The menace. [volume] (Aurora, Mo.) 1911-1920, 1916-06-03

lTl those mysterious happenings
N occurred in congress which
the average editor fails TO explain
because he doesn't dare 70 tell the
truth about it. On May l, thirty
Democratic congressman, repudiat-
ing the action Of their own party
caucus, voted with the Republicans
in the House Of Representatives to
defeat the administration measure
providing for the independence Of
the Philippine Islands in from two
to four years.
The House had under considera-
tion Senate bill 3sl, already passed
by that body Nth The approval cf
President Wilson to redeem the
pledge made iH The Democratic plat
form. In addition 10 providing a
more efficient administration for
the Philippine Islands, it contained
what was known as the Clarke
amendment, a party measure de-
signed to grant independence to the
Filipinos within four years from its
passage and approval.
One can readily understand why
Republican congressman lined up
solidly against the bill. They de-
sired whatever credit might be
claimed for so great an act TO re-
dound to their own party. They
did not intend for the Democratic
administration to get any glory by
means Of their votes. The Repub-
licans may be in power next year,
and their leaders wished TO save 70
themselves and their own party
whatever approval might fall to the
freedom-giving administration.
But the Democrats had plenty Of
votes to pass the bill at the present
time. Each and every one Of them
was duty bound to support it bo'
cause Of the pledges made IN th'
national platform upon Vhich they
had odmpdigned aud had been
elected. Wherefore the amszement
Of the whole country when the
Clarke amendment, granting Fill
pino independence, was defeated BY
a decisive vote Of 213 to l65-de'
feated because thirty NOMINAL
Democrats turned against the meas
ure they were morally bound tC
support, and voted solidly against
it.
The press comment on this mos
extraordinary occurrence has beer
most voluminous. 1t was general!
supposed that Philippine lndepen
dence was assured and that the bill
would 60 through with the united
support Of a Democratic congress
Most Democratic papers stoutly de
clare that these thirty revolving
congressman Of their party haC
united to embarrass President vii
son. But what was the motive
That it has embarrassed the presi
dent, none can doubt; but he say
not a word to heighten their sup
posed satisfaction. The Whit
House seems reluctant to say any
thing concerning this mishap t,
party and presidential plans. Nor
mystery.
Fortunately, there is a press cor
respondent who sees this matter a
It is: and who gives us the inter
pretation thereof in the New GorI
Erening Post of May s. The gen
tlemen's name is David Lawrence
and he seems to be a regular Wash
ington correspondent Of the pape
which prints his solution of tn
puzzle: SAYS he:
An Extraordinary Occurrence
Who killed the Philippine Independ
enee bill in the House the other day
Not a Democratic insurgency that res
soned in consonance with Republican do,
trine that the people of the Philippine
arc not uOW anu ntNtA Will &c nv Aoi eeli
government; not the broad-visioned Den
ocrats who foressw diplomatic entangl,
ments in the Far East that made it seer
wiser not TO compromise the Unite
States in these times of stress with an
future pledge; not the Democrats VIII
wanted 70 show their indifference
President Wilson e desires, their freedol
from executive coercion.
Washington has been seething wit
gossip about one Of the most extraord
A nary occurrences in the history Of n
American congress, an event obscured !
greater problems that are before u
public; a roll call lost in the eoneurrenC
Of interests opposed 20 the bill and col
veniently forgotten because TO make fu
ther controversy over the matter woul
serve no useful purpose.
II the responsible officers Of the A
ministrstion would speak out, II Il
Democratic leaders in congress woul
dare to say il, the influence Of q politics
element in the Catholic church would
balA IN - tAa single thing that sauss