New-York tribune., 1902-01-19
PHILIPPINE FIGHT ON.
DEMOCRATIC PARTY POLICI
DEFINED.
FREE TRADE FOR THE PRESENT, WITH
ULTIMATE INDEPENDENCE FOR THE
FILIPINOS - HOT BATTLE IN
CONGRESS PROMISED.
CONGRESS PROMISED.
Isr TELEGRAPH TO THE rp1srxr.1

Washington Jan 1S-At last the minority
members of the Senate Committee on the Philip
pines have agreed on a definite programme OF
opposition TO the Philippine revenue bill that
Will he reported by Senator Lodge on Monday
AT final meeting held today the five Demo-
Gratis of the committee adopted as the unani-
nous expression of their party policy for present
purposes a report, which they viii offer Monday
after Senator Lodge has made the report for the
majority. which. as heretofore stated in The
Tribune, modifes the Payne bill by reducing the
tariff on all imports from the Philippines % per
cent, and also provides for a further reduction
on those articles from the archipelago that pay
an export tax there. as to relieve this class
of merchandise os the burden of export tax
VIXEN it reaches the American market.
The minority report will move to strike out
all after the enacting clause in the bill and
substitute recommendations TO the following
effect:
First-That the United States relinquish all
claim TO sovereignty the Philippines sub
ject 10 the provisions hereinafter set forth"
Second-That from and after the passage OF
this act the Philippine Islands shall be foreign
territory, and all goods entering the United
States therefrom shall be subject to the same
duties. customs and impOsts as are now or may
be hereafter prescribed by law for goods entered
from other foreign countries. provided that dur
ing the temporary occupation of the islands all
trade between them and the United States shall
he free.
Third-That the United States shall continue
occupy the archipelago until the Filipinos
have formed for themselves a stable govern
ment. and until sufficient guarantees have been
obtained for the performance of our treaty obli-
cations with Spain. and for the safety of those
inhabitants who have adhered 10 the United
States.
Fourth-That as soon as these results have
been accomplished it is declared to be the pur-
pose of the United States to withdraw from
the Philippines and leave the government con-
troll and sovereignty thereof to the inhabitants.
retaining only such military, naval and coaling
stations may he designated by the govern
ment Of the United States
In order to give their programme political
potency. the minority members Of the Philip
pines committee will insist that Chairman Jones
shall call Senate Democratic caucus before the
debate the bill begins. and they will use every
endeavor to bind the entire Democratic mem-
bership of the Senate to the uncompromisina
support Of their policy. If they successful II,
this undertaking it is considered probable that
the debate on the bill will last fully month.
and that no other measure that is likely to coma
before this session OF Congress will be fraughs
with so important political consequences.
With the exception of Senator McEnery, of
louisiana it is said that every minority nnern>
her of the Senate will heartily support the pro-
gramne. even Sena tor Teller, Of Colorado. who
still describes himself in the Congressional
Directory as belonging to the Free Sliyes
party" having promised TO aid the Democrats "a
the full extent of his capacity,