The Atlanta constitution., 1898-08-22
The Fate Of tho phiinDines.


Irrespective of the relations OF this
country to the problem, there is much
to interest all of us in the question::
What is to become of the Philippines?
Madrid dispatches from reliable
sources state that Sagasta is considering
the possibility Of sale to some European
power, and in the same dispatch the
suggestion is thrown out that perhaps
this country will be the purchaser.
Spain's inability to hold the islands is
dWelt upon at length. The strength
of AgUinald0's army is pointed out, and
the inference is plain that If the islands
pass back under the control Of Spain,
they Will at once be put upon the mar
ket
This comes from the Spanish capital.
and if not directly authorized by repre-
sontajiyes Of the government in an Off
cal way, it is at least valuable in show
ing what is in the air there, Some Of
the difficulties presented by the problem
OF the DISPOSITION of the islands are
touched upon, but not all of them, for
this particular dispatch goes no farther
than presenting the possible wishes Of
the Spanish government. 1t does not
require q student of international law
TO see that others besides Spain must he
consulted when the time for the settle
ment of the Philippine question comes,
and that the attitude of the European
powers IS necessarily a most important
factor in the problem.
The suggestion tlat Spain is consid-
erng the possibility of the United States
becoming the purchaser of the islands
calls for but little comment, Sa@asta
need nurse no such thought
Can Spain sell to anybody in case we
demand nothing more than a coaling
station and a port? If We are to hold
only part Of That island Of Iuzon. for
instance, ought we not to have a say as
to what form of government Shall main
tain in the other parts? But even If
We ask no part in the determination of
who shall be our neighbors or how they
shall govern the natives. viii not other
powers demand the right to he consult
ed? IT, for instance Spain should fnd
a purchaser in Great Britain, is it not
entirely reasonable that Russia and
France and Germany should rise in their
might and enter protest? Would they
not make equally loud and vigorous pro-
test against Japan's holding these is
lands and adding to the uncertainties OF
the eastern question?
And IF Russia, through her iuimirable
diplOmacyLthe diplomacy that acts
while others talk-s'hOuld he selected as
purchaser, or if she should accomplish
the same end through some one of her
anti-British allies, think you that Eng
land would sit quietly by and permit
the occupation? Russia and England
are at the threshold of a war because
British bankers are not allowed to lend
money to and become approved preferred
creditors Of a railroad in China Every
move in that section Of the world is al
most certain to lead to a clash. so valu-
able are the various points of vantage
considered; and the possibility of one Of
the rivals getting hold OF such valuable
commercial bases as the Philippines
would, in all likelihood, precipitate the
IOng-loOked-for clash that would involve
all Europe.
Spain's idea of parting With the is
lands by sale does not, therefore,
seem likely of accomplishment. Would
be purchasers are not likely to I've nu-
merous when purchase carries with it
the certainty Of war. Japan might be
willing. TO try it on, for Japan thinks
she is capable of doing great things since
she made John Chinaman bite the dust;
but there would be chorus of objec-
ton to such extension Of Japanese
power,
1t looks very much, then, as if there
are but two parties whose hold of the
islands would avert war-this country
and Spain. We must either hold the
islands or give them back to Spain. If
we do the latter, We ourselves are
likely to become involved in some hig'Aly
interesting complications, for it may
become necessary for us to turn our
guns on the men whom we nave been
regarding as allies. Spain says she is
incapable of putting down the revolu>
ton. This country is responsible for
that revolution, for these things were
quiet in tho islands until Dewey took
AgunaldO down from Hong Kong and
staked him with war material. He did
this. not for the sake of the Insurgents.
but because he believed It would be Of
advantage to our own cause; and the
charge that We are responsible for the
present state Of affairs is certainly we'll
grounded If, therefore. we decree in
our treaty Of peace that Spanish soyar-
eighty is to remain Ovac the Philippines,
is it not among the probabilities that We
will have to suppress the Aguinaldo re-
belliOn?
Aguinaldo is disposed to ssk leading
questions He wants to know what we