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 JP3 
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 ymftiinnniiniiniifyifytniini4nnnAnn<i^yv>HAttAiiAiWnniiAiinij 
 
 Ihe Filipino People 
 
 AND 
 
 Their Sentiments 
 
 Given Free 
 
 by the Filipino People 
 
 Take one home and you will 
 become more familiar with 
 the march of World Events 
 
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The Filipino People 
 and Their Sentiments 
 
 Vicente C Pastor 
 
 
 1921 
 
 THE HANSEN COMPANY 
 
 SAN FRANaSCO 
 
 CAUF. 
 
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 ^refc 
 
 ace 
 
 fJi 'HIS pamphlet is carefully prepared for the purpose of 
 11"^ placing it in American homes. The average of Amer- 
 VL^ icans, in the pursuit of their livelihood sometimes 
 hardly have time to look over the daily news of the country 
 and of the outside world. But for those who patiently examine 
 this pamphlet it would enable them to obtain to some extent an 
 understanding how the people on the other side of the Pacific 
 are getting along with "Uncle Sam." 
 
 It deals with American and European diplomacy, the 'Tar 
 East countries," and the present condition of the world as a 
 whole. 
 
 MM SCI922 
 
The Filipino People and Their Sentiments 
 
 ^y Vicente C. Pastor 
 
 ^^w AR under the eastern skies, where people in many gen- 
 vJ -p erations sacrificed beyond their endurance, and who in 
 ^J their endless toils and unrest in behalf of their wish to 
 govern themselves — are the Filipino people, whose public sen- 
 timent still remains unheeded by the world. 
 
 Turning back in the pages of Philippine History, we come 
 to realize her numerous martyrs from practically the same 
 cause of denunciation against them; for there could have 
 been no other possibilities or any other medium than to strug- 
 gle for freedom, for the attainment of perfect happiness for all. 
 
 Near the end of the 19th century, when she once more 
 became a rebellious country against the tyrannical rule of 
 Spain, she had lost many lives. But as a strange turn of fate, 
 it vvas on this hazardous effort that she witnessed her triumphs 
 by successfully raising her flag, which had almost marked her 
 virtue in shaping her o^vn destiny to the world. The inevitable 
 mingling of unexpected occurrences, as if afforded by fate, was 
 almost to blame, for it was during her progress against her 
 oppressor when came suddenly the outbreak of war between 
 America and Spain. However, America's chivalrous mission 
 in aiding the Filipino people resulted in a complete defeat of the 
 Spaniards, by destroying all the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay, 
 and the capturing of the Spanish Arsenal in Cavite. These 
 important works achieved by the good Americans, will forever 
 be impressed on the minds of the Filipinos, for these were the 
 last stronghold of the Spaniards that, on the other hand could 
 have given them the decision of their fate, as to independence, 
 or an inquisition throughout if finally suppressed. 
 
 With so great a service the Americans had rendered them, 
 it could have resulted in vain, had they not seen for her a 
 better policy about her safe-keeping. Who knows what could 
 have happened then in such a position as she had in those days 
 if Uncle Sam had bade them good-bye ? No one could dare say 
 
by fore-telling what might have arisen. But with the excep- 
 tion of the United States of America, when she was yet an 
 embryo republic, we read that in every new formed country 
 there had been shedding of blood among themselves. 
 
 To express the conditions now existing, one is safe to 
 assume and admit the Philippines were drawn in such cir- 
 cumstances, that the same fate carried her into countless 
 golden opportunities and advantages. If Aguinaldo and his 
 compatriots, on the other hand, did not succeed, in what respect 
 have the Philippines gained and benefited through altruistic 
 America? The answer may be summarized in facts totaling as 
 big a figure as there are numbers of islands in the Philippine 
 Archipelago, and as there are totals of dialects spoken by the 
 people therein. 
 
 To name one or two out of her most essential achieve- 
 ments, there is that of the general correction of the spirit of 
 popular egoism to be found among Spanish speaking people. 
 It is this, most likely, that is continuously menacing Mexico, 
 and undoubtedly could have made the Philippines a victim of 
 such a spirit if she were given her way. 
 
