El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1919-04-04
Wilson Ready
For Philippine
Independence
Believes Time Has Come to
Grant Full Freedom to
Islands, Says Baker.

Continued from page IL
ne wanted the American people to
see and know what manner OF
men the island government selected
for such a great mission The war
department was looking forward. he
said. to a time when the relations be-
tween all people shall be based on
justice and peace. whatever might
come TO the world at large, and the
relations between the people OF the
Philippines and the American people
were so founded and tried there never
would be anything but peace and IN
Outstanding between them.
To Put Matter I'D TO CONGRESS.
Gov Harrison said the formal act
granting independence was one that
congress must take and that the ad-
ministration would present the mat
ter TO congress at the appropriate
time. He added he could assure the
mission that the objection that seemed
TO prevail in the United States a few
years ago had greatly diminished, II
It had not virtually vanished
Have Stable Government.
Declaring there now is a stable
government in the Philippines. man
aged and supported by the people
themselves. and that II can and will
be maintained II independence is
granted the islands. and urging that
now is the opportune time for pre-
ciples for which the United States en-
tered the world war. for the liberty.
the self government and the undic-
tated Development Of all peoples"
Manuel ]. Quezon. chairman OF the
Philippine commission. today pre-
scented 10 secretary Baker the Ques-
ton Of independence for the Philip
pine people Mr. Baker. who is in
charge OF Philippine affairs, form
ally received the entire mission. num-
berinE about 40 members. represent
ing all elements OF Philippine life.
Chairman Quezon, president OF the
Philippine senate and former resi-
dent commission Of the Islands IN
acted as spokesman.
Message Of Good VIII.
After announcing that the mission
brought TO the United States a mes
sage OF good viii, gratitude and re-
spect from all the inhabitants OF the
islands, Mr. Quezon stated he had
been sent BY his people formally 20
submit to this country the urgent
question Of their independence, 'in the
confident hope Il shall merit a right
aous, just and final settlement"
Independence IS the great national
IDEAL OF the Filipinos. Mr.. Quez0n as
serted, and we believe this is the
proper time 70 present the question. I
looking 70 a favorable and decisive
action. because Of the declared and I
iraW her sovereignty over the Philip /
pines and TO recognize our indepen-
Hence as soon as a stable govern I
nent and the fulfillment OF this SOL I
ann promise you owe to yourselves. I
10 US and 10 humanity at large"
The speaker said n tribute 10
the United States for the manner
IN which the affairs of the islands
had been conducted through the
period OF American occupation.
which, through the cooperation
OF Americans and Filipinoa, he
said. had brought prosperity and
progress unprecedented
you have truly treated Us as no ]
nation ever before has treated an
lther under its sway" he declared. |
and yet you-and none better than !
Tou-Will understand why. even under
such conditions. our people still crave ]
that they too may be {
sovereign masters OF their own des- .
.inies"