Evening star., 1924-03-31
Plea for Filipinos.
Writer Would Have Americans
Vote ON Issue.
To III. rdi,o, of The Star;

To the Editor of The Star:
The actual facts about the Filipinos
have not been fully and fairly pre-
sented to the American public. For
this question to be a campaign issue
is but proper, practicable and justly
desirable. Congress alone can for
rnally deny or grant independence. But
Congress should rely upon an en-
lightened public opinion before 1t
could Justly voice the mandate or
sovereign people. This is the essence
Of representative democracy.
A suggestion for an appeal to the
people from the opinion of the Presi-
dent has been taken as an insult.
Under the theory and practice OF the
American government, if / understand
correctly, the people is the sovereign
and an appeal TO them cannot De
lieve in the principle and philosophy
of a government of the people, by the
people and for the people rms sus-
gestion has aroused comment that
generation" in the Philippines wa
ries little if any from those OF the
past and hence it is asked, rs TINS
a confession that the Filipino mind
IS incapable of higher political per-
ception-
The Filipino forefathers believed in
free democratio institutions. They
labored for republic. They idolized
peace. They dearly priced human
rights and liberties. They loved JUS
tice- They respected Law; Iney De-
free, orderly. peaceful democratic
government There is no reason to go
astray from the path they have trod.
To follow them could not be a. sign
of incapacity to higher political per
ability to absorb, preserve and per.
feet them. Twenty-Five years of
American control fertilized and cul-
tivated the soil on which the Fill
f1ourished amazingly in so short
time.
The people of America know very
little about the Philippines. but they
care much to know everything per-
tanning to the liberty of peoples any
where and everywhere. America
that fought for her own independ-
enoe; America that was soaked in
the blood OF civil war for the eman-
cipation of an enslaved race; Amer
ica that fought for the liberation or
oppre ssed races; America that fought
for the security of the freedom of
the world: this same America can
not be cold to things pertaining to
the liberty of her ward in the Pa
cific. If the America of today is cold,
Indifferent and lacking in interest in
the liberties of men anywhere, we
need a rebirth of the Pilgrims love
and appraisal of human freedom. We
know better. America is not cold,
America will heed.
The sound basis for the solution
of this question is suggested in Presi-
dent Coolidge's letter on this question
published recently. Will independ-
ence be for the good of the FIJI
ipinos? If so. give it to them If
not, deny it from them
Independence is dangerous
weapon in the hands of the incom-
petent or one who does not know
how to use it. 1t is a. blessing and
an invigorating tonic to those who
are worthy of it. 1t spurs the human
soul to soar to limitless bounds for
the greatness and honor Of the coun-
try it loves. Independence alone can
give to a people the power TO act in
a gracefulness highly contributory to
the full greatness OF the world of
free mon. Under some light, political
Independence is not a birthright, but
it becomes a sacred right and a just
claim to- them who have grown to
deserve 1t. Whether or not. therefore,
the Filipinos deserve independence