Blue Book of the Inauguration of the Commonwealth of the Philippines

farseeing policies that have guided the administration of Philippine affairs by American authorities. With these elements of character and mutual toleration of differences in religious faith, aided by a favorable geographical grouping and freedom from deep racial conflicts, the Philippines, under wise and patient and just leadership, may become a strong and united

nation.

So we have come to this to this present hour. Through the idealistic policies of her statesmen, McKinley, Root and Taft, and Wilson and Roosevelt, supplemented by the conscientious and devoted service of her representatives in these Islands, and the strong friendship and sympathy of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the political faith of America has flowered and is nearing fruition. Free education, constitutional principles, freedom of conscience and opinion, material progress, economic development, stable finances, responsible government,―these essentials of a sound and enduring democracy have been established in the land.

A splendid chapter in Philippine history, in which this body under able leaders has played a distinguished part, is now coming to a close. With a large and growing population, expanding industry and agriculture, easy communication and increasing wealth, a government financially stable and sound, an enlightened press, and an informed and patriotic citizenry, the sinews of statehood and the elements of a strong national life have been provided. We place in the hands of our successors a rich estate, a high trust, and a glorious privilege to preserve and administer this Government that we have built together upon the faith and confidence of the American people.

Another chapter remains to be written before the record is complete, and the mission accomplished. To assure its success a further period of adjustment has been provided, under the protection and guidance of the United States authority. Retaining full rights of sovereignty, with appropriate functions and authority vested in the President and other agencies for the protec tion of its legitimate interests under the Independence Act, the United States Government is now entrusting direct management of domestic affairs to the newly elected representatives of the Philippine people,--the President and members of the National Assembly.

Their success and the success of the Commonwealth will rest not upon the fine hopes and enthusiasm of this moment. It will require deep and abiding loyalty to the principles of sound finance and social justice, freedom from measures that are selfish and oppressive, steadfast devotion to the ideals and principles of democracy. The personal aspect of government must be minimized. All officials should be humble before the majesty of the law. Above personal success and personal loyalty, the good citizen and true patriot will place the supremacy of the law, duty to the State, and devotion to the public good and welfare.

This great and happy venture of the American and Filipino people is not yet ended. With an altered framework and broader autonomy, the Philippine Government goes on under the American flag, with the full confidence and support of the people and Government of the United States. As in all good books of high adventure and romance, we close this chapter anticipating the next, confident that the Divine Author will bring the story to a fair ending in accordance with the faith and high purpose of its beginning.