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.

POLITICAL SECTION

151

and partly appointive. There was a President of the Republic
whose election was practically confirmed by the Congress; and
there were courts of justice and provincial and local governments. The Constitution of the Republic was the first modern
constitution ever adopted in Asia. It was the first document
drafted in this part of the globe which recognized the principle
of popular sovereignty. At the time America decided to annex the Islands, the president of the Republic, General Aguinaldo, was the undisputed leader of his people, and he was
surrounded by the best minds of the country. The Republic
had the support of all the Christian inhabitants and part of
the Mohammedan population.
As we come, however, to the present government established
by America, we can see several improvements over the revolutionary institutions. In the first place, the present is a government of greater peace and order. Protection of life and property is now duly safeguarded. The greatest benefit that the
Filipinos, from the standpoint of political development, have
received from the United States has been the establishment and
enforcement of civil rights as embodied in the first instructions
of President McKinley to the Commission and in all the organic
acts of the Philippines. It is true that a similar provision is
found in the Malolos Constitution, but the Philippine Republic would probably have found no little difficulty in enforcing the provisions for the protection of civil rights. It
seems to be agreed by political observers that it is in AngloSaxon countries where the protection of civil rights is best
safeguarded; and the introduction of the American bill of rights
and their interpretation by the courts have been a tremendous
blessing to the community. Again a more honest and efficient
system of government has been established. A civil service
system has been instituted based on merit and examination.
The influence of the Filipino army men which would have
been considerable for many years had the Republic been continued, was done away. A sound currency system, although
too conservative in some respects, has been devised. Certain
principles and practices inculcated by American institutions and
American administrators have been of incalculable benefit to
the political development of the Philippines. Among such