The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1898-07-11
The Retention of the Philippines.

reader of The Constitution, con
graduating us on the conservative tone
of the paper in discussing the new Ques-
tons that have unexpectedly arisen as
results Of the war. reminds us OF the
storm OF Indignation which swept over
the country, annihjlating party lines
for the time being and submerging fac
tions, when it Was announced that Nj.
Cleveland had dispatched an extra
judicial envoy to Hawaii for the pur-
pose Of hauling down the American flag
that had been raised there and restor-
ing the monarchy that bad been over
thrown Our correspondent also men
tons the obscruty into which some OF
those engaged in that business have
been engulfed. and he concludes by sug-
costing that the administration or party
which undertakes to haul down the
American flag that has been planted IN
the Philippines will not for long years
to come find the climate OF this repub
lie very healthy
Well. our correspondent happens to
be a southern mana confederate vet
eran-and we have 10 doubt that his
feelings in the matter are those of many
thousand Of people who never take the
trouble to write to the newspapers. We
do not print his communication for the
reason that it contains illusions to GER
tain persons who were not responsible
for the Hawaiian programme of Cieyc-
land. but who were unfortunately con
nccted with 1t in the public mind. But
the suggestion about hauling down the
flag in the Philippines opens up a very
interesting branch Of the discussion.
namely. what part will sentiment play
III the final disposition of the territory
which providence seems to have placed
under our care?
The events which the light-mindod
are wont to call the accidents OF war
have in an ages and times grouped
themselves In such a way as finally to
contribute to the progress and develop
ment Of man to the growth OF ciyliza-
ton. and to the expansion Of the prin-
CiUles of law and order. The student
who reads history and regards it as a
succession Of accidents has but super
fetal view of things. Nations have
responsibilities thrust upon them that
they cannot eyade. The Philippines
belong in this category We did not go
to war to capture them; they were not
on the programme at all. They were
thrown into our hands by necessity. II
IS easy to see now that the events whion
led I'D to the occupation of Manila bay
were Inevitable under the circumstances.
Therefore we are IN possession Of this
territory proyidentially. We did not
seek the responsibilities which this pos
session implies; they were thrust upon
us; and the result was so unexpected
that it was a month before the admin
istrati0n could see IT'S way clear to send
ing an expedition with troops and sup
plies to Dewey.
But what has happened since the ad-
ministration recognized the situation?
Two expeditions have been dispatched;
General Wesley Merritt, the most ac-
complished soldier in the army, goes
out with the powers Of governor gener-
al; and he carries with him a form Of
government inoird'n% 2 tariff system,
under which the islands are to be op-
Grated All this is temporary. of
course; but to what does it seem to
lead? And when the time comes. as
some say it must come. for the Untted
States to get out, what president and
what party will propose to haul down
the American flag that has been planted
there?
1t is said that all this leads to con-
uuest-a policy in which the republic
cannot engage. But why use harsh
words that mean nothing? Why talk
about Conquest" and "imperialism."
when these terms never had and never
will have any definite meaning with
respect to territorial acquisitions by the
United States? Would it not be as
easy to talk about the redemption Of