Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-05-28

The selection of Dwight F. Davis for
the post of governor general of the
Philippines meets with approval
throughout the country. The only ques-
ton raised by the minority appears
based on a fear that Mr.. Davis con-
nection with the War Department might
suggest to some a military fly in the
ointment.
Speaking of the traditional associa-
ton" between the Philippines and the
War Department, the Richmond News
Leader asks: why is 1t necessary to
have the archipelago under man who
has the viewpoint of the military? Is
that the best means of promoting
Philippine self-government? 1t may well
be doubted. However, this much Is to
be said: If there must be some MENUS
between the islands and the War De-
partment, 1t is far better to appoint a
former Secretary of War than a SOL
der"
Through formerly Secretary of War"
the Birmingham News explains, mfr.
Davis is not q professional soldier, as
Leonard Wood was. The sorest need of
the Philippines just now is not a mill
tary autocrat," concludes this paper.
Believing that "the gentleman from st.
Louis goes to more useful sphere OF
1.-THE diplomatic thing for Col. Davis to
do is to forget he ever was Secretary OF
War and park his military title with his
hat. The Filipino has pride, and Moth
ing can rouse the sparks of discomfort
more quickly than a feeling that Amer
lea regards his land as a conquered
province to be ruled over by pro-
consul in the style of old Rome"
II 4
To the Manchester Union the choice
of Mr.. Davis is "a happy compromise
between the two conflicting schools OF
thought" as to military or civil ap-
pointee. That 1.-The President could not
have made a more impressive manlfes-
tation of his good will toward the Phil
ippines than in the appointment OF
Dwight F. Davis as director of that I'M
portant group Of islands" is the opinion
of the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel, which
confidently expects the FilipinoS Ito re-
ciprocate by Offering the new governor
general every assistance that lies within
their powers" The San Francisco
Chronicle also is pleased, saying: The
Davis appointment strengthens the ira
dition of regarding the governor gener-
alship as one of the most important
posts to be filled by the President 1t is
q happy augury for continued tact, abll-
ity and sincerity IN meeting tile pIOO-
lens that arise from the peculiar rela-
tions between the Philippines and the
United States" concludes this journal.
From Mr.. Davis own city of st. Louis
comes the comment of the st. Louis
Times. 1.-The Office is an important and
honorable one, carrying the same dig
nifty and prestige as that accorded to
member of the Presidents cabinet"
The Times believes that Gov. Gen. Da-
Wis will so fill the office that Ibis ad-
ministration from Manila will set its
mark on the history of the islands to
which we have become almost reluc-
tant heir"
AS to the qualities of Mr.. Davis. there
is much favorable expression. Says the
Utica Observer Dispatch. "Of wide eX.
perience, a man of great poise, he Will
take to the Philippines attainments
which that great post most assuredly re-
ouiries." The Providence Journal stresses
his industry and good judgment; the
Albany Evening News speaks OF his
thigh executive ability, determination
and tact; and to this list is added "hu-
maneness and understanding, by the