New-York tribune., 1907-10-16
NINE YEARS IN THE PHILIPPINES.

The first meeting of the first Philippine As
sembly which occurs at Manila today and
which is appropriately marked with the pres
ence of Secretary Taft strongly suggests both
retrospect and prospect as well as considera-
tiOn of the present state of our Asiatic posses
SGns If there ara those who think or say AT
last" and who affect to regard the present con
vocation as having been too much delayed, they
will do we'll TO remember how short a time,
after ALL America has owned the Philippines,
what was the political condition Of the islands
before acquisition of them, and how rapid,
really. has been their progress under American
tutelage and instruction. Down TO 1898 there
had been in the Philippines scarcely the slight
est rudiments of self-gOvernment or of prepara-
tion for it. In general and in particular the
islands had been ruled with the autocratic alb
solution Of a Spanish military yiceroy. Even
the poor and partial measure Of participation
in representative government which bad been
granted to Cuba denied TO them. The peo-
pie had power in public affairs, and were
not permitted to learn how to exercise such
power.
To-day the political franchise is widespread,
and practically all the officers of government
who come into direct contact with the people
are elected by popular vote All the municipal
officers from the mayors down are thus chosen.
treasurers. the provincial councils being elected
b.. direct popular vote and the governors being
elected by the councils. And now the popular
branch OF a national legislature is similarly
constituted. 70 arrive at such stage Of de
velOpment in only nine years starting from a
state of entire non-partcipatOn in the govern
ment, and Of almost entire ignorance Of If not
also lack Of sympathy with. popular govern
ment. is a noteworthy achievement indicating
more rapid progress than we can recall ms hav-
ing been made elsewhere. Instead of sneerinG
"At last" ii is appropriate to eXclaim with
sincere and profound qualification, $50 soon"
So much for the past. The future in the Phil
ippnes, as well as in the United States itself
and everywhere else must be left to specuIa-
tion and to hope. We are told that twothrds
of the members of the Philippine Assembly
want immediate independence for the islands,
while the other third want date fixed now for
independence In the measuraby near future.
Such is Mr.. Archibald r. Colquhouns analysis
OF the Assembly. Perhaps its accuracy might
be challenged, but if correct, it obviously vim
dicateS the absolute CORD faith of the Ama
administration in letting the elections be held
in perfect freedom. 1t also affords an interest
ing illustration of the mercurial disposition Of
the Philippine aeopie, for it is we'll known that
not long ago large part of them inclined
strongly toward continued American possession
and control of the islands. If there has really
been so striking a change of sentiment il Is
well TO let it be shown and find a voice in the
Assembly.
Nor would the manifestation of such a senti-
ment in the Assembly neeessitate any material
change in American policy. The practically
unanimous desire of the people of New Orleans
fof change Of government was ignored by the
author of the phrase about the consent of the
governed and this nation and otheS nations
have since then persisted in that policy of sub
ordinating local and particular wishes to the
general "'elfare Of the whole. We have no idea.