Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-12-05
SITUATION
IS DISCUSSED BY TAFT
Confers With Representative
OImsted on Possible Legis-
Iati0n This Session.

Possible legislation for the Philippines at
this session Of Congress was discussed
with President Taft today by Representa-
tive Olmsted of Pennsylvania. the rank
ing minority member of the House COM
mittee on insular affairs. The President
is understood to discuss the Philippines
quite extensively in his second message
to Congress, to be sent to that body to-
morrow, or Within a few days. The Presi-
dent and Mr. Olmsted feel that there is
much legislation that should be enacted
for the benefit of the islands. but there is
also much doubt as to whether the demo-
Gratis will permit anything of Importance
to be done at this session of Congress.
1t is generally believed to be the pur-
pose of a number of democrats, probably
with the quiet backing of W. j. Bryan,
to attempt to give the Philippines their
independence, when the democrats obtain
full control of all branches OF the govern
ment, as they will after March 4. No
such legislation will be attempted at TINS
session, as the President would quickly
veto any proposition of that kind. all of
his speeches in the past having indicated
his belief that the people of the Islands
are not yet prepared for self-government,
and will not be for number of years.
See Harm in Agitation.
authority on the islands and their people,
would not wait a second to use his veto
power upon any proposition looking to
the independence of the islands, and he
may take part in the controversy that
will be started by the democrats after he
goes out of office.
Leading officials of the government are
of the opinion that when agitation starts
&pl will dn ho in 10
islands, especially if the agitation should
fail of success. Disgruntled natives of
the island would. it is believed, use the
agitation to start revolts and discomfort
The President had a visit today from
the Alaska railroad commission, as it is
known, the members of which are Maj.
j. J. Morrow, formerly engineer Commits
sioner of the District; c. NJ. lngersoll Of
New York, Civil Engteeer Cox of the
Navy, and DR.. Alfred II. Brooks. The
commission started for Alaska last Au-
gust and Travelled 5000 miles by different
means of conveyance to study the future
railroad needs of Alaska The commits
sion has completed its report and laid 1t
before President Taft, who will shortly
transmit 1t to Congress.
Soldiers Home Board Calls.
The members Of the board Of governors
Of the national soldiers homes paid their
respects to President Taft today. headed
by former Representative Wadsworth
This afternoon the President Is to re-
ceive the delegates to the rivers and har-
bors congress.
President Taft has accepted an invita-
ton to attend the thirty-secOnd annual
dinner Of the Merchants and Manufac-
turers Association of Baltimore January
25. The invitation was presented today
by a delegation comprising Robert j.
Beacham. secretary of the association
Gen. William d. Gill. w. w. Symington.
O. B. Bidwell and z. L. Quarles.
Attorney General Wickersham will
speak at the same dinner. will also
Harry Wheeler. president of the United
States Chamber OF Commerce.