New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-10-30
THE PHILIPPINE DECISION.
Continued from first pag-.

tired. no American would have mourned for
the non possession OF the Philippines and the
lack Of obligation for the condition Of their
people which has been dumped upon the United
States Such an obligation IL is now felt ex-
lists which cannot be discharged by the
control possession Of the entire archipelago.
This advice finds support in the Partisan press
which to-day declares that resistance is impos-
sible. and that Spain should abandon the archi-
pelago Spaniards now in Paris declare that the
Philippines are drag. and assert that Spain
would lift cry OF joy 10 be relieved Of them If
the terrific debt pressure should he thus les
sened. On the other hand Spaniards at home
are clamoring that their Commission should bolt
the conference and returning thus fulfil the
highest duty
The Americans feel that there Is no possible
geographical line for dividing the Philippines
Were they to retain the island Of Luzon an
other Power. possibly inimical now or hostile in
the future, might occupy Mindanao or any Of
the nearby islands within cannon reach Of Lu-
ton. Again jealousy caused by the advantages
OF the natives under American control on
single island would become the source Of un-
ending pickering and possible complications be-
tween the United States and other Powers DOS
sessing other islands OF the group.
While commercial advantages may be held
IN part as reason for the United States TAX
ing the entire group. il is small hazard 10 say
that the chief concern Of the American Com
missioners has been 10 adopt q course which
shall honorably meet the high demands i'm
Of the natives and the territory. should both
be now suddenly surrendered to Spain. who is
confessedly unable to compel peace, thrift
moral conditions in the archipelago
IN EVENT OF RENEWED POSSIBILITIES.
1t is appreciated by spaniards and Americans
alike that should treaty result here. hostili-
ties will continue, and both sides clearly under
stand that in such event. the American fleet
would Immediately possess the Philippines be-
yond question. and without money considera-
ton to Spain. The Canares would then be an
object OF interest 10 the United States. and
possibly other Spanish possessions.
Close observers here express the belief that H.
IN the cN ent Of renewed hostlities. the United
states approached the peninsular. no European
Power. in the present international condition.
would involve itself on behalf Of Spain. Should
me American and Spanish Commissions ap-
preach a deadlock on the subject of the Philip
pines. Spain before retiring would doubtless pro-
pose arbitration.
view that the submission OF the to any
European Power in the present delicate
conditions would be tantamount TO a submission
o. a dispute TO arbiters already involved in
differences affecting possibly the case proposed
70 be submitted
On Monday next the United States Commits
the Philippines openly and comprehensively be-
fore their Spanish colleagues and II is proba-
bic that the Spanards will then first raise the
point whether the protocol pun Csed to question
Spanish sovereignty in the Philippines. Signih-
canty touching this point is a recent utterance
by the Madrid Impartial" that the Spanish
Commission should not remain in Paris IL the
Intentions Of the protocol concerning the Philip
pines were not carried out with the utmost rigor.
On the eve of the Philippine negotiations there
is unofficial anticipation that treaty will be
signed which involves the loss Of the Philippines
70 Spain without large financial consideration,
and IL would not cause surprise should the
Spaniards. at some stage OF the considerations.
withdraw as body. or If some members should
resign effecting the same result.
The American Commissioners to-day received
from Washington full advices in response 10
the submission Of their individual views regard
ing the Philippine question. and two sessions
were held 70 consider these replies.