These people only respect force and firmness.

I submit, with all deference, that we have heretofore underrated the natives.

They are not ignorant, savage tribes, but have a civilization of their own; and although insignificant in appearance, are fierce fighters, and for a tropical people they are industrious.

A small detail of natives will do more work in a given time than a regiment of volunteers." Because he was invited as general rather than as president, Aguinaldo refused to attend a parade and review on the 4th of July.

This fact is, in itself, an answer to his claim that the Americans were tacitly recognizing his pretensions.
After referring to this incident, Blount says:-- "On subsequent anniversaries of the day in the Philippines it was deemed wise simply to prohibit the reading of our declaration before gatherings of the Filipino people.