The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1898-09-28
POLITICAL.
Do the Job ThOrOughly.i

One of the first orders issued as soon
as the existence of state of war was
officially recognized has become historic
cal. 1t commanded Dewey to destroy
or capture the Spanish feet in the har-
Dor of Manila. 1t was obeyed without
loss of time and without the loss of an
American life. The Spanish feet was
annihilated, but Dewey was not re-
called from the Far East. On the con-
trary, transports were promptly equip
ped and ii was not long before Ameri-
can troops were on their way to the
archipelago. We have broken the
back of Spain's power in the China Sea.
A distinguished authority not long ago
declared that he went to war with one
single, declared, definite object, most
noble one, based purely on humanita-
rian grounds. He protested that we
could count upon the sympathy of Eu-
rope only as long as we adhered to the
programme deliberately set forth to
the entire world. To another author
itv we were indebted for the statement
that the retention of the Philippines
would degenerate the hottest war ever
undertaken for humanity into cam
paigr of conquest; campaign which
would lower us in the esteem of the
world. On the other hand, Joseph
Chamberlain, who may also be regard
ed as quite an authority, advises us to
do the job thoroughly. He says that
we are growing, that we cannot resist
our development, that our constitution
does not forbid expansion and that
what was wisdom century ago would
be folly now.
There are, then, two sides to this
case. Meanwhile, nobody will quarrel
with the statement that we have crippl-
ed Spain in the Philippines. Her stu
alton there was bad enough before
Dewey sailed from Hong Kong. Her
sovereignty, as far as many of the
islands were concerned, was almost
purely nominal. Petty chieftains were
and are still virtually undisturbed.
Wherever the power of Spain appeared
to be more real than nominal it was
disputed. The islands, like Cuba, have
never been anything but thorn in the
mother country's side. Daughters
never were they in their mothers
house, nor any of them peaceful in
their own. And what conditions have
we created? We have built for Agui-
naldo pair of stills on which he is
strutting with awkwardness and pre-
tense, chuckling over his artificial alti-
tude, a grotesque comedian at whom we
must needs smile, but menace none
the less. There are those who would
have the President send for Dewey.
There are those who think that Merritt
should be ordered home. They shud-
der at the idea of conquest. They
plead that sincerity in our philanthropy
ic professors was the only possible ex-
cuse for conflict. Only by beating
precipitate retreat can we show that we
are worthy of esteem. 1t is strange
view to take of the case.
Children can anticipate what will hap
pen if we get out of the Philippines.
Aguinaldo will hold high carnival. Gov.
eminent was farce under Spain, even
when Montojo's guns were serviceable
and when something still remained of
Spanish prestige. The so-called hu
manitarians ask that we shall abandon
the archipelago. Abandon it to what?
Let them answer the question. Let
them tell US what will happen if the
Stars and Stripes, raised with IA Hour
ish of trumpets, are hauled down. War
has thrust upon us responsibilities
which can be evaded. 1t is not too late
to beat retreat. 1t is not too late to
shirk the consequences of what was
done with the courage and GOODNESS of
a Dewey. Let us accommodate the adj
vocates of humanity. Let us turn the
islands over TO group of semi sava-
ges. 1t would be pretty climax. IL
would furnish short cut to repute
for cowardice. Are we prepared to adj
vertise ourselves to the civilized world
after such fashion? Chamberlain
thinks we'll of us. He thinks we are
capable of scoring a success where
Spain was a dismal failure. He thinks
we are capable of evolving order out of
Philippine anarchy and he is inclined
to think that we will try it. Leaving
commercial considerations out of ac-
count entirely, and meeting the alleged
humanitarians on their own ground, it
is clear that they are walking on Agui-
naldo stills and that they can subside
not moment too soon. We are under
obligations to our British visitor, but
he need not entertain misgivings-we
will do the job thoroughly. If we
don't, Dewey might return the jeweled
sword. He would scarcely care to re-
tain a souvenir of national Disgrace
Brooklyn Eagle. ''0''A 'Ii'' '-