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.

146 INDEPENDENCE CONGRESS PROCEEDINGS

The present free-trade relations between the United States
and the Philippines have been advocated by the leaders for
the purpose of stimulating the industries in this country, he
said. The promulgation of free tariff in both countries has
increased the potential power, particularly along the line of
business, of the United States in the islands. As a result a
perpetual bond now binds the two countries, he declared.
But with the present conflict regarding free trade, there is
now a movement in the United States to solve the Philippine
problem. The state of affairs in Washington is Americans
against Americans. In view of this fact, it is high time for
the Filipino leaders to adopt the most constructive plan to
obtain Philippine independence from the United States.
Senator Sandiko suggested that the best way to carry out
the present campaign for independence is to hold frequent
meetings, organize different committees, independence conventions and conferences, and instruct the school children on the
independence of their country. The method of giving school
pupils prizes for articles and other compositions on independence and that of inducing women leaders to carry on the independence movement anywhere they happen to be in order to
disseminate the ideal of political freedom, were urged by the
minority leader.
The points brought out by the speakers were then
discussed. In the course of the discussion on the
address of Director Kalaw, Mr. Dalmacio Martinez
moved that the two houses of the Legislature, through
their respective presiding officers, be requested to approve a law designating a day of Thanksgiving in order
to invoke the assistance of the Divine Providence in
the attainment of our independence. The motion was
duly seconded and approved unanimously.