Evening star., 1919-04-04

eral Francis Burton Harrison. He
said he was in entire sympathy with
their longings for independence, and
believes they are practical .He, as.
sured them that the stable form. OF
government they have set up will
meet the requirements of Congress
gress that the proper time has come
to remove the now merely formal pro.
tectorate exercised over the islands
The plea for self-government was
presented by Manuel L. Quezon, for.
mer resident commissioner in Con.
gress and now president Of the Philip.
pine legislature. who formally pre-.
sented to Secretary Baker the me.
mortal prepared by the native legis.
lature.
The letter left by President Wilson
before he went to Europe. expressed
suit in bringing about the desirable
ends set forth in the joint resolution
Of the legislature"
Text of Presidents Letter.
The Presidents letter follows:
Will you please express to the
gentlemen Of the commission rep
resenting the Philippine legisla-
ture my regret that shall be un-
able to see them personally on
their arrival in Washington. as
we'll as my hope that their mission
will be a source of satisfaction to
them, and that it will result in
bringing about the desirable ends
set forth in the joint resolution of
the legislature approving the send
ing of the commission to the
United States.
have been deeply gratified with
the constant support and encour-
agement received from the Filipino
people and from the Philippine
through which we are passing: The
people of the United States have,
with reason, taken the deepest
pride in the loyalty and support of
the Filipino people.
Though unable to meet the COM
mission, the Filipino people shall not
be absent from my thoughts. Not
the least important labor of the con-
ference which now requires my at
tention is that of making the path
way Of the weaker people of the
world less perious-a labor which
should be, and doubtless is, OF deep
and abiding interest to the Filipino
people.
am sorry that cannot look into
the faces of the gentlemen IF this
mission from the Philippine Islands
and tell them all that have in mind
labor, with the end almost in sight,
undertaken by the American and
Filipino people for their permanent
benefit I know, however, that YOUR
sentiments are mine in this regard
and that you will translate truly to
them my own feelings.
Secretary Bakers Response.
Secretary Baker. in replying to tn
address OF Mr.. Quezon. reviewed tn,
transition in the relations betwee,
the American government and the is
lands from the time Of the 7estah
to the present. The island people nov
are virtually independent, he said. III,
only link being the American rov
ernor general and the most bnd;n,
Of ties, that of affection. Prosperit,
has come with the carrying out Of tn,
great and unprecedented experiment
in colonial relationship upon whicl
the two peoples have embarked. n,
said. but the experiment itself woul,
have been q failure had the Filinino'
not learned. II they did not alread,
have 1t, a love of liberty. Of politics.
independence.
Mr.. Baker urged the mission to vi.;
many American cities before il wen
back. Not only was he anxious. h,
said. for them to see and know wha
Ameri.:sSe were doing and thinkine
but he wanted the American neoni'
to see and know the manner Of me,
the island government selected fo,
such a great mission.
1.-THE world is looking forward
Secretary Baker emphasized. ITO
time when the relations between nj
people should be bottomed on Justice
tCe n.inued on Second Page.)