New-York tribune., 1902-03-30
THE POLICY OF SCUTTLE.
A DEMOCRATIC PHILIPPINE GOVERN
MENT BILL.
IT PROVIDES THAT THE UNITED STATES
SHALL ULTIMATELY RELINQUiSH SOW
EREIGNTY OVER THE ISLANDS

Washington. March 29-The Democratic mem
htrs of the Senate Committee on the Philippines
to-day agreed on a substitute for the Philippine
Government bill prepared by the Repuohcan
members of the committee. 1t provides that
subject to provisions which set forth the
United States shall relnquish all claim OF
sovereignty over the Philippine Archipelago out
that the United States shall continue to occupy
and govern the archipelago until the people
thereof shall have established A government,
and until sufficient guarantees have been OBJ
tained for the performance of our treaty obsa-
tions with Spain, and for the safety of those in
habitants who have adhered TO the Unlted
States and for the maintenance and protection
OF all rights which have accrued under the au-
thorty thereof"
A constitutional convention is provided for,
the members OF which TO be elected ny
voters who speak and write the English, span
ish any OF the languages of the archipelago
This convention is to number three hundred
persons. and is 70 meet in Manila not more thah
a year from the cessation Of hostilites In the
islands. This convention is to proceed ITO form
a constitution and organize such government
as they may deem best adapted TO promote the
welfare and secure the peace and happiness Of
the inhabitants of said islands. Provided. that
said convention shall provide by an ordinance
irrevocable without the consent of the United
States,
"First-That there shall belong to the United
States and continue TO be the property thereof
such lands and waters as the President or the
United States shall designate to the said con-
vention for naval, military and coaltng stations
and terminal facilities for submarine cables, the
same 70 continue under the control and SOW
ereignty OF the United States
"Second-To carry into effect the treaty obli-
cations Of the United States with the Kingdom
Of Spain. and for the maintenance and protec-
ton of all rights and property acquired under
the authority Of the United States.
"Third-That no inhabitants Of said archi-
peago shall ever he molosted in person or prop
erty on account OF his or her adherence to the
United States"
It is then to he the duty of the President Of
the United States to issue his proclamation de-
claring the Independence Of the people of the
archipelago.
The President is also authorized and requested
tc negotiate agreement between the United
States. the Philippine archipelago and Great
Britain, Germany, France and such other pow
ers as he may deem best, providing for the per
petual neutrality and inviolability from all for
eign interference with the territory 81 the archi
pe!ago, and also for equal opportunities Of trade
between the archipelago and foreign countries
Full amnesty is granted to all the inhabitants
of the islands account Of political offences
and the bearing OF arms against the United
States.
under the Philippine constitution and their in
auguraton, the President is to cause the armed
forces Of the United States to be Withdrawn
from the archipelago as speedily as possible.