Note 14 — Chapter XXXVI · Is Philippine Independence now Possible?
Reading edition
On March 15, 1913, the Assistant Executive Secretary had occasion to write the following letter to the Governor of Capiz:—
“My Dear Governor Altavás: I have to acknowledge receipt of your communication of the 28th ultimo, complaining against the Justices of the Peace of Jamindan and Tapaz for failing ‘to salute’ you when visiting said towns, although your visits were frequently announced in advance, and the Justices of the Peace were in town at the time.
“The theoretical principles of democracy prevailing under this government do not require such courtesies as a matter of law. It may be that, as your letter intimates, the Justice of the Peace should, as a matter of courtesy, call on you when you are in his town, but failure to do so in no wise constitutes ground for complaint, and were we to take your complaint seriously and cause it to be investigated, we would be indeed in serious danger of receiving a lecture on democracy from either the Judge of the Court of First Instance or the Justice of the Peace himself.
“I believe that, under the circumstances, the best course to be taken in the matter would be for you to withdraw the complaint, for even if the Justices concerned admit the charges, no administrative action against them would be possible.
“Very sincerely, (Signed) “Thomas Cary Welch (Active Executive Secretary)”