 Under the kindly tutelage of America, the Philippines 
 are steadily transforming after the likeness of her, as would 
 a stone in imitations of its kind after being handled by a 
 "Curio Expert." 
 
 Manila, as it is today, is practically the only modern city 
 in the Orient. She is the queen city of the many cities, even 
 among those that were founded many thousands of years 
 am.ong the Oriental empires. Yet, this is only the result of the 
 minor products of civiHzation which the Philippines have 
 gained. The dominant factor however, of all her achievements, 
 is the knowledge of real democracy that is being impressed 
 among her sons and daughters. It is the ideal that made the 
 whole world focus its eye on our venerated tutor America. 
 
 It is the spirit of an ideal that has urged the building of a 
 woman's statue with a torch upheld to the world in her hand. 
 (The Liberty Statue, New York harbor.) 
 
 It is the spirit that made the possibility of equity among 
 the negroes and Indians and their white brother Americans. 
 
It is the spirit that urged them to succor the millions of 
 starving people in China and the Jews and the Russians. 
 
 It is the spirit that urged American millionaires to donate 
 parts of their millions for improving the general welfare of 
 humanity. 
 
 It is the spirit that inspired the music writer who wrote 
 the song which is entitled "The Yanks Are Coming." 
 
 It is the spirit that made the French editor back up 
 America, for while many Europeans held that America made 
 a mistake in taking a part in a war in which few American 
 interests were imperiled, he argues in "El Dia," the French 
 News, saying, "America did not rise in arais to defend its 
 material interests which no one was threatening, but to safe- 
 guard the great moral interests of civilization that she thought 
 were being trod on by one of the belligerents." 
 
 It is the spirit that aroused public sentiment in America 
 disapproving the giving of Shantung to Japan. 
 
 It is the ideal that made the Cubans rejoice, for as soon 
 as they were organized, they were given their freedom. 
 
 These aforesaid passages of importance are glimpses of 
 noble psychology seen in the Americans' attitude. They are 
 the revelation of their earnest discernment and inner purposes. 
 And from that purpose the Filipino people could expect more 
 abundantly and hope for America's unlimited philanthropy. 
 
 There will be a time, when these islands in the orient, like 
 the Occident, shall be the home of people both free and great. 
 Then in our governmental affairs shall reign forever the stand- 
 ard of democracy as our solid footing ; and as a free and united 
 people of one purpose, we shall deal with the outside world 
 according to our acquired standard of civilization. 
 
 Political and Economic Status of the Philippines. 
 
 The political and economic status of the Philippine Islands, 
 was so surprisingly advanced that it even ehcited the attention 
 of both editors and journalists in America. This was the 
 question that confronted the government officials in Washing- 
 ton ever since the "Jones Law" was put into effect. 
 
 For a long time before 1898, which was the year of the 
 American occupation of the Philippine Islands, it should not 
 
 5 
 
be forgotten that America became a guardian of a people, 
 who had had more than three hundred years of contact with 
 Spanish ''Civilization and Christianity.'' Whether the regime 
 under the Spaniards, had done comparatively little work in 
 civilizing the Filipinos, the witnessing outside world has the 
 particular conviction, that there were at least some forms of 
 civilization introduced by the Spaniards to the Filipino people. 
 Whether it was on the lowest degree, or a faulty civilization, 
 is a question that is left to be judged by the public opinion of 
 the world at large. 
 
 The fact that the Filipinos were making rapid assumption 
 of the important positions in the government, is evidence of 
 the existence of civilization in the islands long ago. Taking 
 for consideration in the time of the military period, and even 
 the present system of autonomous government, the majority 
 of the ablest statesmen and diplomats are specimens of the 
 past generations. The influence of the Americans, however, 
 has produced thousand fold within a short time. The ablest 
 and most promising new rising generation are every ready to 
 assume power and to direct the destiny and welfare of our 
 country. 
 
