Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-12-15
PHILIPPINE QUESTION
General House Democratic A.
titude on the Subject
TWO JOINT RESOLUTIONS.
They Are introduced by ReplEMtatiIe
Williams, Of Mississippi.
THE RIGHT TO sELF-GOvERxMEN1
Proposed Recognition on Our Part
of This Right OF the Fnipinos. and
ylitbdrax,. NJ Our Eorcea UDon
Certain stated Conditions.
THE RIGHT TO IMPROVEMENT

WASHINGTON. December 1.-TWO
joint resolutions were introduced in the
House to-day by Representative Will
liams. OF Mississippi, which are the re-
suit of consultation among number Of
Democratic leaders I'm the House. and arc
understood to be expressive OF their gen@
eral position on the Philippines.
The text Of the first resolution is a.
follows:
AUTHORITATIVE ASSURANCE.
whereas the hope has been held out
that the Filipinos now waging war
against the forces Of the United States In
the Island of Luzop would lay down
their arms. IL authoritatively assuree
that It was the intention OF the governs
ment and the people OF the United states
ultimately to grant to the people OF that
island their independence and the abso-
lutte control OF their domestic affairs:
and
Whereas, such is the intention OF tho
government and OF the American people,
who do not believe In wars OF conquest.
or criminal aggression against other peo-
pies, and have frequently declared their
horror thereof; now. therefore. be II
Resolved, by the Senate and House or
Representatives I'm Congress assembled
WITHDRAWAL OF FORCEa
Section l. That IL has always been our
intent and purpose 20 recognize the in-
aiienable right OF the Filipinos to self.
government and national independence,
and that in pursuance thereof we SHAH
make formal recognition If these rights
and withdraw our land aud sea forces,
upon the establishment OF peace and tho
Inauguration OF a constitutional govern
ment or governments by the people OF
the Islands. or any Of them, provided the
said government agrees. or the said COVE
ernments agree, TO refund the saWocH
which was paid by US TO tina Queen OF
Spain; 10 give us I'm Zee simple. with
right Of sovereignty vested In us, a placs
suitable for a naval station. and other
places fitted for coaling stations. and 10
grant the American people In perpetuity
the right Of free access 10 all or their
ports for goods, merchandise, and per-
sons bent on peaceful or missionary pur-
suits
Section 3 We pledge our friendly as-
sistance and counsel In the Work Oh ih-
augurating such "A government.
PROTECTION OF THE ISLANDS.
Section B. We pledge ourselves To treat
as an unfriendly manifestation towards
the United States any foreign insefier-
ence or aggression for the period OF ten
years from and after the establishment
Of such a government. provided tnas tha
government and people of said Islands
shall surrender into our keeping, during
that period. the entire question or their
foreign relations. and shall pay the OK
pense to which we may be put for such
troops as shall M the request OF said
government. be kept in philippine terri
tory and OF such ships and naval forces
as may be Kept IN the Philippine on adj
tacent waters for the purposes or the
protection herein promised
The other resolution rectes the consi-
tutional provisions against slavery ana
Involuntary seryitude, asks for informa-
ZION relative 10 the conclusion Of treaty
with the Sultan Of Jolo. and provides Tor
an inquiry by the Judiciary COMMITTEES
as 10 whether the constitutional provi-
sions against slavery and tie statutory
provisions against polygamy apply 60 tho
Sulu peOplc.