Should Seattle Have a Filipino Labor Commissioner?

To the right of this column there is published a letter from Mr. Jose A. Reyes of 20 Maynard Ave., Seattle, sent to the editor in answer to a paragraph in this column about the labor commissioner proposition in Seattle. The bone of contention is whether it is desirable that we have a labor commissioner for Filipinos in this section of the United States.

The quotation in my article referred to by Mr. Reyes follows: "The writer smiles at this idea. It was just meant to open up an avenue for the promotion of an ambitious Filipino to become labor commissioner. Let's dismiss the scheme and forget it. The glory of an achievement spurred by selfish motives does not last long."

Mr. Reyes accuses me of an error of which he himself is guilty. I have not jumped to a conclusion at all, which Mr. Reyes insinuates I have. The second sentence of the preceding paragraph begins with an "if," which means a conditional status. To say that the idea was meant to open up an avenue, etc., means something entirely different from saying "if it was just meant," etc., which was the real case. I regret [the confusion], but if Mr. Reyes is still familiar with his lessons in logic, he will agree with me that a statement of a conclusion is conditional, and that a conclusion is arrived at after two premises: the major premise and the minor premise.

Now to the point of the necessity of a labor commissioner. Raising arguments on this question reminds me of the story of the three wise men of Gotham. There is no sense in quarreling over a scheme which is only a dream.

As to my suggestions that will "insure the betterments and protection of Filipino laborers in this country," I should say prevention is better than anything else. Let the Filipino laborers stay in the Philippines where they belong. Anybody knows that Filipinos are insulted in this country. If—and here is another "if"—they don't want to suffer insults, it is none of their business to come here. If they are already here, they had better get a ticket for the next boat homebound. No Filipino can protect Filipino laborers any more than he can protect American laborers. It is the American government's business. It is even its business to stop the Filipinos' cry for independence.

[Letter from Jose A. Reyes, Seattle, Nov. 5, 1923:] Something has been mentioned in "The Cub's Column" about the necessity of a Filipino labor commissioner in Seattle. In my mind, the idea is of great importance not only for the laborers themselves but for the good name of Juan de la Cruz, which we represent in this country. The writer of that article laughs at the very idea and gives nothing. ... There must be something the matter with him, but if I were the writer of the said article I would not reflect the fellow's "glory of an achievement spurred by selfish motives" as a scheme to attain position. The fellow might have something benevolent and patriotic in his heart; nobody knows. But to condemn and ridicule such an undertaking is unfair without going through both sides of the question involved. Now, if that compatriot of mine will save his guffaws and suggest something of vital importance that will insure the betterment and protection of Filipino laborers in this country, I would not hesitate to add my voice in praise and admiration, which he perfectly deserves. I remain, yours very respectfully, Jose A. Reyes.