows it to be inferred that this proclamation was actually issued.  It was not.  Its history is as follows:—­

On May 16, 1898, J. M. Basa, a Filipino, who had lived in Hongkong since 1872, on account of his connection with the troubles of that year, wrote letters [29] to a number of friends recommending the widest possible circulation of a proclamation enclosed therewith, as an aid to the American policy in the Philippines “in the war against the tyrannical friars and the Spaniards.”

With these letters there were sent two different proclamations, each beginning with the words “Fellow Countrymen.”  The first, which is the one referred to by Blount, continues:—­