It was on all that cultural background--the native and the Spaniard--that America had built. Without belittling what she, alone, has done for the Filipinos since 1898 it hardly can be disputed that the rapid progress towards modern democracy in the Islands has been due mainly to the materials she found there. This fact has made her task a great deal easier, and is the reason why even the early military governors thought best to preserve the old municipal institutions with very slight changes. III. THE FIRST PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC The earlier revolutions against Spain were actuated by well-defined causes. They have been summarized as follows: [Causes of Earlier Revolutions] (1) Denial of freedom of speech and press; (2) desire for Filipino representation; (3) proceedings by which a man was condemned without being heard; (4) violation of domicile and correspondence on mere secret denunciations; (5) agitation for the secularization of parishes; (6) political and civil equality for Filipinos and Spaniards; (7) desire for promulgation of the Spanish Constitution in the Philippines; and (7) the martyrdom of Burgos, Gomez, and Zamora, and later of Rizal. [The Revolution of 1896] The revolution of 1896, however, had an additional cause which was dominant in the minds of the leaders. It was "Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity." In the words of General Aguinaldo in a manifesto, "We aspire to the glory of obtaining the Liberty, Independence, and Honor of the Country." [The Pact of Biac-na-Bato] This revolution was halted in 1897 by the Pact of Biac-na-Bato, which was signed between the Revolutionists and the Spanish authorities. There were three outstanding stipulations in the pact: First, that the Filipino leaders should leave the country for the time being. Second, that liberal and sweeping reforms would be introduced without delay. Third, that the sum of $800,000 would be paid the Filipinos in two instalments, as evidence of good faith. The Filipinos complied with their part of the agreement; Aguinaldo and his followers went to Hongkong. But the Spaniards did not comply with theirs; only $400,000 was paid to the revolutionists and no reforms were introduced. [The Republic] Accordingly, Aguinaldo and his companions returned to the Islands and renewed the struggle. On June 12, 1898 at Kawit, Cavite, they proclaimed the Independence of the Philippines from Spain. Soon afterwards a Philippine Republic was ratified, with General Aguinaldo as President. The capital was established at Malolos about 30 miles from Manila. There an elective Congress sat regularly, passed laws, levied taxes, administered revenues, kept in motion the machinery of justice, directed a military organization, carried on efficient war and constantly appealed to the patriotism of the people. [Governmental Machinery Set Up]