This proclamation was carried into Manila by his emissaries and posted up over the one issued by the American commander.

It was a challenge to a trial of strength, and Aguinaldo and his advisers hastened their preparations for the coming combat.
The secretary of the interior on the same day sent an order to the heads of all provinces directing the organization of territorial militia to resist the American invasion, and ordering the heads of the towns to hold meetings of the people to protest against the aggression of the United States.

They were held in accordance with these orders, and records of the proceedings were sent to Malolos and published in the official organ of the government as evidence of the feeling of the people.

It was, however, not considered necessary in publishing them to mention the fact that they had been held in compliance with orders.
On January 14, 1899, Mabini wrote to Aguinaldo [390] recommending changes in the proposed constitution, which he still liked as little as ever.

He was afraid that Negros and Panay would refuse to accept the form of government it prescribed.