The development of Philippine politics

262 TIIE DEVELOPMENT OF PHILIPPINE POLITICS

ever be inspired by the spirit of the constitution of the
United States. Following the mandates of this constitution,
the Commission will endeavor to establish in the Philippines
a popular government within the limits recently approved
for Porto Rico."
To this I replied that the principles on which the American constitution rests declare that sovereignty resides in the
people as a matter of natural right: that the American
Government in not having contented itself with limiting the
sovereignty of the Filipino people but instead in having nullified the same, had clearly committed an injustice which
sooner or later would require reparation or expiation; and
that there, could not be a popular government where the people were not given real and effective participation in the
organization and direction of the government.
They made a counter reply, saying that they were not
authorized to discuss abstract questions because they had
orders that they should insist upon their opinion, even if
force had to be used, after hearing the opinions of the Filipinos.
I then said that as far as I was concerned, the conference was ended inasmuch as I thought it useless to discuss
with force and to give my opinions to those who would not
listen to the voice of reason.
Mr. Taft then asked whether I wanted to help them in
their study of the taxes that could be imposed on the people;
to which I answered that considering the fact that all taxes
imposed without the consent of the representatives of those
required to pay the tax was an injustice, I could not take
part in the proposed study without the representation and
mandate of the people. I see that the Americans are decided
in dragging us to the bitter alternative of dishonor or death.
Now that this is so I shall try to behave as an honorable
man who puts his duties and honor above everything else.
Between dishonor and death, it is our duty to prefer the
latter.-(Sgd.) Apolinario Mabini.
Note.-I have limited myself to jotting down the substance; it is to be remembered that in the conference, the
expressions used were duly tempered because of social
courtesy and usage. (1)
In a letter dated November 12, 1900, Mabini wrote to
Aguinaldo asking him what other course of action remained
(1) Printed as notes by T. M. Kalaw in Palma, Our Campaign for Indepetdknce.
Manila 1923S, pp. 13, 14. A report of the interview from another side is found
in WilUiamns, Odysse of the Philippine Commission, p. 70.