Evening star., 1939-12-03

| anu ullueISIdIlu IIlclT IcdSOIlS lOI WlSIl-
ing to bring about President Quezon' s
downfall.
1t has also been stated recently that
there is IAN international dilemma"
which makes it dangerous for the Philip
pines to have their national freedom.
There was also an international dilem-
ma" when group of Americans met in
Philadelphia and framed a Declaration
of Independence. The 13 original colo
nies had far less in the way of military,
economic and financial stability than the
Philippine Commonwealth has today.
and there were land greedy" nations in
ITS as well as there are in 1889
1t has been implied that President
| Quezon would "sell out" to Japan. In
stead, he has patiently won for the
Philippines the friendship of the Japa
nese people. He understands the sit
uation in the Orient with much more
realism and sanity than is commonly
possible on this side of the Pacific.
There will always be IAN international
situation" and this is thoughtless argu-
ment to advance against Philippine in
dependence.
The third and most frequently men,
toned dilemma" is the question of
economics in regard to the Philippine
trade with the United States. 1t is, of
course, true that the Philippines have had
free tariff and special privileges during
their status as a-dependency of the United
States, but America as well as the Phil
ippines has profited from this arrange
ment President Quezon has logically
observed that the free government of the
Philippines can offer concessions to the
United States so tempting and mutually
advantageous to both sides that IA
vorable reciprocal trade agreement will
be inevitably agreed upon. Certainly
| the United States would be glad to con-
tinue many of its trade concessions to
the Philippines in return for gold,
| chromium and other mineral deposits
in which the islands are very rich.
Meets Problems Courageously.
Any leader of any nation in the world
today would be proud to point to a rec
ord such AS President Quezon has made
in the Philippines. He has been fully
| conscious of his responsibilities and he
has successfully coped with every prob
lem which has confronted his people. No
emergency has arisen which he has failed
| to meet courageously
Unfair criticism has also been directed
at appointees of Mr.. Quezon. However,
| it was observed by me that his cabinet is
rnrornco1 Of tho y1onct pIir0 and
| intellectual men in the islands. The
Supreme Court and lower courts are a
credit to the Philippines. Often the best
men have not wanted to serve in public
office, but President Quezon seldom
takes mo" for an answer if he wants
it to be "yes."
When I was in Manila the Assembly
was presided over by great patriot
and leader, Gil Montilla. Mr.. Montilla
is now head of the Commemorative
Sugar Administration. Although ruling
with an iron hand, President Quezon is
not dictator. He permits the minority
party to have strong voice in island
affairs, and the Philippine Constitution
contains definite safeguards against the
concentration of power in the hands of
one man.
President Quezon has appointed to
high places men of unimpeachable in
tegrity. Men composing the Quezon cab
met are not only statesmen, but out
standing businessmen, we'll equipped to
handle the affairs of the commonwealth.
Vice President Osmena is a man OF the
highest character and is well liked in
the islands. Jorge B. Vargas, secretary
to the President, is human dynamo
with keen intellect and good judgment.
One of the leading business executives
of the Philippines is now the secretary
of interior, Raj Alunan The Philippine
National Bank. strongest financial lnsti-
tuition in the commonwealth, is headed
by Vincente Carmona, a man whom I
found to be greatly loved and respected.
The present speaker of the National AS
sembly, Jose Yulo, Is brilliant eXecu-
tive with a background of great legal
experience and knowledge. The appoint
ment of Joaquin Miguel Elizalde as resi-
dent commissioner at Washington Is
an excellent example of President Que
IONS fine judgment in designating the
right men for various confidential and
important posts
President Quezon wanted 'the right
man" to organize the national defense.
He knew Gen. Macarthur and he knew
that he was the man he wanted. The
achievements of Gen. Macarthur in this
work more than justify his selection
No Breath of Scandal.
It is worthy of note that no breath
OF scandal or fraud has been raised in
connection with the affairs of any branch
of the commonwealth government since
Mr.. Quezon has been President. In view
of his very articulate enemies, any ir-
regularity would have been Immediately
publicized had its existence been discov-
cred. There have been no serious labor
trouble or unrest in the islands. The
thoroughfares are beehives of activity
The places of business are crowded. 1t
is difficult to get seat in a theater. Ho-
tells and restaurants are crowded day
and night. There has been no depres-
sion in the Philippines. When you meet
people on the streets or at public gather
ings they are happy and contented.
No Filipino leader, living or dead. has
received more honors at the hands of
his people than has President Quezon.
He is fighter who loves to enter
fight when everything seems against
him. All of his fights have appeared to