New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-04-18
.F|L|P|N0S UNREADY FOR
FREEDOM, SAYS ECAN
With Professor Hart. OF Har-
ward, Manila Editor Opposes
Immediate Independence.
CUEZ0N FOR JONES BILL
Resident Commissioner of Isl.
ands Says Countrymen Are
More than Able to Gov
ern Themselves.
:By Telegraph to The Tribune.


Worcester, Mass. April 1.-THE Philip
pine situation. with special reference TO
the question of early independence, was
the subject discussed tonight by men
we'll versed on the topic at meeting Of
the Worcester Economic Club. The speak
ers of the evening who argued for and
against independence for the Philippine
Islands were Manuel L. Quezon. of Wash
ington, Resident Commissioner of the
Philippines: Professor Albert Bushnell
Hart of Harvard University, and Martin
Egan, editor of "The Manila Times"
| Mr. Quezon in his address argued for
| independence for the islands. claiming
that the Fiipinos should have freedom.
as they are more than capable Of govern
ing themselves. and that the United
States government is at the present time
too much absorbed in its own personal
affairs 10 give the matter sufficient time
and study.
The resident commissioner of the isl
ands made plea for the passage of the
Jones bill, which will give the Philippine
Islanders their independence after pro-
baton period of eight years. He also
stated that the love of his fellow country
men for their own country and the ability
they have shown so far in governing
themselves under the direction OF this
country were more than proof that they
were well able TO manage and govern
themselves
Professor Harris Argument.
Professor Hart who followed Mr.. Que
zon, based his argument against any
speedy action looking 10 Philippine indie
pendence on three main grounds. The
first was the lack of proof that Latin
colonies the world over can govern them
selves. when Mexico after forty years OF
prosperity, had broken up with anarchy,
when some other Latin-American states.
after a hundred years, still could not
govern themselves.
Can the Spanish and mixed Spanish
and Filipinos, who are the dominant power
| in the Philippines. be trusted with self
government" was the question Professor
Hart asked his audience, and continued,
Would they keep up the mails and schools
and health measures and good order which
they never had before the Americans
Gamer"
Independence, according TO Professor
Hart. would reverse the efforts Of the
| United States to do a great missionary
! task No great fortunes had been made
by Americans from the islands. Professor
Hart declared, and he said that 1t had not
been a paying speculation. but had been a
good honest job OF civilization.
For the F1lipinos. according to the Har-
ward University professor, Independence
meant the taking up Of national respon-
sibilities which they had not the means
nor the strength to. carry out.
when the great Asiatic powers are
springing up, and when European ma
tions are crowding each other IN Asia. 1t
is no time" Professor Hart said Ito
launch a weak power
The Address Of Mr.. .Eaan.
Mr.. Egan said, in part
"To me the big facts in this connection
stand out undeniable. our country turncd
from the old rights and titles OF conquest.
purchase and suppressed rebellion and
avowed itself a trustee. pledged to guard
the persons. the properties and the inter-
ests Of the islanders until they could I'M
dertake those tasks for themselves. III
made this splendid promise to the Fill
pinos and to the world and to itself, and
II stands in the open pledged 10 It's re-
dempton.
THE United States is bound to give the
Filipinos the fairest opportunity and the
widest assistance to create for themselves
a government capable Of succeeding TO
the responsibilities and the burdens which
It now bears, claiming success FOR IL py
the most careful schooling and prepara-
ton and all the protective shields that
II subsequently can throw around IT,
II am bound to testify TO YOU, win all
the sincerity and force that Is in me
that | gravely fear for both the domestic
success and the external security or tue
islanders If we relinquish local controi
and withdraw our shielding arm now or
AT an early date.
II have abundant sympathy for and IN
terest in the people. and an encouraged
hope for their rapic progress and soldar-
lily. sustained by our undisputed pres
ence and strength. out an unescapapie
conviction that they are not ready ior
the important step toward which their