Proceedings of the first Independence congress : held in the city of Manila, Philippine islands, February 22-26, 1930 / Published under the direction of Dean maximo M. Kalaw, executive secretary, University of the Philippines.

110 INDEPENDENCE CONGRESS PROCEEDINGS

If the ability to maintain a stable government is to be tested
by the use made of the ballot, then our provinces and municipalities can with pride aver that such a government now exists.
The election of provincial and municipal officials and, in fact,
of all officials, though bitterly contested, has always been
characterized by orderliness; and the people's will has been
given full and untramelled expression. Let America's highest
representative speak! Shortly after the election in 1919, Acting Governor-General Charles Emmet Yeater issued the following significant statement to the press:
"By taking the election as a whole, I consider it entirely
creditable to the Philippine people; and I believe that no
shortcomings or improper conduct in receiving the votes
will exceed those ordinarily committed in other countries."
Referring to the elections of 1919, the Wood-Forbes report
said:
"Interest in the elections was widespread and election
day passed without any serious disturbances. 'There was
a general, quiet acceptance by the minority of the results
of the popular vote."
Immediately after the 1922 elections, I reported to the Governor-General as follows:
"Now that the elections are over, permit me to report
to you that in the provinces and in the Cities of Manila
and Baguio, the general elections were held in an orderly
manner with due regard to the law and the officials
charged with the duty of its administration and enforcement. While a few isolated cases of personal violence 6
might have occurred in the heat of political excitement, yet
taking the elections as a whole, the people exercised the
important political right of suffrage in a manner creditable
to themselves and their country. The circulars and instructions issued both by this department and the Exec-
utive Bureau were generally observed; and while at times
we had to deal rather severely with a few provincial and
municipal officials, these officials later showed an attitude
of respect and regard for the orders which emanated from
the Central Government."