The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-02-18
His mother

in a reasonably short time a local legis-
lature, to consist of two bodies, one to be
chosen by vote and the other to be ap-
pointive; third. to permit the islands to
send two or three representatives to Wash
ington.
In reply to questions Governor Taft said
that he agreed with General Funston that
the establishment of a popular ~assemblage
would give opportunity to demagogues to
stir up the people, but that he did not
include in this designation all persons who
are opposed to American control. There
are, he said, many men in the islands who
conscientiously oppose the domination of
the United States. To grant independence
would, he thought, have the effect of con-
signing 80 per cent. of the uneducated peo-
pie in the islands TO the same servile posi-
ton they held under Spanish rule. He
thought there should be a declaration on
the part of the United States of its inten-
ton to hold the islands indefinitely. with
the understanding that when they are suit
able for such a condition they may be given
a quasi independence. Such a pronounce
ment by this country would be welcomed
by many and would do much good. Many
of the common people do not, he said,
know the difference between independence
dlu utDtliQellCe. ana many u the DclltI III
formd have not followed the agitation for
independence to its last analysis. Some of
the agitators seem, he said, to count upon
a protectorate by the United States. If
the government of the islands should now
be turned over to the islands themselves
there would be nothing less than an abso-
lutte oligarchy, they having no idea OF civil
government.
Replying 10 Senator Rawlins. Governor
Taft advanced the idea that on account OF
tine fact that the Fflipinos have for 300 years
hnar rfY,dor Tho influence of tho (FhriCfio N
religion they would prove TO be different
from other Malay races, and that in time
under the influence of American educa-
ton the people might become capable of
self-government. He did not consider the
case as parallel with that presented in
India. He thought all the difficulties of
race and climate might be overcome, but
held that il would take time and require
much patience in the matter of training on
our part. He anticipated some trouble on
account of undue or illegal exploitation
of the islands and corruption in case Of
continued American occupation. but he
would not on account of this danger turn
the islands back 10 the fate of an oligarchy
so long as there is a probability of success
as there Is in this case. Il did not original
ly favor the acquisition of the Philippines
and / was sorry at the time that we got
them, but now that we are there / see no
other way than to 60 on and carry out the
plan hat | have suggested. | may be a
Mark Tapley in this matter he continued,
'but II | didn't believe that we could bring
these people out regardless of the fact tina
the feat We propose is to an extent un-
precedented-if / did not believe we should
succeed in doing what we are undertaking
10 do l should resign Immediately and come
home
Proceeding he said that his idea was 10
unite example and actual practice I'm the
American control OF the islands. and ne
believed that the result must be the up
lifting and the education OF the people TO
a point which would put them on "A plane
far above that which is at present occu-
pied. He believed that then they would
find the association with the United States
so profitable and agreeable that they would
not want 10 sever the relationship and that