Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1901-01-24
DELAwARE THURSDAY. JANUARY 1901

monsters, travel through q country dur
ing revolution
Are the Filipinos not fit to govern
themselves? 1t has been sufficiently
proven that they an since the constitu-
tion of the Philippine Republic down
to this time, in which the government
is compelled TO seek rsfuge in the
mountains. 1t has always recommended
itself on the Filipino character; it has
always been respected by the people
with reverence, and ii has always BEEN
the protector Of life and property and
Of all that which has come under its
jurisdiction.
THE PEOPLE FITTED FOR iSpzPEEDEScE.
The constitution Of the Philippine
Republic has proven in conclusive
way that the Filipinos are fitted for an
independent government Of tho archi.
pelago. It is true that on certain occa.
sions there have been few slight inter!
ruEtions to the normal pro zress of the
government But these were unavoid-
able, since the attention OF it's promi-
nent men not only could not exclusively
be turned to their civil duties, being
engaged by the American military
operations for with war, incendiarism,
and the continual movement OF entire
towns and provinces the wisest govern
ment in the world could not make regu-
lar progress. Furthermore, the future
OF the country was uncertain and this
caused, in spite of hegood and united
will OF the rules and the government,
further Irregularities.
On the other hand, it must be re-
membered that there we're and are Fill
pinos eminent in politics, military
affairs, letters, fine arts, law. medicine,
commerce, agriculture, and all that
relates to the moral and maternal Gull
ture of man. The most ignorant Fill
pino reveals refined quality In his
civil life, an unusual submission to
authority, a sublime patriotism which
is not noticeable 10 every one; and
what Is more remarkable Is the fact
that, 10 spite of the religious corpora
tions having declared war against
Philippine instruction, there are only
20 yer cent of this people who cannot
write and read,. and their eagerness for
education and improvement is incom-
parable. q. ~ IS
This is no doubt the reason that made
honest Americans TO realize that the
Filipinos are more capable of self
government than the Cubaus. q
In order to end our appeal, we will
say, with the learned lawyer, Senior
Mabini: "To govern is to study the
wants and interpret the aspirations Of
the people, 10 order to remedy the
former and satisfy the latter. !" IL the
natives who know the wants. customs.
and aspirations of the people are not fit
to govern them, would the A mericans,
who have had but little to do with the
tntN hn fs
the latterY
We have, therefore, already proven:
a. That the revolution was the ex-
elusive work Of the public.l 'l ve,t
T.. That in preparing it they were
moved by great ideal, the ideal of
independence. 5y Est
49, That they are ready to sacrifice
their whole existence 10 order to realize
their Just aspirations. tA
a. That in spite of the serious diff
ouities through which thsy are passing
they still expect from America that she
will consider them with impartiality
and Justice, and will recognize what by
right Belongs to them, and thus give
them an opportunity to show their
boundeas gratitude. TOE n
10. What the annexation of the
Philippines to America is not feasible.
(6.) That the American sovereignty
Is not favored by the Philippine people,
II. That an ample autonomy caunot
be imposed without violating the Fill
Pine will. 40
49, That the Filipinos are firm for
self-government. ~
DOCTRINE OF THE IMMORTAL WASHING
TON"
From this it results that the only
admissible solution for the present
difficulties is the recognition by
America OF the Independence Of the
Filipinos, In saying this We do not
consider either the nullity or the
legality of the Paris treaty on our
country, but the we'll known doctrine
of the immortal Washington, and Of the
sons of the United States of America,
worthy champions of oppressed people.
Therefore we, in the name of Justice
and with all the energies of our souls.
demand:
IL. That the independence Of the
Filipinos be recognized.
a. That all the necessary informa-
tion regarding the events which are
taking place, concerning the peaceful
towns and places which are supporting
the arms of the revolution, be obtained
from Filipinos who, by their anteced-
ents and by their actual conduct,
deserve the respect and confidence of