New-York tribune., 1902-04-11
A PROMISE TO FTLLPLNOS-
HorsE BILL PROPOSES TO GIVE THEM
A ASHARE IN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT
FOR THE GOLD STANDARD

Washington April 10-The report OF the House
Committee on Insular Affairs on the bill for the
administration Of civil affairs in the Phllppihvs
was filed to-day by Chairman Cooper 1t says
now Is an opportune time TO make definite prom
ise to the Philippine people that they shau nave
a share in the central government OF the lslahd-
As to slavery. the report says;
The problem presented is one not 10 be solved ~ ~
elooueIt denuncaton Of the system OF slavery OF OF
BY mere defamation concerning the niesIlISs Si ,H
liberty Its proper solutoh aetna51s ,in1 iiIsi and
practicable
The report devotes much attention TO 'he au
vantages Of the proposed coinage system, paseu oi
The gold standard, which differs from the silver
system nroposed by the Senate bill. 1t . pointed
our that the House plan follows the recommenda-
ton OF Governor TAFT and the government experts
The purpose. it says. has been not to run counter
10 customs Of the people in regard to currency OF
10 alter radically the unit of exchange out TO pre-
sent conservative and at the same uLae tbjs
financial measure for the islands; AS agalIist tI-S
plan the report says the principal alternaGE PaalS
nnTesanTe6 ire for the Introduction OF American
currency the sole legal lehoer oL o. lae ne e H.
pines and the continuance in one form OF ahothei
% Goa ~ rrcTI saws mat the strongest objections TO
the introduction Of American currency are llS &c
changes il would make in the existing staLqaiS st "a
olG irroduce into the transactions OF the natives
and the difficulty OF maintaining cosus @
periarce Of Porto Rico showed that serious dls-
turbance in prices and wages folIo@eo Iie M ~,
duction Of American currency aIld II Is sa4G liz te
the problem would be much more serious III 'i1e
Philippines than III Porto hlco.
The renort saws it is more than doubtful whether
z adequate supply of currency would De nam main
tsined in the Philippines If American money were
made the sole legal tender. The continuance OF the
silver standard in any form which does not raise
the coin O fixed parity with gol0 is pointed out
be subject to the same objections now MADE py
the business community Of Manila against the eH-
isung system. -
The islands have had a sufficient experience piie
under such q system says the report, 10 Justlig
the belief that they desire A return to the gold
standard which prevailed in the Philippines prior
10 ls76."
The Democrats fled a minority report, Whlch
amounts a declaration of policy. 1t says IN part
The chief question involved is whether under the
guise Of the forms OF civil government policE
unjust and cruel 10 the people or the Phll'pplne
Islands and injurious and dishonoring to American
citizenship shall be indefinitely If not perpetual ly
continued. there shall be substituted IN lls
stead q more righteous and humane policy, the
intent and purpose of which is 10 confer upon
these people within shortest practicable PERIOD
ana upon reasonable and proper terms an autono.
nous system OF free self-goVernmenf, based upon
the principle Of independence. which, after the
lapse Of reasonable period afford training and
absolute Independence.