The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1898-11-02
AND SHOULD REMAIN UNDER OUR
FLAG.
Martin j. Egan Speaks of Conditions
Existing and Results Likely to Fol-
low--Nacllating Military Policy.

Few men have had better upportu-
mites for observing events and condi-
tions in the Philippines than Martin
j. Egan of the San Francisco Chroni-
Gle. Mr.. Egan thus gives his conclu-
sions from these observations, both
as TO the duty of retaining the Islands
and the reasons for it:
| am strongly for the retention of
the Philippine Islands, not only be-
cause they are material compensa-
ton for our money and blood, but be-
cause Spain has proved her utter in
competence to govern them, and the
native is not capable of toddling as
Il baby nation. The problem is not
an easy one by any means for we will
at once be charged with the task of
restoring order and confidence and be
forced to at once give satisfactory
government and adequate protection
to seven millions of people, including
hundreds of thousands of wild, un-
tanned Malays. | have little doubt of
the outcome if our people are prepar-
ed to be governed by the past expert
ence of other nations and will ap-
proach the task honestly, 1t is un-
fortunate that the government of
these people should be removed from
the wave of our political spoils sys-
TEN. We must have an intelligent,
honest, colonial bureau, and rear COM
petent men to life's service with
emolument that will preclude bribery.
| am not sure that the change of con-
troll can be accomplished without fur
ther clash of arms. Our military
chieftains at Manila have simply
lacked nerve and have backed and
filed in their vacillating way until
the rebels under arms have no respect
for them. Aguinaldo. who is an ad-
venturer and not patriot, has 1000
rifles and 20 modern field pieces, plen-
ty of ammunition, controls the rail
| way running from Manila to Dagu-
pan. and has the best of position from
the stragetic standpoint. / would not
be surprised if his ambition and false
| hopes led him to resist our arms. My
own belief is that much trouble would
have been avoided if Aguinaldo had
been forcibly made party to the ar
mistice. Instead of that we have been
| forced into the unfortunate position
of holding the Spaniard while the in
surgent plundered and looted other
parts of the colony. The majority of
the people of the islands are kindly
and well disposed, but easily deluded,
| for they have never known kindness
from any source. Doubtless they will
quickly recognize the fairness of our
people when the opportunity to live
under a just system comes. 1t is n
land of wonderful possibilities. The
soil is remarkably rich, the products
are varied and bountiful, and the eli
mate is not so bad as painted. 1t re-
mains almost unopened, for there are
districts within forty miles of Mani
la where no white man has ever trod.
There is work for the explorer and
: prospector, and when they have com
pleted their work it will be necessary
to write new story of the richness of
! the land. The American soldiers do
not take kindly to garrison duty at
Manila, and long for home. They
showed excellent qualities when pit
ted against the Spaniards and deserve
r all the confidence that was reposed in
| them.
5 MARTIN j. EGAN.