The next morning Aguinaldo arose very early, made his way to the edge of the city and stealthily stole out threw the Americans’ lines, never again to return to Manila until General Funston brought him back, two years later, a captive.
He made his way to Malolos, a few weeks after this conversation, declared himself “Dictator of the Philippines,” appointed a Filipino congress, set up a government of his own and began to run the general affairs in the interior of Luzon.
Chapter V.
Filipino Uprising
The close of the eventful year of 1898 was near at hand. General Otis had been made governor-general of the islands. He had received about 15,000 troops from home. These had all been landed and were quartered in the city of Manila.
Preparations had begun by the American troops for a great day of field sports to be held on the Luneta—a beautiful narrow park paralleling Manila bay and extending southward from the walled-city about four miles—on New Year’s day, 1899.
On the afternoon of January I, as planned, the exercises were begun. The afternoon program consisted of foot races, running high jumps, wheelbarrow race, fat man’s race, running broad jump, high kicking, fancy club swinging, tumbling, shot-put, sack race, tugs of war, five boxing contests, base ball, foot ball, and pole vaulting.
Situated on the Luneta, about a mile south of the walled city, and distant from Manila bay about 100 feet, is a large bandstand. This served as headquarters for the exercises. The day was perfect—clear, cool and calm.