Philippine National Government
Office of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs
Malolos
January 23, 1899
Major General E.S. Otis
Commander-in-Chief of the
American Forces of Occupation in Manila
My government has promulgated the political constitution of the Philippine
Republic, which is today, enthusiastically proclaimed by the people, because
of its conviction that its duty is to interpret faithfully the aspirations
of that people -- a people making superhuman efforts to revindicate their
sovereignity and their nationality before the civilized powers.
To this end, of the governments today recognized and observed among
cultivated nations they have adopted the form of government most compatible
with their aspirations, endeavoring to adjust their actions to the dictates
of reason and right, in order to demonstrate their aptitute for civil life.
And, taking the liberty to notify your excellency, I confidently hope
that, doing justice to the Philippine people, you will be pleased to inform
the Government of your nation that the desire of mine, upon being accorded
official recognition, is to contribute to the best of its scanty ability
to the establishment of a general peace.
May God keep your excellency many years.
Emilio Aguinaldo
Apolinario Mabini
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