New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-08-26
rgP SPIRIT OF PHILIPPINE INSURGENTS

One feature of the Philippine problem has
heon overlooked by those who have honestly
recalled from The difficulty of governing igno-
ran, or savage Inhabitants. TO the Philippines
American mower brings relief after ages OF cruel
onuression. Ii was touching statement IN
recent dispatch. that while Admiral Dewey
scemed 10 them as god or father, they were
at first afraid Of American Army officers be-
couse they feared treatment like that 10 which
The Spanish Army had accustomed them, but
noxv becin TO sec that the American Army and
Navy arc one This sense of relief from oppreS'
sion of the blessings OF Justice.and protection
after intoerabe tyranny. will spread wherever
American authority makes itself felt. II VIII
contrast powerfully with Spanish rule, and also
with the arbitrary and cruel rule Of native
chiefs 1t IS folly 20 deny that the persistent
instructions in the Philippine Islands have had
more justification in ill-treatment and barbarity
than has the rebellion in Cuba. A horrible mis-
rule against which the best men and journals OF
Spaln have openly protested in the strongest
terms has driven the natives to risk without
hesitation lives which have. come to seem not
worth living.
The case IS not like that Of India, who're Brit
ish pow.r was established by the conquest OF
native rulers and tribes. The American con-
oucst is OF the oppressor. To the Indian the
British came as enemies but 10 the Flnpna
the Americans come as rescuerS from oppres-
sion. Yet even in India, with all the faults OF
the British administration it has come TO be
generally respected for its enforcement OF I'm
martial laws and its effort TO Improve the con-
ditlon OF the people, and no one douots mat
India is UNNECESSARILY happier and more pros
perous under European government. Should IL
be found the duty OF Americans to govern
the Philippine Islands, they would start Win
none of the hatred which conquered people
feel toward yictors in bloody strife. Their acts
would be all the time and at every place con-
trasted with those Of the Spaniards. who have
ruled for century. Ii is not possible that the
contrast could fail TO make deep impression.
Differences of religion are regarded by many
rs sure to be a source Of trouble. But II is not
10 he forgotten that II was against the exac-
tons and the cruelties of the priests, quite as
much as against Spanish civil or military rule,
that the insurgents rebeed. The temper
toward the monks and the religious orders has
been shown In the necessity Of protecting their
lives as far as possible ever since American
forces landed near Manila. The insurgents
NAV feel resentment because deprived of their
revenge. as some Cubans do about Santiago
Int they will presently find that under Amcri
crn rule all cruelties and exactions In the name
of religion have TO cease. If they lose revenge,
they gain all that freedom would give The
Church as IN this country, will have TO support
itself by the voluntary contributions OF its adj
horcnis. and TO obey the laws like all citizens.
No other course could so speedily bring peace
between the priests and those who have sought
their lives.
The duty Of this Nation toward these long
oppressed people may be lin tied to single
city and it's surroundings, or tc single island
That remains TO DO seen. But the results Of
the change within the limits of American
authority. whatever those limits are. will quick
ly become known beyond them. II the Ameri-
81 ypla u Just impartial and honest 1t will be