BENEVOLENT ASSIMILATION IN ILOILO
H.M.S. Bonaventure arrived in Iloilo on January 1, 1899, bringing Otis' letter enclosing Mckinley's cablegram (the Benevolent Assimilation Proclamation.)
Otis writes Miller, enclosing Benevolent Assimilation Proclamation
Since no message was received prohibiting publication of the proclamation, Miller was under the impression that it was transmitted so it can be published.
So as soon as Miller received it, he wrote a letter to Roque Lopez of the Estado Federal de Bisayas, enclosing the proclamation. He also published the proclamation. The content of Benevolent Assimilation was let loose.
Miller writes Roque Lopez of the Estado Federal de Bisayas, enclosing Benevolent Assimilation Proclamation
Meanwhile in Manila, after considering the content of the Benevolent Assimilation Proclamation, Otis figured that as the proclamation was written, he would be expecting resistance from Filipinos.
Although Otis was instructed to publish the Benevolent Assimilation Proclamation, he cabled Mckinley that he hadn't yet, as now is not the opportune time, maybe it will be in two or three days, but Miller already had a copy.
Otis to Washington, Jan 2 1899
"As soon as i could do so (consider its probable effect) I cabled washington that it would not be published, as the time was not opportune." - Otis
Otis to Miller, Jan 15 1899
Otis decided to tone down the proclamation by removing words that could spark controversy, debate, or hurt the sentiments of Filipinos.
He altered the Benevolent Assimilation Proclamation.
Otis amends Benevolent Assimilation Proclamation
"After some deliberation we put out one of our own which it was believed would suit the temper of the people." - Otis
Otis to Miller, Jan 15 1899
Otis then published his altered version on January 4, 1899 in Manila.
Benevolent Assimilation Proclamation (altered version)
When Otis prepared his altered version, Miller in Iloilo immediately came to mind. Miller had the original version, and he might publish it.
Otis sent Potter to Iloilo that same day, January 4, 1899.
Potter arrived in Iloilo on January 6, 1899. But he was too late.
Miller informed Otis that he had already sent a letter, enclosing the original version of the proclamation to Roque Lopez of the Estado Federal de Bisayas. He also had published the proclamation.
"I sent to the Governing Committee, R. Lopez, President, a copy of the letter of instructions of the President ... I had copies of the President's instructions translated into Spanish, distributed to the people in different ways" - Miller
"am informed that the people laughed at it" - Miller
Miller to Otis, Jan 6 1899
By this time, Miller hadn't received a reply from Lopez yet to his Jan 1 letter enclosing the Benevolent Assimilation Proclamation, nor was he expecting one.
However, on January 9, 1899, Roque Lopez replied to Miller, responding to the Benevolent Assimilation proclamation.
Lopez replies to Miller, responding to the Benevolent Assimilation Proclamation
Miller replied on January 11, 1899
"regret very much your final conclusion does not conform to the order of the President of the United States, which announces sovereignty over all these islands. You must rest assured in the end that the sovereignty will be maintained, whatever obstructions may temporarily intervene. The President is very desirous for the people of the Philippine Islands to accept the authority of the United States as friends, and without compulsion." -Miller
Miller to Lopez, Jan 11 1899, First Letter
Miller wrote a second letter that same day to Roque Lopez inviting him or his representatives for consultation aboard USAT Newport.
Miller to Lopez, Jan 11 1899, Second Letter
On January 15, 1899, Otis wrote Miller, admonishing Miller's publication of the Benevolent Assimilation Proclamation.
" I sent you the President's proclamation, not for publication, but for your information, simply."
Otis to Miller, Jan 15 1899
On January 11, 1899, Miller sent Dr. Phelan to negotiate with the Estado Federal de Bisayas.
Phelan's meeting with Estado Federal de Bisayas, Jan 11 1899