SALAS TO FIELD AND LINE OFFICERS, JANUARY 22, 1901

Exhibit 1309.

[Original in Spanish. Contemporary copy. P.I.R., 1171 4.]

JANUARY 22, 1901.

COPY OF THE CIRCULAR ADDRESSED TO ALL THE FIELD AND LINE OFFICERS OF NATIONALIST GUERRILLAS IN OPERATIONS IN THE PROVINCE.

In view of the crises which has occurred in the Headquarters and Politico-Military Government of this province, it is very necessary and urgent to decide upon what is to be done in order to counteract in advance the general disorder which usually takes place in cases of this character, to the grave prejudice of the efforts and thousands of sacrifices which the army and Archipelago of the Philippines have suffered and still suffer. As our brothers in arms will understand, if we do not have a constitution which recognizes, guarantees and answers to the President of the Republic of our Nation, for the acts of the army in the field in this province, they might be qualified as illegal and contrary to the holy cause which the Filipinos defend with all their hearts.

Furthermore, the invading enemy and those who, to the dishonor of our unfortunate country make common cause with him, might charge to the army any dishonorable act whic-h might be committed by enemies and those who are not enemies, who do not form a part of said army, if a legal constitution were not recognized. Hence, a majority of our companions in arms being near the place where the undersigned is, the latter has deemed it wise to send you this circular at the request of the same, requesting that you should, as soon as possible, express your opinion, and carefully study the provisional constitution which is herewith submitted for your consideration and opinion, pending the instructions and orders from the office of the President of the Republic of the Superior Center of Luzon, hoping that you will make such amendments as you deem most necessary.

PROVISIONAL CONSTITUTION.

1. To establish a representative body responsible for the acts and operations of the army in this province, or wherever it may operate.

2. Said representative body shall consist of an Acting Politico-Military Governor, at the same time Commander-in-Chief of the guerrillas, with six military secretaries, who shall perform the duties of Military or General Secretary; Politico or Government Secretary; Secretary-Auditor Secretary of Police and Justice; Secretary for raising funds or of Finance; and Secretary-Commissary or of supplies.

3. The province of Iloilo, including Concepcion, shall be divided into three districts, each one of which shall be under the charge of an immediate superior, who shall assume the command of the guerrillas operating in his district, and report the same to the Commander-in-chief of guerrillas.

4. The denomination of columns shall be abolished and they shall instead be called 1st, 2nd, or etc. -- guerrilla.

5. and last. Immediately after this constitution has been agreed upon by all, the corps of secretaries shall prepare rules in accordance with said constitution, and once approved by unanimity and sanctioned by the Acting Politico-Military Governor and Commander-in-chief of guerrillas, he shall forward a copy of said rules to all the chiefs. It is useless to mention that the details and neC'essary explanations will be fully and clearly stated in the rules to be prepared. I again request that you promptly send me your opinion at Baije, San Enrique, so that the operations may legally continue.

I am, with most distinguished consideration, yours respectfully.

(Signed) QUINTIN SALAS,
BENITO DRIODOCO,
Secretary and Aid-de-camp.

FLYING CAMP, January 22, 1901.