The Washington times., 1913-01-01
INDEPENDENCE FOR
PHILIPPINES soon
IS NOW PREDICTED
Wilson's Stand Indicates u.
S. Will Get Rid of the
Islands.

Now that Governor Wilson has come
cut in favor of the independence of
the Philippines, there is no longer any
serious question entertained here
that the United States is going to get
rid of the islands.
II the Jones bill passes, ii will pro-
vide for the independence of the
islands in eight years. That is. the
b.n as 1t stands now has this effect.
The theory of II is that in eight years
time the Filipinos would be ready for
independence and self-government.
The probabilities are that no legis-
latter wili be passed this session. II
it d.d- President Taft would veto it.
But It viii doubtless be enacted in
the regular session a year from this
winter. 1t is doubtful If Congress
disposes of a matter of this impor-
tapcc at the extra session next spring.
The discussion over the future of
the Philippines will raise some highly
interesting and important questions
as to the future policy of the United
States in the Pacific.
Want Relief From Burden.
II the naturalization of the Philip
pines can be effected. that will make
1t sure the islands will not fall into
the hf.Eds of a foreign power, such
az Japan. II II is not brought about,
IL the islands are not made a neutral
region, there Is not much question
what viii soon become of them.
While there is no end of talk about
the islands deserving independence
and being qualified for 1t, If Con-
grees turns them loose IL will be not
because most members of Congress
think they would be better on free.
but because enough members of Con-
gress want to get rid of q burden to
the United States to be willing and
even anxious to give them indepen-
dence. The sentiment that will dictate
the policy OF Congress apparently viii
be, not the welfare of the islands, but
the best interests of the United States
as Congress conceives them.
The Jones bill. IL passed as It
stands. does not make independence
words. IL the Jones bill passes, inde-
pendence viii come whether neutrali-
zation does or not.
Might Give Japan Chance
When the debate over the Philip
pines comes up there will probably
be some interesting evidence on the
10 govern themselves. Some of the
members of the Insular Affairs Com
mittee are looking into this question.
Evidence is plentiful to show that
once the islands are turned loose, un-
less surrounded by the safeguard of
a naturalization agreement. they Will
soon be in turmoil. In the first
place, there are a large number of
tribes. In Luzon the Tagaios are the
chief tribe. They are competent for
self-government. But in Panay and
other islands to the south of Luzon
are the Visayans. They are a pow-
erful body of people. but Jealous OF
the Tagalos About the first thing to
be expected. once the Philippines try
self-government, is war between the
Tagals and visayans Nor will the
Mohammedan Moros quietly submit to
either the Tagalos or the Visayans.
And there wit be other tribal diff
cultiex, cs folks who have had ex-
periencs in the islands understand.
Il is undoubtedly true that IL the
great powers would neutralize the
islands and keep firm hand over
them such conditions would be owl
afed. II there is no naturalization,
and the islands get into an upheaval
nf strife and .cy yoiution. II is not like
l. !span will let the chance pass un-
noticed.