The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1898-09-24

the revolutionary government is estab-
lished, elected as representatives of the
people in the manner described by the
DEGREES of June Is and %, and having
been confirmed by the president and
taken the oath of office, have met in
general assembly and solemnly pro
claimed Philippine independence. With
this proclamation they make the fol-
lowing declaration:
with an improvised and unprepared
army the revolutionistS have shown
great bravery, giving examples of bril-
liant featS of arms and exercised self
control which finds no parallel After
practically terminating the war, they
did not give way to excuses or ill-treat
the enemy. On the contrary they con-
Quoted themselves as becomes a noble
and humane people. They put aside
their arms and returned to their regu-
lar occupations. These facts clearly
prove that the Filippinos were not Gre
ated for slavery, but possess a perfect
idea Of order and justice. They shun
savage life and love the arm of peace.
Furthermore, surprising as it may
seem, the Filippinos are giving proof
of their ability to make laws in har-
mony with the march of time. They
know how to respect and obey the law
An indication that their national hab-.
its are inclined to progress. They are
not ambitious for power, honor or
riches; they are solely Influenced by a
just desire for liberty and self govern
ment. They are inspired by the high
est patriotism and honor and in the
cause of liberty did not hesitate to sac
riiice both life and fortune. This ad-
mirable characteristic proves clearly
the necessity Of giving them liberty
and independence Not only do they
desire it. but they stand ready to de-
fend their liberty until death
THE Filippinos are convinced that
liberty will result in the progress and
perfection of the people and will en-
able the country to contribute to the
progress Of humanity. To accomplish
this end the FilippinoS fight to the
death and will not recede from any
obstacle that may oppose their pro
gress. and we are firmly convinced we
will obtain justice in the end. Neither
the unjust imprisonmentS, the fortunes,
assassinations and other acts OF ty-
ranny committed by the Spaniards on
the peaceful, inoffensiVe F'ilippinos,
cause them to deviate from the humane
paths they have chosen. The Span
iards consider themselves absolved
from ali obligations 10 us, because for
eign powers refused TO acknowledge
our belligerency. The Spaniards did
not consider that education. national
honor and humanity are above laws,
written and unwritten. No, the Flip
plnOS VIII never retallate in like upon
the Spaniards and they only seek in
dependence with honor, liberty, just
laws and q. desire that their name shall
be coupled with humanitarianS.
In view of the above statement the
undersigned, exp essing the desire of
their committee, hereby solemnly pro-
claim to the whole world the indepen-
dence of the Philippines. They ac-
knowledge Emilio Aguinaldo as presi-
dent of the revolutionary government
and they hereby request the said presi-
dent to ask for recognition of belliger-
ency and the formal acknowledgment
OF independence, not only because the
acts involved an obligation of justice,
but because no one should be allowed
10 cOntraYene natural laws, or suppress
The legitimate aspirations of a people
striving FOR liberty.
Done at Cavite, Aug. l, 1898.
''LEANDRO IBANA,
Secretary of Interior.
"EMILIO AGUINALDO,
land $50 leaders in the provinces emu
nera fed -