of cabinet, and general in chief of the republic of Philippines,
empowering him absolutely with power to conclude treaties with
foreign governments.

Mr. Agoncillo offers on behalf of his government alliance offensive and
defensive with the United States when the United States declares war
on Spain, which, in Mr. Agoncillo's judgment, will be very soon. In
the meantime he wishes the United States to send to some port in the
Philippines 20,000 stand of arms and 200,000 rounds of ammunition for
the use of his government, to be paid for on the recognition of his
government by the United States. He pledges as security two provinces
and the custom-house at Manila.

He is not particular about the price--is willing the United States
should make 25 per cent or 30 per cent profit.

He is a very earnest and attentive diplomat and a great admirer of
the United States.

On his last visit he surprised me with the information that he had
written his government that he had hopes of inducing the United States
to supply the much-needed guns, etc.

In case Senor Agoncillo's dispatch should fall into the hands of an
unfriendly power and find its way into the newspapers, I have thought
it wise to apprise the State Department of the nature of the high
commissioner's proposals.

Senor Agoncillo informs me by late mail that he will proceed at once
to Washington to conclude the proposed treaty, if I advise.

I shall not advise said step until so instructed by the State
Department.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

_Rounseville Wildman_, Consul.

The offensive impertinence of Mr. Agoncillo is quite conspicuous
in this consular communication. On the money question he was very
peculiar.

Mr. Wildman was instructed by Assistant Secretary Cridler to "briefly
advise Mr. Agoncillo" that the United States "does not negotiate such
treaties," and that he "should not encourage any advances on the part
of Mr. Agoncillo." Mr. Wildman busied himself with sending tenders
of allegiance to the United States from influential families of Manila.

Mr. Williams cabled the following:

Manila, September 5, 1898, (Received 10.20 a.m.)

To-day delegation from 4,000 Viscayan soldiers, also representing
southern business interests, came to me pledging loyalty to
annexation. Several insurgent leaders, likewise. Spain can not control;
if we evacuate, anarchy rules. _Williams._

Mr. Wildman, writing from Hongkong, July 18th, said: