THE PHILIPPINES: Narciso’s Challenge

No one is so consistent and hot-headed an advocate of Philippine independence as a minor Filipino politician named Narciso Lapus. Because he disapproved of the appointment of Nicholas Roosevelt as vice-Governor of the Philippines in 1930, he challenged him to a duel, whereupon startled Herbert Hoover changed signals, appointed Mr. Roosevelt Minister to Hungary. Lately Narciso Lapus has been disturbed by the coolness which Philippine President Manuel Quezon and Quintin Paredes, Philippine Resident Commissioner in Washington, have displayed toward a House resolution—introduced by Representative Thomas O’Malley of Milwaukee—”to provide for the immediate and complete independence of the Philippine Islands.”

Last week Narciso Lapus cabled .from Manila to Commissioner Paredes:

OPPOSITION O’MALLEY’S RESOLUTION RANK BETRAYAL IMMEDIATE INDEPENDENCE. IF YOU INSIST WILL CHALLENGE YOU DUEL WHERE PERMITTED.

Ruffled, Commissioner Paredes promptly cabled back:

TAKE FRIENDLY ADVICE DON’T BE AGAIN FUNNY NOR BLUFF ME. AINT OPPOSING ANYTHING BUT WILL WAIT COMMITTEE REPORT. TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR HEALTH. REFUSING ANSWER FURTHER FOOLISH COMMUNICATIONS.