LUKBAN TO PEOPLE OF SAMAR AND LEYTE, JANUARY 1, 1899

Exhibit 1318.

[Original in Spanish and Visayan. Printed document. P.I.R., 1055.4.]

JANUARY 1, 1899.

Fellow-citizens of Samar and Leyte.

For more than three hundred years have we been enduring the Spaniards. Having suffered and been saddened by the unfortunate fate of our sons and the increase in outrages and besides the day having arrived for the cry of Liberty, we decided to shed our blood and lose our property, with the sole end in view of freeing ourselves from such an odious domination, and, Thank Heaven! our efforts have been crowned with success.

We no longer are slaves exploited by the Spaniards; we no longer blush on account of our condition, because our beloved Filipinas has entered the concert of civilized nations, and bears upon her forehead the seal of achievement and honor. And you, children of Samar and Leyte, participate in all this happiness, although you did not cooperate in the victory.

Now that it has become an imperious necessity to consolidate our Republic; now that powerful aggressions may occur, and now that we must endeavor to keep from returning to slavery and sufferings; it becomes absolutely necessary, brothers, that you come to our help with your lives and property, as you are not ignorant of the ignominious fate which awaits us, if we do not strengthen ourselves and unite. Will you permit that this, our soil, legally ours, should again be taken from us? Will you perhaps tolerate that this state of oppression, of tears and of exploitation be imposed upon us by any Power?

The loss of property does not pain us, nor do we care for life; as apart from the dishonor and misery into which we would fall, we are called upon to fulfill the duty of working for the common good; if we do not live to see days of complete prosperity and welfare, let us be satisfied with the assurance that our children, that our grand children, will gather tpe sweet fruits of the beautiful tree of our dreamed·of Independence.

Let our wills be entire and united; cast out of your breasts party spirit, which is eminently anti-social, and which will redound to our opprobrium and enervate our energies; let us pray to God, as in Him lies victory; let us dedicate ourselves to honest labor, by breaking, and profiting from, this fertile soil, coveted by strangers; let us obey with full faith and good will the orders of our governors; and, beloved brethren, let us unite our efforts to secure the strength, wealth, good report and honor of our new born Republic.

Your General,

VICENTE LUKBAN

JANUARY 1, 1899.