ON JULY 29, 1931, General Emilio Aguinaldo stated that the Philippines is ready to assume the responsibilities of an independent nation. Although the country is not ready from a military point of view, no nation, the General thinks, “will dare to use force on another in this age of growing harmony, peace, and international brotherhood”.
Aguinaldo was speaking in response to the address of US Senator Hawes before the joint session of the Philippine Legislature the day before. In his address Hawes stated that independence “would carry with it heavy responsibilities, possibly increase in taxes, and some loss of trade”. Postponing independence 15, 20, or 30 years, he said, is not a plan, but a subterfuge.
