The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-12-18
CONTROL OF THE PHILIPPINES.


There can be no doubt that the topic
which above all others interests the people
of this country is that which for a better
name is known as expansion 1t is the sub
ject of conversation; it constitutes the part
Of the public address which attracts the
closest attention. Fortunately for the coun-
try, the policy of dealing with the possess
sons which have come to us by the fortune
of war has not become political issue. Thus
far the President has announced no policy
with reference to the Philippines. Until it
is necessary that he should do so. it seems
better that ne should not, since it might
change what is now a general discussion of
aims and plans to something like political
issue.
1t is very evident that public sentiment is
changing as the topic receives more con-
sideration. The positive people who few
months ago would not have the United
States flag hauled down in localities secured
by conquest, meaning that this government
must hold possession of and rule the terri
tory which has come to us, are less insistent
They will consent to the hauling down of
the flag if it is the free act of the govern
ment, and they are not so positive that an
neXaton would make any of these possess
sions permanently part of the United
States On the other hand, those who are
hostile to expansion have, in a large meas
ure, come to realize that it will not be wise
to reject the treaty which gives us control
or the Philippines They realize that to re-
ject the treaty would leave the islands
under the control of Spain to carry out its
system OF oppression, which we declared to
be the reason of our making war upon Spain
in behalf of Cuba. OF course there are a
few men who would reject the treaty and
a few senators who will vote against its rati-
fication but there is reason to believe that
the number will not reach one-third of the
Senate when the vote shall be taken. 1t in
wolves too many consequences, among which
is the disposition of the islands if thew
should revert to Spain by the rejection of
the treaty. A number of senator's appealed
to their associates and the country during
the last session of Congress to pursue a
policy which would eXpel the Spaniard from
Cuba. urging that it was duty which the
Republic owed to humanity. To reject the
treaty and turn the inhabitants of the Phil
ippines back to the tyranny of Spain would
place these senators in very equivocai posi-
ton
1t is fair to assume that the question now
is not that of accepting or rejecting the
treaty so much as it is one of the future
policy to be pursued in regard to the Phil
ippines on the assumption that we must
take them. That question is, shall the
United States hold the islands permanently.
as we hold Alaska, shall we establish
authority there until the inhabitants shall
have learned to govern themselves? 1t can
be added that one is not very careful OBJ
server Of the trend of public sentiment If
he has failed to discover that the sentiment
in favor of a policy which looks ultimately
to an independent popular government by
the people Of the islands. guaranteed by this
government, is gaining ground That is the
proposed policy toward Cuba. which is near
at hand. and why should 1t not be for the
Philippines, far away?
One of the most hopeful indications Of
public sentiment regarding this question Is
that people are becoming thoughtful There
is less boastful assertion on the part of en-
thusiasts. and, with the exception of a few
excited persons like Mr.. Carnegie and his
associates. who talk foolishly of imperial-
ism. the number of people who see the
downfall of the Republic In assuming control
Of the Philippines is becoming less and less