New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-01-06
THE PHILIPPINE BILL.

The Philippine Tariff bill is matter concern
ing which we hope the old saying, well begun
is half DONE" may prove true. This long de-
layed measure, not merely of justice, 0ut or
little less than redemption Of the national
honor, ought to be put to passage as quickly as
orderly parliamentary procedure VIII allow. Ii
is said that the bill will be made the occasion
for prolonged tariff debate by Democratic free
traders as well as by Republican protecdonists,
who attack 1t as departure from the protective
system and because they fear its possible effect
on some industry in which they are interested
The beet sugar people may be expected TO op-
pose It as they did Cuban reciprocity, 10 lhe
last ditch. Some tobacco growers may Jake Ine
same course, though large and increasing NULL
Der of them are becoming convinced that NO
harm will befaIl American tobacco interests
through concessions TO the F1npinos'
IF IS difficult TO understand how honest Demo
Gratis can make themselves obsGucdonists- Ii
they want TO take the opportunity to WORK OIL d
few tariff speeches all right; but even rs u
that notwithstanding our devotion 10 pClntns
reform. we should favor 'leave to print Let
them put on record their belief that the OH
does not go far enough, that the Who4e pro-
tective system against other countries snoulu
be abolished and whatever else they have TO
saw In criticism Of Republican tariff policy ID
general or particular. Then let them vote. Inc
democrats were long eloquent about the IN
Justice and the unconsttutonality OF tar1H
on imports from Porto Rico and the Pmnppines.
They vehemently demanded the aponuoh VI
such duties. The tariff on Porto Rican goods
ez7ired by Hnitation after It had served its pr-
| pose of giving the Porto Rican government
| revenue to start with and establishing tne con
! s+i+7,+ionaI mower Of the United States to deal
| with its dependencies as separate estates' NO"
comes the opportunity to open the doors 10 tne
FIIiptnos. to give them in large degree, at least
| what the Democrats have asked for them as
| measure of Justice and Of constitutional ngnt-
| Surely then Democrats Will not be round Seek
ing TO deprive the Ftltpinos OF TINS doom! 1ney
sra too Dstriotic, have too keen sense OF ma
| +IonsI honor to make the bill an occasion for
partisan fIibustering or petty ponucs' !ney
| should express their arguments, their pleas,
their taunts if they think them appropriate, anu
] Ioin in fixing an early day for the vote. After
the hill goes through the House 1t must race the
Senate. where there is no cloture, so that those
who are concerned for the welfare or the fln-
pinos cannot afford to waste any time
, The Philippine problem to-day is one Of eco
Monies Prosperity for the Fihpinos means
more than prosperity for them; 1t means uan-
ouilIfty and economy for US and speedler anu
more amicabIe solution of the problem OF future
relationship A brisk commerce is better than
an army to preserve order and develop good
feeling The concessions of the bill will cost us
little or nothing and bring TO us great benents
There is no likelihood Of any American industry
being noticeably affected; and even II some
| sacrifice were demanded it would be nothing
more than the country has a right to ask OF any
of its citizens for the common good IN the solu-
tion of a national problem and the ful1Iment OF
| national trust We stand before the world as
the 4rrstee for Philippine civilization happiness
and prosperity and longer delay in establishing
rade relations essential to those objects viii not
he creditabIe to American character or govern
| ing ability.