The record-union., 1898-10-10
TRADE JOURNALS ON OUR POL
ICY

IL
While trade journals differ widely
regarding our Philippine policy the
majority appear to favor retention at
least of Luzon Island, if not Of the en-
tire group. The "Tradesman" of Chat
tanooga, Tenn, reflects a very promi-
nent sentiment among technical jour
nails when it says:
The West Indies may suffice for our
Northeastern mills. but the natural
home of cotton-spinning and weaving,
the Southern States of America, need
and demand sound footing, ample pro-
lection, and wide opportunity in the
vast field wherein alone their leading
industry can reach its highest devel-
opment They will not be selfish in
demanding so much for the entire Pa
cific maritime commerce already
amounts to $1,000, 000,O00 and requires
wellnigh every commodity that this
nation can produce. Nor need they
be shamefaced in asking it; profit and
progress will come to this nation from
safeguarding the Philippines; the ISL
ands are already the indispensable
base of a profitable trade with the
whole Orient; but that profit will come
as a reward, not as plunder, for our
duty and destiny there is not parti-
ton, but protection-not spoliation, but
guardianship.
On the other hand, THE Manufactur-
err Of Philadelphia, organ of the Man
ufacturers' Club, holds views favoring
a concert of action with another Pow
er in controlling the islands. 1t thinks
that an alliance can be arranged with
England for the control of the islands,
England having such wide experience
in governing colonies successfully. 1t
adds:
An Oriental concert in the Philip
pines, with England and the United
States acting as allies, would be an
Eastern policy on which the Republi
can party could go to the country this
fall with free conscience.
The Bankers Magazine" New York
has small fear Of our successfully con-
trolling the Philippines. 1t believes
that we are to change our policy and
become colonizer, and while the ex-
pertinent is fraught with danger and
encountered with difficulties, it thinks
in the end we Will succeed 1t says:
The dangers of extending our terri
tory TO distant parts, and of absorbing
semi-barbarous populations, both in a.
physical and moral sense, are no
doubt great. They involve demorah-
cation TO the dominant race, and more
or less injustice and even cruelty to the
inferior peoples The history of the
American pioneer in contact with the
Indians shows what will happen when
the tide Of American adventure seeks
to develop the resources of the annexed
domain wherever it may be. But il Is
also true that in the long run the civ
ilization Of the countries taken under
our flag will be improved, and that the
forces which make for better govern
ment Will be strengthened.
The American Grocer" New York,
rather favors the expansion policy 1t
IS not exactlx certain that this has
been decided upon, but appears to have
no fear of it, if that is to be our new
course. 1t says:
II the United States is a unit among
the nations Of the earth, then its great
ing with all other units. It must
abandon a policy of exclusiveness and
assume international responsibilities.
1t is not necessary, however, in order to
secure commerce to own territory. for
nations buy, as do individuals, in the
cheapest market but it is necessary TO
have coaling and naval stations the
world over4 and We must exert our in
an ~ hA
policy.
It may be that the mission Of the
United States is to break the moral
and physical fetters which bind the
eight or ten million natives Of the
Philippines. and possibly this cannot
be accomplished without the retention
OF the islands under the protectorate Of
the Stars and Stripes. If 1t is made
clear that that is the nations duty. let
II be met bravely and with faith in our
mission.
The American Wool and Cotton Re-
porter" Boston, believes we cannot
now retire from the Philippines: that
we have incurred responsibilities there
OF moral character which must be
shouldered 1t declares:
But the dlSpoSai or the PnitIppineS IS
not to be accomplished thoughtlessly.
Before it takes place the real nature of
the task and of the contingencies to
which ii is likely to give rise viii be
fully discussed and disclosed. We shall
then see that both morality and ex-
pediency render it impossible for the
Administration TO pay any attention to
the few persons in this country who
would have us give up any part OF the
Philippines At that time President
Mckinley will regret that he was not
more decisive in the wording of the
protocol which was signed not long
since by NJ. Cambon and Mr.. Day.
Thomas H Berkey is the regular Re-
publican nominee for the office Of
County Assessor. Mr. Berkey has the