New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1921-07-31
Will Accept Post Urged
on Him by Harding and
Weeks, Commencing at
Once, Friends Believe
u. of r. Gives Him
Leave of Absence
Opposed to independence
but Liked i'm Islands:
Pacific Issue a Factor
From The Tri6une's Washington Bureau

From, The Tribune's Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON, July 30. - Close
friends of Major General Leonard Wood
said to-day he would be the new Gov
ernor General of the Philippine Islands
and would remain in that position for
a year.
General Wood, according to the state
ments of persons close to him, will not
return to this country from his present
mission to the Philippines. Instead, he
will take over the duties of the gov
ernor generalship in short time and
thus will avoid the delay of making the
long trip home and the return to Manila.
The University of Pennsylvania, with
which General Wood had closed a con-
tract to be provost, is understood to have
consented to allow him leave of abb
sence for year in order to permit
him to serve as head of the islands.
Secretary Of War Weeks interceded
with the trustees Of the university in
this matter. When the trustees learned
that the President was desirous to have
the services of General Wood in the
Philippines they decided to grant the
leave. This decision was telephoned
Secretary Weeks by George Wharton
Pepper, chairman of the board of
trustees.
Choice of Harding and Weeks
President Harding and Secretary
Weeks have all along wanted General
Wood to take the governor generalship.
General Wood has been looked on, too,
by responsible leaders in Congress who
are interested in the Philippines as
the ideal man for the place. But the
fact that he had agreed to become pro-
vost Of the university stood in the way,
even after General Wood, as understood
would be willing to accept the position
if free to do SO.
The information concerning the ap-
pointment and the arrangement with
the University of Pennsylvania is not
official, but comes from high authority
Moreover, in Congressional circles it
is said that General Wood is expected
to be the next Governor General.
General Woods probable appoint
ment signifies that the Harding Ad-
ministration has taken a definite stand
against independence for the Philip
pines at this time. The general is op-
posed to independence. His prelimi-
nary report on the islands arrived here
given out, it is known to contain a
comprehensive portrayal not only of
the situation in the islands, but of the
military and naval situation in the Far
East. The strategical questions which
relate to the Philippines and to the
Pacific are understood to be included
in the document. The report is fatty
opposed to independence at this time.
Immediately after receiving the re-
port Secretary Weeks saw the Presi-
dent, and there is reason to believe that
he lost no time in getting into touch
with the University of Pennsylvania
trustees.
Japanese Back independence
The Administration has been espe-
cially anxious to have a strong man of
the type of General Wood, prefera bly,
General Wood himself, as Governor
General Of the islands for several rea-
sons. These reasons, while not pub
licly declared, are we'll understood. In
the first place, the independence move
ment has been engineered in the ISL
ands by crafty leaders, whose plans
iOutu SyNipdtHy III japan. III mas
likewise found encouragement from,
some elements in this country. With
the independence movement definitely
blocked, the President naturally de-
sires man of strong character at the
helm, able to handle any troublesome
propositions that arise.
The condition of the islands in re-
spect to business, banking and com
mercial affairs is chaotic, and General
Wood, whose skill ip administration
was demonstrated in Cuba, is looked on
as the man to restore order.
Moreover, General Wood, as his re-
ception in the Philippine Islands
wherever he has gone has shown, is
popular among the Filipinos. Despite
his fat opposition to independence
there is no doubt that practically all
elements in the islands will be pleased
over his selection.
Beyond all this, there is the need at
this time of a capable executive in
the Philippines. who will command
the respect of japan and the other
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