"Whereas, for the speedy accomplishment of the purpose, it is desirable to place in the hands of the people of the Philippines as large a control of their domestic affairs as can be given them without in the meantime impairing the exercise of the right of sovereignty by the people of the United States in order that by the use and exercise of popular franchise and government powers they may be better prepared to fully assume the responsibilities and enjoy all the privileges of complete independence; "Therefore...." This law is the first formal pronouncement of the American people, through their accredited representatives, on the purpose of the United States as regards the Philippine Islands. It is the formal pledge that Independence will be granted. The only condition required is that a stable government be first established in the Islands. Executive recommendation for the fulfillment of America's promise.--That there is now such a stable government in the Islands is the claim of the Filipinos, and America is being asked to perform her part of the covenant. In this claim of theirs, the Filipinos are supported by the official representatives of the American people themselves. In his last message to Congress, December 2, 1920, President Wilson made this recommendation: "Allow me to call your attention to the fact that the people of the Philippine Islands have succeeded in maintaining a stable government since the last action of the Congress in their behalf, and have thus fulfilled the condition set by the Congress as precedent to a consideration of granting independence to the Islands. "I respectfully submit that this condition having been fulfilled, it is our liberty and our duty to keep our promise to the people of those islands by granting them the independence which they so honorably covet." Governor-General Harrison also testified before the Joint Committee of Congress in 1919 that a stable government had already been established in the Philippine Islands, to wit, "a government elected by the suffrages of the people, which is supported by the people, which is capable of maintaining order and of fulfilling its international obligations." MISSIONS TO UNITED STATES.--Soon after the termination of the world war, it was decided to push the campaign for freedom with greater vigor than ever before. There was need, besides, of centralizing the campaign if it was to be more effective. Accordingly, the Philippine Legislature, on November 1, 1918, created a "Commission of Independence," composed of the presiding officers and members of both houses of the Legislature. The Commission was for the purpose of considering and reporting to the Legislature: (a) Ways and means of negotiating immediately for the granting and recognition of the Independence of the Philippines.