Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1914-03-08
Ex-Secretary Of Interior Points
Out in His Book that Wilson's
Policy Of independence in 1920
viii Be Certain of Disaster.
"ShaII They Be Left to Stagger
Alone," He Asks, "Under the
Keen Eye of Another Nation
HungriIy Awaiting Misstep7"

In his book, 1.-THE Philippines Past
end Present" Dean C. Worcester, for
nearly thirteen years Secretary of the
Interior of the Islands, declares fatty
that it would be a great mistake to
grant independence to the Filipinos.
His book is regarded as the most
authoritative work thus far publish
ed on our Eastern possessions. He
las travelled over the whole archipel-
ago, and his acquaintance with the
principal chiefs gives weight to his
opinion which Government officials
familiar with conditions in the is
lands say can not be ignored.
In his chapter, rs Philippine indie
Iendence Now Possible?" he says, in
part:
This question is one of great i'm
portance to the United States, for ma
tional honor is involved in finding its
answer Both of our great political
parties are committed to the policy
Of granting independence when the
Filipinos are ready for it.
Are they ready now? If so, the
Promise should be kept. If not, we
should be guilty of an unjust and
cowardly act if we withdrew our pro-
lection and control.
Are Not "a People"
81 will say, emphatically, that the
great mass of Filipinos do not con-
stitute a people in the sense that
word is understood in the United
States, They can not be reached as
& whole.
"Blount says it is a verdict of all
racial history that, wheresoever
white men dwell in considerable unm-
Lers in the same country with Aslat-
les or Africans, the white men VIII
rule
Certainly Spanish and other Euro
pean metizos dwell in considerable
numbers in the Philippines Are indl-
viduals with three-fourths to thirty
one thirty seconds white blood WHITE
men or Asiatics?
They certainly would determine
what form of government should be
established were independence now
granted.
ability to read or write Spanish
or English entities male either Oh
the Philippines who is 20 or more to
Vote."'
Mr., Worcester then proceeds to
lless his point that in the election OF
June 4, 1912, there were only 25S,l54
votes cast, and GOES on to say;
Don't Understand Term.
1T is claimed that the Fflipinos are
a unit in demanding independence.
As a matter of fact, the bulk of the
common people have little idea what
the word really means.
In general it may be said of the
Filipino that he is quick to learn
but needs a teacher; is quick to fol-
low. but needs a leader He is ready
10 do the things he is taught to 90.
He accepts discipline, orders, rules.
He has a great respect for constituted
authority He lacks initiative ana
sound judgment.
Let Americans beware Of judging
the Filipino peoples by the men with
from one-half to thirty -one-thirty-
seconds white blood who have so often
bosed as their representatives.
Il am firmly convinced that the
l'ilipinos are where they are to-day
only because they have been pushed
into line. and that if outside pressure
We're relaxed they would steadily and
rapiCly q steriorate.
The Eflipinos are not yet mt TO
govern themselves, much less to gov
ern the Moros and other non Chris
tan tribes, even if let alone, and they
would not be let alone If we turn
their country over to them.
Philippine independence is not yet