Evening star., 1926-04-04
PHILIPPINE INQUIRY
BLOCKED IN SENATE.
Harrison ProvokeS Tilt Over
Thompson Appointment
in Asking p obe.

Br thc Associated Press.
What to do about the Philippines
has become once more a much discuss.
Ell question in Washington.
Revitali=ed by President Coolidge s
unexpected appointment Of special
comm 'sSioner to investigate conditions
In the islands, the old lighting issue of
the pos Spanish war days provided
fuel Ncsl orday for an hours debate in
the Senate, prompted proposal for a
congressional inquiry. and led to all
sorts of conjectures among officials
ard politicians.
The Presidents selection Friday of
Carmi A Thompson OF Ohio 10 make
his inquiry in the islands was va
riously described in the days discus
si0ns as wise and essential step. a
reflection ON Governor General Leon
ard Wood. an effort TO give support to
what Gen. Wood has done. d move in
the interest of Ohio rubber concerns
10 exploit the islands and an attempt
10 remove Mr.. Thompson as factor
In the 1926 Ohio campaign.
Harrison Proposes Probe.
The puuposal for congressional in
vtsli%alion was made by Senator lar
r'Sun. Democs:a+ Mississippi. who ask
ed in a resolution that Two Senators
and two Representatives make nom
partisan inquiry as basis for future
legislation. The resolution did not
reach a vote.
While speculation over the Thomp-
son appointment was running its un-
even course. Secre cary Davis Of the
War Department., who, as the titu'ar
guard an of the islands, was planning
a trip there this Summer to survey
conditions. held his plans in allowance
while he waited for further informa-
ticn from The White House. The ap-
pointment Friday tumbled out OF an
empty sky. and apparently neither
Mr.. Davis nor others In the depart
mcnt who deal with the islands af-
fairs have q notion just what sort OF
inquiry Mr.. Thompson VIII conduct.
\ White House spokesman said Fri.
day that a thorough inspection trip
to the Philippines might take Secre-
tarN Davis away from his post for too
long a period. but Mr. Davis may still
find 1t advisable for him to take the
trip unless the Presidents personal
commissioner expects TO include in his
inspection all the military posts of the
islands.
Politics Figure.
tor Harrison made a point of Mr.
Thompson announcement, immedi-
ately after his appointment. that the
journey would make II impossible for
him to be candidate this year for
the Republican nomination for gov
ernor. 1t would not do, said Senator
Harrison. for two administration can
didates 10 go before the voters In
Ohio, and II may have been thought
advisable ito get MFR. Thompson out
of the country" Both Ohio Senators
protested that no such purpose figured
in the selection.
Senator King, Democrat. Utah. suS
gested that the purpose of the Thomp-
e0n investigation more likely was TO
determine how much farther we can
exploit the Filipinos."
1t was conceded by Senator Harri-
son that many explanations had been
made. some saying Il might be a re-
Election on Gen. Wood and others that
the President still had confidence in
the general and wanted 10 reassure
the country by exonerating him after
an investigation.
Resolution Blocked.
Considera ton Of the Harrison reso-
luton was blocked by Senator Moses.
Republican, New Hampshire, who sai i'd
he wanted to look II over very care.
'ully and perhaps suggest amendments
t. include investigation of the politi-
cal. economic and financial condition
Of the black man in Mississippi" The
New Hampshire Senator also stopped
later effort to take up the proposal.
made by the Democratic floor leader,
Senator Robinson Of Arkansas.
The House was not in session yes
terday, but members who have taken !
an active interest in the Philippines
expressed freely their opinions regard.
ing the appointment of MIR. Thompson
Representative Begg Republican.
Ohio, said that some such impartial
Investigation" was essential before
basic legislation could be passed.
Thompson being leading Ohio
business man" said Representative
King. Republican. Illinois, he may
we'll represent the rubber crowd at
Akron"
Chairman Willis of the Senate insu-
lar committee defended the appoint.
ment as wise and essential"
Available information on the Philip.
pines is so conflicting" said Senator
Willis that for the President to send
sn investigator who commands his
confidence is indeed opportune."
WOOD 'DELIGHTED."