Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1915-01-11

tory Of our relations to the philippines
and the present situation therein.
Here Secretary Garrison traced the
history of the Philippines-some
thirty -four islands with total popu-
lation of between eight and nine MIL
lion, mostly of Malay origin--polntlhs
out that the revolt against Spain ana,
later. the rising against the unlteu
States were the only occasins whlcn
had tended to produce homosenie'y
along the islanders. He quoted at
length from messages and speeches by
Former Presidents Mckinley, Taft ana
Roosevelt to show in each succeeding
administration after the philippines
came into the hands of the United
States the Filipinos had been taught
that 1.-The Philippines are for the FIN
pinos" that satisfaction over the prog
ress of the islanders had been ex-
pressed, and the hope of ultimate self
government held out.
Quotes President Taft.
Mr.. Taft he quoted as saying IN
message in 1872: I'VE should en-
deavor to secure for the Filipinos
economic independence and to mt them
for complete self government. with the
power to decide eventually. accord
ing 10 their own largest good, whether
such self government should be &C
companied by independence"
In 1918. Mr.. Garrison added. PresI-
dent Taft described the promise in the
democratic platform to recognize the
independence of the Philippine Islands
las soon as stable government can
be established" as IAN affirmation OF a
policy slightly differing from that re-
peatedly announced by this and proceed
ing republican administrations.
In pursuance of the policies thus
enunciated. Mr.. Garrison said the
various administrations in this coun-
try had from time to time enlarged the
extent of the participation OF the
F'ilipinos in their government, replac-
ing the military regime by civilian
commission giving the islanders con-
troll of their local municipal govern
nlents and gradually of their profln-
cial government. placing t1iplnoS on
the commission. in the supreme court
and at the head of executive depart
ments and finally. in 1907. establish
ing the assembly composed entirely OF
natives elected from the various dis
tricm. The present administration re-
constructed The commission, practically
the senate of the islands, so as to give
a majority to the F'ilipinos, and, the
secretary continued. everything that
has come TO hand is in entire justi-
fication of its wisdom and propriety.
Bill Next Logical Step.
Mr.. Garrison declared that the pres
emit bill was the result of the plans OF
the administration 10 take the next
logical step along the line of testing
the capacity of the Filipinos for self
government.
we have entire hope he said. that
the F'ilipinos will accept this added re-
sponsibility and make such good use
of the opportunity as to demonstrate
its wisdom and prepare the way for the
next onward move
He directed attention to the fact
that TO the president of the United
States was reserved the power TO for
bid the enactment of any bill even
though it be passed by the legislature
over the veto of the governor general.
and that trade relations between me
United States and the islands still
would be subject to the final decision OF
congress.
1T is difficult to see what proper OBJ
lection can be made TO the provisions
OF the bill itself, SAID the secretary
in conclusion. IF we considered 1t, as
1 have insisted before that we should.
in view of our duty to ourselves and
to the nation and in the view of our
obligations to the Filipino people, as
made on our behalf by those speak
ing for us, we find that it fully meas
ures up TO our obligation in each re-
epect Good faith to those to whom
we have pledged ourselves requires us
! to stay as long as We must; and good
| VIII to the islanders. in accordance
with our pledges and assurances re-
| quires US to stay no longer than is
necessary to test and reach conclusions
as to their capacity in managing their
own affairs