The Washington herald., 1907-10-16

Manila, Oct. 15-Never in the history
lof the Philippines has there been such
urgent necessity for Congress to study
the Islands and TO frankly and firmly de-
fine its policy. The bane of the islands
has been Congresses that do nothing, the
independence agitation, governmental
vacillation, and uncertainty. which per-
meate the administration and discourage
business. The arrival Of Secretary Taft
and the meeting of the assembly fix a
psychological moment of INFINITE impor-
tance. Every one expects a definite mes
sage tending to obliterate the dreams Of
independence. and indicating Washing
tons policy
AEitatOrs Arouse Natives.
All Americans, especially the Congress-
man who recently made a tour of the
islands. declare that the greatest handi-
cap to successful administration is the
lack of defined policy which condition
furnishes the native agitators with an
unlimited and tempting field from which
TO attack the government, to arouse in
dustrial unrest, and to excite the simple.
inexperienced people with befogged ideas
of independence.
The merchants are the heaviest suffer
ers from the political bugaboo. which pre-
vents the extension of business and repels
foreign capital, on which prosperity absO-
Int fa1,- 10,
heve that the Philippine Commission is
merely WashingtOn's agent, and that It is
not sufficiently independent to freely di-
rect Philippine affairs.
The governors have labored consclenu-
ously, but the present commission with
its long untitled seCretaryshlp OF finance,
does not equal the Taft commission.
Moreover, politics is gradually but surely
weakening the usefulness of some high
officials
The native press and politicians are
popularity credited with exerting an in
fuence now which did not deter the
former commission. Prominent natives
eriticise the administration for straddling
issues and attempting to carry water on
both shoulders.
Meantime. the people who should be
working in the fields and at useful
trades are disconnected. owing to the
war agitation. which is partly attributa-
bile 10 the cable advices received here from
abroad, but chiefly TO local professional
Rgitators, the reports Of the proposed
sale IF the archipelago to Japan or Spain,
the mirage of independence, ana the
creation of "a national debt to repay tie
United States the expenses OF the occu-
patton
Losing Respect for Americans.
Hence, it is not surprising that the in
suiaT administration is embarrassed and
that the natives are losing respect for the
Americans. The latter realize these de-
fects, and the recent flag demonstration
may be considered the birthday of the
unificauon Of American interests.
A movement is already afoot aiming
at the creation Of an all-American League
for the protection of American interests
and the maintenance of American pres
tige. The movement is backed by leading
citizens. officials. business men, and the
military.
At preliminary meeting. three judges.
including a justice of the Supreme Court.
were appointed to formulate the principles
of the league. 1t viii cooperate with
the government, but viii appeal to Wash
ington and undertake TO campaign with
individual Congressman If necessary. A
formal announcement has been deferred
until a conference is had with Secretary
Taft