I attached so little importance to this proclamation that I did not even cable its contents to Washington, but forwarded it through the mails.

I never dreamed that they wanted independence." Remembering that Admiral Dewey was not being interrogated as to the statements of the "Resena Veridica," it will be seen that he has, nevertheless, covered them fully.
It was my good fortune to be long and intimately associated with Admiral Dewey while serving on the first Philippine commission.

He always grew indignant when the subject of any promises relative to independence said to have been made by him was so much as mentioned, and gave to the commission in writing the following:-- "The statement of Emilio Aguinaldo, under date of Sept.

23, published in the _Springfield Republican_, so far as it relates to reported conversations with me, or actions of mine, is a tissue of falsehood.

I never, directly or indirectly, promised the Filipinos independence.