QUEZON REQUESTS INDEPENDENCE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Dispelling most of the reasons yet propounded for the further retention of the Philippine Islands by the United States, Manuel Quezon, leader of the Philippine Senate, said at the Union last night. "We stand by our country, as small as it is, and we want to see the Philippine Islands one of the Far-Eastern Independent powers.

"The Filipino is the most honest, peace-loving man in the world", he stated, "and, being entirely capable of self-government, that desire at all times is nearest to his heart.

"Each of the last five Presidents of the United States has promised the Philippines independence as soon as they are capable of self-government, and that in turn, is a question of personal opinion. No one knows for certain whether or not the Filipinos are capable of governing themselves, but since we think we are, why should we not try?"

Standard of Leadership High

Having pointed out that the Philippine Islands have more inhabitants than any Independent country in South or Central America, and that at the rate of its present increase, the population will soon equal that of Japan, the Filipino leader said. "There is more leadership among the Filipinos than among any people of Europe. The Islands have given every evidence of their capability of governing themselves; the government has been in the hands of Filipinos for years. Although the percentage of illiteracy may be high, is literacy a fair test of capacity of self-government?

"There need be no military fears if independence were granted," he continued, "for neither Japan nor England would take a country given freedom by the United States, and no other country is strong enough to try. Economically the country is secure and does not need further help from the United States.

"The uncertainly as to the future of the Philippine Islands is worse than the decision of the United States government in the matter," he concluded. "The Filipinos, not knowing what the future holds for them, are unable to develop their own genius in government. If the United States wants to continue governing the Philippines, it should do so, and should assume complete responsibility for them; if it wants the Filipinos to govern themselves, it should let them, and withdraw completely. Any midway solution breeds only trouble."