Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1919-05-16
POLITICS IN PHILIPPINES PLAN

1t is understood Inat fFeSlueiS VIZ
son will suggest to congress that the
Philippine islands be released from
control Of the United states. on the
ground that the people have advanced
sufficiently to maintain government
The president did not seek to have
such acton taken while his party
had control of congress.
Since he has shown SO much solicit
tude about freedom for some of the
small nations of Europe, the Filipinos
are making an active effort TO secure
the same consideration and logically
the president must approve their
claim.
Also the occasion furnishes an OPP
portunity to raise an issue in con-
gress, to divide republicans and put
upon them the responsibility of seem
ing to oppose freedom. There is no
doubt of the intention OF the minority
leadership to throw monkey wrenches
into the machinery of the majority,
The Philippine people have made
great pIOsIssS' III SPot9' puN - 'NAN
alone through Withdrawal OF Ameri-
can influence, and capital, which
would be made shy about island en-
terprises. disaster might follow.
II is questionable whether the sem
timent of the islanders for independ-
ence will be regarded as yet Justliylng
the risks TO be assumed by entire di-
vorce from the United States. This
government has expended hundreds
of millions of dollars in the islands
1t might be very unwise to leave the
people TO stand alone, owing to the
cocky attitude of japan with regard
to countries in the Pacific
The masterful way in which Japan
takes and keeps what she dares,
points TO grabbing of the Philippines
should the United States release them.
The declaration that the climate of
the Philippines IS not favorable for
japanese is not worthy of considera-
ton. Americans are not debarred
from the islands by climate.
But aside from political feature of
liberation of the Philippines. the eco
nomic factor may weigh much in de-
cisions by the United States. Ameri-
cans and American capital are to be
considered Altered political condi
tons could seriously affect trade. that
might be diverted by severance of ties.
Unquestonably this government is
in a position to hold for the United
states the advantage in commerce, by
tariff arrangements for the islands.
Before they were annexed the total
annual export trade of the Philippines
was but a beggarly 100000 600, and
the United States sold to the islanders
under 100000 of products. Last year
the export trade was $1S6,000.00O
The American help to the islands had
multiplied exports bv almost seven.
We bought last year from the
islands SS6,000.000 worth Of goods, /
and sold to them $50. 900. or more
than ten times as much as before WEI
were in control over there, showing
them how to produce and supplying
capital for development.
And after all. the Philippines have !
perhaps more freedom than New
Mexico had when this was a territory
of the United States. The Filipinos !
elect their own legislature Also they !
elect their judges to pass Upon the |
acts of the Legislature and officers to
execute the laws. The president APP /
points an American governor, But it |
is admitted by the islanders that most |
excellent executives have been sup
piled. starting with Mr. Taft 1t is !
even quite possible that the present
appointee of the president would he |
chosen for governor. as he is among
those who approve of independence. |
Hut later political disturbances,
such as have REQUIRED in Cuba, would |
probably make it necessary for this |
country to restore order, The maxim
advising one to be sure of being right |
before going ahead should be needed |
by this country.