New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-06-03
HONOR AND GEOGRAPHY.

Would II be a fine thing tn have all the ma
tions Of Europe unite in the declaration be-
cause unable TO unite in any other, that the
Philippine Islands must remain American terri
tory. and yet be compelled to reply, "Not posi-
'ble because we will not take what requires
"hodng. and are too stingy TO undergo the ex-
"pense necessary TO hold these islands! Men
who think that will be an answer possible for the
American people know very little about them.
Hunger for more territory this Nation has not
1t has been quite able to take considerable terri
tory II 1t desired. But II has some sense OF
duty and, from n lower point Of view some
pride II could not be left charged with the re-
sponslbillty for good government and protection
in far distant Islands which the fortunes Of
war have most Unexpectedly thrown into It's
hands and then refuse the duty and the respon-
sibility in order 10 save expense Americans
are not OF that sort
1t is entirely within bounds Of possibility that
European Powers would be unable even IN the
improbable case Of their being asked-to agree
upon any settlement about the Philippine Isl
ands. excepting that the United States shall hold
and govern them. What the wishes Of Americans
NAV be It Is not needful here TO consider. II
they feel that this acquisition must be held, that
no territory once bearing the Stars and Stripes
shall ever bear any other fag that is the more
weighty. But II is likely that knowing and re-
speeding our rights European nations may feel
that any disposition OF the islands by the
United States in the exercise Of it's rights as
conqucror will be hurtful to one European in
terest or another. unless this country retains
control Wanted or not wanted. Americans
may be forced to hold
hodv no uiIl no ouf
weigh both sense Of duty and Of pride? What
would the cost be? An Isthmus canal, first OF
all. and one controlled entirely by the United
States. 1t would cost something to build. even
under present arrangements If 1t cost only one
tenth as much 1t would be questionable out
lay II any other nation could use It In anticpa-
ton Of war as quickly and as fully as the
United States. II the canal is 10 be built this
Nation will have to determine first OF all that 1t
must be entirely under the control Of the Amer-
can Government. The bare possibility Of any
foreign should be enough to empower the
United States 10 close the canal against any
foreign Power which might attack our Pacific
possessions. This would mean a great change
from the theories heretofore advocated In
times Of peace the canal should be opened for
vessels Of all nations. Its owner should have
power to collect tolls from the commerce Of all
nations for the enormous service rendered in
shortening by a month or more the route be-
tween the Atlantic and the Pacific. But when
National protection requires the canal ought to
be IN American canal and nothing else.
With that, and. since 1t Will take time to COM
plete 1t. even more without 1t. what power have
we for defence Of Pacific possessions without
coaling stations owned and fortified and abso-
lutely controlled by the United States? The
very best that can be done at this time Is to de-
pend upon the hospitality of Hawaii for Ameri-
can vessels which are recoaling. not for a yoy-
age TO their nearest home port but for the voy-
age TO more distant Asintic port There was
biting truth In the reply said TO be made by a
French consul TO question whether hospital.
tiles given to Spanish warships were not OK.
cessive. Less" he answered than the United
States consents to accept from the neutral Ha-
"waiian Islands" When we have taken the
Caroline Islands, II ever. the voyage from San
Francisco or from the Isthmus canal will still
be too great for the capacity Of almost all YES
GELS. So vote to stand fast in Manila becomes