The Saint Paul globe., 1898-11-13
Difficult to Shake Off.


when Commodore Dewey sailed his
squadron into Manila bay on that
beautiful May day morning, little
more than six months ago, and de-
stroyed the Spanish admiral's fleet. the
American eagle simultaneously fasten-
ed his taions upon "A piece of earth
which your Uncle Samuel finds IL very
difficult to shake OF. 1t was a heroic
net on the part OF Dewey and his mer
and supplied a thrilling chnpter in
naval history. To the people OF the
United States there A.. was something
quite novel In the situation. and the
achievement was awarded a hurrah
which formed a chorus throughout the
entire expanse OF territory covered by
the American Union. In our enthu-
siasm. very few among us stopped
-iong enough to contemplate or attempt
10 measure the possibilities resulting
from the act II was our first victory
in a war with a foreign power for
many years. The thought Of future
annexation Of the Philippine archipel-
ago. however. WIS remote from any
general consideration at that time But
subsequent events followed each other
so rapidly that a feeling akin TO In
toXlcation seemed 10 take hold OF the
people who. realizing that Ne had
pnnted our national foot upon new
territory. began to feel disinclined to
withdraw II therefrom
Indeed. there has been no opportunity
since then for withdrawal the continu-
ance OF Admiral Dewey and his fleet
nj Manila being a necessity pending
the peace negotiations resulting from
our capture of Santiago. But now. as
the deliberations Of the peace commits
sion at Paris draw To a close. Colum-
bla finds herself with a troublesome
appendage attached TO her diplomatic
skirts. She can't shake II on and she
cannot get consent 10 adopt as her own
the prize that has been so Nirly won.
How 10 dispose OF the Philippines In
manner that shall be satisfactory to
majority OF our own people. and
without preeipltating trouble with the
other nations OF the world. is a prob
lem which VIII rot be solved either so
promptly or 80 satisfactorily 10 all con-
cerned as some very fascinating edi-
tors and orators would seem 70 think.
There Is no doubt that. In the process
of the adjustment, of this question.
when the sentiment OF the country
comes To be nssimilated for and
against some OF our statesmen will
find themselves in very strange com
pany. AS for the proposition to estab-
lish a temporary protectorate." some
of the very ablest and most experience
ed statesmen in both parties recognize
an element Of danger. SO far as the
I'm ~ Al loo "a
countries is concerned. which compels a
halt before the government is commit
ted thereto. So eminent a Republican
as ex-senator and ex-Sccretary
of the Treasury Boutwell,, OF
Massachusetts thoughtful man
and one OF large experience. fore
sees in such a contingency a conflict
with the Roman Catholic church SEN
Rtor Hoar. OF Massachusetts. has al
ready recorded his protest against the
idea OF accepting the Philippine ISL
anGs upon any terms. on the other
hand, we find Senator German. Of
Maryland protesting equally strongly
with Senator Hoar. while Senator Nor
gen, Of Alalanla. is conspicuous In the
role Of an enthusiastic expansionist.
Probably the most interesting plan
yet presented is that Of Mr.. Woodwork
Emery, OF Boston. who proposes that
Manila. after the United States has
effected a peace treaty with SpaIn
shall become a free port: tnat the en-
tire archipelago shall be committed TO
the care and control Of joint inter
national commission. and that this
body shall be composed Of representa-
thes ~ the governments Of the United
states. England. Germany. Russia and
Holland, and that the presiding officer
Of this commission shall be the repre-
sentative of Holland. This is a novel
Idea. but Il stin involves the precipi-
tstion Of the United States into the
diplomacy both Of Europe and Asia
serious event and a disturbing fac
tor. according 70 the Characterization
Of il by Lord Salisbury In his recent
speech az the lord mayors banquet.
The chief point of difficulty in con-
nectoR With our appropriation OF the
Philippine islands VIII be found 10 ex-
ist in the manner in which the 5000 Goa
of population are To be treated and rec
oeni1ed in accordance with the provis-
ions al our federal constitution. Never
in the future history OF this nation
can these people become an Integral
part of the Union No manner or meth
"a OF education can ever bring them
10 that degree Of familiarity with cur
principles Of government which shall
entiae them 70 voice therein. The
climate Itself absolutely precludes pos
sihiiity of colonization Of the islands
through Immigration from the United
States. iae Filipinos. after all, would
In the event OF annexation, come al
last 10 oe trssted very much after the
manner In which the North America a
Indian has been treated by the GOV