 The clamor for independence in the Philippines these days, 
 is not wholly of the nature it was when the Filipinos made their 
 last decisive revolt against the Spaniards. It is said, that the 
 denunciation was made by the Spaniard of the martyrs of the 
 country, whose deeds and noble principles were to deliver the 
 country into the hands of freedom, that she might enjoy the 
 liberty for which the Creator had destined her. And their 
 ambitions were to secure the freedom of their country in order 
 that its people could take a hand in the activities of govern- 
 ment, a happiness which most nations enjoy. The struggle, 
 however, was an example of the last uprising of Filipinos in 
 their last decisive action against the Spaniards. It was not 
 altogether a question of patriotism, but was partly due to in- 
 numerable injustices, the inquisitorial act, the incessant per- 
 secutions, and the inhuman treatments practised by the Span- 
 iards on the people. It was simply the end of a long journey 
 in which the heavy load on their shoulders was the result of 
 
 6 
 
their atrocity to the people transmitted from their ancestors 
 for generations without Hghtening of any kind. 
 
 Egotistic, as were the Spaniards in those days, they paid 
 little or no attention to, nor took any interest in, any vital 
 progress of social and economic prosperity of the people and the 
 country, except in matters that tended to be to their 
 advantage. 
 
 It was the saddest recollection, but is now rather an inter- 
 esting fact to quote further, that the Philippines, during their 
 over three hundred years under the rule of Spain, had approx- 
 imately 90 per cent illiterates. The 10 per cent were descend- 
 ants of those who had mysteriously gained favors through 
 their wealth, and the rest were exceptionally gifted people 
 with the highest degree of intellect. Among the 10 per cent 
 there were approximately 9 per cent who were ordained to the 
 priesthood, and the remainder were trained for doctors. And 
 if there had been any pure Filipino attorneys in those days, 
 there had been one out of 50,000 inhabitants. 
 
 Quite the contrary, the present spell for independence felt 
 by the Filipino people under the regime of America is nothing 
 of the kind previously narrated when the Filipinos were under 
 the Spanish regime. Neither is it a political question, for it is 
 absolutely a "National Issue." The Filipinos are unanimous 
 in their desire for independence. The people desire their inde- 
 pendence not only because of traditional facts, but because they 
 are a people whose wisdom is carefully attended to and nour- 
 ished by a nation or guardian whose ideals are ''Liberty and 
 Justice." The Filipinos could not be blamed for the desire to 
 acquire and possess such a precious inheritance for their own 
 ideal. 
 
 Being the only people who are enjoying the blessing of 
 the Christian religion in the Orient, but, who, for many cen- 
 turies, were deprived of practically all rights in the participa- 
 tion in their own government; yet by the mercy of God, they 
 were heard in their devotions and prayers. The guiding power 
 of their destiny carried them into the hands of another people, 
 people that are lovers of humanity and freedom. 
 
 7 
 
(1) Will the United States of America grant the Filipinos 
 their independence? (2) Are the Filipinos ready and capable 
 to run their own government? (3) When will the United 
 States of Am.erica give the Filipinos their independence? 
 These three questions are the echoes of international quota- 
 tions and comments among the politicians of both "Eastern and 
 Western continents." Referring to the first and second ques- 
 tions, to the Filipinos they are not matters of high importance 
 to them as would be the last one. 
 
 America's good will, especially her integrity toward the 
 Filipinos, is demonstrated by establishing already a stable 
 government in the Philippine Islands. As a result of a trial, 
 the Philippine Assembly, which is composed of practically 
 nothing but Filipinos, are assiduously performing their respec- 
 tive duties assigned to them. The upper and lower houses of 
 both legislative bodies have passed many laws of great import- 
 ance pertaining to the general w^elfare and interests of the 
 country. For several years during their many sessions, they 
 have shown their perfect and orderly deportment, and their 
 capacity in running it was acknowledged a success by many 
 distinguished Americans, and especially those who have resided 
 in the islands for quite a long while. 
 
