The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1919-05-03

Of individuals. Not every American Is
a scholar but the great bulk Of Amer
icanism knows its primer, its fifth
reader, its geography, bit of history
and a considerable part of the book
Of common sense.
Americanism versus anarchy-and
when the case gets into the court Of
the open street or the forum, the YER
dict given by a jury Of American citi-
zens of whatever walk in life, is bound
to be. it is held here, in favor Of
Auerfcunisn. me Washington stu
dents of manifestations here and
there which seem TO have touch Of
red about them have read closely the
reports on such cases as that which
had Seattle for it's scene. Common
sense coupled, it is true, with a sort
Of hard-fisted Americanism, won the
day in Seattle and did il with much
less trouble than was anticipated.
. So far as students Of things here
can determine, American soldiers and
| American wOrkingmen are against an
archy. In New York a night or two
| ago n meeting was advertised ar which
| the beautiful doctrines of the anarch-
| ical heads Of Russia and other places
were to be taught. Soldiers and sail
Ors were asked TO come. Apparently
soldiers and sailors went. because
the police found every evidence later
on that a whirlwind in khaki and blue
had swept through the place and had
little of anarchy in its wake.
FiIipinos Given Encouragement.
Nearly 100 Philippine commissioners
''in behalf Of independence for the is
lands" are just about to leave the
United States on their hOmeward jour
ney. They have been here pleading in
behalf of immediate political liberty
for the islands.
What Is going to happen? The COM
missiOners were treated cordially and
cOurteOusly, but no definite promise of
immediate independence was given
them, although they were told that
probably It twill come SOON" 1t Is
unquestiOnably the intention of the
United States "tO turn the Philippines
loose" as soon as the legislative au-
thOrtties of this country deem that the
thing can be done with safety 70 the
Philippine people. to the United |
States, and in a way TO 'the liberties |
of the world"
This Is being written with a view to |
setting forth what seems to be the |
actual facts In the case. irrespective |
Of what anyOne's views may be on the
rights or wrongs of giving liberty to |
the FilipinOs at once.
From everything that could be |
learned about the visit Of the commits
siOners, it would seem to follow that /
the administration authorities and |
senators and representatives. ire
spective of political faiths, desire to
do exactly what Is right by the Phil
ippines from the viewpoint Of the Fill
ipinOs themselves. but there Is unques-
tionably a feeling In administration
circles and in the memberships Of
both parties in congress that it is not
the wisest thing in the world at this
particular moment to sever complete
~ Tie pOllllCdl DDnuS Which, Tie Tie |
to the United States.
William Howard Taft's Opinion.
Once on a time William Howard
Taft was the American governor gen.
eral of the Philippines. Mr.. Taft
called the Filipino our Little Brown
Brother, and he showed the deepest
sympathy with the struggles Of the
people Of the Philippines to fit them
selves for independence. From the
day that the was governor general
when through the bureau of
Insular affairs he exercised sort of
over the Philippines, and
through his administration as presi-
dent of the United States. Mr.. Taft
continued to show deep interest In the
wards across the sea. The former
president Is on record as saying that
IN forty years the Philippines would ,
be ready in all respects for complete
liberty. This was said some fourteen
Dr. fifteen years ago, and so IL Mr.. :
raft's Judgment was right. the Fill
DlIlOS Sllll hdNc ycuIS |
% 60 before 1t can be deemed safe to
i've them the liberation from all ,
United States control which 1t Is said +,
hat they desire.
Other men who have taken a deep
interest in the development and gen.
raj progress Of the Philippines have
believed that they properly can be 7
urned loose to care for themselves
within a time much shorter than that =
et by Mr.. Taft. Legislation in con
.ress has looked to their complete free
lom at a date not far removed. but
t still can be said that in both the
.reat political parties there Is a feel
ng, as expressed in Washington. that
he day of the removal of the guard
nship of the United States should not
e tomorrow.
Assured Of Liberty Soon.
All this Is spoken Of here with con-
iderable freedom in the council cham
ers. but no man seemingly Is willing
D get ND and say openly that the FIJI
Dino should not be liberated for
considerable time TO come. 1t Is a
net. however, that the commissioners
rom the Philippines are going back
, their home country with assurance
nat liberty soon will come.