Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-02-17
The Philippine Assembly.

This is the latest from Manila:
The entire archipelago is stirred By the
pending political campaign. There Is an
exodus of politicians from Manila, as the
election law requires residence In the
provinces for candidates for the assembly
The government party has reorganized as
the national progressives Domtnador Co
mez and some prominent F.l;pinoS nave
formed the union national party out of sew
eral immediate independence organizations
The union nationals recognize the present
inability of the Filipinos to carry on self
government. but ask that definite policy
be declared toward the Philippines. having
In view future absolute independence. Co
mez scored a victory in the special election
for governor of Cavite. The campaign Is
active in every province.
These Filipino POLITICIANS qualify for the
assembly as certain Americans do for the
divorce court. They establish a residence
for a particular purpose. The elections
over. these men will scurry back to Manila.
Such as are successful at the polls will
want to be on hand early to watch pre-
liminaries. while such as are unsuccessful
will want to be onlookers when the legis-
lative ball opens. Manila is. and will con-
tlnue TO be, headquarters. and politicians.
whether in office or out, will want to be on
hand. close up. while the wheels are going
round.
Parties are forming and things should
move off at lively gait. The union nation
ais have a proposition calculated to stir
up the animals at once. They want an i'm
mediate declaration from this government
as to future absolute independence. When
does Uncle Sam purpose withdrawing from
the field. and handing over the affairs of
the archipelago to the natives? An answer
is desired. The union nationals agree that
just now the Filipinos are not qualified for
self-government, but they seem to think
that the fixing of day by this govern
ment for the experiment to begin would
rapidly develop craftsmanship in the
islands.
This is the cry of the half dozen or more
brooding patriots in New England who
compose what was at one time known as
the American Aguinado Aid Society. They
take the same ground, and when the Philip
pine assembly opens and the union ma
tionals get the floor we shall probably hear
the argument which has been so unconvinc-
ing in Bostonese presented in fervld Span
ish. Will the change of tongues iend the
proposition force? Probably not
The truth is the United States does not
cannot today know its full purposes as re-
spects the Philippines. The question Is a
developing one. Who may say what a year
or decade. may bring forth? We are there
charged with heavy responsibilities. and
blazing way new to us. While stay
We must provide good government, and
when We leave. IL We ever leave, we must
be certain OF the stability of the govern
ment that succeeds us. More than that. the
great powers Of the world will want, and be
entitled to, assurances from us on that
point. How. therefore, is 1t possible for
at this time to name day for our with
drawing?
The union nationals have a topic which
may bring them satisfactory reply. but
1t Is certain to lead to some warm discus,
sinn.