Spain is at war with the
United States; we neither know that nation nor its language. The
Americans will endeavour by all imaginable means to induce us to
help them against Spain. And then, alas! they, the all-powerful,
will absorb us and reward our treachery to Spain by betraying
us, making us slaves and imposing upon us all the evils of a new
colonization. On the other hand, by helping Spain, if we die, we
do so in the fulfilment of our duty; if we live, we shall obtain
the triumph of our aspirations without the dangers and risks of
a civil war. We shall not die! No! Under the flag which shields
us and our garrisons, fighting with faith, decision, and ardour,
as a country does which yearns to be free and great, the enemy
will disappear like the wave which washes the seashore. Let us
hope to obtain from Spain all the good that the American stranger
can offer to us. Let us help our old ally, our old friend Spain,
and realize, with her, more quickly our aspirations. These are
they:--With the greatest decentralization possible consistent with
national unity, the organization and attributions of public powers
must be based on three principles:--(1) Spanish sovereignty. (2)
Local representation. (3) Colonial Government responsibility. Three
institutions correspond to these three principles, viz.: (1)
The institution of the General Government of the Philippines. (2)
The Insular Deputation or Philippine Assembly. (3) The Governative
Council. In this way the rights of the Government and those of
the Colony are harmonized. Let us shun the policy of suspicion
and doubt. With these firm and solid guarantees let us establish
civil and political liberty. The Assembly, representing the will of
the people, deliberates and resolves as one would treat one's own
affairs in private life, and thus constitutes the legislative power
of the Archipelago. Its resolution will be put into practice with
all fidelity by the executive power in its character of responsible
government. There are only Spaniards in the Archipelago; we are all
Filipinos and all European Spaniards. Such is _the programme of
the party who want home rule for the Philippines--ever Spanish!_
Thus shall we see the destinies of this country guided under the
orange and red flag. Thus will my beloved country be governed,
without detriment