Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-07-13
APPEAL OF AGUINALDO
Pleads With His Followers to Stand Firm
for Independence.
Declares Some of the American States
FiliPinOs-Autonomy q Deceit.

A copy of the Independence has reached
Manila containing the speech which Aguin-
ado made during the recent celebration at
Tarlac of the anniversary of the proelama-
ton of Filipino independence. In SUBJ
stance it is as follows:
Filipino, beloved daughter of the ardent
sun of the tropics, commended by Provi-
dence to the care of noble Spain, be not I'M
grateful to her salute who warmed you
with the breath of her own culture and
civilization.
1T Is true she sought to crush thy as
piration for independence, as a loving
mother opposes separation forever from
the daughter of her bosom. This but
proves the excess of affection and love
Spain feels for thee. Filipino, delicate
flower of the east, scarcely eight months
weaned from the breast of thy mother
thou hast dared to brave great and pow
erful nation, such as the United States.
after barely organizing and disciplining thy
little army. Yet We reply. we will be slaves
to none. nor allow ourselves to be deceived
by soft words. Let us continue to defend
our fatherland until independence is as
sured, for this is justice. We shall see at
last that the great American nation will
acknowledge the right, which is our
side.
The Monroe Doctrine.
THAT doctrine Of the great Monroe-that
America is for Americans-is not forgotten.
Just affirm that the Philippines are
for the Fflipinos. Some states of the Ameri-
can Union have arisen in our favor. Espe-
cially is the democratic party convinced
that both victors and vanquished will lose
precious lives. Thus, many of the people
ana many statesmen censure President Nc
kinley is inhuman for having ordered his
military representatives at Manila to seek
means to bring about hostilities with the
Filipinos These facts prove that they
wished to try us to see if we are able to
live UP to the second color of our banner
red-Whlch signifies courage, heroism and
martyrdom. Therefore, we should not re-
sent this struggle with the Americans. In
spite of their expressed desire to dominate
all the Philippines, well convinced are they
that we tight with justice and right on our
side. and that autonomy is all a show of de-
celt only serving to save certain accumu-
lated wealth. We have never concealed our
aspirations-that We aspire but to independ-
ence, that we will struggle to obtain it,
perhaps from those who are now our enc
mics and tomorrow will be our allies, as
they were for the overthrow of the power of
Spain.
Nothing but Independence.
I'VE might well accept this autonomy
America offers, but what can we do with it
if our ambition is independence. and if we
are to accept it only to later overthrow by
force of arms the sovereignty of America?
As l believe it is the intention of the au-
Economists to make use of treachery and de-
celt, we cannot accept such procedure.
We do not wish to be traitors afterward.
We wish to show our character of frank
ness and sincerity, and nothing more. Let
us avoid the example of those natives who,
having at one time been colonists, accepted
autonomy to enable them to make their
work surer, once everything was prepared.
History has given us an example of this in
recent events. Let us persist in our idea
which is only the legitimate and noble as
pirations of a people which is DESTROYS. at
all cost, to preserve its national honor
Spotless and as pure a crystal. Thus,
then, there will not be single Filipino au-
economist. Those who are so are in the eyes
of the people as but time servers, fearful
of losing their riches, threatened by risks
of war.
'Filipinos, let us be constant! Let US
strengthen the bonds of our union,"
Aguinaldo concluded with calling for
cheers for independence, the union of the
Filipinos and for the hberating army.
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