New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-05
THE FATE OF THE PHILIPPINES.

The remark attributed to Mr.. James Bryce,
that It Is much too early even to discuss the
lnal disposition that Is to be made OF the Phil
appine Islands, is 80 tudicious that II Is pity
the idea expressed does not generally prevail
The United States will be obliged to occupy and
hold them until the end Of the war; and would
have right which no other nation could ques-
ton to hold them permanently II victorious. AS
any plan whatever for their subsequent transfer
to any Power must inevitably excite the antag-
onism of other Powers throughout the world,
possibly involving serious embarrassment In
many ways, the discussion Of all such schemes,
at q time when 1t can do no good but may do
much harm, should be dsapproved as the re-
verse of helpful to the Government and the Ma
tons interests.
1t is to be observed, however, that the
United States Government has. so far as It's
own utterances are concerned, an entirely free
hand in the matter. 1t has neither proclaimed
nor dlsclaimed any intentions concerning those
islands. 1t is at wac with Spain over the Cuban
question and it is bound to strike her at every
possible point. Therefore 1t has struck. and
struck hard. at Manila. In so doing it has
freed its Pacific commerce and It's Pacific
coast from danger of Spanish attack What
upon the exigences Of the war.
Yet In one respect the United States has not a
free hand in the Philippines. A grave and i'm
perative obligation has been already imposed
upon us. We have stricken down Spanish
sovereignty and set up our own. All that
hereafter remains Of Spanish rule in tho isl
ands will be under sufferance Of the United
States That IS momentous fact. It makes
ell fol no fufr
ment and welfare Of the islands We can
not turn Spain out and leave the Islands to
their own devices. We cannot abolish the
only government the islands have and leave
them without any That would be barbarous
This country will be bound. in honor and in
morals. either itself to assume the admin!stra-
ton Of the Islands or to empower some other
competent authority to do so. In the one case
It will be directly and in the other indirectly
responsible to the islands themselves and to al
other Powers that may have interests or deal
ings there for whatever may In future happca
in tho archipelago. That is responsibility NOT
10 he lightly assumed.
There can be no harm IN saying at the outset
that the United States ought permanently TO re-
tain as q fortified coaling station and place OF
refuge for American vessels In Eastern waters
the best port that can be chosen for that pur
pose. Possibly the Spanish Notifications az
Cavte and the islands Of Corregidor and Ca
ballo, at the mouth Of Manila Bay, should be
selected and 30 held. They would practically
control the entire bay. and 1t would be the alb
solute right Of the United States to make any
disposition of the rest Of the islands, dependent
upon recognition Of the exclusive authority of
the Emitted States. over such part Of the terri
tory as may be found necessary to retain.
Three courses are discussed as possible for
pursuit. One Is permanent control Of the ISL
ands by the United States. In connection with