Philippine Army in the moment of
its triumphs over the regular forces of the Spanish Government! One's
heart swells and throbs again with the emotions of extreme delight;
the soul is filled with pride, and the goal of patriotism seems
well-nigh reached in the midst of such a magnificent spectacle!
At the end of June I called on Admiral Dewey, who, after complimenting
me on _the rapid triumphs of the Philippine Revolution_, told me
he had been asked by the German and French Admirals why he allowed
the Filipinos to display on their vessels a flag that was not
recognized. Admiral Dewey said his reply to the French and German
Admirals was--with _his knowledge and consent the Filipinos used that
flag_, and, apart from this, he was of opinion that in view of the
courage and steadfastness of purpose displayed in the war against
the Spaniards the Filipinos deserved the right to use their flag.
I thereupon expressed to the Admiral my unbounded gratitude for such
unequivocal protection, and on returning to the shore immediately
ordered the Philippine flotilla to convey troops to the other provinces
of Luzon and to the Southern islands, to wage war against the Spaniards
who garrisoned them.
CHAPTER VIII
Expedition to Bisayas
The expedition to Bisayas was a complete success as far as the
conveyance of our troops to the chief strategic points was concerned,
our steamers returning safely to Cavite after landing the soldiers. The
steamer _Bulusan_, however, which sailed for Masbate with Colonel
Sr. Mariano Riego de Dios' column destined for duty in Samar was
sighted by the Spanish gunboats _Elcano_ and _Uranus_, which gave
chase, and the former proving the faster overtook and attacked the
_Bulusan_ doing so much damage to her that she foundered after
a hot engagement in which considerable damage was done to the
Spaniard. Happily the crew and troops on board of the _Bulusan_
saved their lives by swimming ashore.
CHAPTER IX
The Steamer "Compania de Filipinas"
In a few days the Spanish steamer _Compania de Filipinas_ was
brought to Cavite by my countrymen, who captured her in the harbour
of Aparri. Cannon were at once mounted on board this vessel and she
was loaded with troops and despatched for Olongapo, but she had not
gone far before I sent another gunboat to recall her because Admiral
Dewey requested me to do so in order that a question raised by the
French Consul might be duly settled. The Admiral
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