The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-06-08
DEMANDS OF FILlPlN0S
The kadpunan Society Prepares
Petition to Congress.
The ORGANIZATION in Its Statement
Insists Tint Islanders Are Entitled
TO Independence - American Sow
ereignty to De Retained-GrOunds
ON Which the Claims Arc Bnscd.

MANILA, June THE Katipunan Socie-
ty, secret order. with ramifcations
throughout the islands. which. it is said.
was the instigator of all the revolts
against Spanish rule, and which is known
to have had principal part in the rising
against the Americans. is preparing Pc
tition to the Congress of he United States
which will be presented through the Phil
ippine Commission.
The petition recites the history of the
Katipunan Society, including the details
of the organization, to which, it is claimed.
100000 members belong. 1t declares
that since 1892 independence has been the
sole aim of the society. 1t rehearses the
early events OF the present insurrection
in proof of the tenacity of the Filipino
ideals. 1t then relates the facts In connec-
ton with the despatch Of a messenger by
General Otis in May, 1889. to San isidro
to confer with Aguinaldo. whose only re-
ply to the overtures made to him was
that the Fflipinos would have independ-
ence or death.
Continuing, the petition says that from
the commencement of the fighting the
peaceful natives have supported the in
surgents secretly, and that this support
continues to be given, either willingly or
under compulsion. 1t denies that the rev.
olution represents the personal or polit-
ical ambitions OF the leaders and declares
that the entire archipelago, including the
Moros. support the insurrection.
The society declares that annexation is
impossible under any conception whatever.
The racial differences are irreconcilable.
The recent numerous robberies and SINH
lar crimes are the natural result OF a state
of resurrection and are not Indicative of
the general tendency Of the Filipinos. 1t
is impossible to force lasting peace, and
autonomy cannot succeed. There only re-
mains independence. which, with American
protection. is demanded.
In conclusion 1t is declared that eight
points have been demonstrated, as fol-
lows:
First-The revolution was entirely the
work of the common people.
neutrality-suspicious. impelled the peo-
pie to prepare the Instruction.
Third-The people are determined to
sacrifice everything in order to obtain
their just aspiration.
Fourth-Despite the grave hindrances.
the people still hope that the Americans
will be just and impartial and recognize
them.
Fifth-The Filipiucs will never conform
to American sovereignty.
Sixth-Annexation is impossible.
Severth-The amclest autonomy would
be violation Of the will of the Filipinos.
Eighth-The Filipinos are capable Of
self-government 7al .'i
The final paragraph says:
I'm the name of justice. and with all the
energy OF our souls. we demand. first. the
recognition of the independence of the
Philippines, and, second. in case Informal
tion is desired concerning even this, rela-
tive to the peaceful villages OF the armed
camps. that it be requested from the Fill
pinos who. by their antecedents and good
conduct. merit the respect. confidence. and
affection of the Filipino people"
The promoter Of this movement is one
of the principal founders of the Katipunan.
He said today that he was authorized to
treat on behalf of the armed insurgents.
and that their real demand comprised in~
dependence in internal affairs and AmerI-
can direction of foreign relations.