Colonial offenses are never seen as personal but as offenses against an
entire race, causing resentment to spread widely. Thus, colonizing nations
must govern with prudence, since colonies naturally move toward
independence. In repeated uprisings and conflicts, the colony becomes
stronger through suffering, while the mother country weakens, relying on
domination without true stability. Eventually, one people must yield: either
the colonizer or the colonized. Spain, given its limited population, distant
location, weak naval and military power, and alienation of Filipino
goodwill, is bound to lose if conflicts persist. While Spaniards are gallant
and patriotic, Filipinos, though naturally peaceful, can be fierce and
unyielding once provoked. In such struggles, Filipinos will gain valuable
lessons, unity, and ethical strength. Unlike small American republics, the
Philippines would not easily fall into disunity after independence. Their
diversity and shared suffering would lead them to mutual support and to
adopt a free government, likely a federal republic. Moreover, foreign
powers such as England, Germany, and France are unlikely to seize the
Philippines after independence. Their focus on Africa and other colonies,
coupled with the risks of distant wars, make them disinterested in
controlling the Islands. Instead, some powers, especially England, may even
favor Philippine independence for the sake of freer trade.