New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-12-30
BEHIND TILE As 10 FACTS.

Senator Hoar eX-Secretary Boutwell, and Pro
fessor Woolsey. in their latest statements of
grounds for opposing the peace treaty. seem
to have paid little attention 10 the Philippines
since the possibility Of their acquisition was
first presented to their minds. Apparently they
imagine that 1t is quite "A matter of free choice
whether should secure possession Of the
islands or not, as much as il was before Dewey
fired a single shot, and that the treaty would
bind the United States to take the islands and
to hold them permanently. But both these sup
positions are SO entirely erroneous that one
cannot conceive bow they can be entertained
by any able man who has read anything on
the subject since May Day.
Ii has been repeatedly suggested by men in
position 10 know, as by Senator Frye in
very recent statement, snd by officials of the
State Department at Washington when the
treaty was signed that it in no way binds
the United States to keep the Philippine
Islands or restricts the Government III any
disposition it may decide to make of them 1t
accepts SPANS surrender of all authority and
power, so that no title can hereafter be cloud
ed by claim that Spain has not lost ownership
or sovereignty. But it leaves the United States
entirely free, according TO these authorized
statements either to hold the islands, to sell
the islands. to abandon the whole or any part
of them to the control of their inhabitants to
give them away TO some other Power or suffer
them to be seized by any, or. if Congress 50 de-
cdes to hold them in trust for a government
Of the people yet 10 be organized. The treaty
merely ends Spanish power 10 determine their
future II does not limit or restrict the decision
of the United States. Reports from Washing
ton have stated that the President was seri-
ously considering a sale Of the entire property.
excepting such part as may be wanted for
coallng and naval station and. whether the re-
port has any truth or not. there is evidently
nothing in the treaty TO prevent such dis
posal Of the property. How far the Govern
ment Is restricted by obligations 10 lis own
people and to the inhabitants of the islands is
another matter, and has nothing 10 do with the
ratification Of the treaty.
The essential point Is that the United States
possesses the Philippine Islands already. It's
actual possession is recognized by represent
atives Of other nations and really dates from
the destruction Of the Spanish feet by which
only il was possible for Spain TO retain posses
sion and control The capture and occupation Of
Manila was deferred until sufficient troops were
at hand to hold the place and preserve order
there, but it could have been taken or destroyed
the destruction of the feet by Dewey. Con
sdcrations of humanity or duty governed. but
SPANS power to hold Manila or any other part
of the islands absolutely ended that day, 1t
is therefore utter disregard Of obvious facts to
talk of acquiring the property as if ii were
still thing TO be done. and there were ques-
ton whether It should he done. The treaty
recognizes the fact that SPANS power has EN-
trcly ended and that the United States has
the complete international right OF CONTROL
with freedom to do whatever il chooses with
the islands or any part Of them. Possession
has actually been taken, full responsibility for
the preservation Of order has been assumed,
and obligations Of the most sacred character
toward inhabitants and foreign residents. which
can only be east off with honor and decency
when the United States Is prepared TO transfer
control TO some government capable OF MALL
tanning order and compelling respect for inter
national rights
That being the actual state Of things. argu-
ments about the wisdom Of acquiring posses
sion OF the Philippines are as much out of
place as pleas against the expedlcncy OF the
Declaration Of Independence. Men who are
alive and seek to influence the living must
recognize existing facts whether liked or dis
liked. The events OF the last month, more
over. have added the pregnant fact That the
so-called government by the insurgents has no
actual existence 1t does not and cannot gov
ern any part of the Islands. nor even itself its
own officials or armed bands. 1t would not be
stranng the truth TO say that events have al
ready demonstrated beyond dispute that In
their present condition the Inhabitants OF the
Philippine Islands are absolutely Incapable OF
governing themselves. their own wrangling
leaders, or the armed bands sent to and fro
by one pretended authority or another, and that
nothing but anarchy and massacre could result
from a decision In present conditions to leave
the islands TO the rule Of their inhabitants. IF
these arc the naked facts. II does not pos
sible for 50 high an authority In international
law as Professor Wooscy TO imagine that the
| International obligations Of the United States