DECISION AWARDED TO PRINCETON.

Princeton, N. J., May 5.--By a vote of two to one the judges gave the decision to the Princeton 1919 negative debating team over the Harvard 1919 affirmative in the Triangular Debate held here this evening. L. Dennis '19 and H. C. Van Dusen, of Princeton, were the most convincing speakers. The strength of the negative case rested largely in the rebuttal where they held the Philippines were not a great expense, that the combined Filipinos did not want independence, and that the affirmative position was altruistic, not imperialistic.

The affirmative rebuttal attempted to show that the Filipinos demanded independence and that they were competent to progress without our aid. The men spoke in the following order:

O. M. Watkins '19, First Affirmative.

The Philippines were the object of cruel Spanish oppression for three hundred years. They had little chance for development of political theories and political genius, yet the effect of the Spanish regime was beneficent in that it has made them a unit, giving them a common history. The work of the American government has been remarkable. It has given them ability to successfully combat their economic, hygienic, educational, and political problems. It has developed a strong public opinion and capable leaders. The American government has fitted the Filipinos for immediate independence. The affirmative case is based on the ground that the Philippines are untenable, can care for themselves, and are better if left alone.

John G. Howley, First Negative.

When the United States entered the Philippines we out of our own volition assumed responsibility for the inhabitants of those islands and by that act placed ourselves under a grave obligation morally. We have promised time and time again to keep them until we have fitted them for self-government. We have promised to educate them and finally a real independence. We must then maintain our administration in the islands just as long as there remains a shadow of doubt in the minds of the American people that the Filipinos are capable of governing themselves. Then and only then can we discharge our moral obligation with a complete preservation of our honor and duty toward the Filipinos. R. T. Bushnell '19, Second Affirmative.

The Filipinos are an industrious, progressive people. For three hundred years they were kept in subjection by Spain and had little chance for development. They had already overthrown the Spanish government when the United States entered the islands. One can buy land but one cannot buy a people. The United States has no moral right to stay in the islands and rule a people against its will. The acquisition of the archipelago was a "bad bargain." We had a duty, however, to perform. That duty is now performed, and it is time for us to leave the Philippines for Filipinos.

Haggott Beckhart, Second Negative.

As America is morally bound to remain in the Philippines until that race is capable of self-government we are brought to a consideration of whether we should within five years maintain an independent sovereignty. A close analysis of their condition and the proposition before us shows that they are a race without unity, bound together neither by commercial relationships, by a common language, nor by ties of blood. The prevailing illiteracy would also prove a serious obstacle. They are incapable of self-government, as is shown by the fact that the Philippine assembly has proposed much detrimental legislation and that the majority of the officials have proven incompetent.

Lawrence Dennis '19, Third Affirmative.

The United States should grant the Philippines independence within five years for moral reasons, since1. Every people have a right to govern themselves.2. Our constitution and national principles recognize and postulate this doctrine and therefore we must give them independence in order to be consistent.3. The Philippines will develop more rapidly and satisfactorily if given independence than under our control.4. We promised them independence and it is our duty to fulfill that promise.

H. P. Van Dusen, Third Negative.

Political conditions in the world today, partly as a result of the European War, are unfavorable to granting independence to the Philippines. Moreover, this is not advantageous to us for their release from their standpoint, as they would have to face serious international difficulties if released now or within five years. The economic resources of the Philippine Islands are as yet largely undeveloped. Their revenues are small and for this reason would have difficulty in maintaining their independence if granted