The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-07-02
sEATTLE, sATIRDaY. July 2.


WHAT AB0eT THE PHILIPPINES:
II Ia conspacuoasiy observable that
the opponents To any policy 81 terri
forsai expansion content themselves
with a msre astitaae Of nsgasion, and
do no. attempt 10 offer d solution 10 .
problem that In already beginning TO
Dress heavily upon the American geo-
pie. IL Is obvious that the novel foreign
conditions which confront US are bring
Ing about a new and unexpected align
tnsnt Of political parties. and that the
whole discussion Ia going TO resolve IT.
self into the direct question. What are
we going 10 do 1ilh the Philippines?
1t Ia possible that the course Of events
may suggest a disposition of the islands
not now apparent: but II is not now
obvious that any other than one of the
four alternative plans. each attended
by serious difficulties. that have sug-
gested .hemseiyg 10 most persons, liz
likely n commend itself To the nations
favor. These four propositions are:
!. We can give the Philippines back
10 Spain.
2 Sell or give them TO a European or
other power.
9. Aid the formation OF "a native re-
public. with Asuinaldo or some other
insargent chief as president.
l. Keep them.
The first plan may be dismissed az
unworthy Of consideration. being en-
tireiy contrary 10 all war precedent,
and being besides revolving 10 the sense
Of fairness Of the American people. who
viii not be willing 10 deliver brave.
spirited and liber,y-iovIng people again
10 the cruel dominion Of spain.
The second IL attended By many EN-
harrassments. 1t might be both dir
ficut to md "A customer and 70 agree
N to terms. 1t might be awkward TO
choose between several customers. Ger
many wants them. but IL IL clear that
they could not he sold to that country
without offending both Russia and Eng
land. II England would buy--it has
been said with some appearance ~
authority that she would Motive might
be- willing 10 risk the displeasure II
other nations. and feel that our whole
dasy TO civilization In insuring for the
islands stable and humane government,
hal been honofahly discharged But
who Is bold enough a, this time 10 pro-
pose seriously tina, the islands N.
thrown ora the market. and policy II
indifference To and contempt foe the
rights " the natives be- thus declared
The second plan appears 70 b. out ~
the question.
The third proposition approaches
nearer the historic sentiments and ira
aitions of the American people. AMI il
In accord With their present temper and
with their united sympathies fer ali p
pressed and tyrant-Eiddcn peoples who
have sacrificed their lives ard their
properties tsa, they might be free and
independent The evident trouble H.
however that 40 native government has
either tAe capacity or resources IL sus-
tain itself against domestic insurfec-
sisn ar foreign aggression. and would
not survive
Two obstacles stand in the way q
keeping tbs islands one real. and the
other sentimental The first IL the
rights ana desires Il the natives them
selves. aud she chsras trr ~ usr cblira-
lions 10 them. and the seccua IS The de-
elared purpose Il "a part af IN, Af,eri-
san people te adheTe a. a ssallcy If inter
national isolation. from which. thev
say ii will be disastrous 20 depart II
Is "a; intended AZ this time n consider
a, length this objection. urged insist
entity ana no;sIiy ~ the majority fac~
ton If the ,fsmorailxed Democracy.
and likely - be established as a leading
ienet ~ the party faith
Assuming thai We cannot abandon
the islands In their fate. ~ re~<teliveg
them - Spain. !, would APPEAR ire man
sfest destiny az the Philippines either 10
become = republic laSer American PRO-