une 17 as the day on which the consecration
of these Islands to the "Heart of Jesus" would be solemnly confirmed.

To draw the remnant of loyalty to his side, the Gov.-General instituted
a reformed "Consulting Assembly" composed of 15 half-castes and
natives, under the nominal presidency of Pedro A. Paterno, the
mediator in the Biac-na-bato negotiations. Senor Paterno, whose
sympathy for Spain was still unalienated, issued a _Manifiesto_
of which the following is a translation (published in _El Comercio_
of Manila on June 2, 1898):--

_Filipinos: Beloved Brethren_.

I love our country as none other does. I want it to be great,
free, and happy, and to shape its own destinies according to
its desires and aspirations. Therefore, I respect all the vital
forces in it at the cost of my life and my fortune. A long time
ago I risked my existence for the rights and liberties of the
Philippine people, who were sorely agitated, by bringing the
majority together, and directing the salvation of their interests
based on liberty and justice. My ideas are neither strange nor new;
they are the _result of study and political experience,_ and not
recently conceived under the existing circumstances. I desire,
with all the vehemence of my soul, to see my country strong and
great--its honour and dignity respected and in the enjoyment
of the greatest happiness. But however great our efforts may be
we need an ally. Let us imitate the example of the Great Powers;
they cannot exist alone, however strong and great they may be. They
need help, and the union of strength increases their power. Russia
seeks France; Germany seeks Italy and Austria. Unhappy is the Power
that isolates itself! And what better ally can we have than Spain,
a nation with which we are united for nearly four centuries in
religion, laws, morals, and customs, understanding full well her
virtues and her defects? The evil days of Spanish colonization are
over, and by dint of experience and the sacrifice of blood Spain
has understood that we are already of age, and require reforms
in our territory such as the formation of Philippine Militia,
which gives us the force of arms, and the Consulting Assembly,
which gives us the power of speech, participation in the higher
public employments, and the ability to control the peaceful
development and progress of society.