New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1908-10-23
PHILIPPINES DISCUSSED
MOhOnk Conference Hears Vel
kno1cn Persons Tell of Islands.

Lake Mohonk y. Y. Oct. 22.-"The Philippines"
was the general subject OF discussion at to-days
session of the Lake Mohonk conference The educa-
ton and welfare OF the Filipino taken up in
addresses by W. Cameron Forbes. Vice-GOvernor
OF the islands, who spoke the general subject
of what is best to be done for the material ad-
vancenent of the Philippines; Major General J.
Franklin Bell. chief of staff. L. s A; Pablo
Ocampo, resident commissioner of the Philippines
at Washington; Mason S Stone, formerly super
intendent of schools in Manila and now commits
sioner of education of Vermont who pointed out
local opportunities and general opportunities in
the islands: Paul Linebarger. of Chicago formerly
iudgg of the Court of the First Instance in the
Philippines: Charles H Clark, editor of The
Hartford Comm Courant,' who discussed the
Philippines from the point Of view Of their desira-
blity as United States possessions; Miss Mary
Coleman. of Indiana formerly dean of the
at the Insular Normal School in Manila: John T
McDonough. Of Albany. who spoke on The Friars
in the Philippines" and Representative E J. Hill.
of Connecticut
Senior Ocampo favored the independence of the
Fiipnos, saying that while the Philippine Islands.
due to their geographical coniguration were dis
persed. separate and scattered country. in the
latent aspiration Of the people they had cohesive
whole And that aspiration. sacred in its origin.
regenerating in its means, great in its fnality. he
continued. lis the wish Of assuming their own af-
fairs the vivid desire of being free and indie
pendent. is absolutely a popular aspiration. an
ideal worshipped at all times, in all places and by
"a classes. These desires and anXletleS. however,
are not a cry of protest against the present ad-
ministration: the government there is administered
for the benefit OF the people in paternaI and not
tyranncaI way. 1t is simply desire for ultimate
independence"
The speaker said that tie Filipnos. after
securing their political independence. would
be in better position ameliorate their economic
condition. for then they could develop in manner
more suited 20 their needs, customs and civiliza-
ton.
Major George H. shelton of the bureau of in
sular affairs answered in the affirmative the
questions: lis the War Department better fitted
than any other department administer the
Philippine affairs This view sustained by
DR. LYMAN Abbott and DR. H. L. Morehouse. of
New York. Congressman Fitzgerald. of Brooklyn.
dtssented from this statement. declaring that the
War Department should not concern itself with
civil administration in the Philippines other de
Tendencies
DR.. S Z. RossiteT. at the head of the American
Presbyterian Church in Manila: Rear Admiral
Remey Cret!rcd). commander OF the Asiatic fleet
for two years and Dr.. Fernando CaIderon. pro-
fessor in the Philippine Medical School OF Manila.
were the other speakers in the evening. Dr. Ros-
tanned that from personal observation he was pre-
pared say that the American government had
kept every promise made the FiIipinos. and he
paid a tribute to the American officials in the
Philippines, He also gave glowing picture of
the work done by the religious bodies in the ISL
ands