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.

226 INDEPENDENCE CONGRESS PROCEEDINGS
itants thereof, under the form adopted by your great Republic.
Freedom, suffrage and independent self-government are the only real
basis of an ordained State in the present times.
Like America, the Philippines will grow prosperous and happy,
if instead of sowing oppression and militarism and their inevitable
consequences, war and disorder, the Senate of the United States,
complying with the expectation of my countrymen and the formal
promises made before the war by all the representatives in the Far
East of the American Administration, will recognize the Independence
of the Philippines, and proclaim the everlasting friendship and alliance
of our two countries, joined by their common sentiments, created in
the field of honour, combating as comrades for justice and humanity. W
So, pray, help the Filipinos to obtain their noble aspirations.
I intend to return to America at the first opportunity, and will
not fail to personally offer you the assurance of my respect and high
consideration.
I am, Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
FELIPE AGONCIIuO.
EXTRAORDINARY DELEGATION OF THE PHILIPPINE
GOVERNMENT
Paris, Dec. 10, 1898.
To Colonel John Hay
Secretary of State
Washington, D. C.
Sir:
Now that the peace Commission of Paris are concluding their
labours, I intend to return to America, and I think it is my first duty
to offer you my respects and high consideration.
Your elevated position will grant you the privilege of influencing
the resolution which the worthy President McKinley and the American nation will adopt in respect to the control and future connection
of your country, with the Philippines; and I therefore, acting under
a formal power of attorney, dated the 26th, of August, 1898, and
granted to me by the gallant General Emilio Aguinaldo, President
of the Government of the Philippines, beg to inform,you that my
Government wish, as their first endeavour, to obtain the friendship
and alliance of the American people.
We expect to be recognized and proclaimed by America as a new
independent State, and wherever the Filipino flag waves there will be
a friendly home for any American citizens. With good will and