New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-07-03
SELECTIONS FROM THE MAIL.
THE FUTURE OF THE PHILIPPINES.
SOME MISTAKEN VIEWS ABOUT THE RIGHTS OF
ISLANDS AND or VICTORIOUS BELLIGERENTs.

THE FUTURE OF THE PHILIPPINES.
SOME MISTAKEN VIEWS ABOUT THE RIGHTS OF
ISLANDS AND or VICTORIOUS BELLIGERENTs
To the Editor o: The Tribune.
Sir: Old and constant readers OF The Tribune
expect It to be right always every subject. there
fore the surprise OF this class in finding The Trib
une occupying un-American and most untenable
grounds respecting the future disposition OF the
Philippine Islands when they have passed into con-
troll OF the United States. The subject is very
simple one and measurably free from all difficulties
II viewed in the proclaimed light IN which the war
regarding Cuba was undertaken; that is that II
was undertaken solely for the benefit OF Cuba ard
the Cubans. and tina, this country should in no
wise benefit, by absorption or otherwise when the
Spanish power had been expelled from the Island.
bu that 1t should be a free and independent re-
public.
Take this guaranteed announcement in connec-
ton with the established principles which the
United States Government Is founded. namely, on
the right OF every people TO manage their own
affairs in their own way. and you have the ready
and ncontrover;ible solution OF the Philippine ques
ton that so strangely puzzles The Tribune In
the editorial article in The Tribune on the 2;h inst
headed Russia and the United States occur these
words: And not Of them has any Idea OF
quarreng with the United States Il It exercises Its
unquestionablc rights OF conquest over them'-the
Philippines
But the United States has no such rights. and
never can have any such The Philippines. Ike
every other group OF Islands Of considerable ex-
tent-and for that matter OF any extent-are
marked and defined By Providence with certain de-
limitations setting them apart and separating them
from all ra!niands and TO De distinct and separate
organizations. apart and separate from all depend
Interference from any outside rule or
dictatio7 Whatever. Thus Providence marked and
defined islands like Cuba. Ireland. Crete etc. TO be
separate and independent natonaties intrusted to
the management OF those living on them. and II
this independent self-governng ownership were IN
terfered with or taken away from any OF these
separate island nations nothing but disaster can
result. 1t has in the OF the three Islands
specified az we'll as In the infinite injury that has
accrued TO the three stronger nations that nave
arrogated the. unnatural control OF them In the
the right O s With the spsn has n
% fs or q title to Sl he ne
70 hold or to 0estow Her only claim or light w was
the power. and they shall keep who can" but that
Is scarcely recognized in the present day as a
better claim or title. The Tribune speaks OK the
qnquestonable rights Of conquest That IS st II
Spain that Spain had no right or title in holding:
So hs Be and t hs United 3 tnn States IN
way Unidentified. But the subject Of this barter
the So 81 naens @s us t1
title 10 independence and the rights OF shaping its
own destiny either OF the two stronger nations
concerned Besides the natives or the Philippines
were hghting against Spain and on tho side OF the
Americans but according to The Tribune It was not
FOR their own benefit or independence (Which, am
glad to see they have promptly proclaimed but IN
order TO enable the United States TO dispose OK
them and barter them in some National or COM
mercal decker. Certainly the Presidents announce
nonts and the clear understanding by intelligent
Americans Of the object OF the war for CUBA mad
no such meaning. The case OF the Philippine
Islands Is exactly similar. x. A AIhlNSON.
New York. June g. 1895.
We cannot accept our correspondents rea-
sonins We know Of no law OF nature or OF
man that gives island territory special priv
,leges over mainland territory. nor OF any that
rorb.ds a beUgerent to strike his foe at any
vurerab BILE point: nor yet OF any that requires
a nation to abandon to anarchy the territory IL
has conquered II seems TO US 10 be the moral
duty Of the conqueror to provide for the welfare
OF the conquered which Is exactly what is pro-
posed IN the case OF the Philippines. The notion
that because we are pied yed 10 give the Cuoans
a chance 10 govern themselves independently
we must not attempt 10 exercise sovereignty
over any other lands which may fall into oui
possession Is quite untena ble.-EdI