The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-09-24

ties in the aforementioned provinces, de-
sirouS of interpreting the sentiments that
animate those by whom they have been
chosen, having proclaimed the independence
OF the philippines, have requested the revo-
iutionary government TO entreat and pray
OF the foreign governments the acknowledge
mcnt of the bellgerency and independence
Of the Philippines.
TO prove the complete security in which
the Fflipinos now live. how they are both
able and willing to govern themselves the
accompanying document signed by the
chiefs, is submitted with this appeal. Exer-
cisi1g the authority invested in me as Presi-
dent of. the revolutionary government of the
Philippines, and in the name and as repre-
sentative Of this people, j implore the aid
OF all the powers OF the civilized world and
beg them earnestly 10 proceed with the
formal recognition Of the belligerency of the
Philippines and independence of the govern
ment.
THE powers are the means designated by
Providence TO maintain the equilibrium be-
tween peoples, supporting the weak and
checking the strong, and thus by this means
there win be realized complete justice and
indefinite progress Of humanity "a
.Bacoor. Aug. 6, 1893"
DECLARATION OF THE CHIEFS.
Aguinaldo's appeal is based on the follow
ing action of the chiefs:
The undersigned chiefs of the commune
ties which comprise the provinces in which
the revolutionary government is established,
elected as representatives of the people in
the manner prescribed 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
proclaimed Philippine independence. With
this proclamation they make the following
declaration: With an improvised and. I'M
prepared army the revolutionists have
shown great bravery, giving examples of
brilliant feats of arms and exercised self
control which finds no parallel. After prac-
tically terminating the war they did not
give way to excuses or i'll treat the enemy.
On the contrary they conducted themselves
as becomes a noble and humane people.
They put aside their arms and returned to
their regular occupations. These facts clear
~ prove that the Fiipinos were not created
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 Fflipinos are
giving proof of their ability to make laws in
harmony with the march of time. They
know how to respect and obey the law-an
indication that their national habits are in
clined TO progress They are not ambitious
influenced by a just desire for liberty and
self-government They are inspired by the
highest patriotism and honor, and in the
both life and fortune. This admirable char
acteristic proves clearly the necessity. of
giving them liberty and independence. Not
only do they desire it, but they stand ready
10 defend their liberty until death.
The Filipinos are convinced that liberty
will result in the progress and perfection OF
the people, and will enable the country to
contribute to the progress of humanity. To
accomplish this end the FiipinOS fight to
the death, and will not recede from any OBJ
stacle that may oppose their progress. and
we are firmly convinced we will obtain
justice In the end. Neither the unjust inn
prisonments, the tortures, assassnations,
and other acts of tyranny committed by the
Spaniards on the peaceful inoffensive Fill
pnos. cause them to deviate from the hui
name paths which they have chosen. The
Spaniards consider themselves absolved
from all obligations to u.s. because foreign
powers refused to acknowledge our belliger-
ency. The Spanards did not consider that
education, national honor. and humanity
are above laws written and unwritten. No.
the Filipfnos will never retaliate in like
upon the Spaniards, and they only seek in
dependence with honor, liberty, just laws,
and desire that their name shall be
coupled with humanitarian sentiments
undersigned, expressing the desire of their
committee. hereby sOlemnly proclaim be-
fore the whole world the independence of
the Philippines. They acknowledge Emilio
Aguinaldo as President of the revolution
ary government, and they hereby request
the said President to ask for recogni-
ton of belligerency and the formal
acknowledgement of independence. not only
because these acts involve an obligation of
justice, but because no one should be al
lowed to contravene natural laws, sup
press the legitimate aspirations of a people
striving for liberty
Done at Cavite. Aug. /. 1893.
"LEANDRO IBANA.
Secretary of Interior.
'EMILO AGUINALDO,
Revolutionary President
"And $50 leaoers in the provinces enumer-
ated." as