Greater Self-Government for the Philippines

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 5, 1916

Greater Self-Government for the Philippines

“THE agreement between the House and Senate conferees on the bill giving a greater measure of self-government to the Philippine Islands was approved by the Senate by a vote of thirty-seven to twenty-two. In lieu of the present Philippine commission, which is abolished by the bill, it is provided that the Filipinos shall elect a senate, the first election to take place next month. The house is already elected by the people. With the election of the senate the electorate is to be increased by about 600,000. About 200,000 Filipinos vote now, and the new law will grant voting rights to about 800,000. The amendment of Senator Clarke, of Arkansas, providing for the independence of the Philippines after two and within four years has been eliminated from the measure, but the preamble recites that it is and always has been the intention of the United States to grant independence when a stable government has been established.”