MAXILOM TO LOCAL PRESIDENTES, AUGUST 7, 1899

Exhibit 1399.

[Original in Spanish letter sent book. P.I.R. Boovs. B 10.]

AUGUST 7, 1899.

No. 32.

Circular No. 63. Mabolo to Bogo. [Cebu]

To the Local Presidentes noted on margin:

Hostilities having broken out with the North Americans, provoked by their army of occupation in this province, as I have already had the pleasure of informing you in my previous communication, it became urgent for this military government to assume civil and military powers from the date on which the first shot was fired in defense of our rights and liberties, and in accordance with existing provisions of various orders of our Republic.

Nevertheless, as the continuance of the provincial council in a territory occupied by the enemy is not only entirely illegal, but it forces with it the tacit recognition of American sovereignty by all the towns of the island, inasmuch as said councils in the exercise of their functions are under the rigid guardianship of the invaders, who take advantage of the superiority of their arms, rendering it impossible on that account to act according to what should be the principles and ideals for the prosperity of the cause which we sustain, making it necessary to act in a contrary manner, even as though opposed to them, in order to humor these ambitious usurpers, to whom, unfortunately, unworthy sons of the country, renegades to their race, lend their aid.

With the idea then that the peace of the towns should not be disturbed and the course of events should not suffer any violent upheaval, and that these towns should not become the victims of the brutalities of the invaders, I abstain from assuming these said powers at present, since it is sufficient for me to have the sincere support of the towns-in the hearts of whose residents beats the most ardent patriotism---as has been demonstrated since the beginning of present events Furthermore, bearing in mind that during the coming month the local presidentes are to be convened for the election of a provincial president and a "Consejero de Policia" (member of provincial council charged with the supervision of the police), when the military and civil authorities-who are unfortunately at present at variance - will be drawn together more closely, if the voters, inspired solely by the welfare of the country and the idea of our independence, elect persons who have given evidence of the highest degree of honor and loyalty and at the same time, of unselfishness, constancy and energy to support the sufferings and sacrifices which will be required for the realization of our sacred aspirations. Therefore, I earnestly recommend that you cast aside every unworthy desire, all unworthy personal interests and exactions in proceeding with these elections.

God preserve you many years.

GENERAL HEADQUARTERS, Mayubo, [Cebu] August 7, 1899.

ARCADIO MAXILOM,
Commander-in-Chief