For a time it
seemed as if the views expressed by him might prevail.
"According to Felipe Buencamino and some others, the majority of the
members of congress had been in favour of absolute independence until
they saw the demoralization of the officers and soldiers which resulted
in the American occupation of Malolos. In the middle of April, 1899,
they remembered Arellano's advice, and all of the intelligent men
in Aguinaldo's government, except Antonio Luna and the officers who
had no desire to lay down their military rank, decided to accept the
sovereignty of the United States. At about the same time copies of
the proclamation issued by the American Commission in Manila reached
them and still further influenced them toward the adoption of this
purpose. By the time congress met in San Isidro on May 1, 1899, all
of the members had accepted it except a few partisans of Mabini,
then president of the council of government. At its first meeting
the congress resolved to change the policy of war with the United
States to one of peace, and this change of policy in congress led to
the fall of Mabini and his succession by Paterno. The first act of
the new council was the appointment of a commission headed by Felipe
Buencamino which was to go to Manila and there negotiate with the
American authorities for an honourable surrender.
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