Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 31, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 February 1916 — PHILIPPINE BILL PASSES SENATE ON 52-24 VOTE [ARTICLE]

PHILIPPINE BILL PASSES SENATE ON 52-24 VOTE

Measure Would Authorize President To Grant Islands Absolute Independence Within Four Years. Washington, Feb. 4.—The Philippine bill which would extend to the islands a greater degree of self government and would authorize the president to grant them' absolute independence within four years, passed the senate tonight, 52 to 24. Various democratic senators, led by Chairman Stone of the foreign relations committee, tried unsuccessfully to secure amendment of certain features of the independence clause but in the end the democrats joined‘by six progressive republicans voted solidly for the measure. - It is understood the bill will go to the house with the backing of President Wilson and will be pressed for early passage. There had been little indication of what action the house will take.