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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