The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1921-12-02
SAY
ONTHfPH|L|PP|NES
President Receives Result
\ Of Six Months Survey
KEEP PRESENT STATUS
Island People Have Not Absorb
ed Power Already In
|. Their Hands
Associated Press Dispatch

Associated Press Dispatch.1
Washington, D. c.. November 3d.
The Philippine Islands should remain
in their present general status" un-
til the people there have had time
to absorb and thoroughly master the
power already in their hands," for
mer Major General Leonard Wood,
now governor general and W. Cam
eron Forbes, former governor gener-
al, say in their report to President
Harding. based on their six months
study Of conditions in the islands.
1--WE are convinced" they say,
that it would be betrayal of the
Philippine people, a misfortune to
the American people, distinct step
backward in the path of progress and
a discreditable neglect to our ma
toinal duty were we withdrawn from
the islands and terminate our rela-
ionship there without giving the Fill
pinos the best chance possible TO
have an orderly and permanently
stable government.
I'VE feel that with all of their
many excellent qualities, the exper-
fence of the past eight years, during
which they have had practical auto
nomy has not been such as to justi-
fly the people of the United States in
eiinquishing supervision of the gov
eminent of the Philippine Islands,
with drawing their army and navy
and leaving the islands a prey to any
powerful nation coveting their rich
soil and potential commercial advan-
tages."
The General Conclusions
These observations of the investi-
gators are contained In the general
conclusions" and Recommendation"
made in the report, which was made
public today. The complete report,
covering one hundred typewriter
pages, will be made public later. The
general conclusions are as follows:
1--WE find the people happy, peace
keenly appreciative of the benefits OF
American rule.
"We find everywhere among the
| Christian Fflipinos the desire for in
dependence generally under the pro-
lection of the United States. The
| non Christians and Americans are
for continuance of American control
i
preciate the fact that Independence
under the projection of another ma
ton is not true independence.
I'VE find that the government is
not reasonably free from these un-
DERIVING causes which result in the
destruction of government.
| I'VE find that a reasonable proper
men of good character and ability
and reasonably faithful to the trust
imposed upon them; but that the eff
fciency Of the public services has
fallen off, and that they are now rel
atively inefficient due to lack of in
spections and to the too rapid trans
fer of control to officials who have
not had the necessary time for proper
| training.
1--WE find that many Filipinos have
| shown marked capacity for govern
ment service and that the young gen.
Grafton is full Of promise; that the
civil service laws have in the main
been honestly administered but there
is marked deterioration due to the
| injection of politics.
1--WE find there is disquieting
lack of confidence in the administra-
toin of justice, to an extent which
constitutes menace to the stability
of the government
1--WE find that the people are not
organized economically nor from he
standpoint Of national defense to
maintain an Independent government.
1--WE find that the legislative cham
befs are conducted with dignity and
decorum and are composed of repre-
sentative men.
"We feel that the lack of success
in certain departments should not be
considered as proof of essential in
capacity on the part Of Filipinos but
rather as indicating lack of exper-
fence and opportunity and especially
lack of inspection.
1--WE find that questions in regard
might at any time arise which would
make a deadlock between the gov
ernor general and the Philippine
senate"
Recomme ndations In Report
These Recommendations are made
in the report:
eve recommend that the present
general status Of the Philippine Is =
lands continue until the people have
had time to absorb and thoroughly
master the powers already in their
hands.
"We recommend that the respons
States, the governor general, have
authority commensurate with the
responsibilities with his position. In
case of failure to secure the necessary
corrective action by the Philippine
legislature we recommend that con-
gress declare null and void legisla-
toin which has been enacted dimin
ishing, limiting or dividing the author
ty granted the governor general un-
red act No. 240 Of the Sixty fourth
Congress known as the Jones Bill
1--WE recommend that in case Of a
deadlock between the governor gen.
eral and the philippines senate in
cofirmation Of appointments that the
president of the United States De
authorized to make and render the
final decision.
I'VE recommend that under no cir
cumstances should the American gov
eminent permit to be established In
the Philippine Islands a situation
which would leave the United States
in position or responsibility without
authority"
Towey Goes to Michigan.
Especial to The Free Press.