 To describe the position of the Philippines, they are found 
 geographically in the most favored regions of the terrestrial 
 globe. Their tropical climate throughout the year is the most 
 adaptable, and is of great importance in the development of 
 their natural resources, and also their industries. The kind 
 of climate they have enables them to retain the virginity of 
 their soil in all the forthcoming ages without applying com- 
 mercial fertilizer of any kind. Their vast fields of natural 
 resources, could make the Philippines a granary of the Orient, 
 if not of her rival China. The untouched portion of their vast 
 natural resources is only awaiting the magic touch of the plow 
 and nature will do the rest. 
 
 After dwelling upon the need of fuller knowledge by 
 Americans, of the Philippines and their opportunities, there 
 is an indication of the colossal stride toward material progress, 
 not only in their industrial and commercial awakening, but also 
 
 8 
 
in the practice of modern farming through the apphances of 
 machinery adopted by many up-to-date agriculturists. 
 
 According to an excerpt given by the Director of the Bu- 
 reau of Commerce and Industry of the Phihppines, which was 
 addressed to the Chambers of Commerce of the United States, 
 there are hundreds of milhons of dollars worth of materials 
 annually produced by the Philippine Islands. Being practically 
 new, and a rising country, it is rich in every respect, except 
 that it is not a manufacturing country at present, but there is 
 no reason why it should not be one when it reaches a higher 
 stage of culture in all its industries. 
 
 The Filipinos have possessed their souls in patience, 
 because of the fact that the United States, does not intend to 
 retain permanent possession of the Philippines. To prove this 
 conception of the Filipinos, America's unselfish motives were 
 displayed by joining the ''World War" with nothing gained by 
 her. Although it was suggested to her by some of the leading 
 powers to take a mandate over some country in Europe, she 
 declined the mandatory. In the Spanish- American War, she 
 took possession of Cuba and the Philippines. With Cuba on 
 her coast, she could have made Cuba a territory forever, as 
 would England by dealing with Ireland or some of her colonies. 
 But instead, America set the Cubans free almost as soon as a 
 government was established. But now the two most essential 
 stages in developing a newly established government have 
 been passed through. These are the "de facto" and the "de 
 jure" governments. Both of these were successfully carried on 
 and exercised by the people of the Philippine Islands. What 
 then, should now keep them from becoming a member of the 
 family of nations? Will there be another American whose 
 name is w^orthy to be inscribed in gold and to be recorded in 
 the crucial pages of Philippine History besides the noted Amer- 
 ican Senator Jones, and the late Honorable General Governor 
 Harrison ? Is there any American whose ideal and spirit is like 
 that of Father Lincoln, especially among the men high in the 
 councils of the Democrat or Republican parties, or especially 
 among those on the Congressional committees which have to do 
 with the Philippines? 
 
 9 
 
If the obstacles in question, which seem to have caused the 
 delay of the Philippines' Independence, are not due to economic 
 factors with regard to her efficiency as a liberated country, but 
 are due largely to the unsettled affairs which have affected the 
 American people, as some Americans see it; would, therefore, 
 the President of the United States, take up now and submit in 
 Congress the insistent pleading of the Filipinos, since it is also 
 one of the m.ost important affairs that should be attended to 
 by Americans? 
 
 Now that President Harding is likely settled in the White 
 House and is quite ready to perform his duty, could he overlook 
 attending to the appeals extended by the Filipinos ? 
 
 If President Harding is successful with his disannament 
 program, together with the other leading powers, would there 
 not be another possibihty of accomplishment in the spirit of 
 candor and frankness which tends for better intimacy of rela- 
 tionship among the powers, especially between Japan and the 
 United States ? If Japan is willing to come half way to meet 
 the hope of parley with the United States, will both of them 
 come into agreement, or shall they start a stupendous confla- 
 gration in the Pacific? Whatever the result may be, the 
 American people could not, and never at any time would, find 
 the Filipinos ungrateful to America. Perhaps P>ance and 
 China would be ready supporters of America in case she got 
 into conflict with Japan or England. But America could not 
 find or expect a better and more persevering alliance than the 
 Philippines. The reason of this is explained by the fact that 
 the history of America in the Philippines is a book written with 
 acts of sincerity, of justice, of altruism, and of affection for the 
 Filipino people, and our conduct toward America has at all 
 times demonstrated appreciation, gratitude and love for the 
 benefits received, as has been expressed by our diplomats. 
 
