enough to
allow the inhabitants to establish a government of their own, in the
organization of which he would desire American advice and assistance.

These questions I told him I had no authority to discuss.

I have, etc.,

_E. Spencer Pratt_,
United States Consul-General.

June 16th Secretary Day cabled Consul Pratt: "Avoid unauthorized
negotiations with the Philippine insurgents," and the Secretary wrote
the consul on the same day:

"The Department observes that you informed General Aguinaldo that you
had no authority to speak for the United States; and, in the absence
of the fuller report which you promise, it is assumed that you did not
attempt to commit this Government to any alliance with the Philippine
insurgents. To obtain the unconditional personal assistance of General
Aguinaldo in the expedition to Manila was proper, if in so doing he
was not induced to form hopes which it might not he practicable to
gratify. This Government has known the Philippine insurgents only as
discontented and rebellious subjects of Spain, and is not acquainted
with their purposes. While their contest with that power has been
a matter of public notoriety, they have neither asked nor received
from this Government any recognition. The United States, in entering
upon the occupation of the islands, as the result of its military
operations in that quarter, will do so in the exercise of the rights
which the state of war confers, and will expect from the inhabitants,
without regard to their former attitude toward the Spanish Government,
that obedience which will be lawfully due from them.

"If, in the course of your conferences with General Aguinaldo, you
acted upon the assumption that this Government would co-operate with
him for the furtherance of any plan of his own, or that, in accepting
his co-operation, it would consider itself pledged to recognize any
political claims which he may put forward, your action was unauthorized
and can not be approved.

Respectfully yours,

_William E. Day_.

The following letter is a valuable link in the chain of the story of
the Philippines:

Hongkong, August 4, 1898.

Sir: By request I have the honor to confirm the following telegram
sent you on the 2d instant:

Cortes family, representing wealthy educated families Manila, implore
you through Consul-General Wildman, in name humanity and Christianity,
not to desert them, and aid to obtain annexation Philippines to
America. Please see th