VII.

Some of the conclusions reached or hinted at in the course of this argument must have formed themselves in the minds of at least a few Filipinos of independent character.  Otherwise how shall we account for the fact that some declare their disbelief in the possibility of independence?  How else shall we explain what is far more significant, the silence under this head of the really first-rate men of the Archipelago?  Is it not worthy of note that Rizal himself, the posthumous apostle of the Philippines, never advocated or contemplated independence?  In yet other cases, the belief held finds expression in the assertion that the Islands must be declared independent, but only under the protection of the United States.  What that would ultimately mean is so plain to those who know the country as to require no consideration here.  It may even be asserted on the best of authority, so far as any authority is possible in such a case, that not even those who shout the loudest for independence arc sincere in their clamor the Assembly itself would be seriously disturbed if its resolution to this end should suddenly be honored by the United States.

We make bold to quote here, in full, a short editorial that appeared in the Weekly Times of Manila, December 30, 1910: 

“Mr. Perry Robinson, whose articles on the Philippines are now being published by the London Times, makes one point that offers a valuable, suggestion to our ardent friends of the Nationalist party. [59] While here, Mr. Robinson interviewed a number of the leaders of the party and discovered that they were all afraid of immediate independence.  They admitted that the country and people would not be ready for it for years, and, when pressed for an explanation, said they feared, if they did not press the question now, it would not avail them to do so later on.  The inconsistency of the present position must strike every sensible person who examines it.  Let us assume that the United States Government decides at this time to give ear to the plea of those who are politically active in the Philippines—­what will happen?  It will dispatch a commission or committee to the Islands to examine the representations of those who make the plea.  It is admitted by even the Nationalist leaders, when speaking privately on this question, that the people are not ready to shift for themselves and can not be made ready for some years.  Surely it is not believed that the investigators are going to be deceived about the real truth as to conditions in the Islands, and we are unable to see what good is to be accomplished by having this inquiry made.