The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1898-09-24

munltlcH IN the before mentioned prov
inces. desiring to interpreting the sen
timents which animate those by whom
they have been chosen, having proclaimed
the Independence Of the Philippines. have
requested the revolutionary government
to entreat and pray Of the foreign powers
the acknowledgment OF the belllgerency
and Independence of the Philippines.
ITO prove the complete security In
which the Fillpinos live, and how they
are both able and willing TO govern them
selves, tho accompanying document,
signed by the chiefs. Is submitted with
this appeal. Exercising the authority
vested In me as the president Of the revo-
lutlonary government Of the Philippines,
and In the name and as the representa~
tive OF this people. I implore the aid OF
all the powers Of the civilized world and
beg them earnestly to proceed with the
formal recognition Of the belligerency OF
the Philippines and the Independence OF
the government
THE powers are the means designated
by Providence to maintain the equilibrium
between people supporting the weak and
checking the strong. and thus by this
means there will be realized complete
Justice and Infinite progress Of humanity.
(slgneD EMILIO AGUINALDo.
Baccoor. August 8. 1ses'
Aguinaldos appeal is based on the fol-
lowing action Of the chiefs:
The undersigned chiefs OF the eommuni-
ties which comprise the provinces in
which the revolutionary government Is
established. elected as representatives, OF
the people In the manner describd BY the
DEGREES Of June IS and .. and having been
confirmed by the president. and taken the
oath Of ofice. have met In general assem-
bly, and soiemnly proclaimed Philippine
Independence.
With this proclamation they make the
following declaration:
With an improvised and unprepared
army the revolutionists have shown great
bravery giving examples OF brilliant feats
OF arms and exercised self control
which finds no parallel. After practically
terminating the war they did not give way
10 eXRsses or illtreat the enemy. On the
contrary. they conducted themselves as
becomes a noble and humane people.
They put aside their arms and returned
10 their regular occupations. These facts
clearly prove that the Fillpplnos were not
created for slavery, but possess a per-
feet idea Of order and justice. They shun
savage life and love the arm OF peace.
Furthermore, surprising as II may seem.
the Filipinos are giving proof Of their
ability TO make laws in harmony with the
march OF time. They know how TO re-
spect and obey the law-an indication that
their national habits are inclined TO pro-
gress. They are not ambitious for power,
honor or riches; they are solely infiu-
enced by just desire for liberty and self
government. They are inspired by the
highest patriotism and honor. and in the
cause Of liberty did not hesitate TO sac
riiice both life and fortune This admira-
bic Characteristic proves clearly the ne
cessigy OF giving them liberty and inde-
pendence. Not only do they desire Il, but
they stand ready to defend their liberty
until dtath.
The FiliplnOs are convinced that liberty
will result In. the progress and perfection
OF the people and and will enable the
country to contribute to the progress OF
humanity. To accomplish this end the
Finpinos will fight to the death. and will
not recede from any obstacle that may op-
pose their progress and we are firmly
convinced that We will obtain justice in
the end. Neither the unjust imprison-
ments, the tortures, the assassinations
and other acts Of tyrrany committed by
the Spaniards on the peaceful. inoffen-
sive Filipinos cause them to deviate from
the humane paths they have chosen.
The Spanish consider themselves alb
solved from all obligations TO US, because
foreign powers refused to acknowledge
our Delligerency. The Spanish did not |
consider that education, national honor. I
and humanity are above laws written ana
unwritten.
No. the Filpinos will never retaliate in
any way like upon the Spanish and they
only seek independence with honor, liber-
ty. just laws and desire that their name
shall be coupled wkith humanitarians.
In view of the above statement, the un-
dersigned, expressing the desire of their
committee, hereby solemnly proclaim TO
the whole world the independence Of the
They acknowledge Emilio
Agulnaldo as president Of the revolution
ary government, and they hereby request
the said president to ask for recognition
of belligerency and the formal acknowl-
edgment Of independence, not only be-
cause the acts involve an obligation of I
justice, but because no one should be al I
lowed to contravene natural laws, or sup
press the legitimate aspirations of a peo-
Pile striving for liberty.
Done at Cavite, August l, 1885
LEANDRO IBANA.
Secretary Of the Interior.
EMILIO AGUINALDO and $50 Leaders
in the provinces enumerated.