That hope had disappeared, and the leaders had become the lords of life and property each in his own province.

It was a force which could disintegrate, but which could not surrender.

Only armies can do that.

Forces over which their leaders have lost all except nominal control when beaten do not surrender.

They disintegrate by passing through the stages of guerrilla warfare, of armed bands of highwaymen, of prowling groups of thieves, of sturdy beggars who at opportune moments resort to petty larceny." [425] Aguinaldo's forces now passed through these several stages.