Their lack of definiteness and my unwillingness to comment upon the language seemed to arouse their apprehensions and suspicions.

They have been trying ever since to obtain in writing some definite promise on this subject." [177] Aguinaldo ordered that the machinery of the water works be started up at once, a thing which was very necessary as Manila was suffering from lack of water.

I should be glad if I could leave this matter here, but I cannot, for Major Bell elsewhere makes the further statement:-- "Attention is invited to General Merritt's promise made known to Aguinaldo by me verbally, namely, that in the event of the United States withdrawing from these islands, care would be taken to leave Aguinaldo in as good condition as he was found by the forces of the Government.

From a remark the General made to me I inferred he intended to interpret the expression 'forces of the Government' to mean the naval forces, should future contingencies necessitate such an interpretation." [178] Let us hope that Major Bell misunderstood General Merritt's intention.

If this is not the case, I must say in all frankness that in my opinion it was General Merritt's intention to indulge in sharp practice.
Obviously, the American naval forces did not find Aguinaldo in any "condition," in the sense in which General Merritt uses the term.