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.

LABOR SECTION

309

lives; others fled; some joined the enemies of their people with
the belief that they would be safe, as it was not yet time for
the poor to rise. Convents became crowded, for those who
believed that they would be saved flocked there. The revolutionists triumphed and the light that was darkened by the three
and a half centuries of Spanish regime shone once more. The
chain of slavery was broken and the rich and powerful who
became the accomplices of the friars repented. The victorious
created a government, headed by the few deserving and intelligent persons. The poor laborers who were used as a defense
against enemies, the weak and faithful slaves who were used
as bullets for cannons continued rendering service. They were
still the first ones to be exposed to combats and were used as
baits at the mouth of death. For these reasons, we want to
let the world know that the Filipino laborers can be useful
not only as tools of labor, bearers of heavy burden, but also
as means in building the pivot of freedom and as an instrument
in erecting the flag of liberty.
So with heads up and hearts open, we are making it
known to the four winds that the rich and powerful who desire to become leaders of national movements can be assured
of our help so long as they, are fighting for a common cause.
Just as the common masses of yesterday proved their loyalty to
their country, so are the laboring classes of today. The least
doubt should never be entertained for we are also prepared to
die for our country's sake. We are saying plainly that if the
rich and educated people think that the success of Philippine
mission depends on us, right now we offer our lives to fight
for liberty until the last. If it is the life of the laborers that
America needs to recognize our right for freedom, we are here
with hearts open to offer her what is in our power.
Because of our problem now and in the future, there is one
incident that should never be forgotten and which should be
recorded in the history of our independence movements: The
difference of opinion among our political leaders and of our
labor organizations serve as a great drawback in any national
undertaking. This weakness created doubts in the minds of
foreign observers and oftentimes our enemies make use of this