"I believe I know the sentiments of the political leaders and of the
moneyed men among the insurgents, and, in spite of all statements to
the contrary, I know that they are fighting for annexation to the
United States first, and for independence secondly, if the United
States decides to decline the sovereignty of the islands. In fact I
have had the most prominent leaders call on me and say they would not
raise one finger unless I could assure them that the United States
intended to give them United States citizenship if they wished it."

August 9th, Mr. Wildman gave the following character sketch of
Aguinaldo, writing of the position Consul Williams, of Manila, and
himself took toward the insurgents, says:

"I tried to briefly outline the position Consul Williams and myself
have taken toward the insurgents. We believed that they were a
necessary evil, and that if Aguinaldo was placed in command, and was
acceptable to the insurgents as their leader, that Admiral Dewey or
General Merritt would have some one whom they could hold responsible
for any excesses. The other alternative was to allow the entire islands
to be overrun by small bands bent only on revenge and looting. We
considered that Aguinaldo had more qualifications for leadership
than any of his rivals. We made him no pledges and extracted from
him but two, viz., to obey unquestioning the commander of the United
States forces in the Philippine Islands, and to conduct his warfare
on civilized lines. He was in and out of the consulate for nearly
a month, and I believe I have taken his measure and that I acquired
some influence with him. I have striven to retain his influence and
have used it in conjunction with and with the full knowledge of both
Admiral Dewey and Consul Williams.

"Aguinaldo has written me by every opportunity, and I believe that he
has been frank with me regarding both his actions and his motives. I
do not doubt but that he would like to be President of the Philippine
Republic, and there may be a small coterie of his native advisers who
entertain a like ambition, but I am perfectly certain that the great
majority of his followers, and all the wealthy educated Filipinos
have but the one desire--to become citizens of the United States
of America. As for the mass of uneducated natives, they would be
content under any rule save that of the friars. My correspondence with
Aguinaldo has been strictly of a personal nature, and I have missed no
oppor