“Urgent. August 20, 1898: Colonel López reports that our troops are still sacking and committing outrages in Malate, Paco and Ermita, even menacing people with their arms. Urge you to take proper measures to stop these abuses.”—P.I.R., 1167. 3.
[97] Extract from a letter of August 20, 1899, from Mabini to Aguinaldo:
“Señor López, your adjutant, arrived and told me of many complaints regarding the behaviour of the soldiers. He says that our officers carry off many horses, some of them belonging to foreigners. If the foreigners should enter a protest against such doings, I do not know what will be thought of our government.
“It is also absolutely necessary that a stop should be put to the passes, and that the tax on merchandise entering Manila, should no longer be exacted. It is absolutely necessary, if you think well of it, for us to promote General Pío, and make him your second in command. It is necessary for him to leave the vicinity of Manila, as we cannot remove him by force; and do not reprimand him.
“If you approve, I will write a Decree, but I reflect that nothing will succeed, if our commanders are not obliged to comply.”
—P.I.R., 472. 13.
[98] I.e. the Americans.
[99] P.I.R., 458. 8.
[100] Major J. F. Bell accompanied Sandico on this trip.
[101] P.I.R., 1166. 12.