The record-union., 1899-07-13
AguinaIde's Appeal to His Follow
ers to Shun Autonomy.
Continue to Defend the FatherIand Until
Independence is Assured.
Speech of the Insurgent Leader
Delivered During a Recent Cele-
bration at Tar1ac Of the Ami
versary of the Proclamation of
Filipino Independence.

MANILA, July 12-7:25 p. m. = A
copy of the Independence" has
reached Manila containing the speech
which Aguinaldo made during the re-
cent celebration at Tarlac of the an
nual anniversary of the proclamation
of Filipino independence. In substance
it is as follows:
Filipino, beloved daughter of the
ardent sun of the tropics, commend
ed by Providence to the care of noble
Spain, be not ungrateful to her salute
who warmed you with the breath OF
her own culture and civilization. Ii
is true she sought to crush the aSplfa-
ton for independence as loving
mother opposes separation forever
from the daughter Of her bosom. This
but proves the excess of love and al
lection Spain feels for the Filipino.
Delicate flower of the East, scarce
ly eight months weaned from the
breast of thy mother, thou hast dared
to brave a great and powerful nation
such as is the United States, after
barely organizing and disciplining the
little army Yet we reply we will be
slaves no longer, nor allow ourselves
TO De Of1Ven Dy sou WOTOS.
Let us continue to defend our faith
erland until independence is assured,
for this is justice. We shall see at
last the great American nation VIII
acknowledge the right, which is on
our side That doctrine of the great
Monroe, that America is for Ameri-
cans, is not forgotten, just as we al
firm that the Philippines are for the
Filipinos.
Some States of the American Union
have arisen in our favor Especially
is the Democratic party convinced
that both victors and vanquished Will
lose precious lives. Thus many of the
people and many statesmen censure
President Mckinley as inhuman for
having ordered his military represen-
tatives at Manila to seek means to
bring about hostilities with the Fill
pinos. These facts prove that they
wished to try US to see if we were
able to live up to the second color OF
our banner, which signifies courage,
heroism and martyrdom. Therefore, we
should not resent this struggle with
the Americans. In spite OF this ex-
pressed desire to dominate all the
Philippines. we'll convinced are they
that we fight with justice and right
on our side, and that autonomy is all
a show of deceit, only to save GER
tain accumulated wealth.
I'VE have never concealed our as
pirations; that we aspire but to lnde-
pendence; that we will struggle In H.
perhaps from those who are now our
enemies, and tomorrow will be our
allies, as they were for the overthrow
of the power of Spain.
I'VE might we'll accept this auton-
omy America offers, but can we do
with it if our ambition is independ-
ence. and if we are to accept it only
to later overthrow by force of arms
the sovereignty of America, as l be-
lieve it is the intention of the auton-
omists to make use of treachery ana
deceit We cannot accept such pro-
cedure. We do not wish to be trait
ors afterward. We wish to show our
character of frankness 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 lives sure, once everything IS
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 aspiration or
a people which is desirous at all cost
to preserve it's national honor spot
less and as pure as crystal. Thus.
then, there will not a single Filipino
Those who are so are in
the eyes of the people but time-serv-
ers, fearful of losing their riches,
threatened by risks of war. Filipinos,
let us be constant. Constant. Let US
strengthen the bonds of our union.
Aguinaldo concluded with calling for
cheers for independence, the union or
the Filipinos and for the libefating
army.