PARDO TO MOXICA, MARCH 6, 1900

Exhibit 1374.

[Extract from Spanish. L. S. P I R., 2035.3 ]

MARCH 6, 1900.

My ESTEEMED AND DEAR SEŅORA. [A. MOXICA]: After completing the former letter which accomplishes this, I remembered that I still had to communicate to you other news, therefore I have the honor to address you the present, begging you beforehand to pardon me for giving you so much trouble; and will proceed to relate to you the following:

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I have heard from Cebu with regret that some of the persons who are with you are suspicious of distinguished people in Carigara and other towns, claiming that they are Americanistas or partisans of our enemies; and although it distresses me to have to give you my opinion upon this point, I do it through patriotism, which is above paltry passions, as to-day more than ever, we should have great reluctance in offering opinions, as they may wound the self respect of some people, for there are many of us who for reasons of policy appear to be in favor of the Americans, but who are in reality true Filipinos and devoted patriots, who labor ceaselessly and secretly in favor of our cause. In Manila everyday Filipinos are seen who are apparently warm friends of the Americans, but who are really true patriots who support the Philippine cause, some of them being agents and messengers of Seņora Rosalia [Aguinaldo] and of others who are in the Center with said seņora; and all those who compose the Philippine Committee in said capital eat and drink with the Americans like friends of the latter, but secretly labor without rest for the Seņora Rosalia and the Philippine cause.

There are people who still have close relations with the Americans, and who are not the less true patriots, for they are helping us with their money and property. In Cebu and in Manila I have seen many who are in constant association with our enemies, but they communicate their impressions, they aid with money and goods those who arc in the field, and this intimacy with our enemies is maintained by many on account of its serviceableness and in conformity with circumstances. Up to a certain point it suits us and our plans for the campaign that in towns where there are American garrisons we should have persons of this kind, as We are in constant communication with them, and can, and do, learn the progress of the operations of the Americans and their opinions concerning us.

In consideration then of the above, it is difficult for me to express an opinion as to the ideas and true conduct of these persons, whether or not they are Americanistas or sincere patriots; since it happened in Manila that one person whom we took for an Americanista, turned out to be a true patriot, contributing money and arms to our men under a fictitious name; hence this is one more proof that it is easy to be mistaken in judging the acts of a person and what he really is or thinks. For which reason it would be well, I believe, for us not to be hasty in judging some of our countrymen to be such Americanistas, without being provided with the best evidence, because one who is really a patriot and a good Filipino and who labors secretly for the Philippine cause, - sacrificing himself with his means for it - when he learns that he is suspected Americanista, without really being so, feels it much, is discouraged and his ideas become lukewarm, he draws back, and ceases to labor with the fervor he formerly did. Bear in mind also that under the present and critical circumstances many take occasion to avenge private feuds against persons whom they formerly feared, propagate false reports against them, with no other purpose than to wound and dishonor them, without taking into consideration that such a proceeding is impolitic and should not be resorted to in these times, that we must forgive one another and be united in the single idea of maintaining our cause even unto death. Through such a course, avenging private enmities through the sacred name of country, dissension or disunion will begin among us, the results of which will be fatal for the ideal of independence for which we are striving to-day. Now more than ever must we be united, as in union there is strength to fight the common enemy, which is America.

All the above I respectfully communicate to you confidentially, and as my humble private opinion, for I would fail to be a patriot should I not tell you what I feel and think; nevertheless you, in your own sound judgment, will decide upon what you consider most fitting in this particular.

I have written you many letters from Manila and Cebu.

This very day by express dispatch I have written to Seņora Rosalia, via Cebu and Manila, sending her good news from this province, under your worthy command. And with the most sincere respect the undersigned salutes you, places himself at your disposal, and kisses your hand.

(Signed) PAULA PARDO.