Evening star., 1933-01-06
The Philippine Bill
Measure Nov Before the President Contains Economic
and Political Matters of Grave Importance.
Some of the Pros and Cons

Pacific; fourth, strategic site for q
naval base.
The philosophy of this independence
legislation, he stated, is based on the
belief that moral obligation exists
on the part OF the American people
70 extend local self-government to the
people OF the Philippines and upon
completion Of the experiment and proof
OF their capacity to govern, the granting
of the right to determine their own
destiny. The bill recognizes, he added,
that TO carry out such a moral obliga-
ton without unnecessary injustice or
hardship to the islands or to the
United States requires "a substantial
period Of readjuStment and prepara-
ton"
Calling attention to the fact that
the economic dependence of the
Philippines on the United States as a
result Of the free trade relationship
centers largely around the sugar in
dustry, the Nevada Senator pointed out
that the theory of the bill was to put
such limitation on the amount of sugar
imported from the Philippines as will
allow the existing industry there to
continue. and at the same time prevent
any further expansion Of the industry
in reliance on free trade.
A limitation of $4,000 long tons of
refined sugar and 100000 long tons
Of unrefined sugar that may be i'm
ported into this country free of duty
would be effective during the first half
of the 10-year period. Similarly, free
coconut oil importations would be re-
stricted to 100000 long tons, and all
yarn, cordage, manila fibers and the
like would be restricted to 5000, 900
pounds. During the sixth year after
Inauguration of the new government
the export duty would be fixed at S
per cent Of the regular foreign tariff,
during the seventh year the duty would
be increased another per cent and so
on until. at the end of the ninth year,
the duty would be Is per cent of the
tariff regularly imposed on foreign
goods.
Hurley Seyerest Critic.
Undoubtedly the severest critic of
this legislation has been Secretary
Hurley.
He summarizes his objections as
follows:
The political chaos in the Orient
! today Is such that in my opinion this
Is no time to deal with Philippine inde-
pendence. The present legislation d.
rected to that end would serve the in
terests Of neither the Filipino people
nor the United States Until the Fill
pino people shall have made greater
progress toward economic independence.
political independence would merely
invite revolution and anarchy. All the
measures necessary for the attainment
OF economic independence cannot be
determined in advance. The political
and social institutions of the Filipino
people are not yet developed to a point
where the stability of an independent
| government would be reasonably as
sured."
With specific reference to the cur
rent legislation, Secretary Hurley stated
during the hearings his opinion that
the plan, among other things, would:
l-1naugurate q period of hasty and
premature liquidation Of investments;
Result in disastrous economic COL
lapse, Subject the United States to
the risk Of being involved in disorders
resulting from such a collapse, 4-Dis-
rupt the governmental system built up
IN 80 years OF effort in order to permit
an experiment" with new type of
government, 5-Weaken the power and
prestige of the United States in the
islands, 6-Be generally destructive,
rather than constructive, In its ulti-
mate practical effects as regards the
progress and welfare of the people of
the Philippine Islands.
Some Objections Met.
Some Of his original objections to the
bill have been eliminated during the
process of passage through the two
houses of Congress, Secretary Hurley
conceded recently. He strongly init
mates however, that his principal OBJ
jections have not been met, in which
event it Is expected he will recommend
to President Hoover that the bill be
vetoed. The President undoubtedly viii
follow the advice of his Secretary of
War in this matter.
Whether the bill could be passed
over presidential veto is a matter of
speculation. While the vote in the
House showed q preponderance of
sentiment in favor Of the measure.
there was no recorded vote in the
Senate on which to base prediction as
TO the strength that could be mustered
behind q move to override a veto.
Opponents and proponents of the
legislation meanwhile are marshalipQ
their forces in readiness for any event.
uality.