The Jasper news., 1920-03-25

coa CO, .I,-,,,o, that independence
be granted
As to the question of the stability Of
government wish to say TO the Am
erican people upon my responsibility
as the governor general that in my
opinion there exists today in the Phil
ippine Islands a stable government,
which l think should answer the re-
quirements laid down by Presidents
Grant and Mckinley, and as l under
stand it, also by Mr.. Roct--namely, a
government elected by the suffrage Of
the people, which is supported by the
people, which is capable of maintain
Ing order and of fulfilling its intcrna-
tional obligations.
am very glad to go on record as be-
ting entirely IN sympathy with the as
piratious OF the Filipino nation for in
dependence.
g. have recommended to Congress
that In granting independence some
provision he made similar to what Is
Known as the Plat amendment in the
treaty with Cnba, which restricts the
ability Of the new republic in borrow
lug of foreign governments and also
permits the United States to interfere
with the affairs of the new republic In
case conditions of disorder should be
found to prevail. Such recommenda-
ton does not come as an EXPIRE sslon of
Che views Of the Filipinos; 1t Is my
own view of what would be desirable |
60 secure "a feeling Of confidence and |
satisfaction on the part OF all persons
who have already invested money in |
the Philippines or who contemplate do |
ing so in the near future.
But it is not right that Independence
itself should longer be delayed
BY temperament, by experience, by
financial ability, in every way, the
100000 Filipinos are entitled to
be free from every government except
of their own choice. They are intelli-
gent enough 10 decide for themselves.
have found the native Filipino Of
fetal to be honest, efficient and as ca
pable of administering executive posi-
tions as any men have met anywhere
in the world.
These officials are today governing
1000 municipalities and forty-two
provinces, economically, efficiently and
for the good Of the entire people. They
have a native congress, including many
graduates or Yale, Princeton, Harvard
and other American universities. 9th
er members are graduates of Santo To-
mas and other Philippine universities,
and in education and ability they COM
pare favoraby with any l know.
They have leaders like Speaker Os-
mena Of the House of Representation
and President Quezon OF the Senate
who would adorn any Office.
The Philippines are away ahead Of
the United States in successful govern.
ment ownership and operation of pub
lie utilities.
The government took hold of the
steam railways and made them pay a
profit of 100000 pesos a year more
than under private ownership.
1t took hold of the highways, and
we have 1000 miles of the best mac.
adamized roads in the world The
Manila city government is about to
take over the street railways and the
gas and electric plants, while tho fer
ritoFial government is arranging for
,oTnership and control Of the coal sup.
ply.
:, IT, movement for independence is
a peaceful one No territory was more
loyal TO Uncle Sam during the war. It
offered an armed and equipped division
tG our government, gave 1t a subma.
rine destroyer and Oversubscribed Lib
erty loans and Red Cross funds.
Two million natives speak English
fiuntly, and there are 100000 English
speaking children in the public schools.
I am more than willing to retire il
the Filiplnos can be granted what they
deserye-a government like that of the
Uu5eed States
Export of Cattle.