The Hawaiian gazette., 1916-01-11
RODERlCK 0. MATHESON, EDITOR
The Philippines Bill

LOR the next week or two, unless another linet
be summarized and few more dead Amer.
jeans come in for some temporary discussion
Washington will ring with the Philippine queS.
ton, the bill granting the local government of the
islands some largely extended powers being in
the senate as "unhniShed business"
Honolulans are fairly fam liar with the provi-
sions of the Jones Bill, which was before the
senate in the last congress and which was side
tracked while the minority 6libusterred against
the Ship Purchase Bill. The new bill now under
fire with few amendments, is the same that was
vigorously pushed then by the administration.
The present bill, it is understood, will have tie
full backing of the administration and the Repub-
licans have little hope of defeating it. The prn-
cipa fight will be in the senate, where the Demo
Gratis have majority of SIXTEEN and the report
Of the committee shows that at least two Repub-
slicans will vote with them.
The chief change from the Jones Bill Of last
year lies in the preamble, which promises indie
pendence to the islands That clause now reads
that complete independence will be granted
when, in the judgement of the United States it
will be TO the permanent interests of the people
of the Philippine Islands, instead of when the
Fihpnos shall have shown themselves to be
fitted therefor" This change was made to meet
the criticism that the promise of independence,
"when fitted therefor" tended to stir up agitation
and discomfort in the islands, since the people
could pot be expected to admit that they were not
now fit for selfgovernment.
Another important change increases the power
OF the proposed Filipino legislature by permitting
it to fix the qualifications for suffrage A third
prohibits polygamous marriages, in spite of the
statement by General Mcintyre, chief of the Bu-
reau of lnsular Affairs, that such prohibition
among the Moross could be enforced only by the
aid of troops.
Several changes urged by Governor General
Harrison to increase his own power were rejected
by the commtree. One of these took from the
Vice-Governor his ex offcio control of the de
.partment of instruction, including the bureaus of
health. education, science and the non-Christian
tribes, and made his assignments subject to ap~
pontnlont by the Governor and confirmation bN
The Filipino 1enate
IS Mr.. Harrison also recommended that the leg;'-
lature be given power to rearrange the executive
departments which would have made it possible
fol the Filrpinos control the health and educa
fional activities and to govern the Moros and
other non-Christian tribes, whom they have hated
Tor centuries. Neither of these amendments was
approved by the department.
The measure as now drawn provides practically
a constitution and bill Of rights for the islands and
takes the place of the present organic law 1t
NNo'iOyo 'h| PiSoSII uPPSl hOuSe Ol the TnllppnEe
legislature winch is composed of men appointed
by the Governor, majority of whom have usually
been Americans, and substitutes an elective senate
thus putting all Legislation into the hands Of tfei
Filipinos.
1t gives to this Legislature all powers of legisa,
ton not specifically covered by statutes of CON
gress, including taxation and the control of all
except the bureau of instruction
The Filiplnos also have control of the vast public
lands in the islands and Of tariff legislation, and
the senate must confirm all the Governors ap-
pointments.