Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-11-10
MAY ORGANIZE SYJULY
NEW LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF
THE PHILIPPINES.

Senior Benito Legarde, q native member
OF the Philippine commission, who arrived
in Washington the other day on his way to
Manila, which he left last June. said to a
Star representative that he hopes to see
the new legislative assembly organized by
next July. He added that as soon as he
reaches Manila the commission will arrange
a subdivision OF districts. each one of
which will be represented by member in
the assembly. Not less than fifty nor more
than one hundred representatives will con-
stitute this new body.
Secretary Taft's Trip
Il believe Secretary Taft will again go
TO the Philippines next summer" said Senior
Legarde. and will call to order the first
meeting of the assembly. The final organ
ization of the body is practically the most
. important work before the commission now,
but cannot give you many details because
have been absent for six months.
Arrangements Will be made as soon as
practicable for the building OF more schools.
They are needed. for those we have now ac-
commodate an average attendance of only
100000 pupils. and latest statistics show
there are nearly as many more who need TO
re educated. OF course, attendance there
S not compulsory. and | do not believe
ent-making 1t So.
Senior Legarde was asked il he knew any
thing about the rumors to the effect that
Japan wants the Philippines
Not a thing. In fact" he said Il
should like to know where they originate
When the first mention OF this alleged an
nexation was made last January the Fill
pinos took il very seriously. They are well
satisfied with what they have and they are
perfectly willing to stand by tt
Presidept'c proposed~ u;e;t
DO you know anything about the sug-
sested visit of President Roosevelt to the
Philippines" the commissioner was asked.
The President to go to the Philippines?
No. l know nothing about it. But. oh. 1t
would be great. We should like very much
to have him there. / know he expects to
go after he gives up the presidency, for
he has said so. But for him to go there as
President of the United States would be
good-good for us especially, and the Fill
pinos would like to have him.
rs there a possibility he will go with
Secretary Taft next summer?
Il don't know, but / sincerely hope he
will" was the answer.
President Roosevelt 1t was learned this
morning from a trustworthy source. has
signied his desire to visit the Philippines.
The informant told The Star representa-
tive that there would be nothing unusual
in it, especially since the President would
have established a precedent by going away
from the United States in visiting Panama.
Furthermore, inasmuch as the philippines
are American possessions. it is held that
1t would be not only proper but advisable
for President Roosevelt to go there in his
capacity as chief executive According to
the informant. the President has great
faith in the future Of the far eastern Amer
lean possessions. and would make the re-
suit of his observations and experiences In
the islands the subject of special mes
sage to Congress.
Senior Iegarde will meet Secretary Taft.
although where he does not know. He
will sail for Manila November 20. and will
reach there about Christmas.