Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-07-11
PHILIPPINE STUDY
IS PUSHED BY U. S.
Hurley's Trip Held Significant
in Campaign for Island
Autonomy.
BY the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
A close study is being made, by the
administration and congressional lead
ers on the long pending question of
Philippine independence. The question
undoubtedly will be one of the most
important before the incoming Con-
gresS
Besides numerous individual studies
by Republican and Democratic members
If both branches of Congress. Secretary
Hurley will depart from West Coast
port for Manila August for 17-day
visit in the archipelago. Brig. Gen.
Francis Lejau Parker, chief of the Blu
reau of Insular Affairs. has been in the
islands for some time studying the sit
uation there
Trip Held Significant.
Although Secretary Hurley in a letter
to Chairman Bingham of the Senate
Insular Affairs Committee last May
maintained that immediate independ-
ence OF the Philippines would not be
feasible. the administration has con-
tinued silent in its intentions.
Special significance is being given the
War Secretarys trip in view of the con-
fCrences recently between himself. Pres
ident Manuel 0uezon of the Philippine
Senate and Mai. Gen. Frank r. Mccoy.
territorial expert and Army authority
on the Philippines. QueZon, who has
discussed the matter with many mem
bers Of Congress. probably will make
the trip To Manila with Hurley.
Que2on came to the United States to
head the campaign for Philippine indie
pendeEce, but the legislation was side
tracked in the last session of Congress
when domestic problems were given the
right OF way
Advocates Of Philippine independence
received some announcement last Win
ter, however when Representative
Knutson of Minnesota was made chair
man of the House Insular Affairs Gem
nittee. He has urged independence
for the islands.
Farmers Favor Freedom.
A large number OF American farm
organizations are in favor of granting
the islands freedom so that tariffs ms
be imposed on sugar. coconut oil and
other products imported duty free now
in competition with domestic products.
Among the congressional visitors L
the archipelago this Summer there is
divergence OF opinion on the irdepend-
ence question.
Senator Patterson. Republican. Mis-
SONA l. NoiIlt Oub against IlIIIilhAb ~ III
dependence before sailing a few DAYS
ago FIR San Francisco
Senator Halves. Democratic colleague
Of Patterson, is in favor of independ-
ence.
Senator Pittman. Democrat. Nevada
also an independence advocate. is visit
ing the islands this Summer.
Although there are many who would
set the islands free for economic rea-
sons to render their products subject
to the tariffs. and others who favor
independence for sentimental reasons.
many are DESTROYS of giving the
Filipinos a gradual opportunity to show
their ability at government and
TO adjust their economic conditions
under graduated tariff schedules. II is
believed in some quarters the admin
lStration has in mind plan rmbody-
ing this general idea
Forecasts Approval.
Senator Bingham recently predicted
bill for Philippine independence would
be approved az the next session
Whether his statement can be taken as
an indication of the administration
unnxpreSsed position on the question is
a matter of conjecture. Bingham has
advocated a conference in Manila on
the subject.
Last Winter Secretary Stimson indi-
Gated conditions were not favorable for
immediate independence.
Senator King, Democrat Utah. plans
to reintroduce an immediate indie
penderce bill
Senator Robinson. Republican. In
diana: Senator Oddie, Republican.
Nevada. and Representatives Gibson of
Vermont and Dowell of Iowa. both Re-
publicans. were among those visiting
the Philippines shortly after Congress
adjourned.