The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-09-13

ment that he is in entire accord with Pro-
fessor Schurman on every point regarding
the Philippines "As he is quoted by the
newspapers" said the admiral, ''he definite
ly explains my position. quite agree with
what Mr.. Schurman says. We were inva-
riably in accord Professor Schurman con-
firms this. mo question ever came up at
meeting of the commission" he says, ION
which the admiral and myself were not in
thorough accord" Now, Mr.. Schurman,
since his return from the Philippines has
expressed himself very strongly in favor
Of putting down the instruction and estab-
fishing the authority of the United States
before considering any question as to the
future government or disposition OF the
islands. In a recent statement for the Asso-
ciated Press he said:
The issue to-day is not a commercial one,
although theehatural resources of the Phil
ippine islands are of great value and await
only American capital for development. Nor
Is the question one of political expediency
or party politics, although in its collateral
t branch there may be aspects on which Pc,
question to-day is neither one of CONNER
cial advantage nor of partisan politics. 1t is
ah pu5ely moral question the vital Issue is
-
loyal Filipinos and the fulfillment of our
obligations TO the nations of the world In
volved in our acceptance of sovereignty.
No doubt Professor Schurman held this
view all the time he was in Manila and
has often expressed ii to Admiral Dewey.
AS they both say they are in full accord
on every point it is fair to assume that
Professor Schurman expresses the admiral's
views as we'll as his own.
Again. on May %, 1899, Professor Schur-
man, as president Of the commission, sub
mitted to a delegation of Filipinos. in writ
ing. the following proposition. drawn up by
the commission, wired to the President and
by him approved:
While the final decision as to the form of
government is in the hands of Congress, the
President, under his military powers. pend
ing the action of Congress, stands ready TO
offer the following form of government:
A governor general to be appointed by the
governor general: all the judges to be ap-
pointed by the President; the heads OF de-
partments and judges to be either Ameri-
cans or Filipinos, or both; and, also gen.
eral advisory council, its members to be
chosen by the people by a form of suffrage
to be determined upon hereafter carefully
The President earnestly desires that blood
shed cease, and that the people of the
Philippines. at an early date, enjoy the
largest measure of self-government COM
patible with peace and order.
AS this proposition came from the COM
mission it of course embodied Admiral
Dewey's views at that time. -
From all the information at hand and
from Admiral Deweys known patriotism
his views regarding the Philippines can be
pretty accurately surmised. He doubtless
thinks with Professor Schurman that the
honor of the Nation is involved in the sup
preston of the present instruction and the
establishment of the authority of the United
States over rightful possession, and that
this should be done by vigorous prosecu-
ton of the war. The instruction sup
pressed, he believes the United States
should extend to the Ffipinos the largest
measure of self-government compatible with
peace and order, and he believes they are
better fitted for self-government than the
Cubans are.