Bremerton's Filipinos Organize, and a Japanese Host Preaches Solidarity

BREMERTON, Wash. — On Feb. 3, 1929, Sunday evening, an informal dinner was held at the home of Mr. I. Yamashita for the installation of officers of the newly organized Filipino Progressive Association of Bremerton.

Mr. E. Francia, the president of the association, gave the introductory remarks welcoming the guests, and following that made a short speech. He emphasized the fact that the ceremony meant little to him compared with the duty before him. He spoke of the consecrated duty entrusted to him as the president of the association, and was greatly concerned that by any act of his he would not make the organization suffer. He asked that all members take away personal grievances and unite. He concluded by pledging himself to do his duty wisely, earnestly, and honestly.

Mr. Yamashita, the host of the evening, gave the most interesting speech. Mr. Yamashita is one of the businessmen of Bremerton, respected, prominent, and influential. He takes personal interest in the welfare of Filipinos, often guiding them, advising them, and heartily supporting all their undertakings in Bremerton.

He impressed us by his eloquent plea for Filipino-Japanese relationship. The geographical position, customs, traits, and ambitions of these two countries are very similar, he pointed out. He related the Russo-Japanese war — Russia with its vast resources, millions of armed men, compared with the Japanese Empire, small, poor, men out-numbered by thousands. Who won the war? Japan. Why? Unity, loyalty, and the willingness to sacrifice wealth and men, defending and upholding the true traditions of the Japanese people. He also pleaded for the peace of the world and equality with America and England. He concluded that in unity there is strength and reminded us that the brown race could achieve their goal only through Filipino-Japanese relations.

Mr. Sarusal, Master of Burgos Lodge No. 10 of Seattle, was our honored guest. Mr. Sarusal's leadership in Filipino affairs in this great Pacific Northwest is beyond question. He spoke in Tagalog.

In part, Mr. Sarusal said that the association was the essential need of Filipinos living in this community. He stated that through this association not only could we show the American people who we are, our prestige and loyalty to our motherland, but also for our own moral uplift, welfare, and contact with the American people. He mentioned that unity is strength, that it was the greatest need of all Filipinos today, and that only through unity could we mold the fine spirit of brotherhood, leadership, and loyalty to our country. He referred to the Caballeros de Dimas Alang, and he found out that we Filipinos are coming closer together, united to one ideal. A month ago, under the auspices of the Lodge, the Rizal Day celebration in Seattle was a complete success. What the Lodge had done was maintained fully through the spirit of cooperation, union, and loyalty. The results were commendable. He reminds us that we are a poor race; to the teachings and traditions of our beloved hero, martyr, and patriot, Dr. José Rizal, we must carry on to reach our goal — independence. He stated that our Resident Commissioner at Washington, D.C., is doing his best to win our independence, and that it is up to us to show him our cooperation.