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.

MINDANAO AND MOUNTAIN PROVINCE

265

tion that devastated the edifices of mediaeval vassalage; and our
peaceful campaign for emancipation since representative democracy was implanted here-these are the successive steps leading to the shrine days on a pilgrimate to the temple, with
hearts throbbing with anxiety and devotion, unhesitant and
unafraid, hoping and praying for the breaking of the dawn.
There are no ominous signs in the firmament. Internationally, the nations are striving for a lasting understanding,
and all thought of conflicts is being adjourned. Locally, there
is perfect peace and order. And, what more, in the horizon,
to the south of us, a new Mindanao is even now emerging.
It does not, and it need not stand on the way to freedom.
That Mindanao is my subject today. Out of the uncertainties of yesterday, the ramparts of a better order are there
being constructed. On all sides evidences of a quickened existence are discernible. The cross and the crescent are not inconsistent there. Good-naturedly, they smile on each other,
marching hand in hand as friends and comrades. Some day,
perhaps, one of them will be discarded altogether; the more
fit will survive. But there will be no actual clashes due to
religious convictions and impulses. More noteworthy yet,
Christians and Mohammedans, every now and then, go to the
marriage altar together, to be there united by the compelling
dictates of their hearts. In no case yet has one of those marriages hit the rocks of disaster.
There are other encouraging signs of the times. Our Mohammedan kinsmen are steadily embracing the ways of modernity. Aged-old prejudices and antiquated traditions are
gradually being dumped into the scrap-heap, and a new outlook towards life is manifest everywhere. More and more,
faster and faster, they are adopting the trappings of modern
civilization. Their wants are increasing; they are beginning
to produce more. They are fond of riding in motor cars.
They enjoy the movies. They get the same thrill out of
athletics and of boxing bouts as we do. Many of them are
fitting their picturesque vintas with motors so they can travel
about faster. They are having their lands registered under
the Torrens System, and they are building more substantial