The Official Gazette of the Philippine Islands recently published the
text of a remarkable telegram sent by the Governor-General, General Leonard Wood, to the Secretary of: War in Washington: We have often regretted the refusal of the United States to accept a mandate under the League, but here is proof that she has the old lessons before her eyes. She is learning the difficulties and perhaps is wise not yet to seek further experience. There is agitation in the Philippines for independence and Washington's ear is open to the wrong people. How like General Wood's words are to many a warning received here from experienced British Officials in India !:— " I sympathize deeply with the desire of the Filipino people for independence but know they are not yet prepared to assume its responsibility, either from the standpoint of instructed public opinion, preparedness for defence, a common language or economic resources. . . . To grant immt di Ite independence would be a heartless betrayal of our trust and result in handing over the twelve million people of those Islands to strife and disorder in the near future. . . . It would be a serious blow to Western civilization and to the Christian effort in the Far East. . . . The people are contented and public order is excellent except for occasional clashes. . . . They do not realize that once we leave here we cannot return. . . . The responsibility rests squarely upon us to continue our work hero until-we ourselves arc satisfied these people are pre- pared to maintain an independent national existence."
* * * *
Previous page
