New-York tribune., 1904-08-12
AMERICAN RULE NEEDED.
Mr. Taft Tells ChGatauqaans Of
Philippine Outlook

Chautauqua, Y. y, Aug. u.-willam II. Taft
Secretary Of Wnr. arrived here this afternoon on
the private yacht OF President Chase, Of the James
town and Lake Erie Railroad Company. which met
( him at Lakewood He accompanied by MS
/ sister-in-IaW Mrs. Heron. and Miss Green of Cn-
cinnati. Among others In the party were George
= Vincent. principal of Chautauqua, and President
W. H. Hickman, OF the board of trustees About
fifty Yale men, whose guests he Will be this even
ing met Judge Taft at the pier, and sang Hale
songs The Judge was then driven direct 10 the
cottage of Bishop John H. Vincent, This after
noon Secretary Taft addressed the largest audi
ence that has gathered at the summer assembly IN
many years. His subject was "Our Duty IN the
Philippines"
Secretary Taft ia beginning his address. said the
English student o. colonial government thought
much more popular control had been conferred on
the people cf the Philippine Islands than was "ise'
while the American critics. who. he said IKE 10
style themselves ant-imperialists." condemn the
course OF the United States in the Islands on the
ground that sufficient self-government has not been
extended TO the Fiipinos. He believed that fhe
course taken was somewhat near the golden mean.
Speaking OF the great body OF Filipnos, who, he
says are to be distinguished from the educated
members OF the community. and who, he estimates
form 80 per o. the population. Secretary Taft
said that they were SO separated from modern civ
ilizng influences that they might be easily infu-
enced by any Of their people of wealth and
education. The Christian Filpinos, when sufficient
~ educated, led to understand and embrace
American and European ideals. The capacity LOT
development of the 30 per cent of ignorant Fiipnos
is fairly shown in the education and refinement
that find in the comparatively small educated
class IN the islands,, said the Secretary This class
he added is quick. bright full of courtesy, brave
and theoretically favor of civil liberty. He added
II is the failure TO identify themselves with the
government part OF it, and as responsible Tor us
proper administration. that renders the great BODY
sef-government and the introduction OF the syS-
tenn OF jury trial
The Secretary said that education was necessary.
and that the Fipinos must be taught governmental
responsibility ana made TO understand that public
Offices must be administered for the benefit OK the
people. And this lesson OF public responsibility
ne continued, which man must have either as a
citizen public officer amoEs people we'll lit
for self government is 4 lesson which the wealthy
and the educated class among the Filipnos have
70 learn. They are learning it by actual expert
in taking part in self government, but II re-
ouires a considerable period" He cited intelligent
public opinion another essential 10 self govern
ment. which he said absent to-day in the
Philippines. To have such a public opinion. said
Secretary Taft, the people must be educated 10
think alike. and in common language 10 express
the thoughts they have the subject Of good
government,
The problem before this government he said,
was how best 10 educate the Filipinos for self
government The first step taken was the educa-
ton Of the present generation IN the primary and
secondary schools and in English. and he recounted
the progress made Referring TO the extent 70
which the franchise Is granted. and the rule Of
eligibility, Secretary Taft said:
The fact that it is acquiesced in 20 generally is
confirmation OF the view that IS 10 50 per cent OF
the people Of the Philippine Islands are wholly un-
htted 10 exercise governmental political control.
He added that experience had shown that many
voters needed much additional experience and edu-
cation 10 be fitted for self-government n estab-
fishing assembly in accordance with the act
- 1902 said the Secretary, the promise Of Mr. :
Mckinley was being carried out
The entire absence OF partialty hy the courts
toward Americans. he said, had convinced the
Fipinos OF the good intentions OF this govern
ment II matter OF conjecture how long the
process Of education CT the people would take but
II should be continued long enough under Auert- |
can auspices TO insure It's continuance under the
auspices OF the F1ip;nos II they should nj 20
establish independent government. Continuing
he said:
If the government were now turned over 10 the
We be that the whole fabric of the educa-
t!ona system established by the American govern
sacrifice. the patience and the knowledge neces-
sary 10 the continuance OF such a system OF edu- /
cation are not 10 be found now. even among the /
are not sufficiently charged with the Importance OF
maintaining all these instruments have described
for the purpose OF elevating the poor and common
The few.
After Secretary Taft had finished his address an
Informal reception was held Several thousand per-
sons shook hands with him. Later Sir. Taft made I
a brief address before the ChRutauqua Chapter OF
the Daughters OF the American Revolution. which /
Louisville. KY, as regent In the evening Secretary /
Taft was the guest Of honor at dinner of Yale /
reviewed the dress parade OF the Boys Brigade OF
Pittsburg