The Vinita daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1913, 1905-10-19

I
With the announcement by Gov.
Gen. Wright of the completion OF the
census authorized by the Philippine
government act Of 1902, another step
toward autonomy in the islands has
been taken. Under the terms Of the
act the Philippine commission was en-.
powered to take census whenever in
its judgment state Of general and
complete peace had been established,
and the fact that the task has been
completed is of itself significant as
rejecting the views Of the commits.
sion regarding conditions in the archi-
pelago. The returns just completed.
says the Detroit Free Press, win be
used as the basis for apportioning
representation in an ingular legis@
iative assembly, consisting Of two
branches, into whose hands the power
now exercised by the Philippine com
mission viii pass. The new governing
body will not become a reality for
two, years, the law providing that at
the end of such a period after ethe
proclamation that the census had
been completed and general and com
plete peace, with recognition Of the
authority Of the United States" ex-
listed in the islands, delegates to the
legislative assembly were to be
chosen. The Moro and nop-Christian
districts will not be given represents
tion under the new dispensation, re-
naming for the present under mill
tary government, and not being per-
mitted to participate in the initial trial
OF the Filipjpo's capacity for self-gov-
ernment that will be put in force
March 2S. 1907. The legislature will
consist Of the Philippine commission.
constituting the upper branch, and the
Philippine assembly, forming the low
er. 1t will be entitled to elect two resi-
dent commissioners to the EFnited |
States. whose functions will be similar
to those Of the resident commissioners
from Porto Rico, although the latter
are selected by direct vote instead |
OF by the legislature.
Despite popular impression to that !
effect, the adoption Of local autonomy
in the Philippines has not been slow.
There were problems confronting the
commission involving a high degree Of
diplomacy and requiring the utmost
care in their solution. Progress in the
direction OF selfgovernment has been
but It has likewise been as
rapid as compatible with lasting re-
suits. The pacifcation of the islands
was the first step. and the accomplish
ing Of this, save in the Moro country,
within four years was of itself an
of no mean proportions.
Provincial governments have been es-
tablished as rapidly as native support
gave sufficient guarantee OF the wis
dom Of such a policy, and the rudi-
ments Of self-goYernment have been
introduced wherever the opportunity
offered. The Filipino has displayed
surprising ability in adopting himself
to conditions with which he had al
ways been a stranger, and the interest
displayed by the islanders in the move
ment for self-government has proved
)ne of the most encouraging features
II the situation. It has been a diff
,ult task, this reformation which our
possessions have undergone,
,ut the success attained thus far
the belief that the expert
nent now working out will prove sue
.essful and that with the creation Of
legislative assembly and the addi-
ional power bestowed, the islanders
will prove themselves competent to
administer their own affairs, at least
nder the supervision of the United
itates