Cavite, Luzon Island –Entry made in parlor of No. 2 Calle Santa Elena, Tondo.
A trip to Cavite usually means up early. So today. Arose, read bible lesson, prayed cooked breakfast & hurried down to the river, paid 20 cts. Mexican & crossed in an hour over to Cavite. My object was to get the films that had been left with private A.F. Fromme of the Tennessee brass band, but he had not even commenced to develop them, said ice was almost impossible to purchase. Advised him to get up early in the morning & try it when the air is cool.
Purchased some shells for my collection.
Mr. W.B. Silver treated me to dinner at his restaurant. Spoke to several persons individually re the salvation of their souls.
Visitors about 4. Been away all day so couldn’t keep account.
Cooked supper. After partaking thereof Private Clayton Scott arrived. Secured a carromata & together we drove out to San Miguel Montana barracks. I paid the fare, 20 cts Mex. Scott is almost sick, caused by a very bad cold. He loaned me a letter from his brother Albert, who is now confined in Bilibid prison. The Lord rejoiced me greatly through the contents of this letter –it was so spiritual. Scott want to be sworn in as a soldier. Proposes to work for the salvation of souls in Bilibib [Bilibid]. I sent him 10 S.A. song books by Clayton, also at the Montana tent before starting meeting wrote him a letter, encouraging & advising him to go forward.
Brother Henry M. Paxson (brother to Robt Paxson who accompanied me to Mariveles) sounded the church call for us. An audience of 25 listened to our words. Myself, Scott and Paxson were the only workers present. Hines, Lloyd & Freemen were out in the trenches doing picket duty. No souls forward.
The sky is getting blacker & all signs now pointing to war with the Filipinos. I fear it is just at hand. Am sorry.
Yesterday was made a memorable day in Philippine annals. The Insurrectos resolved their provisional republic into the Philippine Republic. The Army & civil officers swore allegiance to their new government. Aguinaldo was elected president & took the oath of office. Americans are now trespassers & must be rooted out of the archipelago. I am impressed quite often with the thought that the Filipinos are full of self conceit. Their troops (unarmed) are allowed in & out of Cavite & Manila at will. They swagger and put on airs & are now appearing in garrish uniforms. I am convinced they they are anxious to measure strength with the Americans. I feel very sorry for the poor creatures & wish they would know the things which belong to their peace. They seem to have no just conception of the terrible struggle that awaits them. They cannot win; their struggle is a hopeless one. Their fight with Spain, was simply playing at war.