FATHER MAGALONA MEMORANDUM, OCTOBER 3, 1900

Exhibit 1302

[Spanish copy made of original at Headquarters U. S. Dept. of the Visayas. P.I.R., 1010.8.]

MEMORANDUM (OF OCTOBER 3, 1900.) PHILIPPINE NATIONAL ARMY HEADQUARTERS ILOILO. [PANAY.]

First. What can be done to counteract the municipal elections? By the formation of political groups in the towns, composed of intelligent and decided patriots, a species of Katipunan which will work in secret, not permitting its existence to be known to the traitors, the indifferent or selfish. They must organize and hold meetings in order to gain force and unity in their works, provide for their safety and remove all obstacles opposing themselves to their ends. In the towns where there are many traitors, the Katipunan may assume a "political dictatorship," by means of secret agents, who will execute their orders under oath to sweep away all obstacles in their way until the ends prescribed by their constitution are attained. All works of propaganda shall come from these headquarters (proclamations and manifestos of chiefs) and political efforts (plans and attitude to be adopted) in order to counteract any opposition opposed to our plans. The guerrilla chiefs shall communicate by letter or shall call a meeting if possible, and if there is no danger of arousing the suspicions of the enemy, of the well known patriots of intelligence and heart in order to come to an agreement with them regarding the formation of the "Katipunan or Political Head. quarters" which could be called' 'The will of the People" or "Kabubut-on sang banua." Consequently the forces shall support the "Will of the People" when armed forces are necessary and it can be done. The greatest solidarity possible must be secured between these two factors, "The People" and its "Armed Force," in order that they may proceed hand in hand to secure our common desire. By supporting each other, they can issue the proper orders according to circumstances, being obliged first to inform the Headquarters in any difficult eases of importance, of the measures and resolutions to be taken in each district. Exception is made of military operations mapped out in advance by special orders.

Second. What are the means of propaganda? The proclamations, manifestos of the chiefs, speeches made where there are groups of people, meetings and private conversations, thoughts, songs, episodes, verses in our dialect in which the highest degree of patriotism is embodied. Attraction by means of sympathy and courteous treatment to the ignorant and innocent, or those of little influence. Bonds of relationship and friendship, and especially our example in accepting all kinds of sacrifices and sufferings for the cause; convincing our people that we are not seeking personal gains (as is the truth) but that our soul, our breast is filled with noble sentiments worthy of a people which is attempting to secure liberty, at whatever cost, evening these sentiments by palpable acts, evident and undeniable, to our people and foreigners who contemplate us.

Third, What measures are to be taken against perjurers, traitors, Americanistas, those who remain passive, etc.?

Fourth. When the enemy obliges a town by force to raise the American flag or perform other acts of a similar character, what must be done in political as well as military matters? After the "Political Headquarters" have been established as indicated in the first decision, they shall decide all matters relating to political and military question and persons in accordance with orders issued heretofore (regarding spies, etc.) within the strictest justice, honor and humanity. These headquarters therefore in union with the guerrilla chief, shall determine their political plans, legal protests and other work calculated to check the political measures of the enemy in the towns and their municipalities. At the present time we have the example of Benate and Barotac Nueva, desertions of police with their arms as in Barotac Viejo, etc.

Fifth. What should the military do in the event of strong re.enforcements, that is to say, an excessive number of the enemy? The chiefs know and will agree upon what was decided hereon at the meeting. It is not advisable to embody it herein, because this memorandum might be lost or be read by the miserable disciples of Cain. The efforts of the chiefs in their combinations must be only to take care that not one rifle or cartridge shall be lost, nor anything of importance to the struggle when the time comes to begin it again.

Sixth. During the time of the next rice crop, what measures would it be advisable to adopt in the event the struggle should continue? Esta. blish for the present a tax of so much per cent on the production of every citizen. It was resolved that the Military delegates should submit a report to the Headquarters regarding decrees and the collection of this tax, in the form and manner which said gentlemen have considered, thus facilitating the matter when the time comes.

(A) The establishment of rural guards in all the barrios for their protection; to fill vacancies in the national troops, for the storehouses and other services compatible with their organization which should not be paid for from the funds for the regular troops. The delegates, guerrilla chiefs, presidents of juntas and other patriots will hasten their organization. There shall be formed in the barrios squads of from 8 to 12 persons under the command of a corporal (retired or volunteer) as instructor, arranging his own muster roll and transmitting it to the Headquarters of the General Staff. Instruction shall be given as often as necessary during the week, in order that they shall learn military exercises as soon as possible.

(B) Messrs. "Talento" and "Samson" have been charged to draw up regulations for communications (mail), to change the names of offices and establish lines of communication.

Seventh. Every guerrilla chief shall submit to the board the monthly budget of his column for submission to the examination and approval of the Board. An endeavor is made to observe the strictest economy, taking into consideration our exceedingly scant resources. It is advisable, therefore, to do away with what is superfluous, to eliminate what is not absolute. ly necessary and expenses of little use in our organization. On the other hand the Board unanimously resolved to assign one washerman to every fraction who shall at the same time take care of the clothing of the soldiers and their washing, assisted by litter bearers and scouts when they are off duty. Thus the soldiers will not be bothered with tying up their clothes while on the march or other duty, or with carrying them on their shoulders, which would both embarass their movements and weigh them down. It was also resolved that the soldiers must have two pairs of trousers, two pairs of drawers two blouses two undershirts, two hankerchiefs and one towel. The Chiefs" resolved to 'present to the Headquarters of the General Staff said monthly budget prepared with the greatest economy.

Eighth. It was resolved to send a representative of this province to the "Hong Kong Committee." These Headquarters began work on this resolution on the 7th instant, but up to the present time have received no reply from our "Bureau of Information."

Last. The chiefs shall make a note of their views, and anything which may occur to them tending to improve our situation in any manner, and shall please send their memoranda to any of the headquarters. Everything is subject to improvement, as there is nothing perfect. October 24, 1900.

Father PRAXEDES MAGALONA.