Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1915-05-08
PRESIDENT TO AGAIN MAKE IN.
DEPENDENCE OF ISLANDS Ap.
MINisTRArioN POLICY.
WILL HAVE ROCKY ROAD
TO TRAVEL IN HOUSE
Much Opposition Certain Among Both
Democrats and Republicans-Ad-
nninistration Makes Promises to Fill
Pine. Following Failure Of Bill in
Last Congress.
Especial Correspondence

Washington, May S.-President Will
son will again include the Philippine
independence bill in his program of
legislation for next session of congress.
He has given the Filipinos. thru Gov
ernor General Harrison, definite
promises to support the bill until It
passes and has indicated that he has
no doubt it will pass at the coming ses-
sion.
Reports from the islands are that the
failure of the last congress to enact
the Philippine bill has caused much
disappointment among the natives. This
applies especially to the members Of
the nationalist party. Until the last
moment of the recent session almost,
hope was entertained by the supporters
OF the bill that a way might be found
to pass it.
Promises Made to FiIpinos.
The administration has felt it neces-
sary to give some reinsurance to the
Filipino people and administration
leaders in house and senate will I'M
questionably make every effort to get
the bill passed in the next regular ses
sion. because otherwise the effects on
the natives might be serious. In other.
words, there would be great discomfort
caused in the islands which might take
the form of revolt 1t will be up to
the democratic leaders to carry out
their promises.
1t will not be an easy matter to drive
the Philippine bill thru congress. but
the probabilities are that it will go
thru. The obstacle last session was
chiefly in the senate. Partly due to
the wide difference of opinion there
over independence, partly due to the
crowded condition of business, it was
found impossible to pass it. Next ses-
sion, the house will present a different
situation from the one which obtained
last session. With the democratic
margin of control in the house narrow,
with some of the democrats dubious
about turning the islands loose, and
with the republicans more disposed to
hamper the legislation than ever. the
bill will have its troubles before it
reaches the senate. Under administra-
ton pressure, however, it probably will
be passed by the house. In the senate.
with their increased majority, the
democrats can pass the bill easily when
they get vote. If cloture rule Is
forced on the senate and debate is
gagged, then there Will be little time
lost in passing the Philippine measure.
Source Of Weakness.
Congressman Miller. of Minnesota.
who is an expert on Filipino matters
and who made study Of conditions
there about a year ago. has announced
that he will make further study of con-
ditions this summer. He is a repub-
lican and is strongly adverse to a def
mite promise of independence to the
Philippines. He is expected to provide
milton which they can use in the house
and senate the coming winter.
Undoubtedly the factor in congress
which will decide the passage of the
independence bill and will bring it's
passage about is the deep seated senti--
ment at both ends of the capitol that
the islands are source of weakness to
this country, especially in a military
sense. 1t is doubtful if any large num-
Der of members of congress really be-
.lieve the natives are fitted to give them
selves a stable and just government.
The advocates of passage of an inde
pendence bill lay chief emphasis in
their public speeches about the desir-
ability of setting the islands free. But
the protection of the welfare of the
United States rather than the interest
of the Philippines is the thing chiefly
sought and considered.