The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1909-04-03
INTEREST
IN BILL
LAGS
Small Attendance When
Filipino Makes His
Protest

Washington, April 5.-Elcven men,
bers were In their seats today when
the house of representatives met to
further consider the Payne tariff bill
1t was the smallest attendance of the
Speclal session, and demonstrated the
fact that interest In the bill practical
ly has disappeared. Mr.. Sparkman
democrat, Florida,) opened the dis
.cussion with an earnest plea for a
restoration of the Dingley rate on
lumber and the imposition Of duty
OF five cents 4 pound on cotton I'M
ported into the United States.
While declaring he would vote for
the BILL Mr.. kinkaid Republican,
Nebraska.) entered strenuous objec-
tion TO the taxing of those necessaries
OF life which are not produced In this
country. The proposed tax on tea and
the counteryaillng duty on coffee, he
said, were especially obnoxious to
him, and he urged their removal. Mr..
klnkaid also opposed the placing of
hides on the free list.
The Philippine islands we're again
heard from when Benito Legarda res
ident commissioner, spoke in opposi-
tion to the proposed free trade be-
tween that possession and this coun-
try His views were practically along
the lines of those expressed yesterday
by his colleague. Pablo Ocampo de
Leon.
Dasing his objection TO the Philip
pine sections of the Payne tariff bill
in provision that admits American
goods in unlimited quantity into the
islands without duty, he pointed out
that the admission of 100000 tons of
Philippine sugar, free into the United
States. would not improve conditions
in the island Immediately because the
industry had declined one-half during
American occupation, and because
China was the natural market for that
sugar Immediate benefit might not
accrue 10 the tobacco industry either;
he said.
Had the proposition for reciprocal
free trade been made before the Phil
ippine assembly was constituted"
said Mr.. Leonardo, very little, IL
any. opposition would have been made
to this measure. But today, that as:
sembly wishes us respectfully to pre-
scnt their wishes before this house In
order that you. who come so directly
from the American people, may pass
judgment on the claims Of those over
whom YOU exercise sovereignty.
IF instead OF the free admission
without limitation as TO quantity OF
American products into the Philip
pine islands this will provide only the
free entry there OF agricultural ma
ohineTy and other commodities OF
prime reciprocity, (such as cotton
cloth) and which are needed for the
agricultural and industrial develop
ment of these islands. or II this bill
provide only for such reciprocal eX-
change of commodities, custom duty
free, as would balance the limited
quantity Of American products to be
rent from here-if such were the pro-
visions OF this bill, 1t would be our
pleasant duty. as representatives of
the Philippine people, to make mani
fest to this house their gratitude.
THE Filipino people are not un-
grateful for what the American gov
enment has accomplished and is ac-
complishing for them In those islands.
In several respects, the laws there
are as good as in some Of the most
advanced states Of this union.
Congress has always been inspir
ed In its acts by principles of justice
and wise equity. The Filipino people
believe that, coming before this con-
Gress with just cause. 1t will re.
ceiye the same measure OF equity as
that which the American people have
always In the past conceded under
similar circumstances.
My firm conviction remains un-
shaken that prosperous and happy
future smiles on the Philippine is
lands from the moment the Americans
planted their flag, which represents
liberty. progress and civilization"