The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1919-05-02
Urge Independence For the Philip.
pines.

Urge Independence For the Philip
pines.
s'It is, as it always has been, the
purpose of the people of the United
States to withdraw their sovereignty
over the Philippine Islands and to
recognize their independence as soon
as stable government can be es-
tablished therein
This is the official hope that the
American government has held ou,
to 100000 Filipinos ever since
American occupation.
Now come the Filipinos, through
the Philippine Mission, bringing an
imposing array of proof to the effect
there is already stable government
in the Philippines. They also point
to the testimony of Governor Gen
eral Harrison and Acting Governor
Yeater, the two highest American
officials in the islands. who in the
light of their experience in the
Philippines agree not only that a
stable government can be establish.
ed, but that one is already in exist
ence.
The Philippine Mission, asks,
therefore, that independence now be
granted at the earliest possible date.
The Mission is an official body. It
was appointed by the Philippine
legislature at the behest OF the
Filipino people to come to the
United States at this time and work
for independence, and ito promote
better understanding, greater conf
dence, and closer economic relations
between the United States and the
Philippines"
Here is what Governor Harrison,
who has been for six years governor
general of the islands, said on the
subject Of Philippine independence
while speaking at the Knickerbockel
Club in New York:
"By temperament, by experience,
by financial ability, in every way the
ten millions of Filipinos are entitled
to be free from every government
except of their own choice. They
are intelligent enough to decide fol-
themselves.
II have found the native Filipino
official to be honest, efficient and as
capable of administering executive
positions as any men have met any
where in the world.
''These officials are today govern
ing one thousand municipalities and
forty-two provinces, economically,
efficiently, and for the good of the
entire people. They have a native
congress including many grad rates
of Yale, Princeton, Harvard and
other American universities. Other
members are graduates of Santo
Tomas and other Philiuuine univer-
stiles, and in education and ability
they compare favorably with any ]
know.
"The Philippines are away ahead
of the United States in successful
government ownership and oper-
atom Oh PUBIC utlllLleS.
"The government took hold of the
steam railways and made them pay
profit of 100000 pesos year
more than under private ownership.
at took hold of the highways and
we have 1000 miles of the best
macadamized roads in the world
The Manila city government is about
to- take over the street railways and
the gas and electric plants while the
territorial government is arranging
for ownership and control of the
coal supply.
'The movement for independence
is a peaceful one.
1.-TWO million natives speak Eng
fish fiuently, and there are $500, 900
English speaking children in the
public schools.
II am more than willing to retire
if the Filipinos can be granted what
they Deserve government like
that of the United States.
There is no present indication
that Japan covets the Philipr ines
The Japanese do not thrive in the
PHILIPPINE Islands-the climate seems
to be too tropical for them. There
are only 10000 Japanese on the
islands"
Victory is worth to civilization