The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-05-20
The PHILIPPINE BILL

&
The discussion of the Philippine bill in
the senate yesterday is reported as being
very brief, although Mr.. Dolliver admit
ted in his speech that it is zone OF the
most important pieces Of constructive
legislation presented since the civil
war" 1t is exactly that, but Mr.. Dolliver
himself furnished an example Of the fall,
ure to appreciate that fact on the part
OF the avowed supporters of the measure,
by devoting his speech mainly to the ar
raignment Of the democratic party and
the behavior of our troops in the archi-
pelago, while giving the slenderest atten-
ton to the economic features Of the bill.
It looks as If the senate intends that
the bill shall be completed and adopted
with the abor1inable and dishonorable
proposition to set up the silver standard
and free coinage Of silver in the Philip
pines, for, so far little attention has
been paid to that feature. 1t is due to
the honor of this nation for the senate to
expunge it, before the house gets a
chance to perform that operation, as 1t
is sure to do
AS yet meager attention has been paid
to one of the most important subjects
embodied in the senate bill, that OF fran
chises.- The law covering the islands now
positively prohibits the granting Of fran
chises, and so long as that prohibition
holds, just so long will there be lacking
opportunity for investment and develop
ment Of the islands. Just so soon as
capital can be invested on safe and le-
Ultimate basis in the Philippines 1t will
be abundantly employed, and, after con-
structive activity begins opening up OPP
rortunities to the natives for profitable
employm ent on their own or on the &C
count Of others, business and industries
will revive and be amplified In way
which will silence the mendacious cam
paigning of the Hongkong junta and their
colleagues in the United States. This ques
rnent is Of the largest importance in con-
nection with the welfare Of the natives,
as we'll as the interests Of. peace. The
purchase of the lands Of the friars of the
four or five religious orders by our gov
eminent, which will doubtless soon be
arranged, will enable the Filipinos who
have been paying exorbitant rents to the
friars for their holdings, to obtain on
easy payments and long time, homes for
themselves The larger the benefits we
can confer upon the natives, the greater
the progress Of peace and contentment
among them.
In the matter Of franchises both the
bills, house and senate, make provisions
to guard the interests of the Filiplnos, to
whom all the privileges Of developing the
country should be given equally with
Americans and to the extent of their abil-
ity. The house bill provides that the gov
eminent of the islands shall make regula-
lions for the sale or other disposition OF
the public lands, subject to the approval
Of the president and congress, which,
having been obtained, will become effec-
tive at the close of the next ensuing SEES
sion Of congress. The senate bill provides
that, before such regulations go into eff
feet, peace must be established on the
islands. This leaves the stimulus Of in
vestment and development to be applied at
some indefinite period when 1t Is most
advisable that it be applied as soon as
possible in the districts known to be pac-
flied. At present the entire civil expenses
in the Philippines are paid from the insu-
lar treasury and there is surplus OF
seven or eight millions, which will be
expended on public works. Governor Taft
says it will not be long before the mill
| tary expenses can be met from the Phil
| ippfne treasury. It is evident, therefore
that it is strongly advisable for congress
to agree upon Philippine bill in a form
which is the best for the speedy develop
ment Of the resources Of the islands.
| This is a. matter which certainly ough
! to be pulled out of the dire of partisan
politics. The question as to the conduct
Of the American soldier in the Philip
lines is far and away from the question
of civil government and insular develop
ment, which arc economic subjects, which
ought to be considered with cool and dis
passionate judgment
The tendency to rush everything int
PARTISAN politics in this country is
weakness unworthy of this great ant
achieving nation.