The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-07-17
THE PHILIPPINES A NECESSITY.

THE PHILIPPINES A NECESSITY.
On that bright May morn when Ad-
nliral Dewey was so busy before break
fast he unwittingiy started a movement
which has agitated the entire civilized
world and will continue to stir it for
many a year. When the war broke out
the name of the Philippine islands ex-
cited as little interest as the Fiji islands.
The echoes which reverberated through
the hills around Manila were sounded
back In every capital Of Europe. and the
consequences arising from the shells
which destroyed the Spanish feet have
become the most portentous OF the en-
tire campaign.
II is conceded that Spain must lose
Cuba and almost assumed that the
United States shall acquire possession
Of Porto Rico, but the disposition Of the
Philippines will engross the attention OF
the most skilifui diplomats long after
peace has been proclaimed. Agusnaldo,
the commander-in-chief OF the Philip
pine insurgents. whom Dewey SO as
tutely took along with him as part OF
his armament, is said to be in favor Of
the islands becoming dependencies of
the United States. or that they shall
form a republic to remain under Amer
lean protection until the local govern
ment is strong enough to shape its own
destiny.
The tendency is toward concentration
and against the establishment Of petty
independencies which may become the
prey or the tool of designing and more
powerful governments. Had Dewey been
less successful and his victory been only
partial; or had he suffered such damage
to his ships that he must have retired,
the Philippines would have remained the
possession Of Spain even though Dewey's
object OF Gripping the squadron had
been attained. 1t was only expected of
him that he should make the Spanish
squadron helpless for aggressive pur-
poses. 1t was assumed that the Spanish
admiral would make for the Pacific
coast; 1t was never expected that so
crushing defeat would suggest our &C.
crpation of the islands.
The entire collapse Of Spain tempted
the cupidity of the European powers,
and the helpless condition of European
residents afforded the opportunity TO
crafty it by stepping in and establish
ing a joint protectorate.
1t would have been gross blunder for
the United States government to delib
erately throw away such chance to Sc
cure control of a desirable Asiatic sta
ton, and political crime to throw into
the hands OF our European rivals ter
ritory which would be no less valuable
to them than to us. In times of peace
the revenue and trade of the islands
would bring as much profit TO the United
States as 10 any other country. and in
time Of war the islands, from their loca-
ton, would give us all the advantage
which, in the hands Of any other nation,
would be TO II.
The retention Of the Philippines is no.
the result OF Il desire on our part for
territorial extension nor in reckless dis
regard of the traditions Of our national
policy. It is a measure Of self protec-
tion which has been forced upon US by
circumstances which have arisen indie
penGently of our intentions and in pur-
suance ~ a course which the future
commercial supremacy Of this country
demands To retire from the Orient now
would be 10 wantonly abandon an ad-
vantage which any other power would
give many millions Of dollars to attain.