 Success in conflict does not altogether depend upon its tac- 
 tics and ammunition, but also upon the determination and pur- 
 poses of its people. Such an unprecedented admiration is felt for 
 Americans in the Philippines, by the Filipinos, that whatever 
 the nature of calamities that might prevail, they are willing to 
 take part on the side of America ; not only to recompense the 
 
 10 
 
good done to them, but they are to give their hves for a better 
 cause. Filipino people have faith in America, that she is a 
 nation whose encountered struggles are observed to have been 
 always on the right principles of an international tribunal. 
 
 The Filipinos, and perhaps the whole world, are not pray- 
 ing to see another duplication of conflict, as was seen among 
 the belligerent countries in Europe, for such is only to retard 
 the progress of civilization. They hope and are eager to see 
 that America, Japan, and China are to be friendly. For China, 
 a nation very friendly with America, and so with Japan to 
 China, these three in a combination of friendship would make 
 an ideal guarantor of Philippine Independence. This combin- 
 ation of three powers, not only would put the Philippines in 
 such an advantage, but there will be seen a very much greater 
 advance of a strictly different world civilization. China, with 
 her millions and millions of people and her vast natural 
 resources ; and Japan with her industrious people, and America 
 with her first rate specialists in every human institution of 
 accomplishment, accompanied by her billions after billions of 
 dollars, the whole world will be safe at last to live in if they 
 only agree to cooperate with each other. 
 
 In this period of transition, we the Filipinos, and the people 
 at home, can only lift up our eyes and hope that the mighty 
 powers may bring their force to bear on whatever may result 
 in a better order of things, a more refreshing atmosphere and 
 a safe world to live in. The future destiny of the Philippines 
 is linked with the measure which may be adopted by the dom- 
 inant countries of todaj^ 
 
 Until there is an establishment of general cooperation of 
 nations in the form of a corporation and in accordance with 
 brotherly spirit toward each other, this world of ours will 
 remain under the influence of evils such as hatred and covet- 
 ousness. To express it allegorically, it is to remain full of 
 volcanic eruptions. Because there are nations which, in their 
 effort in building their existence, are now on their summit of 
 national pride and splendor. And some of them are even get- 
 ting very ambitious on account of their power; of which, for 
 example, Geimany was one. While the rest of the nations, 
 
 11 
 
some big and some small, are still struggling hard to equal their 
 prosperous sister nations. And besides this effort, they deter- 
 mined not to be dominated by other nations. The reason of 
 this idea is explained by the past recorded events. For many 
 generations there were proclivities toward national supremacy 
 over one another. Fortunately, not many of them exercise it 
 now, because of social changes of reform government. This 
 republic form of government, was also created with its modern 
 idealistic principle, which deals in accordance with the general 
 impulse of the governed. 
 
 Absolute forms of government such as have been exercised 
 by the old Empires of China, Russia, Germany and Austria- 
 Hungary, are no more desirable, as is a Republican form of 
 Government. There are now only a few nations that have not 
 yet changed their form of government. But as time drags by, 
 it will always display its works of wonder. Nobody has ever 
 forethought of the calamities encountered by the Czar of Rus- 
 sia, the Emperor or Kaiser of Germany, and the Duke or 
 Emperor of Austria-Hungary, and the rest of the ex-rulers of 
 Europe. So, who could predict what would become of the 
 Mikado of Japan, and the King of Great Britain and some of 
 the other crowned rulers in Europe ? Nobody knows. Perhaps 
 the Japanese people and the Koreans, or the English people, or 
 the Canadians, the Austrahans or the people of Spain or India 
 and Egypt, might have an idea as to what may become of their 
 rulers. The people under the "Republic form of Government," 
 have nothing to do with foretelling what will become of the 
 few left crowned rulers. -But there will be a time when the 
 ideal of ''DEMOCRACY" is again abused or imperiled and be 
 trampled on as the Germans did with France. Then, the 
 sisterhood of republic nations would see to it, sooner than do 
 the people under an empire or a kingdom. 
 
