1.   Although the Japanese government never lent its support to an independent Taiwan, pro-China politicians in Taiwan like to portray independence advocates as tools of Japan.

2.   But even many independence advocates rallying here concede that they are not the real beneficiaries of the Chinese sabre-rattling.

3.   Tensions rose steadily during the days while the ballots were being counted, and attacks on independence advocates and their homes gradually increased.

4.   While independence advocates plan a march to repudiate the invasion, the ruling statehood advocates are gearing up for a celebration.

5.   Police began collecting information on suspected independence advocates as Puerto Rico moved toward its current commonwealth arrangement with the United States.

6.   A handful of Hawaiian independence advocates blew bamboo horns across the street and a march by anti-bank groups was starting a few blocks away.

7.   But many felt ambivalent about joining Britain, which jailed leading Indian independence advocates and refused to promise that India would some day be freed.

8.   Heavier voting was reported in white districts where ties to the British crown are stronger, and independence advocates were steeling themselves for defeat.

9.   Juan Mari Bras, an independence advocate who renounced his American citizenship, said he doubted anything would come from the Young initiative.

10.   Juan Mari Bras, a lawyer and lifelong independence advocate, renounced his American citizenship nearly two years ago, following guidelines recognized by U.S. authorities.