Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-04-05
FILIPINO MISSION
SEEKING FREEDOM
Sympathetic Reply Is Given Dele
gates From President
Wilson.
LOYALTY SHOWN DURING WAR
America Loves Liberty Too Well
to Deny 1t to
Others.
tDy Associated Press.l

WASHINGTON, April 4-Members
OF the special mission OF the Philip
pine Legislature. here seeking imme-
date independence for the islands.
were told today by Secretary Baker
that he spoke President Wilson's mind
when he said he believed the time had
come 10 grant the complete independ-
cnce desired by the Filipino people.
Inc war secretary also said he be-
iiered the mission would be able to
carry home word that the American
people loved liberty TOO dearly to
deny it to others
Francis Burton Harrison governor
general OF the Philippines, followed
Ar Baker with the statement that his
S1I"nd e9beriehGe nee IN, IN ihe islands had con
pendence that appeared to exist "A few
years ago had been cleared away.
HIVE Presidents Good Wishes
He read letter from President Will
son expressing the hope that the mis-
sion would result in bringing about
the desirable ends set forth in the
Joint resolution of the Legislature.
nent Filipinos and headed by Manuel
ouczon. president Of the Senate upon
being received in Secretary Bakers
office TO-DAY, presented a formal memo
RAJ. RAJ ,as,aniE ,aSk,iniE independence and pointing
Philippines in the great war
ic3t Oh Letter.
- In In replying, the secretary, read
TO him under date of April 4. 1t was
viii you please express 10 the
gentlemen OF the commission repre-
senting the Philippine Legislature my
regret that shall be unable 10 see
Washington. we'll as my hope that
their mission will he source OF salts
faction TO them and that, it will result
ne dos 10 ~
set forth in the joint resolution of the
Legislature approving tho sending of
Sa~e eeen Dc aeepIs SHs grated ntHa S'a'fT Wih
the constant support and encourage
ment received from the Filipino peo-
ture in the trying period through
which we % are passing. The people
loyalty and support OF the Filipino
people.
Makes Pathway Less Pcriious.
1he Fsne 10 peons sbs 1he egmms
least important labor Of the confer
ence which nov requires my attention
weaker people of the world less peril
ous-a labor which should be. and.
doubtless enne, is Of deep and abiding in
II am sorry that l cannot look into
the faces OF the gentlemen OF this mis-
SION OF tne Phllipplne Islands and tell
them all that have in mind and heart
as ] think of the patient labor with
the end almost in sight. undertaken
by the American people for their per-
manent benefit. I know. however. that
your sentiments are mine in this re-
gard, and that YOU will translate it
truly TO them my own feeling"
MesxnEe Brought by auezon.
Declaring there now is stable gov
crnmcnt in the Philippines managed
and supported by the people them
selves. and that it can. and will be
maintained il independence is granted
the islands. and urging that now is
claims because OF the principles for
which the United States entered the
world WARRIOR the liberty. the self
government and the indicated de-
Quezon. chairman of the Philippine
mission. today presented to Secretary
Baker the question Of independence for
the ilipino people. Mr.. Baker. who is
in charge of Philippine affairs. form
ally received the entire mission, num-
bering about forty members. repre-
senting all clements Of Philippine life.
Chairman QueZon. president of the
Philippine Senate and former resident
commissioner Of the islands in Wash
ington, acted as spokesman.
PreScnts Filipino Cause.
After announcing that the mission
brought to the United States a mes
sage Of good will. gratitude and re-
spect from all the inhabitants of the
iSlan ndS, Mr.. Quczon stated he had been
sent by his people formally to submit
TO this government the urgent qucs
fdent hope it shall merit "a just.
righteous and final settlement
PLAN TO ASSESS GERMANY