New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-09-25
THE NEW RESPONSIBILITY.
WHAT ONE WOMAN THINKS OF THE AMER
ICAN DEPENDENCIES

WHAT ONE WOMAN THINKS OF THE AMER
ICAN DEPENDENCIES.
Carrie Chapman Gait the chairman OF the Com
mttee on Organization OF the National American
Woman's Suffrage Association. was Interested IN
other things besides equal suffrage when seen by
Tribune reporter yesterday.
"Our country" she said. has Unexpectedly and
without preparation found itself in possession OF
three and possibly four dependencies This is a
new responsibility. and one which is weighing upon
the minds and consciences Of thinking men and
women. II Is a healthy sign that public ana press
are Just earnestly inquring into the fitness OF
the United States assume this responsibility.
Under Spanish rule these people have suffered
heavy and unjust taxa ton and have had their per-
sonal liberties much restricted. They have not had
the advantage Of free schools and free speech has
been denied them. Suddenly relieved Of these OPP
pressons liberty becomes license. and pillage and
plumber their definition, for freedom.
THE manifest duty Of the United States Ia TO so
direct the affairs Of these peope 10 lead them
10 the establishment Of stable. wise and tolerant
government Having revolted from the rule OF
Spain. they must he taught self-government. It is
not an easy task since they range through all the
stages from the primitive savage 10 the civilized
man.
THE Filipnos seem TO agree upon Aguinaldo AZ
their leader yet this mans only conception OF the
responsibility Of ruershp consisted in establishing
a senseless code Of personal decorations for himself
and other officers.
The Cubans at close range proved disappointing
In character. The Porto Ricans yet Of un-
tested quality. and the Hawailans are a hetero-
geneous mass OF people with the average OF low
grade OF development. Many declare these people
wholly unfit for self government: others say there
is no other solution Of the difficulty. Some say
military supervision should be maintained: others
that this is wholly out OF keeping with American
ideals
AT any rate. face to face with the
problem Of self government or no self government
FOR these dependencies. with the odds strongly In
favor OF the former Whatever the outcome. tho
situation is ore full OF humiliation for American
women They have the freed from
bondage and endowed with the suffrage. the Indian
stopped in the course OF his murderous enterprises
10 be enfra nchsed and the force Of our mighty
Nation Is 10 be extended to enfranchsc these new,
unknown and INFESTED Americans
"There is no woman who will not welcome any
method which help these men TO higher man.
hood and better civilization. but the sef-respect-
ing logical woman. In the agony OF her humiliation
cannot refrain from asking the question. Why In
all the last thirty years has there never been time
or Justice sufficient TO recognize the woman citizens
right to the ballot? After the fashion OF Nine
Roland she cries. o liberty, what crimes are COM
mitted In thy name. Surely, wise. liberty-lovins
man will enlist In volunteer army. whose
weapons shall be Justice and truth. and will battle
to RICH, this wrong
The Acknowledgement Of women will prove the
browning glory democratic government. and
countless good will follow In its wake