Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-01-28
ULTIMATE FREEDOM
Republican Policy Regarding
the FilipiDos.
TAFT'S ANNOUNCEMENT
ELF-GOVERNMENT WHEN THE
ISLANDS ARE CAPABLE.
Argument for the Reduction of the
Tariff on Sugar and Tobacco
From the Archipelago.
TAFT'S ANNOUNCEMENT

Secretary Taft declared before the ways
and means committee today that the repub-
lican policy was to give the Filipnos inde-
pendence ultimately. Mr.. Williams (Miss.)
the minority floor leader, had asked the
Secretary if it was not the republican policy
to give the islands ultimate independence.
The Secretary affirmed this, stating that
such would be the case when the people
of the islands We're capable of self-govern-
ment.
Self government the American under
stands it as the Filipino understands it?''
asked Mr. Williams.
Il doubt if they ever reach the self-gov-
erning capacity of Americans" the Secre-
tary replied.
"Well,' asserted Mr.. Williams, there is
not so horrible much difference between
you and the democrats You believe in
granting Self-gOVernment when the people
are ready, and we believe in fixing a date
for their Independence.
Secretary Taft: Yes, that is practically
it. Whenever they reach the condition
where they have a reasonable public Opin-
ion which may be relied upon to restrain
radicalism; when interiSland communica-
tion has been established and when condi-
tlons generally have become settled-then
If they desire independence, give it to them
If they don't; if they desire a bond which
might become sweet by coming inside our
tariff wall: that might be considered
Mr.. Williams: Even then you would
make them self-governing colony?"
Secretary Taft: Yes, sir
Mr.. Williams remarked that the republi
can position at first was that we We're to
keep the islands forever.
Would Reduce the Duties.
Secretary Taft appeared before the COM
mittee ito argue in favor of the Curtis bill
reducing the duty on sugar and tobacco
from the Philippines. He contended that
as the Philippines belong to the United
States is is our duty to establish and MAIN
tain the best possible conditions there
Certain1y.' he said. "the present status
OF the islands. SO far our relations ito
them are concerned. will remain the same
throughout the present generation, and
proba bly, longer
With this in view he maintained it would
be as just to eSttab biSh tariff between
the states of Ohio and Pennsylvania as be-
tween the United States and the Philip
pines. Ultimate free trade would have to
come in thte end between the islands and
the United States. Secretary Taft assert
ed warmly thtat Congress had already
enacted measure which was eminently
unfair to. the islands.
You have declared that in 1906 American
bottoms shall carry everything that is Ship
ped between the United States and the
Philippines both ways Is it possible that
the House of Representatives or the Senate
can enforce upon theSe people domestic
policy with reference to the carrying of
goods. and yet withhold the opportunity of
markets for those goods?
mo, sir; l am not willing to admit that.
do not think Congress will be SO unjust, and
those people here representing special inter-
ests may as we'll put their houses in
order The American people are not going
to allow interference with the policy that is
going to do this country honor
This policy, Secretary Taft said, was set
tied at the last election. The democratic
members of the committee might not agree
with him this point.