The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1907-08-18
gAPsHOTs OF WAR SECRETARY AND HIS FAMILY

candidate can't do much running on an
island ia the far Pacific. He would do
much better II he were talking 20 con-
stituents in little Ohio towns But
There's work over there that has 90 be
done" says Taft Anyway. I'm not
any good as a politician"
But what is the reason for this long
and tedious trip was asked.
VIII Be Mt Assembly Opening.
The first national assembly was elect
ed on July 90 I shall be present at its
opening session in october. I expect that
most Of the members will demand imme-
date independence. so they may set up
q government OF their own. But It is the
policy OF this government 70 go more
gradually, granting additional privileges
and political liberties only as the people
demonstrate themselves capable OF re-
ceiving them.
We believe that 10 turn the islands
over 70 a government Of natives al pres
ent, without check OF restraint, would
not be best for the people themselves.
There would be too great danger Of ex-
cesses and chaos The Fiiipinos are a
susceptible and easily Influenced people.
A man OF some education and spirit can
quickly stir up a village or a district and
lead il into revolt
i regret that our army cannot be
withdrawn yet II stnl IS necessary TO
men at present-to insure peace and Sc
curity.
Only the Beginning.
How much of an advance toward in
dependence IS this rev national assem-
bly?''
'Tt Is but the beginning OF representa-
tive national government. The members.
seventy In number, were elected by the
qualified voters Of the Christian prov
inces. They have the right Of debute, of
proposing and passing laws. But there
stu remains above them the Philippine
Commission. appointed by the President,
which retains the right Of veto over any
Of the assembly's acts.
The commission, consisting of five
Americans and three native members,
constitutes practically an upper house
I'VE have been giving the Filipino
more and more freedom each year and
viii continue 10 enlarge his powers OF
self government as fast as he learns
restraint and conservatism. In provin-
cial government, the governing boards
formerly consisted OF two appointed Amer
| leans and one elected native. Now there
are two elective members and only one
appointed member, the treasurer.
How far the Filipinos may go toward
complete self government, or even abso-
lutte independence. will depend entirely
on themselves. and the manner in which
| they carry out each additional measure
of power granted to them. Their future
government is a matter that the people
must determine entirely by their own
actions. A great deal will depend on
the character of the men chosen in this
| first assembly election. l hope there are
many possessed % wisdom. moderation
and conservatism.
May Never Cut Adrift.
VIII the Philippines ever become q
free and independent natiOn?"
1T is possible they may, replied the
Secretary; yet should the time and
opportunity come. doubt whether the
people would desire TO cut adrift from
this country They probably would find
| it far more to their prosperity their
happiness, and their well-being to remain
attached to the United States. with our
markets open to them, with the advan-
| tages of protection. of support, OF back
ing that a great nation can give to a
smaller one. Porto Rico thrives under
American rule and IS happy. Cuba volun-
tarily again has sought our assistance.
1--WE de sire 10 enlarge steadily the pow
ers of se.f-goYerHment IN the Philippines
We want the islands to develop to enjoy
prosperity, and the people to become able
| to conduct their own affairs.
| If anybody can face odds and gain his
way against our newly acquired Ameri-
cans, it is SecTetary Taft. He Is practi-
cally the Little Father" of the Philip
pines. The natives worship him-not only
| in his official position Of Extra Heavy
Sitter-on-the-Lid, but as Jovial kind
hearted. cIear-eyed friend and companion
A look into his summer cottage on the
| ST. Lawrence River, in Canada, VIII con
vince any one Of this fact. From attiC
| to front doorstep the place is filed witt
loving momentos and souvenirs of tn,
quaint brown islanders-fags for mfr
Taft. Presidente," mattings. pictures
beads, saddles, knives. guns-everything
that their nimble fingers cOntrive.
Known as "the Governor"
| A school teacher, returning 10 the States
from far away Mindanso, spoke feelinglJ
of "the governor" as Taft has long beer
called by the Filipinos.
Roosevelt did wei in letting Taft keeI
hold of the Pacific islands, said thii
man. You have no idea OF how thos'
people simply worship hin. It's all {