LUKBAN TO LOCAL PRESIDENTES AND INHABITANTS, JULY 13, 1900

Exhibit 1330.

[Original in Spanish . D . S . P . I. R ., 1144.5 ]

JULY 13, 1900.

To the local presidentes and inhabitants of this province [Samar].

Our enemy, having lost both moral and material strength throughout this province on account of the continuous attacks which, always to our advantage, we are making upon him, has availed himself of the policy of attraction, clothed with deceit and cunning, in order to retrieve said strength and destroy our powerful union. They make use of parleys in order to have personal interviews with our officers, and of decrees of amnesty so that when we have surrendered to them, we may become their prisoners and be caught in the trap prepared by them, - parleys and decrees by which one is indeed apt to be deceived, if the real purposes of such a policy are overlooked. Therefore, neither is it strange, nor is it useless to address you this proclamation in order that you may, by giving it a careful and conscientious consideration, open your eyes and be prepared, not allowing yourselves to be carried away, as our ancestors did, by the brilliancy of the future, which they endeavor to paint with false colors, nor should you pay the least attention to them, as their promises are false and we will never find ourselves in a better condition, unless we enjoy the blessings of liberty and independence.

The decree dated in Manila on June 21, 1900, issued by the so-called Governor General MacArthur, confines itself to saying that we should surrender and recognize the American sovereignty and authority; and in case we should surrender we would only change from one master to another still more despotic and cruel, for such the Americans are; and this would, at least, be a stupid act, if not one of madness. If any one of you should surrender to the enemy, he soon would see his unfortunate fate, for he will become their slave. At first they will treat him with kindness, which will later turn into tortures and humiliation. Alas, you unfortunate ones! Remember how the Spaniards treated our forefathers,-our immortal Makapagal, who was made a Brigadier General for his bravery and ability in war, on the condition that he should submit to the Spanish flag. Yet, his sons, later on, were oppressed and ill-treated. This will happen to us under the Americans, and perhaps even worse.

Furthermore, what is the use of inviting us to a conference with a view of expressing our desires, if, from the beginning, they are aware that our vehement desire and aspiration is independence? Hence you will understand that such an appeal is a mere deceitful contrivance. Owing to the fact that the whole province,--excepting a few persons who are under their jurisdiction and consequently unable to express an opinion, - is united and firm in one ideal, namely, independence, the enemy is unable to overcome our strength and, by fraudulent and deceitful means, is trying to break the chain, whose links are our union and fraternity, because they know that once broken our strength will be at an end, and without it we can never attain victory.

But the invaders, the Yankees, will never gain their ends, for my hopes and confidence are entirely in your hands, oh worthy sons of Samar, and you will never allow yourselves to be deceived by falsehoods of that kind, but will always be firm and united in your aspirations, nor be discouraged by reverses and mishaps, however unfavorable to us.

You should remember that our task is a laudable one, and be confident that we will attain its happy end; as recently I received favorable news from the General Commissioner to the Visayas to the effect that our operations in this province are being carried out continuously, day and night, the result being always favorable and satisfactory to us. This news has been heard in the capital of Manila and in the provinces of Luzon, and the Honorable President has sent us his sincere and cordial congratulations, requesting that we should persevere and not be in the least discouraged in our task which has been happily commenced, and the successful result of which depends on a little more effort on our part.

Furthermore, you should be aware of the fact that no country in the world which had worked out and fought for its independence has not attained it. Let us look over the pages of history, and we will see the confirmation of it again and again. Without going further, there is America herself, now our foe, who for ten consecutive years fought against powerful England, and she obtained at last her desired independence. You will, I think, remember this statement in my previous proclamation.

Therefore, the present trials through which we are passing should not discourage you, as the days of our desired aspirations, peace, tranquillity and fraternity, which we enjoyed before the enemy invaded this province, will, in the near future, shine in these beautiful islands; then, not only rightly, but for many other reasons, and holding our head aloft, we can say that the pearl of the Orient has really overcome the power and ambition of America, which had become proud of its recent victory over Spain.

MATUGUINAO, July 13, 1900.

Your general,

(Signed) LUKBAN.

N. B. - By direction of the General, you are hereby requested to make copies of the present proclamation and forward them to the chiefs of barrios and tax-payers who may require them, for their information and guidance.

(Signed) PEŅARANDA,
Captain-Secretary.