Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1913-01-09
SELF GOVERNMENT
FOR PHILIPPINES
Wilson Will Lead Effort 80 Get
Rid of Uncle Sans Burden
In the Far East.
az JOHN sNuRE,


ernor Wilson has come out 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.
If the Jones bill passes. 1t will pro-
vide for the Independence OF the ISL
ands In eight years. That is, the bill
as 1t stands now has this effect. The
theory of it is that in eight years
time the Philippines would be ready
for independence and self government.
Probabilities are that no legislation
will be passed this session. If 1t did.
President Taft would veto it. But 1t
doubtless will be enacted In the regular
session a year from this winter. It Is
doubtful If congress disposes of mat
ter of this Importance at the extra
session next spring.
Settle Future Policy.
The discussion over the future Of
the Philippines will raise somo highly
interesting and important questions as
to the future policy of the United
States in the Pacific
If the naturalization of the Philip
pines can be effected, that will make
the hands OF n foreign power. such as
Japan. II 1t Is not brought about, II
the islands are not made neutral
region, then there is not much ques-
ton what will soon become of them.
While there is no end of talk about
the islands deserving Independence
and being qualified for it, II congress
turns them loose 1t will be not be-
cause most members of congress think
they would be better of free. but be-
cause enough members of congress
want to get rid of burden to the
United States to be willing and even
anxious to give them independence,
policy of congress apparently will be,
not the welfare of the islands, but the
best interests of the United States as
congress conceives them.
The Jones bill, ii passed as it stands.
does not make independence dependent
on naturalization. In other words. If
the Jones bill passes, independence will
come whether naturalization does or
not
Not Much Sacrifice.
The opinion has been widely held in
congress for years, without regard tn
partianship that the United States
would be much better off financially
and strategically II it was rid of the
philippines. The notion that it would
be any sacrifice for this country to
give up the islands has never had much
f hold on congress, though there is
1eef1ng among some members that
t the United States gives the islands
ap II ought to get compensation, ought
20 get back some OF the money it has
sunk
When the debate over the Philip
Dimes comes up there will probably be
some interesting evidence on the uues-
lion OF the fitness of the islands to
govern themselves. Some OF the mem
bers of the insular affairs committees
are looking into this question. Evi-
Hence is plentiful to show that once
the islands are turned loose, unless
mantled round by the safeguard of Il
GENERALIZATION agreement, they will
soon be in turmoil
Tribes Bitter Enemies.
In the first place. there are large
number of tribes. In I4uzon the Ia
galos are the chief tribe. They are
competent for self government. But
south of Luzon are the Visayans. They
are powerful body of people. but are
jealous of the Tagalos. About the
first thing to be expected once the
philippines try self government is war
between the Tagalos and Visayans.
Nor will the Mohamlnedan Nor
quietly submit to either the Tagalos
Or the visnyans. Here the door to
more trouble will open. And there will
be other tribal difficulties, as folks
who have experienced the islands
understand, even IL those who have
studied them at a distance OF 10000
miles do not.
1t is undoubtedly true that if the
great powers would neutralize the ISL
ands and keep q firm hand over them
such conditions would be obviated But
they are not likely to be otherwise.
May Fall to Japan.
Ii there is no naturalization and the
islands get into an upheaval Of strife
and revolution, then 1t is not likely
Japan will let the chance pass I'M
noticed.
Some plain speaking win be in
dulged In when the debate comes on
A lot of talk about the glory of giving
Independence to the islands will be in
dulged. But there will also be some
speech of more cold blooded but
probably more honest sort. 1t VIII be
to the effect that the longer the United
States stays In the islands the more
money 1T will be out, that this coun-
try should drop the Philippines and
let the Filipinos shift for themselves
no matter what becomes of them, that
we should absolutely drop them and
refuse to worry about them longer or
have any more responsibility for them,
and that II Japan or some other ma
ton grabs them that will not be our
lookout. nor Will 1t weaken our grip
on the Pacific; that the islands are a
liability and not an asse. and unless
ready TO keep them as liability Ne
should part with them.
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