The record-union., 1898-06-27
WE SHOULD DO WITH THE
ISLANDS,


ber of the North American Review,
has very clearly set forth his ideas
of what we should do with the islands
which may fall to us becauce Of this
war. He holds. that Cuba's destiny
must be that of a free state, a repub-
lie. just as soon as it is possible to as
sumo such functions. Should Porto
Rico, as republic, form a federation
with Cuba, with reserved rights to US
as to harbors of refuge, which would
be willingly accorded under treaty
since it must be conceded that Porto
Rico is too small in area to admit OF
an expansion of her people essential to
an Independent republic-the American
people would be gratified and salts
fed
Coming next to the fate of the Phil
ippines, the Senator holds that it would
be folly to return those islands to the
domination of Spain, which has so sig
nally failed in the governmnt of them.
has failed to develop their resources,
protect their people and develop their
possibilities. But no matter what is
done with them, we have the right, and
common duty bids us to insist upon
such reservation Of bays and harbors
with convenient protecting areas, as
may be necessary for the security of
rl,s hn Of
commerce.
But he does not for a moment con-
template the surrender of the islands
we lawfully acquire as the fortune of
ingly enter, but that was forced upon
us by the refusal of Spain to accord
to our just demands for peace in Cuba.
a peace she could have with honor at
any moment secured by recognizing the
independence of Cuba. Doing that she
could probably have secured by treaty
advantages which would have resulted
in a federation of Spanish-speaking re-
to the decided gain of Spain. But the
iron hand of Monarchy refused to relax
it's grasp upon the power to rule, and
tax and destroy those people.
In all departments of our Govern
ment the laws of nations are admitted
to be in force. They broaden the pow
ers of the Government to include what
ever is in accordance with those laws.
The United States, therefore, has as
rightful authority beyond it's borders
as may be exerted by any other power.
Under these powers we may lawfully
govern the Philippines, or any part of
them that comes under our rightful
control as result of war, by military
authority, if we find that to be neces-
sary.
AS to the capacity of the Filipinos to
govern themselves, that can be solved
through the friendly Offices of the Unit
ment. The example of Hawaii gives US
great encouragement in that direction.
Bring these people into contact with
benefcent influences which redeem
will accept the situation cheerfully
The native Malays possess the great
est governing power. Out of that class
comes the rebel force that has risen in
preston The history of their wrongs
is far more aggravating one than thai
of the Cubans. They have a feeling OF
racial autonomy and self-reliance, and
a strong desire for Independence Men
tally and physically they are not an in
ferior class. They have fought the Span
ish bravely. From the hour of the first
Spanish conquest of the islands they
have been in rebellion to that power
AS they had no government and were
separated into groups by the insulal
character Of the territory they have
had no union, and like our Indian tribes
have INDUCED in internicine wars.
But their contest with Spain, so Ions
maintained, proves their virtue as q
race, which gives strong assurance
that under just government they would
grow to be a strong, useful and happy
nation. If they had a government
that commanded their honest allegiance
they would become united as the Ha
waiians are.
Our Government will neither initiate
nor support a propaganda. religious OIL
political, in the Philippines, but it will
support good government and protect
these people against invasion Of their
rights by foreign powers. "The for.
tunes of war have devolved these dutie:
upon US" This does not imply annexa-
ton, for the Philippines are AsiatiC
and will so remain
But If it is the only way of saving
these people from destruction, W,
should include them within our terri
torial limits. Other nations, he holds
have no grounds for interference with
us in this beneficent matter Their
right of Intervention can only be ex
cused upon motives of compassion fol
the weaker combatant But the United
States will be the first to discern a sit.
uation that calls for its forbearance. II
does not ask other powers for assist
! ance in war that concerns it's owl
sense Of duty, and in it's prosecution 4
will reckon only with the enemy with
out consulting the ambitious purpose.
of any other power.
The Senator makes a strong, temper
ate and logical argument and consider.
the whole question from the standpoint