by the Spaniards against the
persons of peaceful and defenseless Filipinos. The Spaniards believe
themselves released from every legal obligation toward the Filipinos
for the sole reason that the belligerency of the Revolution has
not been recognized, taking no account of the fact that over and
above every law, whether written or prescriptive, are placed with
imprescriptible characters, culture, national honor and humanity. No;
the Filipinos have no need ever to make use of reprisals because they
seek independence with culture, liberty with unconditional respect
for the law, as the organ of justice, and a name purified in the
crucible of human sentiments.

In virtue of the foregoing considerations the undersigned, giving
voice to the unanimous aspiration of the people whom they represent,
and performing the offices received from them and the duties pertaining
to the powers with which they are invested,

Proclaim solemnly in the face of the whole world the Independence of
the Philippines;

Recognize and respect Senor Don Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy as President
of the Revolutionary Government, organized in the manner prescribed by
decree of the 23d and instructions of the 27th of June last, and beg
the said President that he will ask and obtain from foreign Governments
the recognition of its belligerency and independence, not only because
this act constitutes a duty of justice, but also because to no one
is it permitted to contravene natural laws nor stifle the legitimate
aspiration of a people for its amelioration and dignification.

Given in the Province of Cavite the 1st day of August, of the year
of our Lord 1898, and the first year of Philippine independence.

Follow the signatures of the local Presidents of the Provinces of
Cavite and many others.

The undersigned, Secretary of the Interior, certifies, That the present
document is a literal copy of the original, which is deposited in
the Secretaryship under his charge; in proof of which he signs it,
with the approval of the President of the Revolutionary Government
in Bacoor, the 6th day of August, 1898.

El Presidente del G. R.,
_Emilio Aguinaldo_.
El Secretano del Interior,
_Leandro Ibarra_.

_Letter from Senor Aguinaldo to General Anderson._

July 23d, 1898.

To Brigadier-General T. M. Anderson, U. S. A., etc., etc., Cavite.

In answer to the letter of your Excellency dated the 22nd of the
present month, I have the honor to manifest to you the fo