LUKBAN
Americans but consisting mainly of pro-American illustrados . Writing on Feb . 4 , 1901 , he said :
“ It is now about two months since what is known as ‘ Federal Party ’ flashed its program on the Philippine people . Its object , it says is to end the present struggle . It seems to forget , however , that upon putting its seal to that document , the principal aim of which is the recognition of the sovereignty of the enemy . It not only insults both the Philippine army and the Philippine people , but also aims the most unlimited sarcasm at them . The Philippine people do not want to recognize that sovereignty because it is illegitimate , because it constitutes an odious yoke , and because it is a condition of servitude equal to , if not worse than , that which , but yesterday , they destroyed for a similar reason . The will be under innumerable sufferings and sacrifices , pour out their generous blood , in the midst of desolation and ruin , stand heroically and firmly defending their native soil from the iniquitous ambition of the colossal invader .
“ Let us indignantly reject this infamous suggestion addressed to us by a few traitors who have sold themselves who wish to lead us into an abyss of dishonour and make slaves of us .
“ The organizers of that contemptible body , while pretending to seek peace , would impose upon us as a condition the forfeiture of our most sacred rights and the renunciation of that nationality which is so justly ours , which is so inalienable , and for the preservation of which any country in the world worthy of the name would sacrifice the last of her children .
“ Don ’ t allow yourselves to be deceived by the lavish display of individual liberties so alluringly set forth in their platform ; they are held out to you only as a tempting morsel , while no one guarantees that they shall be lived up to . Their brilliancy is that of a tinsel . Those who make you those promises cannot perform what they promise ; they can only ask it of the American government . And the American government – it knows this and makes promises only . It seems to deal on naught save procrastinations – promises always and deeds never . And for this very reason , these same promises reveal a profound bad faith . It promises while it sees itself at a disadvantage , while promises suit its needs . And afterwards – they promised us independence while the war with Spain was on ; they continued to promise it until they could bring the necessary troops to the archipelago ; but when they believed themselves strong enough , well , you remember .
“ Two years ago today exactly , off went the mask , and our towns were riddled with canister . They also promised us invoking the
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