The American force on land was now strong enough to begin offensive operations.

So far the relations between the Americans and Aguinaldo had not been really friendly.

They were in his way, and yet he could not break with them, for he hoped to use them for the attainment of the designs which he had by this time frankly declared.

The Americans had listened to these declarations, and had not answered them, nor was it possible to answer them.

The American forces were there under the instructions of the President to make war on Spain and to establish a military government in the Philippines.