The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1902-02-13
MlEORI9Y'S POLICY
In TEE PHILIPPINES
VIII Not Generally Support
Foraker Amendment.
To Adhere Firmly to Demand for
Free Trade Between This COun-
try and the Islands.

Leading Democratic members Of the
Senate have held an informal conference
to consider their attitude toward the
amendment to the Republican Philippine
tariff bill offered by Senator Foraker
Ohio. providing for a reduction Of Is
per cent in the Dingley rates upon goods
imported to this country from the archi-
pelago. The House bill. as amended by
the Senate committee. provides a reduc-
ton Of only % per cent.
Differences Of opinion exist among the
minority Senators as to bow they shall
vote on the Foraker amendment, though
there is a prospect that when the vote
is taken they viii present a united front.
II is cOntended by most Of the Demo-
Gratis Of the Senate that the minority
should vote against the Foraker amend
ment on the ground that the minority re-
port upon the bill declared there should
be free trade between the islands and this
country and that this report was en-
d0rsed by all the Democratic Senators.
The point is made that a question Of
principle is involved in the matter which
admits Of but one course Of action by the
minority Senators, namely. to support
only a free trade proposition.
Defeat for Amendment.
One OF two Democratic Senators de-
clare that IL the country cannot secure
free trade with the islands IL should be
willing 10 accept the next best thing-a
reduction OF % per cent in che Dingley
rates.
It is regarded as probable. however.
that the Foraker amendment viii receive
only one or two Democratic votes. il il
receives any
This Will result in the defeat Of that
amendment. The Republicans Of the com
mittee are opposed % the Foraker propo-
sitiou and viii marshal their forces
against the amendment
On Plan OF Government.
In dealing with the bill which is 70 pre-
scribe a civil form of government for the
Philippines. the Democratic members Of
the Philippines Committee viii act along
liberal lines. Party affiliations IN com
mittee Will be practically ignored when
the work Of framing this measure begins.
II is intended by Democrats on the com
mittee 10 favor every proposition which
shan couduce TO self-gOyernment by the
FilipinOs-
The effort VIII be made 70 report
measure granting the natives a liberal
form Of government. such as was recon
mended by the Philippine Commission
anu lH AlEfA LI EDheLUOr TART. who lE
now being heard by the committee.
To Amend Lodge BIZ.
It Is thought probable the Lodge bill
which, in effect. simply continues the
Presidents authority in the islands, will
be amended materially before being re-
ported The consensus Of opinion is that
the bin introduced in the House by Rep
resentatiCe Cooper tWisJ, chairman OF
the Committee On Insular Affairs, will
prove far more satisfactory TO the Fill
pinOs A measure drafted aicng the lines
OF that bill is likely 10 receive stronger
support than the Lodge bill
From opinions expressed IL appears that
the Presidents scheme Of continuing the
executive authority Of the islands without
providing for a popular legislative Lranch
OF the insular government, such as Ii ITO-
posed by the Cooper bill, will not be ASS
ed BY Congress.