On May 16, 1898, J. M. Basa, a Filipino, who had lived in Hongkong
since 1872, on account of his connection with the troubles of that
year, wrote letters [29] to a number of friends recommending the
widest possible circulation of a proclamation enclosed therewith, as
an aid to the American policy in the Philippines "in the war against
the tyrannical friars and the Spaniards."

With these letters there were sent two different proclamations,
each beginning with the words "Fellow Countrymen." The first, which
is the one referred to by Blount, continues:--

"Divine Providence places us in a position to secure our independence,
and this under the freest form to which all individuals, all people,
all countries, may aspire.

"The Americans, more for humanity than for self-interest, attentive
to the complaints of so many persecuted Filipinos, find it opportune
to extend to our Philippines their protective mantle, now that they
find themselves obliged to break their friendship with the Spanish
people, because of the tyranny they have exercised in Cuba, causing
all Americans, with whom they have great commercial relations,
enormous damages.

"At this moment an American fleet is prepared to go to the Philippines.

"We, your fellow-countrymen, fear that you will make use of your arms
to fire upon the Americans. No, brothers; do not make such a mistake;
rather (shoot) kill yourselves than treat our liberators as enemies.

"Do not pay attention to the decree of Primo de Rivera, calling on