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.

APPENDIX

349

PRESIDENT MANUEL L. QUEZON "From my sick bed I
heartily endorse the calling of the independence congress, composed
of representative elements of the past and of the present and I call
upon all those who are qualified for membership to come to Manila
for the congress. To use the famous phrase of President Wilson, politics should be adjourned and all party lines eliminated when an
opportunity like the independence congress is presented."
SPEAKER-PRO-TEMPORE DE LAS ALAS: "The idea of holding at this time an Independence Congress is most opportune."
SENATOR W. H. KING: "I understand that on the 22nd instant,
thousands of representatives from all parts of the Philippine Islands
will meet in Manila to express their views concerning Philippine independence. I am gratified to learn of the unanimity of the Filipinos
concerning a question so vital to them. The representatives of the
Filipino people in Washington are ably presenting the claims of the
Filipinos for independence. Many Americans believe that Congress
should enact legislation under which the aspirations of the Filipinos
for an independent government may be realized. Though there is
opposition to such legislation I believe that in the not long distant
future the Filipinos will secure their independence and establish a
government of their own choosing competent to meet all problems,
domestic and foreign, with which it Will be confronted. I extend cordial greetings to the convention."
SENATOR H. B. HAWES: "The voice of liberty will ultimately
prevail. Our national promise will be redeemed. Solidarity of expression by Filipinos, unity in counsel and determination should find
its way to America now when this subject will soon come before our
Congress for decision.
"There will be delays occasioned by organized opposition and by
other matters pressing upon the Congress for consideration. This is
unavoidable. Tell your story to the American representatives here.
They will be given audience but this is a large country and it takes
time to cover it.
"You will have Tories as we did in our struggle for liberty and
I am sure you will treat them as we did ours.
"Finally you will win your independence."