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.

318 INDEPENDENCE CONGRESS PROCEEDINGS

took the initiative in a measure which tended to the getting of
our independence; the same thing occurred when the initiative
came from the other group.
On the other hand in an organization like tje present Congress, in whose bosom one enters with no party feelings, comes
with prejudice against no one, sees things from a prism notably
national; he can discuss all the- necessary means for the success
of our ideal and whichever forms of independence, without the
discussion carrying any party color.
So we joined the Supreme National Council, with the sole
eagerness of promoting a solid concentration of all live forces
of our country for great effectiveness of our campaigns for independence.
Latsly when the Independence League was organized, we
did not hide our sympathy for such a patriotic organization
to pursue purposes similar to those of this Congress.
It is to be hoped that this Congress would have its opinion
heard about any political or economic measure which might
affect our independence, on occasions when the Philippine Legislature or the Independence Commission which is an organism
composed of representatives elected by the people, need the
meeting of this congress, and therefore, it hoped that it would
be made a permanent institution.
It is also hoped that this Congress would influence the
Resident Commissioners in America, as speaking-trumpets
of the aspirations of our country, in their selection, the
various, political tendencies predominant in the country. They
should consider the duty of Resident Commissioner from the
national and not the partisan point of view.
And the Resident Commissioners who,, with their continuous
contact with Congress and the American administration, are
found in better conditions to know the family secrets of American politics with respect to our country, should be the ones
to assume the responsibility of the direction of the pro-independence campaign in America.