The development of Philippine politics

THE REVOLUTIONARY GOVERNMENT

161

The right of suffrage would probably have remained
for many years in the hands of the so-called ilustrado, or
educated, class. Yet it is the common experience that a
taste of democracy begets more democracy; hence, it is
very likely that the masses would have soon advocated
active participation in governmental affairs. Now that we
hear so much of the evils of universal suffrage in countries
where the masses are mostly illiterate, we cannot but respect the conservatism shown by the founders of our Republic. It may be contended that under such a state of affairs, the ilustrado class would have exploited the ignorant
masses. Yet, the masses were not so apathetic as we mfght
suppose, for were they not the real backbone of the revolution? Was not the Katipunan recruited from among
their ranks? Also it should be remembered that the ilustrados did not form a caste with impassable barriers. Any
family from the mnasses could rise to the ilustrado class if
it had sufficient income to send its children to school.
It is probable that the Philippine Republic would have
retained usages which are not entirely democratic, at least
when viewed in the light of American practices and ideas.
It is not easy to do away entirely with practices hundreds
of years old. Thus the order requiring the people to use
the title of Senor or Maguinoo when addressing officials,
and telling officials to use vos when addressing superiors,
may sound too aristocratic. Further, to clothe officials with
the regalia of authority, different insignia were authorized.
The chiefs of the towns and of provinces might use different staffs with handles and tassels of gold or silver.
Probably these distinctions were meant to inspire the people with greater respect for constituted authorities, which,
in the opinion of Mabini, was absolutely necessary for the
success of a democracy.
It is doubtful, however, if Aguinaldo himself was
serious when he spoke of the titles of "marquis" and
"duke" being the rewards for bravery and distinction in
battles. And even granting that he was serious, the other
leaders, like Mabini and Calderon, would iot have tolerated