The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-09-09

power which, with their enormous wealth,
the religious confraternities welded In
the Philippines. IN many OF the islands
the whole land is held by them. while
the natives are reduced TO a condition
little differing from slavery. II is now
explained that on more than one occasion
the Spanish governors of the Philippines
asked to be authorized to circumscribe
the privileges Of the religious orders;
but the influence which they exercise in
Madrid and in Rome made any ;nrerfer-
ence with the m quite impossible. Never
theless. the first condition of the paci1-
cation Of the islands must be the lmita-
ton of those privileges and the enforced
sale Of most of the landed property now
in the hands of the friars. While this is
freely admitted at Madrid, it is acknowl-
edged that no Spanish government would
dare undertake such reform, for the
very simple reason that the dynasty is
maintained in priest-ridden Spain prac-
tically by the grace and goodwill OF the
Pope-Who It IS said, is preparing to ad-
dress the Spanish epispocacy a fresh
encyclical in favor of the Queen Regent
and her son-and the Pope dare not offend
the powerful orders. since they are upheld
by subsidized agents at Rome and contri-
buted freely to the finances of the Holy
See.
With a problem so complicated and for
midabie as the future administration or
the Philippines, there are only two powers
in the world who can deal successfully
America and Great Britain. In regard
to the religious difficulty, the United
States would, perha ps, be more free to act
in a manner quite unfettered by any
1 other consideration than the peace and
contentment of the wretched islanders
! And If their happiness were the only ques-
| ton to be considered. there would be no
two opinions as to the best solution of
! the difficulty. Unfortunately the possess
| sion of the Philippines affcts tn interests
of so many European powers that it
would be misleading to suppose that a
| solution would be reached easily or rap
| idly.
There are, however two considerations.
which will induce continental statesmen
to pause before adopting a vexatious pol
| icy towards the United States: FIRST the
unanimous and patriotic attitude OF the
American people. an attitude as determ-
| ined as ii ha s been dignified; and, sec
| ondIy, the perfect tact, and, indeed, the
Diplomatic ability displayed by President
Mckinley in dealing both with pubic
opinion at home and with the policy OF
the Enropean governments-an ability, l
NAV add. which has come rather as sur
prise to many on this side Of the water.
Such are, in short, the opinions Which
prevail in quarters here that are usually
considered able to form a reliable fore
cast Of the immediate future. That fu-
| ture is not regarded with a certain appre-
hension; but reliabnce is placed princi-
pally upon the calm but firm attitude OF
the United States and the tried wisdom
of the new secretary of state.
Mr.. Hays approaching departure from
London is regretted very generally. With
out possessing what are called brilliant
| qualities" he has shown exceptional pru-
/ dence and tact. and mis- comparatively
1 short residence in England will be record
cd among the most noteworthy American
missions to this country. Very likely the
Importance attached by some English
/ journals to his appointm at the head
of the state department as pointing to an
/ AngIO-American understanding. is exaS'
gerated But ne will, no doubt, be the
one man able to give effect, if need be, 10
a closer union between the two countries
both on account of his personal dispos1-
tion and his intimate acquaintance with
the inner workings of the policy of this
country. s. *. D.