The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-08-02
THE PHILIPPINES.

Aguinaldos actions have greatly simpli-
fed the problem by making it possible for
us to withdraw from those islands without
moral compunction as to the fate of him
SER and his companions in revolt.-Phila-
delphia Record.
We do not want and cannot with safety
annex the Philippines, though entitled to
European interference might cause us to
keep them through national pride and lust
resentment.-New York World.
If the future should impose upon us the
task of governing seven million of semi
barbarous people, the responsibility will be
present time there is a. serious doubt Wheth-
er the burden legitimately ,devolves upon us.
dhe question can be answered when all the
factS are knoWn.-Wa ShingtOn Post.
There is no reason to suppose that ma
jority of the Cabinet have at any time in
sisted upon taking the Philippines, and if
substantial unaninity now exists around
the Presidents table against proceeding to
such extremities, as the reports would indi-
cate is the case, sober people have reason
to feel encouraged over the outlook.-Spring-
field Republican.
Confident in their own strength and firm
in their self-confidence, the United States
have shown Enthusiastically their desire to ex-
tend their dominion over the ocean that lies
between their own shores and the Orient
and to fly the stars and stripes in the Phil
ippines. History does not tell of so amazing
an exhibition of nations greatness in in
tellectual power and national spirit--New
York Sun.
If immediate peace can be had ON the
terms which the President favors and war
must be continued if the Philippines are to
be taken from Spain, then the situation is
essentially as it would be if the American
people were asked whether they desired TO
begin new war for the purpose of con-
quering the Philippine islands and making
them part of the territory of the United
States.-Cleveland Leader.
The return of the Philippines to Spain is
forbidden by honor and good morals. That
solution of the problem may be dropped
from the discussion. Then we must see that
IL the PHILIPPINES cannot be trusted to govern
themselves, which appears to be equally out
OF the question, we must either keep the
islands ourselves or share the adminstra-
ton of their affairs with one or more for
eign powers.-New York Times.
The sentiment Of the Nation revolts
against turning back to Spanish misrule a
people that have been encouraged to believe
that with the help and guidance of the
United States a better order of things is be-
fore them. Just what to do with the Philip
pines is a difficult question to decide, and
it's final settlement should be postponed if
possible until those in authority have re-
ceived more light on the subject.-Chicag go
Record.
1t has cost the United States a good deal
to get a grip on the Philippines. The grip
should not be relaxed. The islands must he
owned by the United States henceforth.
Senator Lindsay is right when he states
that the American people will not be salts
fled with any arrangement that leaves any
of the Philippines under the authority of
SPAIN" Spain should be told now that any
such an arrangement is out of the question
Chicago Tribune
The more the question is discussed in this
country the stronger will be the sentiment
in favor of the retention of the islands The
more the question is discussed in Europe
the more pronounced will become the feel
ing in favor of American control. 1t is man
ifest destiny. The flag that was raised over
the Philippines by Admiral Dewey is to stay
there This is question of duty for the
United States and one of safety for Eu-
rope.-Chicago Inter Ocean
The only wise way. the only safe way, is
to take the Philippines absolutely and gov
ern them ourselves, or leave them absolute
ly with the exception of what port or ports
we may desire as coaling stations. Any mid
die course, any attempt to turn loose and
yet hold on. to avoid direct responsibility
and yet exercise it through a guardianship
of Spanish incompetents will simply result
in injury to ourselves without benefiting
anybody else.--Louisville Courier-Journal.
With the utmost of pity for Spain. with
the least intention in the world of humiliat-
ing her unnecessarily. even with a settled
Philippines we still cannot ignore the
claims of justice which forbid our generos-
ity being made the instrument to bring mis-
cry to any people now in our power.
Let us take nothing in wantonness. But let
US yield nothing which we are bound for
civilizations sake to hold. Generosity is a
fine trait. but to do justice is an inalienable
obligation.-New York Tribune.
To abandon the Philippines altogether.
after all that has occurred. would be a
gross breach of faith to the inhabitants we
have encouraged in revolt and a gross dis
regard of our commercial interests But to
keep the, central spot in the group, develop
that and arrange so that all that Spain re-
tains shall enjoy a wider trade. freedom
from oppression and release from acts of
barbarous cruelty, meets the chief needs
and duties of the situation without burden
ing the United States with the responsible
ity of governing vast and thinly settled
area and organizing over night q colonial
system for eight million people and 400
islands six thousand miles from San Fran
Philadelphia Press