The Washington times., 1902-04-10
Republicans Agree on a
System of Civil Gov
ernnnent.
COOPER BILL MEETS APPROVAL
Democrats Contend in Vain for Ultimate
MISUNDERSTANDING on Insular At
fairs Committee Reports Measure.

After rejecting the Democratic PROPOSE
tion ito establish a stable and autono-
nous Government in the Philippines" the
Republican majority OF the House Com
mttee on Insular Affairs yesterday voted
to report favorably the Cooper bill, pro-
viding for a civil government in. the
islands. Both votes were on strict party
lines. the Democrats voting for their sub
stitute, which contemplates the ultimate
independence of the islands, and the Re-
pubicans voting against it.. The Demo-
Gratis then in turn voted against a favor
able report upon the Cooper bill.
The proposition advanced by the Demo-
Gratis in the measure drafted by Repre-
sentative Jones of Virginia. a member of
the committee, provides that the govern
ment OF the islands shall be left in the
hands of the present Philippine Commits
sion until July 4, 1903. AT that time it
proposes to inaugurate qualified inde-
pendent government with the intention
that it shall prepare the people of the
islands for complete independence on July
4, 1911.
To Grant Freedom.
1t Is proposed to grant the qualified in
dependence on condition that there is a
complete cessation of war and all or
ganized armed opposition. Moreover, it is
granted on five specified conditions pre-
cedent, namely, that the United States
shall have three coaling stations and two
naval stations, and convenient terminal
points for submarine cables; that the
maximum rate of duty imposed against
articles shipped from this country, except
opium and liquors. shall be 20 per cent
ad yalorem, and that American citizens
shall be guaranteed certain rights of
travel. trade, etc, in the islands.
The measure defines the manner in
which the Philippine Republic shall be
started and the constitution framed after
the expiration of the eight years period
of qualified Independence.
During the intermediate period the
islands are under the executive authority
of a President of the Philippines and
Secretary of State, both appointed by the
President for terms of four years.
Provides for Offices.
There is also provision for a cabinet or
advisory board. to be selected by the
President of the Philippines Provision
is made for legislative body. consisting
of thirty senators and leo representatives
to be elected by the qualified voters Of the
islands. The electorate is to be composed
of male persons, twenty-one years old
who are residents Of the Islands for three
years, or who can read or write any ian
guage. or who have paid 81 poll or other
taxes. The bill provides much lower sal |
aries than the Republican measure. The !
coinage system is left for the |
Philippine Congress to determine they to |
mints, fix the standards etc |
After the substitute had been rejected |
Mr.. Patterson Dem.. TENN offered an |
amendment to the majority bill providing |
for the abolition of slavery throughout !
the Islands. and for the annulment of the |
treaty entered into between General |
Bates and the Sultan of Jolo
Opposes Slavery.
This amendment is in line with the res |
olutiOn which Mr. Patterson introduced |
in the House recently. Mr.. Cooper, the |
chairman OF the committee stated that
there was a clause in the bill which read |
neither slavery nor involuntary servltudc |
shall exist in the islands" Mr. Patter-
son insisted that this provision would be
Of no effect so long as the treaty was in
effect and he thought it should be abro-
"a ted
His motion was lost. however all OF the
republicans voting against il, and all OF
he Democrats supporting it. Chairman
Cooper Will probably report the bill TO
he House today, although it will prob
ably be several weeks before it is taken
IN idar