As an organized and systematic movement, the agitation began with the institution of the Philippine Assembly in 1907. The Philippine Assembly was then the popular branch of the Philippine Legislature, the upper house being the Commission of which the majority were Americans. The issue in the general elections was independence for the Islands, and the Nacionalista Party, which championed the cause, gained an overwhelming majority in the Assembly over the Federal Party. At the close of the first session of this representative body, the Speaker, Hon. Sergio Osmeña, declared: "Permit me, gentlemen of the chamber, to declare solemnly before God and before the world, upon my conscience as a deputy and representative of my compatriots, and under my responsibility as president of this chamber, that we believe the people desire independence, and that we believe ourselves capable of leading an orderly existence, efficient both in internal and external affairs, as a member of the free and civilized nations." The cause of Philippine independence has been paramount in Philippine affairs since then, but the Filipino people have been striving for that national objective in the most peaceful manner. After the war the movement was resumed, and since 1919 two delegations have been sent to the United States to present pleas for independence to the President and Congress. The first went in 1919, the second in 1921. AMERICA'S POLICY AND PROMISE TO THE FILIPINO PEOPLE.--The plea for freedom is based on two contentions. First, that it is the right of all nations to be free; second, that independence has been promised by the United States. Both of which premises are admitted. The only question is when independence will be granted. The Filipino people are one in their appeal for independence. All political parties have this as a common objective. There is not one discordant note in the age-long desire. The people are willing to stake their all--take all the chances attendant upon an independent existence. They want their freedom now. On the other hand, America's policy toward the Islands has been consistent. The pronouncements of her executive officials as well as Congressional legislations all point to one conclusion: It has never been the intention to make of the Philippines a perpetual possession; independence is to be granted as soon as a stable government "can be established." PRONOUNCEMENTS OF AMERICAN PRESIDENTS.--In January 30, 1899, eight months after the battle of Manila Bay, President McKinley dispatched the First Philippine Commission to the Islands with the assurance that the Commission would bring "the richest blessings of a liberating rather than a conquering nation." Later on he added: "The Philippines are ours, not to exploit but to develop, to civilize, to educate, to train in the science of self-government." In 1903 Mr. Taft, as Civil Governor of the Philippine Islands, eloquently expressed himself thus: