The record-union., 1898-07-30

we do not desire and will not have. We
take it, however, that we will not
abandon the islands to an internecine
war, nor will we recognize the dictator
ship of the Aguinaldo insurgents, but
will secure guarantees that will make
stable such reforms as are demanded
by the F'ilippinos and which are just.
Finally, without making any mention
whatever of indemnity, we demand a
coaling station in the Ladrone Islands.
In the meantime the war will go on,
and if it comes to a pause before the
last Spanish infantryman is driven out
Of the Caribbean, it will be because Of
the act of Spain in acceding to our de-
mands.
We have been of those who believe in
retention of all of the fruits of the war;
that we should maintain our hold upon
the Philippines and not return the peo-
pie of that part of the earth's surface
to the rule and mercilessness of Spain.
We shall continue to believe that such
would be neither dangerous one, nor
departure from the fundamental prin-
ciples of the republic.
But we are frank to say that the an
swer of the President and his Cabinet
is charged with strength. 1t will strike
all Europe as magnanimous but bold,
as just yet severe. 1t will remove from
our home politics a disturbing issue,
and will put aside the division of sem
timent which is clearly marked among
our people concerning the extension of
our territory beyond Hawaii
The effect, however, we believe, will
be to leave the philippines for a consid-
erable length Of time under our control
We brought on the present situation
there. To the heroism and wisdom of
Admiral Dewey in Manila Bay is most
largely due our ability to make the de-
mands now pressed upon Spain No
man can, therefore, clearly forecast the
future of the Philippines. That they
Will be returned to the domination from
which we have rescued them is intoler-
able. and hence a guarantee is asked
for the institution of reforms which will
give the islands the blessings of peace
and possibly Of practical independence.
Since the promises of Spain are utter
~ worthless, as, for instance, in the
grant of the constitution to Porto Rico
in 1863, and which has proved a miser-
able farce, we are to see to it that no
such scurvy trick is played upon the
Fillipinos.
Assuming that the terms we have
outlined are correctly reported at this
writing, we must say, while dissenting
from the decision not to retain the Phil
ippines, that the President has assum-
ed an attitude and outlined a policy
that will appeal with great force, not
only to the people Of our own country.
but will win for US the applause and
commendation of the civilized world.
In the hour of victory we have been
great; in the moment of triumph we
have proved merciful, and through all
have accomplished what we set out to
do, namely, free Cuba from Spanish
domination. For whether she accepts
the terms or not, Spain must go from
Cuba, and She will move, if not now,
very early in the coming fall
We have done more, we have secured
the most easterly station in the West
Indies, added to our territory the most
fertile, healthful and most strategically
valuable of all the group. We have Sc
cured another station in the Pacific
and hold still another in the Orient to
which we will adhere. We give no
power on earth pretext for interference,
and we free 100000 of oppressed peo-
pie from the cruelties and blood suck
ing system Of Spain.