Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-07-26

government monopoly. that three years
thereafter no opium should be imported
into the Philippine Islands except by the
government and for medical purposes
only; that only licensed males over TWEEN
ty-one years of age should be allowed to
use opium until prohibition should go into
effect; that only salaried officials Of the
government should sell or dispense opium
and that the young should be taught its
evil effects. and be deferred from con-
tracing the opium habit, and that In.
corrigible offenders, II necessary, should
be removed from the islands.
the Philippine commission and imme.
diately embodied. In appropriate legisla'
ton, which has proved Of inestimable
benefit to the Filipinos.
Bishop Brent has Travelled extensively
all over the Philippine archipelago. and
companion of Gen. Leonard Wood, shar-
ing with the latter all military hardships.
and marching in rough rider khaki cos
tune. He proved himself the unfailing
and 1t is understood that all the troops
stationed in the Philippines are opposed
to his coming to Washington. He IS con-
sidered to be the best loved man In the
Island ,t snse w sssset is TAFT bene sna
lence. warm human sympathies and strict
sense of justice have won the full con-
fidcnce not only of all American civil.
military and naval officers who knew him,
but also that Of the Filipino people them
entity chanpioned their rights: still he
deems them to be at least 100 years be-
hind the Cubans, and believes that even
Mr.. Taft has made q serious mistake In
inducing President Roosevelt and the Con-
gress TO grant the people Of the islands
Filipino assembly. even though Its pow i.
er is restrained by the absolute veto OF
the Philippine commission. He recog-
nizes, however. that the Filipino people
have very legitimate grievances: and that
be Immediately corrected.
Expresses Forceful Opinions.
At the general convention of the Ameri-
can Protestant Episcopal Church. held In
Richmond, Va. In the fall OF 1907, he
sprang a sensation when he criticised
the United States government most Sc
verely for its treatment Of the people OF
the Philippine Islands. He had been talk
ing for half an hour of conditions In the
Philippines, Of the immortality which was
rampant In the islands. Of the fearful
temptations which faced the Americans
finally he turned his attention to the gov
Il an, speaking here as a Christian
bishop" he said. but ! cannot forget
that l am q Christian citizen OF this
American republic and, therefore. ! ana
forced to speak OF the horrible conditions
which prevail In the Philippines.
1.-THE government officials tell you that
the Filipinos are almost ready Tor SELL
government. L tell you that this is not
true, that the people of the islands are
at least 100 years behind the cubans,
and that they will never be able to govern
themselves II the government continues
its present policy.
~ demand justiee-only common JUS
tice-for the Filipinos, and appeal in
the name of humanity. for fair treatment
for these poor. oppressed people. kreat
corporate interests In the country, IN
order to secure gain for themselves. are
making the Filipinos pay the most ex-
travagant prices for everything. and the
people in Consequences are In the depths
Of despair. It Il time to stop. Feu-