The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-12-05
REV. S. b. MEESER.

l do not believe that any one can
answer that question categorically. We
are in the midst of moving events any
one of which may change the aspect OF
the case. Some things are clear how
ever,
First, we have them and must dc
something with them. Whether We buy
a sovereignty or refuse to pay tbs mil
lions, events, have made them ours in
some sense. Spain will not war again
on their account, and has released the
islands to us.
Second. the question Of what to do
with them is not u question of so much
real estate or OF more or less commerce,
The islands are inhabited by peoples
whose destiny is involved in the dis
position we make. Our act is, therefore
necessarily moral; for we decide the
destiny of men, rather than the dis
position Of things. They are not slaves
or chattels but persons. What we do
must consider them primarily; not our
selves. Our answer must be decided not
by commercial interests of our own;
nor primarily by political considera-
tons of our own; but by moral consid-
erations. 1t is q question of our duty,
and not a morally Indifferent thing,
Third, [ do not believe that duty leads
us to annex the islands. with the idea
that they may finally become states;
though even that may, in the course of
a generation, be seen TO be wise. We did
so annex territory, inhabited by alien
population, and bought sovereignty
when Florida, louisiana Texas and
California became parts Of our possess
ions.
Fourth Nor do I believe that that
duty leads lis to annex the islands, with
the idea that they may become a per
manent part of our territory, even
though not considered as possible
states though we did so in the case
of Alaska, again purchasing sovereign
ty Hawaii. has also been considered in
such q case, but here sovereignty is
said to have been dissipated. But even
this may by the logic of events be seen
to be the best thing for these islands
and the fulfillment of our duty to them.
Fifth, the same things may be said
of the islands considered as possible
permanent colonies; except that we
MES.
Sixth believe that the one thing
that is best adapted to the present
conditions and institu ons, Though it
may be seen to be wise to change our
institutions, adapting them wisely to
new occasions and responsibilities, is
to accept the sovereignty from Spain
which she has released to us, and OK
ercise it in the spirit of 2 true trustee
who recognizes his responsibility to the
peoples themselves, and to the world
at large, until such time as it may ap-
pear wise to give it over to the Phil
ippinoS themselves in self~gOVernment
In the meantime, all possible effort
should be made to develop the self
governing faculty, by granting certain
local and limited home rule; and by the
educatiVe processes of religion and a
more secure civilization.
Or it may be wise to retain such
sovereignty in the United States gov
eminent, only until the Philippines
consent to become, either a permanent
territory or colony Or state of the
United States; such Incorporation al
ways being conditioned on the consent
of the people of the United States.
If it be objected that just govern
ment is dependent on the consent Of
the governed, one might ask if We Sc
cured the consent of the Hawaiians. or
of the Alaskans or of the Texans or
Louisianians, or the peoples of Florida;
and whether or how we gained the
consent of the southern states, who
were compelled to stay in the Union
at the point of the bayonet and at the
mouth of the cannon. Just govern
ment is q government which is
adjusted u the needs and con-
ditions of the people. AT best,
a consent could be known to have been
given by a majority vote, which, un-
less it were nearly unanimous. would
leave a great and possibly influential
minority, who would be governed
against their consent
In this case, however, the proposition
is temporary matter, a sort of politi-
cal tutelage, until the young Filipino
has reached seniorage and by self
development has become fitted for
government. If he then should
elect to continue as territory or state
of the United States. even the anti
eXpansionist might reconsider his tudg-
ment There is nothing we need SO
much to avoid as the temptation to
decide at once, now and forever. unal-
tefably and infallibly just what shall
be done,
No hard and fast policy should be
adopted, We do not know as yet what
our destiny and theirs may he; nor
will it be conditioned alone upon our
deliberations. God is in His heavens"
and His authority is still felt on earth,
Let us take the steps as we see our
way, neither plunging into the dark
ness, nor refusing to walk in the light;
sure only of one thing, namely. that
we have received the reward of our
duty to Cuba, which is increased re-
sponsibility.
SPENSER B. MEESER.
REV. A. y. CONRAD, D. D.