The Washington herald., 1919-04-06
By E. c. DRUM-HUNT.


Alreadysthe annual spring crop of
visiting foreign missions is sprouting.
Since the Inauguration OF the world
war. Washington has been honored
by interesting foreign missions from
different countries, most Of them
coming in the spring season. This
spring Is going to be no exception, as
the presence OF the important Filipino
mission proves The mission, headed
by Manuel L. Quezon, president Of the
Filipino senate, and composed of forty
OF the most progressive leaders Of all
activities OF the islands, arrived in
Washington Thursday and is making
it's headquarters at the willard Un-
like most of the other missions, this
one is not coming to borrow money
at least l don't think IL Is; that isn't
its chief object, at any rate They
have brought with them a formal re-
quest for independence. In the ab-
sence abroad Of the President and the
Secretary OF State. the Secretary OF
War is acting. at the Presidents re-
quest, as of1cial host to the visitors
and started the ball OF entertaining
rolling by giving a large reception in
their honor yesterday afternoon at
their lovely old home In Georgetown.
Senior Quezon was host at a luncheon
yesterday at the Willard and last
evening the Filipino society OF Wash
ington gave a ball at the Ebbitt
House for the members OF the mis-
sion Tomorrow a dinner will be
given at the Willard in honor Of the
delegation with a committee Of New
Workers as hosts.
According to a statement made by
Judge Felix Cordova- -Davile, the
representative in Congress from
Porto Rico, before the Little
Forum last Wednesday evening,
that island is going to be the next
to ask for full self-governnfen The
Little Forum is a club which meets
occasionally and discusses every
subject under the sun, even Bolshe-
vism- He said that Porto Rico
wanted full self-government and
thought that it was entitled to such,
pointing out its war record and the
large financial contributions to the
Red Cross and other charitable or
ganizations. Officers they wish to
select themselves include governor.
attorney general, auditor. commits
sioner of education and the Judge
Of the supreme court.
Judge Cordova-Davile said that he
thought that the visit Of the con-
Eressfonal committee. which is to
leave for Porto Rico in a few weeks.
would correct many Of the evils
from which the country has been
suffering. The relations between
North America and South America,
he said. were growing closer. The
Latin republics need our help and
cooperation and Porto Rico on ac-
count Of her geographical position
and identity Of origin and language
was able to assist them materially.
The Judge expects to return to
Porto Rico within the course OF
few weeks He lost his wife with
the Influenza some months ago
when the epidemic first hit wash
ington-
This Filipino Mission is to be fol-
lowed by others. and there is gay
time ahead. The President and Mrs.
Wilson will be coming home soon. also
the diplomats. such as the French
Amba ssadOr and Nine. Jusserand and
the Italian Ambassador and Countess
hi CeIIere. likewise some OF the lesser
lights Of the Diplomatic corps. and
such newcomers as the Argentine
Ambassador and Nine. lie Breton;
who have been on the other side are
to be welcomed home-and, then Eu-
rope will begin to return their calls.
That President Wilson will return to
Us at a considerably earlier date than
was originally thought possible was
the opinion expressed at the White
House last week. When the Presi-
dental party left here it was the un-
derstsnding that they probably would
not be back until June I. Now II Is
said that there is likelihood OF their
returning early in May.
Once the President has accomplished
what he set out to do. he is not apt
to delay over there long. No definite
word has been received yet announcing
a special session of Congress, but the
belief prevails that he will call a
special session to meet soon after his
return. The call may be issued in
Europe after the date of his return
has been settled definitely. A new
Congress means welcoming into our
midst many new members Of that
body, and also welcoming back a num-
Der, like Truman Newberry. for ex-
ample, who are returning to the fold
Of Washington society once more, af-
ter an absence OF some years. Then
the presence OF Congress means a
gay season, for when that body is in
session. 1t not only keeps its members
in town. but causes many officials and
other prominent folks to remain here.
Many members OF that organization
are predicting that that body will re-
main in session all through the sum-
rneT right Up to next March I, run
ming into the regular session next De-
Cember. That will be a long session
many think. and is apt to run right