"We, therefore, submit our case, with faith and confidence,
frankly and without evasion. It is the case of the Filipino
people whom in fact and in law we represent, for certainly
under the present circumstances no other agency can speak or
act with as much authority on what the Filipino people want or
on Philippine conditions in general, as their duly accredited
representatives. That is the very essence of representative
government."
President Harding replied after due deliberation, stating that he
was not yet ready to recommend the concession of independence to
Congress, but assured the members of the Mission and, thru them, the
Filipino people, that there would be no backward step taken during
his administration, and that the autonomy now enjoyed by the Filipinos
would remain unimpaired.
Petition for a constitutional convention.--The second Mission,
failing in its object like the first, the Philippine Legislature at
its next session in 1922, set about to devise other means whereby
action on the question of independence could be hastened. After days
of stirring debate, it was decided to ask Congress for permission
to call a Constitutional Convention to draft a Constitution for a
Philippine Republic, and the following resolution was passed:
"Whereas, the people and government of the United States have
solemnly promised to grant independence as soon as a stable
government can be established in the Philippines; and
"Whereas, a stable government now exists and is now in operation
with the necessary guarantees that insure success, permanency,
and security; and
"Whereas, preparation and approval by legitimate representatives of
the Filipino people of a political constitution for the Philippines
is, in the sense of the legislature, a proper and efficacious
step for the securing of Philippine independence; therefore, be it
"Resolved, by the Philippine Senate, with the concurrence of the
House of Representatives, that the United States Congress be asked,
as it is hereby asked, to authorize the Philippine Legislature
to make arrangements for the holding of a general election for
the selection of delegates to a constitutional assembly which
shall have the duty of preparing, discussing, and adopting a
political constitution for an independent Philippine Republic; of
determining, with the government of the United States, what kind
of relationship, if any, should exist between said government of
the United States and the Philippines; and finally of prescribing
the election by the people of the Philippines of officials that
shall exercise the authority and functions prescribed by the
constitution to be adopted and to whom the present government of
the Philippines shall be transferred as soon as they have legally
assumed their posts."
This resolution is now before the Congress of the United States,
awaiting action by that body.