The Detroit times., 1909-07-02
URGES FAIRNESS
FOR PHILIPPINES
Gov Gen Smith Says Howl Against
Lifting Tariff Is Nonsense-Japan
Is Friendly.
BY z. G. sANpERsoN.

SAN FRANCISCO, July 2.--Gen.
James Francis Smith, governor-gen'
eral OF the Philippines, thinks that the
opposition in this country to remov-
ing the Philippine tariff is all non-
sense.
days ago. The general had just re-
tuprned from the Philippines, and
was stopping in this city EN- route
TO Washington.
The one important question from
the Philippine standpoint is the tar
ill.," said the general THE Payne
bill provides for free trade between
the Philippines and the United States,
and that would be the greatest bcne-
fit the islands could receive.
In the face of the fact that the
United States never has produced
enough sugar for its own consumption,
1t has up TO the present kept up the
tariff bars against Philippine sugar.
Trade with the Sandwich islands, Por-
to Rico and Cuba has been fostered;
that with the Philippines does not
seem to meet with favor. Just why,
it is difficult to understand, inasmuch
as this country Is as responsible for
the Philippines as ii Is for Porto Rico
or the Sandwich islands, and more
so than IT is for Cuba.
Lack Of Encouragement.
9TH eproduction of sugar in the
Philippines has fallen to only about
114,0OO tons because of the lack OF
encouragement which free trade would
supply"
How about tobacco?"
The annual production in the Uni
ted States fails OF meeting the local
consumption, / understand, by 10000
900 pounds. There is no danger OF
our supplying this deficit yb the free
admission of Philippine tobacco. Ia
the Philippines the entire production
of tobacco OF all kinds is only 0.O0O,-
600 pounds.
"I cannot understand this opposi
ton to removing the tariff. II eeens
10 ME II results from fear based on
lack OF knowledge rather than on
sound reason. The sentiment that the
Philippine production of sugar and to-
bacco is so great that local American
interests would be hurt Is all aon-
sense"
Despite Smiths previous prohibi-
tica OF military and naval questions.
Nentpred to ask him If he thought
the japanese are casting longing eyes
on the Philippines
Japans Attitude.
mo, | do not" he replied promptly
"All that kind of talk originates,
think, on this side, and has little II
any. real basis OF fact TO sustain L.
Japan. in my opinion. is animated oy
the most friendly of feelings toward
the United States | suppose there
have been foolish statements made In
japan as In other countries, IN. |
think YOU will agree with me that as
such utterances have not been made
By the Japanese government or ~
persons representing japanese Scr
rnent and public opinion, they are -
tired 10 but little consideration.
do you think the Filipinos ought
&c be made independent"
THE Filipinos. in my opinion, are
not ready yet for independence. They
are naturally gifted, but unfortunately
the great body OF the people have not
been educated, nor can they be icr
more than q generation to come. The
people are eager for instruction; and
have been educated and have acquired
democratic methods of shrinking, J see
no reason why they should not be
trusted TO establish and maintain a
democratic form Of government"