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“Memoir of a General” by Santiago Alvarez in text
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Memoir of a General by Santiago Alvarez
1 | S t e p h a n i e O .
The assembly at Tejeros was finally convened on 25 1897 (Sic). The invitations to the meeting were by
Secretary Jacinto Lumbreras of the Magdiwang and he presided over the assembly. Seated with Lumbreras at
the long presidential table were the Supremo Andres Bonifacio, Messrs. Mariano M. Alvarez, Pascual Alvarez,
Ariston Villaneuva, Mariano C. Trias, Diego Mojica, Emiliano R. de Dios, Santiago V. Alvarez, Artemio
Ricarte, Santos Nocon, Luciano San Miguel, Pablo Mojica, Severino de las Alas, and Santiago Rillo, all of them
of the Magdiwang. Among the Magdalo seated at the head table were Messrs. Baldomero Aguinaldo, Daniel
Tirona, and Cayetano Topacio.
It must be mentioned that, before the assembly was convened, Secretary of War Ariston Villanueva of the
Magdiwang Council received the confidential information that Mr. Daniel Tirona of the Magdalo faction was
set to undermine the proceedings of the assembly and that he had already acceded in enjoining any among the
Magdiwang leaders to ally with him. Secretary Villanueva kept silent, but nevertheless alerted Captain General
Apoy, who had troops in readiness for any sudden eventuality.
The leaders were seated at the presidential table, as previously described and all the others were standing in
groups on both sides of those seated. After Chairman Jacinto Lumbreras had declared the assembly open, he
announced the main topic of discussion which was how to bolster the defense in the areas still under
Magdiwang control. Presently. Mr. Severino de las Alas rose to speak, and when he was recognized, he said,
"Before we discuss minor details, let us first tackle the major issue such as what kind of government we should
have and how we should go about establishing it. Once we make a decision about these questions, the problem
of organization and strengthening of defenses will be resolved."
"As initiator of the Revolution," Chairman Lumbreras replied, "the Katipunan now holds authority over the
islands. It has a government of law and a definite program. It is obeyed and respected by all because it stands
for freedom, brotherly love, and a well-organized and well-run government ...."
The chair next recognized the Supremo. He concurred with what Chairman Lumbreras had just said and
explained that the "K" in the middle of the sun in the Katipunan flag used in the Revolution stood for
"Kalayaan.
Mr. Severino de las Alas spoke again. He countered that the letter "K" and the sun on the flag did not indicate
whether the revolutionary government was democratic or not.
The Supremo replied that from the rank-and-file to the highest levels, the Katipunan was united in its respect
for universal brotherhood and equality of men. It was risking bloodshed and life itself in its struggle against the
king, in order to establish a sovereign and free government. In short, it stood for people's sovereignty, not a
government led only by one or two.
Mr. Antonio Montenegro spoke in defense of Mr. Severino de las Alas's stand. He argued that if they would
agree on the kind of revolutionary government they were to have and that if they were to let the status quo
prevail then they who were in the Revolution would be no better than a pack of bandits or of wild, mindless
animals."
General Apoy was hurt by these words of Mr. Montenegro. He quickly stood up and looked angrily at the
previous speaker.
"We of the Katipunan," he began, "are under the jurisdiction of our respected Highest Council of the Sons of
the People. This Council is the defender of, and has authority over, the Magdiwang and Magdalo governments
of Cavite. We are true revolutionaries fighting for freedom of the native land. We are not bandits who rob
others of their property and wealth. Nor should be likened to beasts, for we know how to protect and defend