 This is the renaissance of many things modern. The voice 
 and the divine right of Monarch, Emperor and King is no 
 more so sacred as is the voice of the common people. This is 
 the era of greatest upheaval. For, most of the rulers of many 
 nations, are now appointed by the people. Their big responsi- 
 bilities are not so easy, for they serve their term for office up- 
 
 12 
 
rightly, and also mth all their efforts and wisdom. While an 
 emperor or a king in a certain country would sit on his throne 
 with a long face and pronounce a word or two, or say ''Yes" or 
 "No;" it depends on w^hatever he pleases. Impossible for him 
 to shake hands and mingle with the common people because he 
 rules the nation, or some country under his conquest. While 
 the ruler of a ''Republic form of Government" is more humble 
 and more democratic than the smallest local authority holder 
 over a small community. 
 
 The Filipino people are not slow to adopt this democratic 
 idea. They have been fighting for it, long before it was ever 
 dreamed of by the Portuguese people, or the Chinese, or the 
 Cubans, or the Mexicans. They are the first in the Orient who 
 ever attempted, and are still attempting, to have a republican 
 form of government. If the delaying of the independence of 
 the Filipino people is not for reason of their ineligibility in their 
 domestic affairs, but is due to fear of the Japanese, or some 
 other ambitious power, is there any law provided for a country 
 to keep it from being invaded while young and helpless? 
 Could the Republic of North America, Central America, South 
 America, the republics in Asia, and the republics in Europe 
 afford to close their eyes if Japan should wrong the "Republic 
 to be established in the Philippine Islands?" Japan must 
 surely behave. The whole world was amazed at the sudden rise 
 of Japan; and she won the name of being a prototype in the 
 Orient. But she is not very well fitted for the name nor does 
 she deserve it, because all countries surrounding her are her 
 bitter enemies. The world knows that this is a fact. Unless 
 Japan shall take steps for an immediate correction of her 
 illogical policy in dealing with her neighboring countries, she 
 undoubtedly will receive what she ought to have and deserves. 
 The whole world should attend to her. She had better not 
 imitate the Germans' idea of culture, for it only leads to an 
 undermining of her already established accomplishments. Be- 
 sides, it is known as detrimental and the greatest scourge of 
 humanity. 
 
 If Japan needs room for her people, she ought to ask it 
 formally, either by a lease proposition or by a good agreement 
 
 13 
 
with any country of her neighbors, instead of using her 
 unscrupulous tactics. As she did with the Koreans, she first 
 introduced to them a corporation known as the ''Oriental Devel- 
 opment Company." The Japanese promoters went to the 
 Korean government and developed a good friendship and then 
 compelled it to subscribe. The government being penniless, 
 could not pay for the shares in money, so the company took 
 crown land instead. About two years later they set a plot from 
 which a clash between the two happened. Then they took 
 control of everything without a sound of a gun save the killing 
 of the supposed plotter, because Korea was practically a weak 
 nation. 
 
 Again they came to California and started by leasing a 
 few tracts of land here and there. But Uncle Sam is wise 
 enough to see their scheme, so he calls it the "Yellow Peril." 
 Uncle Sam has enough democracy for everybody and of phil- 
 anthropic works, regardless of nationality. But when coming 
 into contact with cunning and unassimilated people of different 
 aspirations, as the Japanese, he closed his door against them. 
 They went and knocked at the door of their ally Australia, but 
 it was the same result as with Uncle Sam in California. 
 
 It could not be denied that there are some Japanese people 
 in the Philippine Islands. But they could not acquire wider 
 tracts of land, except on the small island called Davao. One 
 Californian, whose residence is in San Rafael, has made a for- 
 tune there and afterward he sold it to the Japanese. A very 
 good idea at that ! Perhaps he needed to retire or else needed 
 money in cash. Oh well, this is not an unusual thing in 
 California. 
 
