Philippine Veto

On the strong advice of his Secretary of State, his Secretary of War, his Secretary of Agriculture and his Secretary of Commerce, President Hoover last week vetoed the bill granting the Philippines independence after ten years. His objections: 1) turning the Islands loose would thrust them into economic and social chaos, with a probable breakdown in government; 2) after independence, the U. S. would still have to police the Islands to maintain internal order and external defense--a military operation that might well drag the U. S. into war; 3) freedom would upset the delicate political balance-of-power in the Far East; 4) Japan (not mentioned by name) might try to force an entry upon the Islands to exploit their people; 5) U. S. farmers, prime backers of Philippine independence, would not be benefited.

Deaf to President Hoover's objection, the House repassed the measure over his veto within an hour. The vote was 274-to-94. Eighty-two Republicans deserted their President while only one Democrat supported him.

Thus did the Senate become the court of last resort on this old territorial issue.

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