The Indianapolis journal., 1898-12-24
WANT INDEPENDENCE.
Senator Hale Requested to Labor in
Behalf of FiIipinOs.


Behalf of FiIipfnOs.
WASHINGTON, Dec. Ex-senator Eugene
Hale received yesterday two letters from
Filipinos in London touching the proposed
annexation Of the Philippine islands The
first letter is from Agoncillo, the Filipino
representative who came to Washington in
behalf of Aguinaldo's interests and later
went to Paris with the hope of influencing
the peace commission. The letter. which is
dated London, Dec. 10, says:
'Sir-The opening of the present session
of the American Senate will put you in
position to influence the just and good un-
derstanding between the American and the
Filipino nations and I beg you to help my
efforts to this end. The free citizens and
senators of the United States of America
cannot follow the steps of the monarchicaI
countries, whose institutions are based on
force and oppression, the only form ade-
quate to colony or possession; but they
are expected to contribute to the realiza-
ton in history of the great principle of sub
mitting the government of every country to
the wish of the inhabitants thereof under
the form adopted by your Republic. Free
dom, suffrage and Independent seIf-govern-
ment are the only basis of an ordained state
in the present times. Like America, the
Philippines will grow prosperous and happy
if, instead of sowing oppression and mill
tarism and their inevitable consequences,
and disorder, the Senate Of the United
States, complying with the expectation of
my countrymen and the formal promises
made before the war by all the representa-
tives in the far East of the American adj
ministration. will recognize the independ-
ence of the Philippines and proclaim the
everlasting friendship and alliance of our
two countries. joined by their common senti-
ments, created in the field OF honor COM
batting as comrades for justice and human
ity. Do, pray, help the FiIipinos 20 obtain
their noble aspirations. I intend to return
to America at the first opportunity and will
not fail to personally offer you the assur-
ance of my respect and high consideration"
The second Of these letters, which is
signed F. Madrigal, chairman. and dated
London, Dec. 13, reads as follows:
Strive have addressed to George F.
Hoar, United States senator for Massa-
chusetts, the following cable: 'Filipincs
everywhere congratulate and thank you,
Hale and Vest for noble efforts against mill
tary rule, colonial oypanci0n We want
American alliance, citizenship, not subjuga-
ton. Pray you oppose military occupation
We beg to confirm the foregoing request and
pray you to complete your noble task by
opposing military occupation of the islands
by the American army. General AguinaIdo
has established in the Philippines a regular
and orderly civil and military administra-
ton, and everybody there approves of and
obeys his commands and those of his au-
thorities Life, property and the legitimate
rights of all are respected. Order prevails
everywhere under his government. The
American officers, military and naval in
Manila and Cavite maintain a regular con-
nection, such as is required by the comfy
of nations. with the recognized authorities
Why disturb these peaceful conditions by
the enforcement of an American military
occupation"