Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-11-09
PHILIPPINE REPORT.
The Commission Submits a prelim-
mary Report on the Islands.
The war UNAVOIDABLE BY AMERICA.
A Vivid Picture Given Of the Anarchy Ex-
listing Among the Inhabitants--Amer-
lean Control Means Peace
and Order.


Washington, Nov. SIN accordance
with the understanding reached at the
conference at the white house Wednes-
day the Philippine commission yester-
day submitted to the president the pre-
liminary report which it had promised
to prepare. The report appears to be
q campact summary Of conditions on
the islands as the commission left them;
OF the historical events which preceded
the Spanish war and led to the original
Filipino instruction; of the exchanges
between Admiral Dewey and the other
American commanders and the insur-
gents; the breaking out and progress
of the present insurrection and, finally,
a statement Of the capacity Of the Fill
pinos for self.government. A notable
feature OF the report is memorandum
by Admiral Dewey explanatory OF his
relations with Aguinaldo.
The commission tells briefly how 1t
conducted the task entrusted to II,
hearing statements from all classes of
people In Manila as to the capabilities
OF the Filipinos for self-government,
the habits and customs Of the people
and also the establishment of munci-
pal governments in many towns. ALI
this matter is to be included in the
final report. Turning to the history
of the islands the commission attaches
little Importance to the divers rebel
lions which had preceded that Of 1895.
As to this movement they declare that
II was in no sense an attempt to win
independence but solely to obtain re-
lief from intolerable abuses. The re-
port then rapidly sketches events now
historical. 1t tells in substance how
the Filipinos attacked the Spanish and
how Gen. Anderson arrived and Agui-
naldo, at his request, removed from
Cavite to Baccoor.
A brief chapter then tells of the lack
OF success attending the effort made
Ut this time by Gen, Merritt through q
commission to arrive at mutual under
standing with Aguinaldo as to the in
tentions purposes and desires Of the
Filipino people. This brings the story
up to the evening of February 4, with
the attack upon the American troops !
following the action of the Nebraskan
sentinel. The commission, in con-
GLIDING this chapter, says:
After the landing OF our troops Aguinaldo |
made up his mind that II would be necessary 10
fight the Americans and after the making Of |
the treaty OF pence ut Paris this determination
was strengthened He did not openly declare
that he intended to fight the Americans, but he
excited everybody and especially the military
by claiming independence, and II Is doubtful
whether he had the power TO check or control
the army OF the time hostilties broke out. De-
plorable MS war IL, the one In which we are
now engaged was unavoidable by US. We wers
attacked by a bold, adventurous and enthusiasts
tic army, No alternative was left 10 us, except
ignomnlous retrelt II is not TO be conceived
Of that any American would have sanctioned
the surrender Of Manila to the insurgents. Our
obligations to other nations and TO the friendly
Filpnos, and TO ourselves md to our fag, do
mand TINT force should be met by force. What
ever the future OF the Philippines may be there
Is no course open TO us now except the proscou-
tlon Of the war until the insurgents are re-
duccd to submission, The commission Is Of the
opinion that there has been no time since tho
destruction Of the Spanish squadron by Admiral
Dewey when 1t was possible TO withdraw our
forces from the islands either with honor to
ourselves or with safety to the inhabitants,
The commission then takes up the
OF the country at the time
Of their arrival, comparing II with
the conditions existing at the time
they left short time ago A vivid
picture is given of the anarchy existing
among the inhabitants in and about
Manila during the early spring. The
report then speaks Of the issuance OF
the commissions proclamation and the
good effects it had on public sentiment.
The natives, accustomed TO Spanish
promises, urged upon the commission
that acts instead of promises should be
given them. AS u result native law
courts were established and this great.
~ aided in the restoration OF publ,
confidence. The flow of population
soon began to set toward the city.
Natives who had fled from their homes
returned.
The report concludes:
Our control means to the inhabitants Of the
eco againr ,orcGn aggression ana against the
Of their country commercial
md industrial prosperity and as large ashare
II the affairs Of government as they shall prove
1t TO take When peace and prosperity shall
lave been established throughout the archipel.
lgo when education shall have become general,
hen. in the language Of a leading Filipino, his
,eople will, under our guidance become more
american than the Americans themselves"
The report is signed by J. G. Schur.
nan, George Dewey, Charles DENLY
md Dean c. Worcester.
-
Anti-Roberts Resolutions Adopted,
Cleveland. O.. Nov. ?.-Stronp anti.