Among the passengers—who arrived here on Tuesday from Hongkong by the T. K. K. S. Shinyo Maru were the Hon. Manuel L. Quezon, the Philippine Nationalist Leader, and his party, consisting of the Hon. Issuro Gabaldon and Mrs. Gzebaldon, Mrs. F, Haberer, Miss Teresa Gabaldon, Dr. Fernando, Messrs. Manuel Tinio, E. Soriano, M Nieto and Jose G. Sanvictores. Senor Quezon, Dr. Fernando, Messrs. M. Nieto and Jose G. Sanvictores left for Japan and America on Tuesday afternoon, the rest of the party remaining in Shanghai to await the arrival of the R. M. S. Empress of Asia.
Discussing the Philippine issues in am interview on Tuesday Senor Quezon said:—
"The Filipinos prefer independence with an American protectorate, rather than absolute independence. The Wood-Forbes Mission is welcomed by the Filipinos. We have no fear of an unfavourable report, but every young nation makes mistakes and learns by mistakes. If we never try to govern ourselves and never make mistakes, we shall never be capable of governing ourselves. Our present financial difficulties are an excellent lesson, although expensive, and we now know how to manage somewhat better.
Asked if he thought the old days would return, Senor Quezon said:—"The United States could not make a iaore serious mistake than to go back to old conditions. At present all Filipinos are friendly to the United States and in case of war would fight for the United States, because they believe in the sincerity and good faith of America, but reactionary legislation must result in the development of anti-American sentiment among the masses. I do not believe such legislation _possible; our mistakes will be indicat-and we shall correct them, proving our ability for self-government. We do not resent correction and we do_not consider ourselves perfect. What we ask is a chance."
Regarding general international relations, Senor Quezon said that President Harding's suggested Pacific Conference was the most important step towards solving Pacific problems. Japan's, unwillingness to attend such a conference might cause uneasiness to other Pacific countries. Senor Quezon sai¢ that he had seen Dr. Sun Yat-sen at Canton and was deeply impressed with his friendship for Arrerica. The interests of the United States and the Philippines would be served if China were allowed unhindered development, and he hoped for better trade relations between China- and. the Philippines.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.