r own forces.

CHAPTER XI

The Spanish Commission

At this juncture the Admiral suddenly changed the topic of conversation
and asked--"Why don't the people in Manila rise against the Spaniards
as their countrymen in the provinces have done? Is it true that they
accept the _autonomy_ offered by General Augustin with a representative
Assembly? Is the report which has reached me true, that a Filipino
Commission has been sent from Manila to propose to you the acceptance
of that _autonomy_ coupled with a recognition of your rank of General,
as well as recognition of the rank held by your companions?"

"The people of Manila," I answered, "are quiet because they have
no arms and because as merchants and landlords they fear that their
valuable properties and money in the banks will be confiscated by the
Spaniards if they rise up and begin burning and destroying the property
of others. On this account they had ostensibly accepted _autonomy_,
not because that was what they wanted but more as a means of deceiving
the Spaniards and being allowed to live in peace; but I am confident
that all the Filipinos in Manila are for _independence_, as will be
proved the very day our troops capture Manila. At that time I fully
expect the people of Manila will join with us in raising loud cheers
for the Independence of the Philippines, making fresh demonstrations
of loyalty to our Government."

I also told him it was true that a Mixed Commission had arrived and
in the name of General Augustin and Archbishop Nozaleda made certain
proposals; but they made known to us their intention to adhere to our
Cause. The members of the Commission said the Spaniards instructed them
to say they came _motu propio_ [2] without being formally appointed
or 'coached' by the Spanish authorities in what they should say,
representing, on the contrary, that they were faithful interpreters
of the sentiment of the people of Manila and that they had good
reason for believing that if I was willing to accept _autonomy_
General Augustin and Archbishop Nozaleda would recognize my rank
of General, and that of my companions, would give me the $1,000,000
indemnity agreed upon at Biak-na-bato and still unpaid, as well as
liberal rewards for and salaries to the members of a popular Assembly
promises which the Commissioners did not put any faith in, though some
of them held the opinion that the money should be accepted because
it would reduce the funds of the Spanish