The Washington herald., 1912-07-21
Manuel L. Ouezons Heart IS IN Far-of Philippines


tered San Juan de Letran College. where
between study hours he did clerical ano
other work to pay for his tuition sho
board. The professors soon Decame
heartily interested in the bright LAD
who studied and worked 80 diligently.
Their words Of encouragement and
steady help did much to tighten his load.
When only thirteen years old, this re-
markable youth received q degree OF "A.
B. Not satisfied with his knowledge,
however, and prompted by a natural love
Of study. he entered the University OF
Santo Thomas. as a law student dere
he made rapid strides on the road 70
learning he had mapped out for him
self
on for the War.
His patriotism and love Of country had
been aroused early. and when the war
for Philippine. independence broke out.
he was among the first to volunteer. al
though he had not finished his much
cherished law course. His enlistment IN
the Filipino army when only twenty
years old in February. 1889, was the first
step In his fight for Filipino freedom.
He was soon promoted to second lieu
tenant, and served under Gen. Llanera-
The inborn love Of country kept his
yUutLtui dTuoT d6lo~, anu thc bdtlico
that follwed Lieut.. Quezon was always
In the front. fighting with all the vigor
of an intelligent. courageous young man,
who knows he Is striving for the right.
His energy and devotion to duty were
recognized by his superior officers. who
intrusted him with many important COM
missions. In three short months he was
promoted to a captaincy. and there proved
himself a leader of men. His men were
n n Ivt%,
fatigued him nor did danger appall when
duty called him to It.
StaR Life Tame.
Soon the feats of the brilliant young
offiSer reached the ears of Gen. Aguinsl-
do. who had him transferred to his staff.
Capt. Quezon was naturally proud OF the
confidence thus expressed in him by the
Filipino leader, and 1t was with high
hopes he set out for his new post.
He was somewhat disappointed. how
ever. to learn that his new position did
rot take him to the front. After two
months of inaction. when news of bat
ties came pouring in. the soldier could
not stand 1t anys longer and requested
Gen. Aguinaldo that he be allowed to go
to the active scene Of war.
Gen. Aquinaldo, at that time President
OF the Philippine republic. loves to relate
the conversation he had with young
Quezon on the subject. He cites 1t as
an example of splendid patriotism, and
declares II was often an inspiration to
him in the dark days that followed.
Mr.. President" said young QueZon,
- would like to ask your honor a great
favor. / beg to be sent to the firing line"
Why" asked President Aguinaldo,
have you any complaints about your
present condition.
mo. SIR" returned Capt. Quezon. but
I do not like to work in the offices when
my brother officers are dying in the field.
I want to share their fate. I cannot
wear this uniform with pride il ii has
not been perfumed with powder through
| out the war
Go, and God bless you." cried Aguin-
aldo, with moist eyes.
BACK To the Fight.
So the young captain had his wish
and was transferred that day to Porac.
| IN the command of Gen. Mascardo, of the
central Luzon division. He found plenty
OF fighting there and again distinguished
himself on the firing line. The attack
on BacOlor and San Rita took place three
| days after his arrival, and he was at
| once sent at the head of a detachment
| of men. The battle started at o'clock
| in the morning and all day long the
| general and his young officers led their
| men in the battle. A horse OF Gen.
| Franklin Bell, L. S. A, was captured in
| this enlargement Throughout the day
Capt. Quezon kept at his post. cheering
| his men onward and rushing fearlessly
into the thick OF the battle. Gen. Mas
| cardo noted his acts of bravery and In
| a short time he was promoted to major
In December. 1899. Mai. Quezon was
| sent by Gen Mascardo to the Province
| of Bataan to direct the military oper-
| ations there against Gen Grant. The