The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-06-04
FILIPINO ON FILlPINoS.
Do THE PEOPLE REALLY DESIRE A
REPUBLIC.


seIveS-Attitude of the Fierce SUI
lus-OIust BE "a Government for the
FnipinOs, Not by Them-AnneNa-
ton as Final Solution Of the
PrObIem-AsISs Territorial Govern
ment.
New York, June $50 far as can
learn. the Fnipinos are anxious to set as
large share of independence as possible
and this is bus natural. However. l feel
confident that the independence desired by
the majority is the Independence of per-
sonal liberty and of equality before
justly administered law. II is not that
larger political independence which means
absolute autonomy; for the greater num-
Der, and the wiser part of my countrymen,
know full well that they are not yet ed
ucated up to the self-governing capacity.
All Fnipinos hope that after few gen.
erations of self-development, a Philippine
republic may be established on a firm
foundation, and no one desires this cub
lime consummation more deeply than i.
Yet, in common with the majority OF my
L
gressive attitude of some of the Philip
pine leaders, who desire the establish
ment of Tagal republic. even in spite
of the self-evident fact that such gov
eminent could never secure The active CO.
operation Of the Visayos Of the Southern
Islands, nor Of the Sulus OF the sulu pro-
tectorate.
The Tagals and the Visavos have for
generations been at enmity with each 9TH
Grand each would brook no
assumption of superiority in the
other. How, then. can this be
adjusted by the establishment of
a Tagal republic? If. on the other hani.
a republic of the Visayos be also at
tempted, which l feel sure the stronger
Tagals would not permit-each state would
be a constant menace to the other and
the natural jealousy of both by constant
ana unavoidable friction. would soon be
lguted into a flame OF discord that could
be quelled only by the intermediation of
some power. In this event, the United
States would have to do its labor of love
all over again, and would find it harder
to reconcile and to consolidate two con-
stantly divergng and antagonistic ele-
ments of the same race, than, in the
Spanish war, to expel an alien and effete
oppressor, hated by all races alike.
Attitude OF the Fierce suIus.
And it must not be forgotten also that
the Sulus-those fierce Mohammedans OF
the South-would consent to be ruled
neither by the Catholic Tagals, nor by the
no less Catholic VisayOs. They, too, would
wish to found a government of their own
l.
we would see the Philippines divided into
three states-each hating the other. and
all incapable of effective resistance to
forei On aggression.
One government-broad in principle and
comprehensive in scope-should be the de-
sderatum bhat alone can meet the exig-
encies of the present and the emergencies
of the future.
And this one stable government. further
more, cannot be entirely and solely gov
eminent of the Filipinos and by the Fill
pinos. say this because I believe that
the new government should be for the Fll.-
pinos-especially since the government Of
the past has been entirely for the benefit
Of their rulers.
Republic Practically Impossible.
Most of the leaders in the rebellion, and
most of those who have shown predilec-
tons for a republic, and administrative
and military talent. are Tagals. All honor
be their due-for they are my compatriots,
and yet ! know fun well their political as
cendancy will be even more bitterly con-
tested tomorrow than to-day. As a Phil
ippine republic would necessarily be under
their control. its perpetuaton would be
practically impossible. Torn by dissen-
sions and racked by revolt, 1t would go TO
pieces within five years. All of the for
eign cement in Manila-the Spanish resi-
dents, the English, the Germans the
Americans and the Chinese, realize this.
All of these desire a stable government.
where life and property would be secure.
and where each could follow the pursuit
of happiness according to the dictates of
his own conscience and the elasticity of
his pocketbook.
Annexation as Final Solution.
All of these, without one exception feel
ing that this can never be attained Where
the natives have fun sway, desire Ameri-
can control or annexation. And The lat
ter it seems to me, must be the final So
luton of the problem.
Having rid us of our ancient enemy. II
is Americas duty to save us from our
selves. She should guide our feet into
the path of wisdom and of public rectitude.
and should educate us to the duties OF a
higher citizenship? And how can this be
cone, save Dy the tranSplanting of Amer
lean institutions TO Philippine soii-where
adjusted to new conditions. they will soon
flourish in tropical luxuriance?
Asks Territorial Government.
Give us a territorial government and To-
cal autonomy-which practically is annex
alton. This viii save us from attack
without, and at the same time preserve
our national integrity.
Thus We viii learn the alphabet OF gov
erning. and when we are finally able 10
spell the last words in the primer OF home
rue we may perhaps read our title clear
to republic.
For the present some tentative arrange
ment should be made. The head of sncb
provisional government should be A man
noted alike for hrmuess and clemeney NV
counrymen should be dealt with gently
They can not he ruled with an iron hand
They are sensitive, ana chafe under re-
straint A wise administrator will AZ
once appreciate their character. and adant
his policy 10 the situation.
Suggests Dewey as Governor.
Gen. Merritt as Governor. l believe
would give satisfaction, but l believe MAJ