Spanish Constitution. It asks for a definite separation therefrom;
it struggles for its independence, with the certainty that the
time has arrived when it is able and ought to rule itself.

Hence, it has constituted a Revolutionary Government, based
on wise and just laws, suited to the abnormal circumstances
it is passing through, preparatory to the founding of a real
Republic. Accepting Right as the only standard of its acts,
Justice as its sole aim, and honourable Labour as its sole means,
it calls upon all Filipinos, without distinction of birth, and
invites them to unite firmly with the object of forming a noble
society, not by bloodshed, nor by pompous titles, but by labour
and the personal merit of each one; a free society where no egoism
shall exist--where no personal politics shall overflow and crush,
nor envy nor partiality debase, nor vain boasting nor charlatanry
throw it into ridicule.

Nothing else could be expected from a country which has proved
by its long suffering and courage in tribulation and danger,
and industry and studiousness in peace, that it is not made for
slavery. That country is destined to become great; to become one of
the most solid instruments of Providence for ruling the destinies
of humanity. That country has resources and energy sufficient to
free itself from the ruin and abasement into which the Spanish
Government has drawn it, and to claim a modest, though worthy,
place in the concert of free nations.

Given at Cavite, June 23, 1898.

_Emilio Aguinaldo_.

These public documents were supplemented by the issue, on June 27,
of "Instructions," signed by Emilio Aguinaldo, which, as they relate
solely to working details of the Revolutionary Government offices,
are of minor interest to the general reader.

Since June 30 the rebels were in possession of Coloocan (the first,
station--beyond Manila--on the Manila-Dagupan Railway) and the Manila
suburbs of Santa Cruz and Tondo. The rebels purchased four vessels in
Singapore and armed them, but, later on, Admiral Dewey forbade them to
fly their flag pending the ultimate settlement of the whole Philippine
problem. They also took possession of the waterworks of Santolan
(near San Juan del Monte), but did not cut off the water-supply to the
capital. Dissensions arose in the rebel camp between Emilio Aguinaldo
and the leaders Yocson