IT

Foreword

T HAD BEEN the intention of the inaugural committee under the auspices of which the present volume was prepared to publish merely a handbook containing an account of the principal events of the INAUGURATION OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE PHILIPPINES, but during the course of preparation it was seen to be desirable to broaden the scope somewhat in order to do justice in some measure to the historical importance of the occasion, although the book is not meant to be comprehensive in any historical sense.

The several organic acts which marked the successive advances in self-government have been included to afford some basis of comparison.

The book is illustrated with reproductions of photographs taken of the actual scene, as these, indeed, constitute the best record of any public

event.

If this volume, in years to come, will bring back to mind the notable political event and the vivid scenes of November 15, 1935, it will have served the purpose of the Committee.

JORGE B. VARGAS

Executive Secretary Inauguration Committee

NOVEMBER 15, 1935

BEN

NEATH A SKY OF TROPICAL BLUE radiantly reflecting the rays of a bright autumnal sun, more than a half million persons assembled in Manila at the Legislative Building early on the morning of November 15, 1935, to witness and to participate in the establishment of a new government for this country, the Commonwealth of the Philippines.

A bugle call announced the processional march of officials and distinguished guests at 7:45 a. m. As they descended the center aisle of the huge ceremonial stand erected upon the steps of the main entrance to the Legislative Building, the great audience repeatedly applauded until, following the entrance of the Honorable George H. Dern, Secretary of War of the United States, the National Colors of the United States and the Philippine Islands were borne to the rostrum. A deep hush fell then upon the vast assemblage, and His Grace, the Archbishop of Cebu, pronounced the Invocation opening the Inaugural Ceremonies.

"To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever, Amen.

"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.

"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 . . . the President and the Vice President.

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"Let Thy divine wisdom enlighten the deliberations of the National Assembly.. Bless our industries and commerce. Pre

serve union and peace, liberty and equality amongst Thy beloved people..

Then, at the conclusion of the Invocation, the last Governor-General of the Philippines, Frank Murphy, now High Commissioner, by virtue of the oath of office he had taken at Malacañan on the preceding day, introduced the Secretary of War, Honorable George H. Dern, who delivered his Inaugural Address and then called upon the High Commissioner to read the proclamation of President Roosevelt, announcing the results of the general election on September 17, 1935. This was done, and thus was completed the first part of the Inaugural Ceremonies.

A thrill of expectancy, electric in its intensity, now swept through the vast audience as the President-elect rose to take his oath of office. Slowly and distinctly the Honorable Ramon Avanceña, Chief Justice of the Philippine Supreme Court, pronounced the solemn words, and, as he concluded, the President-elect repeated them after him, into the waiting microphone eager to convey them to every corner of the civilized world. Followed then the booming of the gun salutes, the ruffles and flourishes, and the playing of the National Anthem proclaiming that on this day, November 15 of the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and thirty-five, there had been inducted into office the first President of the Philippines, Manuel L. Quezon.

After the administration of the oath of office to Vice President-elect Osmeña and to the newly elected members of the National Assembly, President Quezon began his Inaugural Address, with the words:

"FELLOW-COUNTRYMEN:

"In the exercise of your constitutional prerogative you have elected me to the presidency of the Commonwealth. I am profoundly grateful for this new expression of your confidence, and God helping me I shall not fail you."

And in conclusion said:

"I face the future with hope and fortitude, certain that God never abandons a people who ever follow His unerring and guiding hand. May He give me light, strength, and courage evermore that I may not falter in the hour of service to my people.

At exactly two minutes before nine, the Secretary of War of the United States proclaimed:

"I do hereby announce that the heretofore existing Government of the Philippines is now terminated, and that the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines is entering upon its rights, privileges, powers, and duties.

A new government for this country had been established. A new era for the Philippines had been begun.