Evening star., 1922-04-02
Problem Of the Philippine Islands Vexatious One;
May Become More Acute Because of Four Power Treaty

sity established In 1918 about 72 per
cent Of the people employed in the
public service was composed Of Fill
pinos.
During the fourth period (from 1914
to- 1920. the Filipinos were given
majority of the upper house. and Con-
gress passed what Is known as the
Jones law Of August. 1915. Under 1t
the Christian and civilized provinces
were permitted to elect a senate and
a house. and the governor general au-
thorized to appoint representatives.
for the non-Christian portions Of the
islands, the legislature having legis-
lative control over the whole archi-
peIago. AS a result, in 1921 only
about 4 per cent Of the people in the
public service were Americans.
Promise of Withdrawal.
The so-called Jones law Of 1916 con-
tanned this significant sentence:
Whereas it is, as it has always been,
the purpose of the people of the
United States to withdraw their SOW
ereignty over the Philippine Islands
and to recognize their independence
as soon as a stable government can
be established therein" etc 1t will
be recalled that Senator Clarke of
Arkansas offered an amendment con-
ferring complete and unqualified In
dependence upon the Philippines In
not less than two years and not more
than four years from tho date Of the
approval of the act.
A great political battle waged in the
House around this amendment. which
was rejected finally. In his address
as permanent chairman OF the re-
publican national convention in Chi
cago, June s. 1916, Senator Harding
referred to the Clarke amendment as
an effort Of the administration Ghe
Wilson administration) "to renounce
its guardianship Of q race of people,
they had not been taught fully to
Creep" He objected to hauling down
tho flag" For six years the bioodless
battle between the friends Of Philip
pine Independence and continued
American control has been waging,
with no result as yet.
Wonderful Progress Made.
Since 1916 the Filipino people have
progressed marvelously. The enroll
ment in the public schools Is now
945, 900, and in private schools $4,000:
banks. railroads, hospitals and improved
public roads have been built until 1t is
conceded that the twenty-three years of
American occupation Is extraordinary.
In March, 1921, Isauro Gabaldon.' resi-
dent commissioner from the PHILIPPINES
to the United States. paid tribute to
America and Americans. He said:
America has truly treated the Filipino
people as no other nation has ever
treated an alien race in all the history
OF the ages. Americas work in
the Philippines in the interests OF hy-
eiene and public health is also monu-
mental. . In a sentence, you
have shown us how to make our coun-
try q better place to live in.
The Filipino people have stable gov
ernment today. It is anchored on the
enduring bedrock Of constitutional gov
ernment-public opinion
Since 1919 there has been established
in Washington a press bureau promot-
ing the cause Of the Independence Of the
Philippines. A delegation of twenty
I'VE Filipinos from Manila will soon be
in the United States to campaign for
Philippine independence. This will bring
to the front problem that has slum,
tbered for six years. breaking out spas