The record-union., 1898-12-09
AN IN MPENDING CONFLICT.

There exists not altogether unrea-
sonable belief that the Administration
will now find itself very much involved
in the new question, what are TO be
the relations of Porto Rico and the
Philippines TO the home Government
That this question is to align the peo-
pie along new formations is altogether
probable and the evidences Of 1t. are
seen on all sides thus early.
In New England, the Atlantic Coast
States, and in the Southern States there
are already movements prompted about
equally by fear to venture and by sor-
did interests, which will become activ-
tiles against q program of annexation
or Of free commerce between the new
possessions and this continent, while
the Middle West and the Pacific Coast
will just as sharply and with far more
of courage form upon lines favorable
TO keeping the new possessions and ex-
ercising over them practically absolute
control.
The one class will oppose the ratifi-
cation of any treaty we may make with
Spain upon the subject, and has already
indicated its leaders to that end. IT
is fortified by organizations, rapidly
growing, which flame under the mis-
leading title of "Anti-Imperialist
Leagues" and to the PRONUNCIATION of
their literature. Carnegie, Atkinson
and several others have contributed
some thousands of dollars.
On the other hand there is that ele-
ment composed of people who do not
fear to extend the sphere of our infiu-
ence, who believe that the result of the
late war is visible in fruits it will be
criminal to refuse to pluck; that we
have opportunity to rise to the rank of
a great first Power: that being justi-
hed In the war we would be more than
foolish to refuse to legitimately profit
by it; that we cannot in good conscience
remand rescued peoples to the incompe-
tence and cruelty of Spanish domina-
1lon, nor can we trust at this early hour.
these inexperienced peoples to form
Governments and exercise control to
which they are unaccustomed, and
which effort would in all probability,
result in internecine war and the 'des-
olation of their island homes.
Between these fires the Administra-
tion stands with it's sympathies strong
ly with the West, and the Pacific. Coast.
In favor Of retention, and of such Gov
ernment in the new possessions as will
enlarge liberty, secure tranquility and
prosperity to the acquisitions, strength
en- our outer posts. build up our mer-
chant marine and secure us our due
place in the family of nations.
AS to forms of Government for the
new possessions, opinions will differ
among even the supporters of the Ad-
ministration. The variance will deyel-
op from the demand for absolute annex-
alton to distinct and special forms of
government, and to a strong protector
ate under which the native population
may erect their own system of Govern
ment with the reservation to us of COM
mercial and naval privileges of high
value.
While the new issues will not be de-
fermined in very short time, and
threaten to carry over into the next
Presidential campaign and enlist the
livehest interest among the people that
has been witnessed since the days of
reconstruction" there is already in
Congress sharp presentment of the
whole question, because of peculiar
situation in the Philippines.
The insurgents under command of
Aguinaldo have some 5000 Spanish
prisoners. According to the terms of
the preliminary notes upon which the
treaty of peace is based, which is now
being drawn up at Paris, the President
Is required to secure at once the re-
lease of these prisoners. He will re-
quest Aguinaldo to set them free that
they may be deported to their homes.
the request it will be indicative of his
intention to resist the new authority es-
fablished under the treaty, and that will
at once force the whole subject of our
control to the front.
We would then be compelled to
threaten and to use force, and thus a
war with the insurgents would be on.
But, on the other hand, if the rebel
leader acquiesces and releases the Span
tsh prisoners, he will by that act con-
cede the claim of the United States that
it has succeeded to the sovereignty
Spain has relinquished That would in
dicate a good understanding between
the rebel commander and the United
States, and go far toward strengthening
the hands of the Administration, and
stiffening the cause of the annexa-
fionists. or rather retentionists.
This contingency will result In pub
hcity Of the real facts concerning any
quasi understanding that may have ex-
listed between the American Consul
General at Hongkong and the rebel
leader when in exile there, and between
Admiral Dewey and Aguinaldo. when
the latter returned to the islands after
the destruction Of the Spanish fleet, Ad-
miral Dewey permitting him to arm his
followers from the Spanish arsenal at
Cavite
In all the impending discussion ana