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.

310 INDEPENDENCE CONGRESS PROCEEDINGS

opportunity in releasing issues against Philippine independence.
The constant conflict among our intellectuals becomes thick
clouds that destroys our bright future, and often results in
disunion.
I firmly believe that as soon as our leaders are bound for
one common cause and are in sympathy with each other's views
and ideas, we will obtain the freedom that we have been struggling for and we will be one of those envied and respected nations in the world. For what reason do we fail to respect
our own government? Why is it that our capitalists do not
seem to sympathize with our movement? Why are our legistators afraid to pass bills that will lighten our burden? Why
are those persons, who with our support became members of the
Senate and House of Representatives, not doing us justice?
Oh! it's because they see us disunited. When we are united
for a common cause and when our selfish motives no longer
exist, everybody will recognize our greatness. But so long as
we remain disunited, so long as we do not have one road to
tread upon, we shall forever remain low for the great to trample
down on their way to success.
But I believe that there is no sickness without remedy; no
darkness without light; no suffering without relief; and if
there is day there is night. So it is with us and our country.
Subjects today, tomorrow free; disunited at present, some day
solidly united. And being thus, when the great American
nation shall deem it fit to grant us our independence for which
we have been long waiting, be sure that our triumph shall not
be hindered by any factor or power under the sun.
After the last scheduled speaker, the Chairman asked
Mr. Vicente Lontok to lead the discussion which the
latter did. He took up first the points brought out
by Professor Macaraig in his speech and he enumerated
them to refresh the minds of the congressmen. Nobody stood up to discuss those points either because
they were not prepared to discuss them or there was a
general acceptance of the speaker's views.