The San Francisco call., 1899-12-21
THE SACRIFICE OF LAWTON.

/ troops is a blow that is felt throughout the
country. He had become the central fighting
figure in the Philippine campaign In his disregard
OF danger, and the stubborn pluck and courage with
which he marched and fought in the midst OF eli
matte and natural obstacles that formidable
than the human enemy he renewed the best tradi-
tons OF army and presented character that
the high and soldierly level OF Sheridan and
Custer His career had refreshed that confidence al
ways eit by countrymen that the occasion would
always hnd the ready TO lead, and matter how
difficult the circumstances nor how dangerous the
duty American would appear equal to them all
To the army his death IS calamity TO the country
the keenest that has been felt since the Span
ish war began. It has propagated the feeling that
such sacrifices out OF proportion any possible
compensation 10 be derived from the forcbe
ton OF the Philippines The rising feeling OF exul-
tation the promised close OF the is checked
by It, and there reopens long and bloody vista be-
tween and the peaceful occupation OF the archi-
peago
Il raises doubt whether our authorities compre-
hend the situation in the islands and whether we
can depend upon any part OF that population upon
any OF the tribes for real and lasting friendship II
has been represented that only a small part OF
tribe, the Tagals, engaged in resistance to
authority. and that when they are subdued peace with
all viii follow Yet Immediately preceding and imme-
diately following the lamented slaughter OF Lawton
uprisngs occur in other islands than Luzon and by
tribes other than the Tagals Military vigilance being
relaxed under the influence OF apparent friendship on
the part OF the natives outbreaks followed in Negros
and Cebu that prove deep-seated antipathy which
can only be met by the strongest and bloodiest OF
repressive methods.
President Schurman OF the Philippine Commission
hoe =. ---.,
class controlling the government OF alien and popuous
races in country in which English children canhot
live The alien and multitudnous races OF India can
only be held together by strong foreign hand. The
country already overpopulated; Englishmen
cannot live in Il"
Then, referring to the Philippines, he said: 'I
point out that whereas in development from the
Atlantic 10 the Pacific found practically uninhab-
tied territories OF which people took possession
the Philippine Islands already we'll populated oy
Malayans, who have long made it their home who
the intrusion OF other races and TO whom the
physical environment is far better adapted than it is
10 white men" These TWO facts, unrelenting re-
sentiment OF the intrusion OF other races and climatic
unftness for the white man, complete his analogy
with the British situation in India and suggest the
dilemma OF the problem Shall we continue expect
ing always rule an indignant or hostile people with
the strong hand, shall do otherwise? His con-
clusion is much clearer than the report OF the COM
mission OF which he is president. He asks: why
should We extend our sovereignty over remote
countries and alien peoples? I answer that the only
jushable object OF such expansion is the establish
ment OF good government in the territory annexed
the elevation OF its people in civilization and the
training OF them in progressive se-government with
view 10 ultimate independence whether by partner
ship in or separation from the sovereign state"
Every days experience adds to the necessity for de-
claring some civil policy for the Philippines We have
proceeded lar military lines OF conquest alone
at great cost in treasure.and greater cost in lives
crowned by this last high sacrifice Every step that
We have taken has added TO the animosities which
make further like steps necessary with like results
Along this no end is in sight but ultimate ex
termination, which will besom from the islands all
who manifest the spirit OF sef-government in the
courage Of despair with which they fight for it. At
the distant end OF this policy there rises the prospect
OF surviving population that has felt no aspiration
for seli-government and has no intellectual impres
sion OF the need OF preparation for it Those who as
pired being dead, slain, it will appear to the rest
for their aspirations the process OF educating the
dull and cowardy becomes gloomy prospect
The death OF Lawton and the events in Negros and
Cebu bring into more decided focus temperate
patriotic and wise discussion OF the policy that is cost
ing high price. The people will ask If an au-
thortative declaration, the lines OF Schurman's
conclusions, will not stop the conflict by impressing
the natives not merely with the hopelessness Of re-
sistance but with the hopefulness OF a willing and
friendly cooperation to practically all that
they fighting for. 1t will be observed that Schur-
man contemplates as alternative their ncorpora-
ton into the republic citizens and the erection OF
their country into State We do not think that the
American people will consent to this There is
left, then, military subugation and endless govern
ment by the strong hand or promise OF ultimate in
dependence.
Lawton's death seems to have no bright and con-
soling lesson in it. But if some sane policy issue
from the awful sacrifice his fame will shine the
brighter.