The Capitulation of Manila
The Capitulation of Manila states that the Spanish troops will surrender with Manila and its defenses. The Spaniards will surrender their arms and weapons in locations specified by the American government, and they will stay in locations also specified by the Americans. While they stay in these locations, they will follow the rules and regulations set by the officers governing them, but still being able to be free provided they follow aforementioned rules and regulations. The officers will keep their possessions as well, but possessions owned by the American government will be taken over. Repatriation of Spanish officials must be inquired of from the American government. The Spanish May leave Manila at their own will, and the weapons and arms surrendered to the American government will be returned to them upon evacuation of either the Spanish or the Americans. All funds in the Spanish treasury and in the public fund will be under the care of the American government. Overall, Manila, and everything and everyone in it, will be under the government of America. For me, this capitulation is very important because even if Manila has been taken by the Americans, we know that we are still safe somehow as we are under the government of a very civilized country, America.
Gen. Merritt's Proclamation of Occupation of Manila
This proclamation states that for a long time, the United States and Spain have been battling for a long time, causing the destruction of the Spanish naval powers in the Philippines, the downfall of Manila, and Spain's surrender to America. Now, the commander of the American forces has assured that he does not want war, but rater, peace and protection. Whoever will cooperate with America in this time of hardship will be awarded by the American's support and protection. As the government established by the public by America is based on military occupation, municipal laws, such as laws concerning personal rights and local institutions, this government will be in charge of the punishments given to the criminals who will commit such crimes. A provost-marshal general will be appointed for Manila and the districts near it. Its territory will be divided into sub-districts, with a respected deputy provost-marshal in each. The duties of the provost-marshal general and its deputies will be mentioned in the future, but generally they are to make arrests in the military and within civilians. All ports and places in possession of the American lad and naval forces will always be open while the American military occupation still occurs. All churches and locations related to religious worship and to the arts and sciences, and all educational institutions, libraries and museums will be protected under the American government, and any form of destruction of these structures shall have equal consequences, unless stated by the military urgently. The custodian responsible for these properties shall be responsible of any damages to the aforementioned structures ad locations. Overall, the provost-marshal shall be responsible for his duties, and so will his deputies. For me, this proclamation is very important to our country because at the time this was made, we were in grave danger, especially Manila. This proclamation further concretize the American's help to us, our country, and the Spaniards.
The Incident on 4 February, 1899
"About eight o'clock, Miller and I were cautiously pacing our district. We came to a fence and were trying to see what the Filipinos were up to.
Suddenly, near at hand, on our left, there was a low but unmistakable Filipino outpost signal whistle. It was immediately answered by a similar whistle about twenty-five yards to the right. Then a red lantern flashed a signal from blockhouse number 7. We had never seen such a sign used before. In a moment, something rose up slowly in front of us. It was a Filipino. I yelled "Halt!" and made it pretty loud, for I was accustomed to challenging the officer of the guard in approved military style. I challenged him with another loud "Halt!" Then he shouted "Halto!" to me. Well, I thought the best thing to do was to shoot him. He dropped. If I didnt kill him, I guess he died of fright. Two Filipinos sprang out of the gateway about 15 feet from us. I called halt! and Miller fired and dropped one. I saw that another was left. Well, I think I got my second Filipino that time…"
— Private William Grayson
For me, this eyewitness account from a private seems very useful, as from the perspective of the government we can put the pieces of a case together and determine who the suspect and victim are.