The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-12-31
MAY SEND COMMISSIONERS.
PRESIDENT WANTS MORE LIGHT
on THE PHILIPPINES.

ON
Question As TO whether He would
BE Justified in Sending a Commits
sion Regardless of Congress-SOme
Advisors Urge Him to Do So, While
others Say Confer With Congress.
May BE Compelled to Send Them,
Anyhow. -,..
Washington, Dec. S0-(speciaD .--Presl-
dent Mckinley seriously contemplates
sending commission to the Philippines
to advise him as to the best methods to
be employed in dealing with the problem
there presented, in advance of final action
upon the peace treaty.
Complications are constantly arising
there and in Cuba, because of the unset
tie and indefinite condition of affairs, and
the President fears the ratification of the
treaty may be prolonged TO such an extent
that embarrassing situations may arise,
which might be nippe1 in the bud, by posi-
tive action by the President at this time.
The subject is causing the President con-
siderable anxiety, and he discusses 1t free
iy with his friends in the House and Sen
ate, who are closely identified with the
foreign policy of the government Recent
developments in the Philippines indicate
treachery either on the part of the lnsur-
gents or the Spaniards, and the latest adj
vices from Rear Admiral Dewey and Gen.
Otis urge prompt executive action in the
direction of some fixed lire of policy in
Il, tom
The wisdom of sending a commission to
the Philippines TO STUDY the conditions
there and report to Congress, was the sub
ject of a long conference at the White
House yesterday between the President
and a member of Congress, who is re-
garded the world over as a teacher of di-
plomacy, rather than as a scholar. The po-
sition he now occupies in connection with
foreign affairs and his wide experience and
training in all parts of the world, induces
the President to consult him frequently in
regard to legislation bearing upon our for
eign relations. He is in thorough accord
with the policy of the President, on the
subject of expansion and he will take a
conspicuous part in the debates on these
questions when they come before Con-
gress.
President Wants More Light.
While the President has no desire TO
coerce Congress by taking percptate ac-
ton, he fully appreciates the gravity of
the situation in the Philippines. With
wider information at his disposal than is
in the possession of many Of those who are
disposed to antagonize the ratification of
the treaty, or delay it for an indefinite Pc
riod, he desires to maintain the firm policy
which has characterized the administration
i'm dealing with the Spanish problem since
the destruction Of the Maine rendered war
inevitable.
To those who have the. Presidents con-
lidence, it is known that he is in search of
additional light as to the habits qualifica-
tons and capabilities OF the inhabitants of
the Philippine Islands, before committing
the American people TO any fixed line of
policy in those islands. 1t is the concensus
of opinion of nearly all of the best in
formed men on the subject of foreign af-
fairs, in both political parties, that no
definite line of policy should be agreed
upon until the situation has been deliber-
ately surveyed and discussed in all its de-
tails
Delicate Question.
The question now agitating the presi-
dental mind is whether under the circum-
stances and the threatened complications
o
uncertainty which now surrounds the sub
tect he would be justified in selecting the
members of a commission and direct them
to proceed al once to make the desired
Investigation, regardless of the action of
the Senate on the peace treaty. Some of
his advisers point him to numerous pre-
cedents where the executive had sent a
commissioner or a set of commissioners
abroad 10 obtain certain informa lion to
enable the administration to deal more in
diligently with great foreign problems
There are others who urge him TO confer
freely with Congress and let che legisl1-
tive branch Of the government share the
responsibility with the executive in any
decision that may be reached.
II Is this conflict OF advice which causes
the President 10 hesitate. IL b. generally
conceded thar before any permarsnt form
OF government r. established "a the Phil
ippinas. a commission, composed Of able
ana capable American citizens must 90
thero ard study the conditions there ex-
lst.ng. thonoughly and report 90 Congress
or tho President Thai being in measure
eetfisd Tho aucfnon arises, should the
President appoint the commission without
asking thc sanction ~ Congress or must
~ maternity await until fbe splrii moves
@iiher tle h0ust " ihe senate 10 appoint