The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-04-22

tanning stable Independent govern
ment5o
This, it is true, states when indepen-
dence cannot be hoped for, rather than
when it can, be hoped for, and yet, no
honest man would use the language Sec.
rotary Taft employed without having
in his mind the idea that Independence
would be granted at some future date.
But his concluding words even more
clearly present the hope of ultimate in
dependence, for he says: "AIl that can
be asserted is that the policy which has
several times been authoritatively
stated, that this Filipino government
Of the Filipino people and that self-gov.
eminent shall be extended to the Fill
Pine people as speedily as they show
themselves fitted to assume and exer-
else it, must be pursued consistently by
the people of the United States or else
they shall forfeit their honor"
j. + +
Here Secretary Taft pledges the
American government as far as he has
power to pledge it-and he pledges the
president also-to extend self-govern-
ment to the Filipinos as rapidly as they
show themselves fitted for it. The great
trouble about these utterances and SINH
lar ones is that they are not binding
upon the government, and the Filipinos
are constantly disturbed by doubts and
fears.
Both at Manila and in the United
States ridicule is often cast upon
the aspirations Of the Filipino people,
and plans are made which are inconsist.
emit with ultimate independence. The
attempt on the part Of the commission
| to issue perpetual franchises Is natural
! ly, and I think rightfully, opposed by
all FiGpinos. If our occupation is to
be temporary, why should our legisla-
| tion be permanently Why bind the ward
in perpetuity 80 that he cannot control
his own affairs when he reaches years
| of maturity9 What Is needed is an i'm
mediate declaration Of the nation IS pur-
pose to recognize the independence Of
the Filipinos when a stable gov
eminent is established. It is not nee
essary that a definite time shall be
stated. nor is it so important just when
the Filipinos are to have their inde-
pendence, as it is that the nation Is pur-
pose shall be made known in an author
acts Of our government shall be in hay
mony with that declaration.
believe that a stable governments
can be established within a short time
and that independence could be granted
with advantage to our government and
with safety to the Filipinos within
five years at the farthest. But whether
independence is to be granted in five
or ten or fifteen years or after a long
delay about announcing a policy. I
have tried to impress upon the Fill
pinos the necessity of leaving this ques-
ton to the people of the United States
and the Importance of proving in every
! possible way the virtues, the character
, and the progress of the people; I have
pointed out the folly Of Instruction
resorting to force of arms, but l am
, equally anxious to impress upon my
own countrymen the Importance Of deal.
+: ing frankly and fairly with the Fill.
, pinos. -.
We have more at stake in this mat.
q ter than have the Filipinos. They still
y have their national greatness to
: lished. We have the greatest republic
: known to history; we are the foremos;
champion of the doctrine of self-gov.
eminent and one of the leading ex
ponents Of Christianity. We can afford
aye, our honor requires us. to be candid
y with the Filipinos, and to take them
D into, our confidence We dare not make
y use their islands for purely selfish pur
e poses. It is high time to announce Z
!. purpose that shall be righteous and
e carry out that purpose by means tha
i shall be honorable.
d In my next article I shall endeavo,
t to elaborate a plan which will, in my
t Judgment, bring independence to tn,
9 Filipinos. relieve us of the expens,
l. Of colonialism, secure every legitimat,
/, advantage which could be expected
\; from permanent occupation of tn,
Il islands and, in addition, enable our ma
r tion to set the world an example il
l. dealing with tropical races.