The San Francisco call., 1909-11-28
TELLS OF PROGRESS
MADE BY FILIPNOS
General Jim" Smith Talks of
American Occupation Before
Commonwealth Club
Former Governor General Pre-
diets Islands Will Have Re
publican Government

Semes T. smith. former governor
general of the Philippines, was the
speaker at the luncheon of the Com
rnonwealth club yesterday in the white
and gold room of the St. Francis hotel
and gave an interesting account OF the
Droeress made in the islands during
the u years Of occupation by the
United States.
General Jim smith, as he is af-
fcctionatelv known in San Francisco
ana as ne was introduced yesterday by
Chairman William il. Jordan, sketched
briefly the history of the philippines
land their people and declared his hrm
belief that eventually these Islands
would become the oriental center OF
modern republican government by peo-
ole educated and equipped in every way
Tor lf-gOvernment
BENEFIT OF ISLANDERS
The United States is not in the
Philippines for its own benefit, but for
The benefit of a people or another race,
another color and another class, said
The speaker. The task was undertaken
upon the broad principle that nations,
like individuals, owe some duty 10 their
kind. He asserted that the occupation
of the Philippines was costing this gov
ornment nothing, as the civic and judi
CARY ACCOMPLISHMENTS NCAI mann NeeA-A-N "a
by Philippine taxes. and the maintenance
OF a standing army and fleet in Pa
cific waters would be necessary regard
less Of the Philippines.
The conclusion Of the war with Spain,
declared General Smith, destroyed the
last vestige OF Spanish power in the
Philippines and left foreign people,
knowing nothing Of government, in
q state Of chaos. Only TWO honorable
courses We're open TO the United States
either to establish a prOtectorate or
acquire the islands-and President Nc
Kinley decided wisely when he deter
mined upon the assumption Of both the
responsibilities and the powers of gov
eminent through acquisition
REFORMS AND PROGRESS
The speaker recited briefly some Of
the most notable reforms and achieve
ments in the islands under United
States rule. mentioning particularly the
establishment OF a clean judiciary and
legal system. the building of fine
schools. the esta blishment OF an honest
and effectual civil service, the taking
uf a census, the building of roads,
bridges and railroads, the extension of
telegraph. building of lighthouses,
ampifcation of the weather bureau.
postal system, harbor Improvements
and score OF other things.
Best Of all. he said. A.as the gift Of
the people Of the islands Of the right
of free speech, free press and free wor-
ship and a participation in the making
OF their own laws. Even at present,
he asserted, the people Of the Philip
pines have greater rights and respOn-
Shilities i'm elf-government than the
people Of England, or probably Of any
nation in the world with. the exception
Of France, Switzerland and the United
states.
The reason that no other nation has
ever succeeded in doing such a thing
as this. said the speaker, is because
no nation except America has ever tried
10 do il, but America can and is
succeeding. How long it will take l
can not attempt TO say. but it viii be
accomplished eventually and in the
very eye of the orient. the birthplace of
absolutism and despotism. there viii be
established a government Of the peo-
pie. by the people and for the people,
a great republic"
At the conclusion of the luncheon
William II. Jordan retired as chairman
Of the club luncheon committee and was
succeeded by Byron Mauzy. The latter
announced. that at next Saturday s
luncheon Alexander Russell would de-
liver a. lecture on Java.