Manuel Roxas Speaker, 2 42 House of representatives
Dear sir: March 17, 1858 At your request the following message is sent you for your school publication on the occasion of its 30th anniversary: "I congratulate the First Chinese Elementary School established in Manila on the occasion of its 30th anniversary. The fact that the school opened with thirty pupils and now has over a thousand students attending its night and day classes shows the need for such a school in the Philippines. One of its aims is not only to educate its students but teach them fine qualities of human relationship which make for success in this life. "Many Chinese who are prominent businessmen and financiers in the Phi ippine Islands are graduates of this school. They are among the peaceful and progressive residents of the Philippines. Their influence for good is felt in the communities wherein they reside or are engaged in business. There is no doubt but that success has been due to their peaceful association with the people. The destiny of China and the Philippines is closely related by reason of their geographic position and their aims of establishing a stable republican government. They are so close together that they should promote mutual understanding, commerce between them and cultural and spiritual ties. The Philippines can learn many good things from China, the oldest nation on earth, and so can China from the Philippines, a country which though young is progressive and persevering."
Yours sincerely,
