Emilio Aguinaldo

“ I have proclaimed in the face of the whole world that the aspiration of my whole life, the final object of all my efforts and strength, is nothing else but your independence, for I am firmly convinced that that constitutes your constant desire, and that independence signifies for us redemption from slavery and tyranny, regaining our liberty, and entrance into the concert of civilized nations. ”

“ I understand, moreover, the urgent necessity of establishing in each town a solid and robust organization, the strongest bulwark of public security and the sole means of securing that union and discipline which are indispensable for the establishment of the Republic, that is, government of the people for the people, and warding off the international conflicts which may arise. ”

“ The headman of the center of the community will be the vice-president of the assembly and the delegate of justice its secretary. The headmen will be delegates of the chief within their respective boundaries. ART. V. The chiefs of each town after consulting the opinion of their respective assemblies will meet and elect by a majority of votes the chief of the province and three councilors for the three branches above-mentioned. ”