Governor Wood & Filipino Nationalism

Governor Wood's Leadership and Political Conflicts

• Governor Leonard Wood's leadership created major friction with Filipino leaders.
• He dissolved the Council of State, which removed Filipino influence in governance.
• Wood ruled without legislative cooperation.
• He refused to recognize Filipino political authority, leading to widespread opposition.

Impact on Filipino Nationalism

• Instead of weakening Filipino political power, Wood's governance fueled nationalist sentiments.
• Two opposing political parties strategically joined forces to challenge Wood's administration via the National Supreme Council.
• Filipinos felt disillusioned with American promises of development and autonomy due to Wood's actions.

U.S. Response and President Coolidge's Role

• Wood's refusal to cooperate with Filipino leaders created a political crisis that gained international attention.
• President Calvin Coolidge urged the U.S. Congress to honor its promise of eventual Philippine independence, seeing the unrest.
• Wood's administration forced the U.S. to reconsider its colonial rule, leading to a shift in U.S. policy.

The Jones Law (1916) and Early Filipino Expectations

• The Jones Law (Philippine Autonomy Act) was passed in 1916, replacing the 1902 Philippine Organic Act.
• It gave Filipinos greater self-rule by allowing for the first fully elected Philippine legislature.
• Ultimate power rested with the U.S. Governor-General, who could veto laws and make key appointments.

The Arrival of Leonard Wood and Initial Cooperation (1922-1923)

• By December 13, 1922, Filipino leaders like Manuel Quezon and Manuel Roxas were still on good terms with Governor Wood.
• Filipino leaders thanked Wood officially on behalf of the legislature.
• Early 1923 saw continued cooperation and cordial relations.

Growing Tensions: Governor Wood's Policies (1923)

• Tensions arose when Wood decided to remain in the Philippines, signaling continued American control, not independence.
• Filipino leaders became hostile, believing Wood aimed to reverse their political progress.
• Wood believed U.S. withdrawal would be disastrous.
• Wood opposed the Nacionalista Party, led by Quezon and others, who fought for Filipino self-rule.

The Ray Conley Case: A Political Crisis (July 1923)

• Ray Conley, a secret service detective, was suspended for bribery and corruption by Manila Mayor Ramon Fernandez.
• Senator José P. Laurel approved Conley's suspension, following proper procedures.
• Wood overruled the decision and reinstated Conley, undermining Filipino legislative power.
• This action angered the Senate because it violated the Jones Law, which gave Filipinos greater control over governance.

Mass Resignations: Filipino Leaders Take a Stand (Late 1923)

• After July 12, 1923, the Ray Conley case became the breaking point in Filipino-American relations.
• Key figures like Quezon, Osmeña, Roxas, and other legislators met and discussed a mass resignation to protest Wood's actions.
• Additional disagreements, such as the closing of National Bank branches and land tax penalties, also fueled their anger.
• The cabinet and key officials resigned in a unified stand against Wood after much debate.

Final Understanding: Why This Was Important

• The mass resignation was one of the biggest political protests in Philippine colonial history.
• It exposed American resistance to full Filipino self-governance, despite promises made under the Jones Law.
• It strengthened the nationalist movement, pushing Filipino leaders to fight harder for independence.
• Governor Wood's rule was seen as a return to colonial oppression, reinforcing Filipino demands for autonomy.

Arbitrary Acts of Governor Leonard Wood

• Governor Leonard Wood’s administration followed authoritarian rule, disregarded Filipino governance, and preferred policies that upheld American control.

Political and Legislative Violations

• Wood refused assent to laws, vetoing essential ones, even when they were beneficial for governance, paralyzing government functions.
• He undermined Filipino officials by stripping them of their responsibilities.
• Wood replaced constitutional advisors with military attachés who had no legal authority, reducing Filipino representation in government.
• Filipinization was reversed, with Americans appointed to key positions even when capable Filipinos were available.
• Wood blocked national economic policies that aimed at national development.

Financial and Government Mismanagement

• Wood undermined the legislative budget process, vetoing key items and reviving the previous year's budget.
• He appointed officials without budget approval, contradicting his veto.
• Wood misused public funds, illegally allocating compensation to officials without proper approval
• He took over Emergency Board powers, centralizing financial control in his hands.

Judicial and Executive Overreach

• Wood interfered in justice, overruling judicial decisions and protecting American officials accused of wrongdoing.
• He ignored the Senate’s role in appointments under the Organic Act, making unilateral decisions.
• Wood made illegal recess appointments, keeping unconfirmed appointees in office.
• He kept rejected officials in office, undermining checks and balances between the Governor-General and the Filipino Legislature.

Economic and Social Exploitation

• Wood placed additional conditions on laws passed by the Legislature before approving them.
• His policies in Mindanao exacerbated tensions between Christian and Muslim Filipinos.
• Wood's policies created resentment between Filipinos and American residents, damaging Filipino-American relations.
• He tried to sell government-funded companies to wealthy American investors, harming Filipino interests.
• Wood sanctioned misinformation campaigns in the U.S., portraying Filipinos as incapable of self-rule.
• He tried to close the Philippine National Bank (PNB), which was crucial for economic development.
• Wood micromanaged the government, controlling every minor decision and violating the promise of self-government under the Jones Law.
• He sought changes in Philippine laws that would have allowed American businesses to exploit Filipino resources.

Final Thoughts on Governor Wood's Rule

• Governor Leonard Wood's rule was one of the most controversial periods in Philippine colonial history.
• He undermined Filipino leadership, centralized power, and favored American economic interests, rather than preparing the Philippines for self-rule.
• His authoritarian approach ultimately strengthened the nationalist movement and accelerated demands for independence.

Governor Leonard Wood's leadership in the Philippines led to significant political conflicts with Filipino leaders. His actions, such as dissolving the Council of State and refusing to cooperate with Filipino leaders, fueled nationalist sentiments and disillusionment with American promises. President Coolidge urged Congress to address the situation.