Disregarding the request that they keep out of the final assault, they crowded into the city with, and after, the American troops.

They fired on Spanish soldiers on the city wall while a flag of truce was flying, provoking a return fire which killed and wounded American soldiers.
They demanded for themselves Malacanang palace and other buildings and a share in "the war booty." They promptly looted the parts of the city which they occupied, and ultimately retired from their positions within the city limits on the evening of their last day of grace after being warned by General Otis that if they did not do so they would be driven out.
I will now quote from the records in support of these statements.
The following is the programme of "cooeperation" outlined to Aguinaldo by Bray in a letter dated June 30, 1898:-- "I am very anxious to receive the news of the capitulation of Manila and I hope that General Augustin will be obliged to turn over his sword to you in person and not to the Americans.

You are by right entitled to it and I should like to see it so from a political standpoint, as I am of the opinion that you should declare the independence of the Philippines before the arrival of General Merritt, appointed by the President to be Governor with full powers to establish a provisional government.
* * * * * Any attempt on the part of the Americans to garrison the interior towns with their troops or any other act which might be construed as a conquest, should meet with resistance.
* * * * * "After having written these lines, I had another conference with Mr.St.Clair of the Free Press, who sent for me regarding the question of independence.

He has had a consultation with the Supreme Judge of this place, and he is of opinion that you should proclaim independence at once, notwithstanding what Admiral Dewey and Consul Williams say against it, and this should be done before General Merritt can arrive.

A Government having been thus constituted in due form, the Americans would have no right to invade the Philippines without committing a violation of international law.