 The international disarmament has likely resulted in a 
 unanimous agreement among the nations of the leading 
 powers. 
 
 Peace on earth and goodwill toward men is again to be 
 echoed among the nations. May they be lasting echoes for- 
 ever. May the nations throughout the world proclaim a lasting 
 peace on earth. May the rulers and representatives of every 
 country prepare a genuine wish for a new and lofty resolution 
 for the new year 1922, and for all years to come. May it be 
 
 14 
 
that the spirit of the patriotism of their dead heroes be given 
 room in the heart of every apostle of peace and among the cit- 
 izens of every country. May the long dreams of mothers and 
 fathers in every country come true that it be the end of inter- 
 national strifes and turmoils, and extend a universal relation 
 of brotherhood among the white "Aryans and Yellow Mongol- 
 ians," regardless of creed and nationality. 
 
 There are other kinds of mothers and fathers in many 
 parts of the globe today whose wistful prayers are not only 
 for the limitation of armaments among nations, for what do 
 peace, humanity, and international brotherhood stand for 
 when their aim is only to please certain countries, especially 
 those that are greatly affected or weakened by the late war, 
 instead of all countries that are now worthy to share the pres- 
 ent "Nationalized Ideals" agreed to by the leading powers. Is 
 there any peace of mind for right minded sons or daughters 
 when, after reaching the age in which they legally assume their 
 liberty from parental care, they are being denied this freedom, 
 or if they see their claims are ignored, and the guardian simply 
 is still on the watch ? This is a logical example of all dependent 
 countries today. There are in Europe numbers of dependent 
 countries, but in their struggles for independence they were 
 denied and deprived of it. India, Ireland and some others are 
 the best example of this. 
 
 In the Orient we have Korea, a nation of long traditional 
 existence for many centuries. Yet, today, according to many 
 observers and verj^ able statisticians, it is said that Koreans 
 are being driven away from their home by means of atrocious 
 persecutions. And even are not permitted to withdraw their 
 bank accounts without getting permission from the people who 
 possess their country. 
 
 Another dependent country among these is the Philippine 
 Islands. For centuries though, they were not irrepressible 
 under their conqueror, Spain ; but are rather law abiding peo- 
 ple ; yet they have known no peace, save a little enlightenment 
 obtained from their religious faith of Christianity. But as a 
 country destined to reach the goal of her destiny known as 
 "Justice, Humanit}^ and Freedom," the Americans, by their 
 
 15 
 
guardianship of the country have proven that it is always their 
 aim to prepare the way and guide toward her rightful destiny. 
 
 America's ideal is not to suppress, but to lift up. Theirs is 
 not for conquest but for a guardianship. Theirs is not for igno- 
 rance, but for education. Theirs is not for inhumanity nor 
 injustice, but for humanity and uprighteousness. Theirs is not 
 for class distinction, but for equality. 
 
 May, therefore, the country of the Philippines rightly 
 expect from the American people to bring to it the blessing of 
 freedom, that its people may take a hand in the activities of 
 government, a happiness w^hich most nations now enjoy? 
 
 Will the Americans redeem their promise of Filipino 
 Independence, since they are now worthy of it? 
 
 In civic virtue, in education, in industry and in economics 
 as well as social activities they are fully being prepared for an 
 immediate independence. Should not the Americans realize 
 that the cause of the asking of Filipino Independence is not due 
 to America's atrocity, such as the Spaniards visited upon the 
 people of the Philippine Islands, but being pressed upon the 
 ground that the merits achieved by Filipinos under the cham- 
 pionship of America's unselfishness be recognized in this 
 manner ? 
 
 Now that peace is likely to be insured by disarming of the 
 powers, would there not be also some settlement made concern- 
 ing the questions between America and the Philippines? 
 
 If popular opinion and sentiment is the only true sover- 
 eign of a free people, would there not be better results arising 
 from the influence of this pamphlet, either directly or indi- 
 rectly, among the free people of America ? 
 
 16