In July he issued a proclamation fixing the 12th day of that month for the declaration of the independence of the Philippines.
In November Aguinaldo defied General Otis, refusing to release his Spanish prisoners.
The Cabinet on December 2 cabled General Otis to demand the release of the prisoners.
[Illustration: EMILIO AGUINALDO, MILITARY DICTATOR OF THE FILIPINOS.]
AGUINALDO THE MAN.
In his features, face and skull Aguinaldo looks more like a European than a Malay.
He is what would be called a handsome man, and might be compared with many young men in the province of Andalusia, Spain. If there be truth in phrenology he is a man above the common. Friends and enemies agree that he is intelligent, ambitious, far-sighted, brave, self-controlled, honest, moral, vindictive, and at times cruel. He possesses the quality which friends call wisdom and enemies call craft. According to those who like him he is courteous, polished, thoughtful and dignified; according to those who dislike him he is insincere, pretentious, vain and arrogant. Both admit him to be genial, generous, self-sacrificing, popular and capable in the administration of affairs. If the opinion of his foes be accepted he is one of the greatest Malays on the page of history. If the opinion of his friends be taken as the criterion he is one of the great men of history irrespective of race.--The Review of Reviews.
FACTS FROM FELIPE AGONCILLO'S LETTER IN LESLIE'S MAGAZINE.
Sixty per cent, of the inhabitants can read and write.