Arizona republican., 1916-02-05
PHILIPPINE
 BILL FINALLY
 PASSES SENATE
Republican A. p. Leased Wire1

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4-The Phil ippine bill, which would extend to the islands greater degree of self government and would authorize the president to grant them absolute in dependence within four years passed the senate tonight, 52 to 24 Var lous democratic senators, led by Chairman Stone of the foreign rela- tions committee, tried unsuccessfully to secure amendment of certain in dependence clauses, but in the end the democrats. joined by six pro- gressive republicans. voted solidly for the measure.
 It is understood the bill will go to the house with the backing of Pres ldent Wilson and will be pressed for early passage. There has been little indication of what action the house will take but administration leaders tonight seemed confident that the hill including the independence feature which democratic senators declare squares it with the Baltimore platform, would have the approval of the house democratic majority The republican senators who voted for the
 
 Toilette, Morris and Works. By over Whelming majorities the senate had refused to modify the Clarke amend ment. adopted several days ago. which contains the independence provision and also gives the president authority to extend or withhold independence at the end of four years if he should find conditions in the islands un- favorable. The time would be ex- tended, however, only until an incom- ing congress could consider the sub- ject.
 Senator Stone declared the bill was in reality not an independence meas ure at all because of the extension provision and offered an amendment to eliminate it, but his proposal was voted down, 50 to r. Senator Hitch cock, chairman of the Philippine com mttee, sought to amend the bill by extending independence within four years on condition that the people and legislature of the Philippines should ratify a constitution, this was rejected 52 to 25.
 "I am making a last appeal for what I think is good faith and just treatment or the 1nillDDlIeS, Sdlu Senator Stone in urging his amend ment. q am unquestionably and un Conditionally in favor of carrying out the pledge of the democratic party by relinquishing control over the Phil ippine islands completely. I am not in favor of conferring independence with a string to it. I oppose any provision which will make it pos sible for the United States to send this issue back to congress. We are in this bill not offering independence in fact but merely a suggestion of it to some future president"
 Senator Norris in opposing a pro- vision in the bill empowering the president to retain naval bases in the Philippines declared President Wilson had been converted from a man of peace to a militarist.
 "The president" said Senator Nor ris. recently announced a program of preparedness contrary to views he held year ago, and in the last few days he has changed his mind on that Now he says he is in favor of the United States having the largest navy in the world. If that is his 1dGa ne VIII want ID Ttldll lOl OIiy one but a dozen naval stations in the Philippines"
 Senator William Alden Smith scored the democrats for their deter imitation to give up the Philippines and declared the American people did not wish to see the American flag over the islands hauled down.
 "Ths action is an unjustifiable sur render of American rights" he said. "If these islands become anarchistic and the people get to warning among themselves, you will be blamed for it as you ought to be. If other coun- tries go to war over them, it will date from the day when you towards abandon a task which providence placed in your hands and what by this act. you are acknowledging you are unable to master"
 Senator Stone, replying, character ized Senator Smiths remarks as a voicerous, scattering, dreary, inane partisan harangue"
 As passed, the bill carries pro- vision authorizing the president when independence is granted to negotiate treaties needed to adjust all property 1lBHtS oL ClllZeh9 pi 'he Ci'i'O"
 and other countries in the islands and to acquire such naval bases and coaling stations within that territory as he deems necessary. The upper house of the Filipino legislature would he enlarged to "A members, 22 chosen by the voters and two appointed by the governor general to represent the non partisan tribes.
 The lower house would be increased from S1 to 90. the people choosing Sl and the governor naming 9. The