“I was pressed to explain further just what meaning General M. meant to convey by the underscored portion of this remark, but I replied that I had repeated the language General M. had used to me, and I preferred they should seek any further explanation from him, lest I might unwittingly fall into error if I undertook to explain his meaning myself.  Their lack of definiteness and my unwillingness to comment upon the language seemed to arouse their apprehensions and suspicions.  They have been trying ever since to obtain in writing some definite promise on this subject.” [177]

Aguinaldo ordered that the machinery of the water works be started up at once, a thing which was very necessary as Manila was suffering from lack of water.  I should be glad if I could leave this matter here, but I cannot, for Major Bell elsewhere makes the further statement:—­

“Attention is invited to General Merritt’s promise made known to Aguinaldo by me verbally, namely, that in the event of the United States withdrawing from these islands, care would be taken to leave Aguinaldo in as good condition as he was found by the forces of the Government.  From a remark the General made to me I inferred he intended to interpret the expression ‘forces of the Government’ to mean the naval forces, should future contingencies necessitate such an interpretation.” [178]

Let us hope that Major Bell misunderstood General Merritt’s intention.  If this is not the case, I must say in all frankness that in my opinion it was General Merritt’s intention to indulge in sharp practice.

Obviously, the American naval forces did not find Aguinaldo in any “condition,” in the sense in which General Merritt uses the term.  On the contrary, they brought him from Hongkong and assisted him in starting a revolution.  The negotiations in question were relative to the positions held by the Insurgents at the time the negotiations took place, and General Merritt’s promise could not legitimately be interpreted to refer to anything else.

Had Aguinaldo accepted his offer, a most embarrassing situation would have resulted.  General Merritt was obviously not authorized to make such a proposition in the first instance, and the only honourable course left open to him would have been to advise Washington of his improper action and beg the Government to support him in it and thus save the honour of the country.

Fortunately, Aguinaldo did not act upon the promise nor accept the offer.  On the contrary, he promptly and indignantly denied that he was committed to anything, and sought to impose new conditions which were not acceded to.

Meanwhile some one doubtless got hold of General Merritt and called his attention to the fact that in making this offer he had grossly exceeded his authority, for in his reply to Aguinaldo’s protest General Merritt says:—­

“So far as any promises as to what should be done in the event of a conclusion of a treaty between the United States and Spain are concerned, it is utterly impossible for me as the military representative only of the United States to make any promises such as you request.  As you have already been informed, you may depend upon the good will of the Americans out here and the Government, of which you already know the beneficence, to determine these matters in the future.” [179]