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.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS SECTION 219

public of Nicaragua in 1867 and of the Republic of Cuba in
the year 1901.
In view of the deeds and exposed considerations, one may
ask himself, what should be the future of weak nations like
ours? It is always hard and dangerous to speak on future
accomplishments; but as sons of a young country, who may
speak better of her hopes and aspirations than of her triumphs,
considering history as the soul of the past, the image of the
present, and the mirror of the future, we dare affirm that the
future of the small nations cannot be more brilliant than ours.
The slow but sure triumph of democracy in all parts of the
earth is irresistible. All countries, all continents, have felt
its enslaving influence, because the principle of Liberty, which
Democracy consecrates, has already penetrated in the conscience
of the world.
Besides, the principle of Nationality also has triumphed and
will continue triumphing in all places. -This principle has
triumphed in all countries of the Middle Europe as well as in
Belgium, without saying anything of France, heart and brain
of the polished Europe; and because of the World War has
triumphed equally in the vast Empires of Germany, AustriaHungary and Russia, realizing thus the resurrection of all nationalities.
And with the progress of International Justice and Morality
and with the ever growing respect to Nationalism and the rights
of Humanity, we, the sons of this dear land, receiving inspirations from the heroic examples of our forefathers and following
the beautiful paths of peace and progress illumined by the light
of Truth and Justice, perchance in a future not far distant,
in the most fortunate day of our history, under the help of
the Divine Providence and with the cooperation of the great
North-American Country, we also might reach the height of
our noble and just aspirations and proclaim from the top
that in this Extreme Orient exists a Christian and civilized
country, conscious of its destinies, of its rights, and of its
great and serious responsibilities before humanity and the
coming generations.