Page:The Pacific Monthly volumes 1-3.djvu/217

 is on this basis they cheer the Americans, and they always are careful to include the Republica Filipinas in all such sentiments. Still, I believe the wealthy classes are satisfied that American rule is better for them than an unrestrained government of the people, while the masses, as I said before, are well enough satisfied to be relieved from the dominion of Spain. The element of danger in the situation, as I conceive it, is the Filipino army, both organized and unorganized. Their heads are so swelled by their success in arms, that they imagine them- selves to be great fighters, and even think they could whip the Americans should it become necessary. They want to rule, to confiscate Spanish and church property and collect taxes and exactions such as they have become accustomed to. Their idea of a government of their own is an opportunity to run things with a high hand and to do unto the Spaniards as was done unto them. The American idea of government and civil

and individual liberty they do not comprehend. For this reason there may be some friction in fully establishing American authority and laying the Republica Filipinas on the table indefinitely, and it will call for diplomacy and delicate handling. My own idea is that the more wealthy and intelligent natives should be given positions, such as provincial governors and district officers, and that a degree of local self-government be provided for. In this way the aristocracy might be placaded and the backbone of opposition broken.

Returning from the banquet to our host's residence, we indulged in the in- evitable siesta preparatory to attending the grand ball in the evening. With true native ease, we spread mats on the polished hardwood floor, and with heads on a wool pillow slumbered until a general alarm was sounded for dinner, an affair not much less elaborate than the banquet.

The ball was held at the house of a