Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1898-08-06
OFFICIALS BELIEVE 1T DONE.
Manila Supposed to Have Surren-
dered.

Washington, Aug 1T is believed
that Manila his surrendered to Admiral
Dewey 1t is not known under what con
ditions the surrender may have been
made. There is also a lack of definite in
formation regarding the general condition
in the islands, and the attitude of the in-
surgents. Neither the president nor any
member of his cabinet desires to take
possession of the Philippine islands by
force, fighting Spain and the insurgents.
If Aguinado. having declared himself
dictator, is possessed of determination
to place himself at the head of the gov
eminent there, and the ma jority of the
people propose to support him, the United
States will not undertake Il conquest OF
arms. The president has no desire 70
send an army against the insurgents, and
does not believe that the people of this
country want him to 80 to war to con-
quer the islands.
Should such be the situation in the
Philippines, the most ardent supporters
of annexation in the cabinet say that
this government should not undertake to
interfere, but leave the Philippines for
Spain and the Insurgents to fight over.
But they would retain and maintain 4
naval base, whatever the insurgents
might say
There are divergent views on the ques-
ton as to the final demand OF the govern
ment in the Philippines, but they are all
based on incomplete information, and it
is agreed that this question should be
left open. There are several reasons for
such decision. The president has ~
more confidence in SPANS sincerity than
have the people. The majority of the
cabinet doubts the sincerity OF Spain in
her oyertures for peace,
Test Spain's sincerity.
They doubt the wisdom OF making
known to Spain Just what the claim Of
this government should be in the Philip
pines, if that could be determined, for
the reason that if Spain is only fencing
this would enable her to continue and also
to appeal for sympathy to the European
powers. 1t is argued and accepted that |
SPANS sincerity should be tested on the
demand that she should withdraw from
this continent and that whatever of ne
gotations must follow should be i'll re-
gard to the Philippines.
But there is another and better rea-
son for postponing the final declaration as
to the policy of this government toward .
the Philippines. That is public sentiment.
President Mckinley throughout his
whole public career has followed the ad-
vice of Lincoln to keep close to the peo-
pie, believing that public sentiment Is the
best guide in public affairs.
Public Sentiment should Rule.
A close friend of the president says:
president Mckinley is the peoples pres
ident; was nominated and elected by the
voice of the people in truer sense than
any man who has occupied the White
house in many years. 1t has been his rule
in politics to listen to the voice OF the
people He believes that in republic
where the people rule the president should
be guided by public sentiment.
"There is but one sentiment in this
regarding Cuba and Puerto Rico.
Spain must withdraw from both 1t was
an easy matter for the cabinet to decide
upon that demand. But with the Philip
pines it is very different There are sew
eml views, and the country is discussing