The development of Philippine politics

TRIUMPHANT NATIONALISM

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in, the revolution, and even during the Spanish regime,
had been elected, such as Pedro Paterno, Felipe Agoncillo,
Aguedo Velarde and Leon Maria Guerrero. They had been
trained in Europe and could not appreciate American institutions as readily as the younger members like Osmenia
and Quezon. As between the two elements, the American
authorities had more sympathy with the younger ones, who
would be more likely to understand the workings of American institutions. Moreover, some of them had already distinguished themselves as governors of their respective provinces. Osmenia and Quezon, although barely 30, had been
governors of their provinces, where they had left good records. Osmefia, it must be remembered, had started El
Nuevo Dia, and although away from Manila had taken an
active interest in the organization of the Nacionalista
Party. The fact that he was out of Manila must have
been to his advantage; for although he was in sympathy
with the immediatist plank, his absence kept him away
from the petty struggles which had taken place among the
nationalists in Manila preparatory to the formation of the
party. Besides, he had connections both with the radical
and the conservative wings. His election in 1906 as chairman of the assembly of governors; in spite of the fact that
the Federalists were then in the majority, gave him great
prestige. He was therefore the logical candidate for
Speaker of the Assembly. "There was no dispute about
his election," said Rafael Palma.(1) "Sergio Osmenfia, Delegate from Cebu, was chosen speaker of the Assembly by
acclamation."
Even Secretary of War Taft expressed satisfaction
over the election. In his report to the President he described Osmenfia as "a young man not 30, but of great ability, shrewdness, high ideals and yet very practical in his
methods of dealing with men and things. The Assembly
could have done nothing which indicated its good sense so
strongly as the selection of Senfor Osmenia as its presiding
(I) Our Campaign for Independce, p. 25.