On July 24 Aguinaldo wrote a letter to General Anderson in effect warning him not to disembark American troops in places conquered by the Filipinos from the Spaniards without first communicating in writing the places to be occupied and the object of the occupation. [121]

Aguinaldo’s assumption of civil authority on July 15, 1899, did not pass unnoticed.  On July 21 General Anderson wrote the Adjutant-General of the army concerning it:—­

“His assumption of civil authority I have ignored, and let him know verbally that I could, and would, not recognize it, while I did not recognize him as a military leader.  It may seem strange that I have made no formal protest against his proclamation as Dictator, his declaration of martial law, and publication and execution of a despotic form of government.  I wrote such a protest, but did not publish it, at Admiral Dewey’s request, and also for fear of wounding the susceptibilities of Major-General Merritt, but I have let it be known in every other way that we do not recognize the Dictatorship.  These people only respect force and firmness.  I submit, with all deference, that we have heretofore underrated the natives.  They are not ignorant, savage tribes, but have a civilization of their own; and although insignificant in appearance, are fierce fighters, and for a tropical people they are industrious.  A small detail of natives will do more work in a given time than a regiment of volunteers.”

Because he was invited as general rather than as president, Aguinaldo refused to attend a parade and review on the 4th of July.  This fact is, in itself, an answer to his claim that the Americans were tacitly recognizing his pretensions.

After referring to this incident, Blount says:—­

“On subsequent anniversaries of the day in the Philippines it was deemed wise simply to prohibit the reading of our declaration before gatherings of the Filipino people.  It saved discussion.” [122]

This statement is incorrect.  I myself was present the following year when the declaration was read on the Luneta to a considerable gathering of Filipinos among whom were many school children, and it has often been read since.

The landing of American troops at Paranaque and their going into camp near that town on July 15 caused much excitement, and a lively interchange of telegrams between Insurgent officers followed. [123]

They were suspicious of the intentions of the Americans, [124] and trouble soon began.

On July 16 General Noriel telegraphed Aguinaldo as follows:—­

“An American has come here who says that he is a Colonel of the Army whom we should obey; and that it is your desire.  We did not listen to him, awaiting your order.”

On the back of the telegram is written the following:—­

“Reply.—­You should not obey.  What this American Colonel says is a lie.  Be cautious so as not to be deceived.  You should require from him proof.  Be always vigilant, but upright, also all of the officers and soldiers must be strict and not timid.” [125]