THE INAUGURAL INVOCATION

BY ARCHBISHOP GABRIEL M. REYES

To the King of Ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever, Amen.

Almighty and merciful God, who through Thy Providence ruleth the destinies of peoples and nations, we thank Thee for this day so longed for by the Filipino people, dawning with bright hopes for the fulfillment of our cherished and legitimate aspirations.

Casting now, O Lord, a glance on the history of our nation, we recognize Thy guiding hands; Thou didst entrust us to the noble and Catholic Spain, who brought us the good tidings of the Gospel and led us along the ways of Christian civilization; Thou didst assist us in our efforts toward the attainment of our emancipation, by timely placing us under the beneficent protection of America, for the considerate and helpful development of our means and

resources.

Hence this new nation beseeches Thy blessing on her future, for we all know that "They labor in vain who build the house, unless God builds it with them."

Deign, O Lord, to bless America and Spain, and deign to complete Thy work in us.

We pray Thee, O God of wisdom and justice, from whom all authority comes, to assist with Thy light and power the authorities who have been elected by the will of their brethren. Confirm their authority, so that they may always enjoy a willing and loyal obedience. Assist with Thy holy spirit of counsel the President and the Vice President of our new government, that their administration may be conducted in equity, eminently useful and constructive to the nation they preside over.

Let Thy divine wisdom enlighten the deliberations of our National Assembly, so that all may tend to the promotion of national happiness. Inspire them to labour for the spiritual and moral betterment of our people, for "of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable." Bless our industries and commerce. serve union and peace, liberty and equality amongst Thy beloved people.

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We pray likewise for His Excellency, the High Commissioner of the United States, for all the magistrates, judges, and governors, and all other officers who are entrusted to safeguard our political welfare. To all of them, grant, O merciful God, strength and vigor, that they may be enabled to discharge with wisdom and honesty their respective duties.

Be mindful, O Lord, of Thy servants, our patriots, who have fought for our Liberty and have gone before us with the sign of faith and rest in the sleep of peace. To them, O Lord, and to all our countrymen who sleep in Christ, we beseech Thee, to grant of Thy goodness a state of comfort, light, and peace. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

PROCLAMATION ANNOUNCING RESULTS OF
NATIONAL ELECTION

Whereas pursuant to the provisions of the Act of Congress entitled "An Act to provide for the complete independence of the Philippine Islands, to provide for the adoption of a constitution and a form of government for the Philippine Islands, and for other purposes," approved March 24, 1934 (48 Stat. 456), and in accordance with the Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Philippines heretofore adopted and ratified by the people of the Philippine Islands, an election was held in the Philippine Islands on September 17, 1935, for the purpose of electing officers of the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines; and

Whereas the Governor-General of the Philippine Islands has certified to me as President of the United States of America the result of the said election;

Now, therefore, I, FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT, President of the United States of America, under and by virtue of the authority vested in me by the aforesaid Act and in conformity with section 4 thereof, do announce and proclaim that at the election so held in the Philippine Islands on September 17, 1935, officers of the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines were duly elected as follows:

(Members of National Assembly, see pages 18 and 20)

This proclamation shall be effective upon its promulgation at Manila, Philippine Islands, on November 15, 1935, by the Secretary of War of the United States of America, who is hereby designated as my representative for that purpose.

And I do further announce and proclaim that, in accordance with the provisions of the aforesaid Act, upon such promulgation of this proclamation the existing Philippine Government shall terminate and the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines shall enter upon its rights, privileges, powers, and duties as provided under the said Constitution of the Philippines.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States of America to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington this fourteenth day of November in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and thirty-five, and of the independence of the United States of America the one hundred and sixtieth. FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

By the President :
CORDELL HULL
Secretary of State.