The Hawaiian gazette., 1899-02-03
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The White HOUSE. and listen 10 M.
debates In preslden, McKinieys cab.
met. he would heat liitl. "a 4 aloni
expansion, or Imperialism of the glory
u tie Fias. but be would hear the
President and bis advisers discuslns
the vital subject Of reconciliation and
amlty with the Fillp.nos. The policy
u The President forbids forclble sub.
jugation. lie recognizes the absurdity
OF killing people Of another race. In
order TO make them behave themselves.
lie hesltates to Initiate the British po-
Icy Of using force TO compel order,
among an allen people. even u Justice
follows with swift step.
] The situation IL extremely critical,
and II Is not surprising that the Presl-
dent told Gen. Whittier that he had
been walking the floor at night for
three months" in contriving a way to
solve the serious problems without
firing a gun.
| The Fillpinos, IL must he admitted,
good faith OF the President. because
the American policy toward weaker
races has not, in the past, been noted
for It's wisdom or generosity.
In spite OF the inconsiderate talk OF
the selfish expansionists. the policy of
the President will be one almost en-
tirely in the interests OF the Filipinos.
But to convince them that a powerful
nation proposes to treat them justly,
kindly and even make some sacrifices
in order TO educate them in the prin-
ciples and practice of self government,
is an undertaking that requires great
tact, a clear knowledge OF the instincts
and hablts OF those ignorant people
The occasion Is one that calls for a
great man" Success in getting the
confidence OF the Filipinos, and in
swinging them into harmonious action
with the Presidents policy can on y
/ be secured by patience, knowledge and
= the possession of an equable temper.
Who Is the man that will during the
I next few months become the conspicu-
= Gus reconciler Of these antagonisms
One may pause and watch with pro-
/ found interest for the appearance OF
3 the man OF the hour. As the adjust
; ment Of these jarring relations mus
be made by personal contact, the Pres
3 ident must designate the person who
b may make luminous chapter in Am.
: erican history or, on the other hand
!. I'LL a page of history with the record
/ of failure.
a Naturally, looking towards this land
n of Malays, one recalls the singular sue
: cess of the Rajah Brooke in dealing
with the people of North Borneo; hi:
d patience, his tact, and his remarkable
( gift OF personal force in winning theiI
8 confidence. Men OF like character ar,
e not uncommon in America. But Dem
t ocracy does not urge such men to The
] front, because they are not partisans
. In dealing with the F'ilipinos, he
who acquires their confidence, must be
plenipotentiary, and be commission
ed with power to promise and execute.
There is danger Of his being hand!-
capped by Congress whose supreme
power goes rough shod over so many
affairs. But the very serious nature
Of the crisis may induce that body to
permit wisdom in dealing with these
millions Of heather.
The cry has already gone from Ma
Mia to Washington; send us a states
mani" How shall he be found? Lin
coin wanted a general for his great
army Of the Potomac. But enormous
treasure and human life were wasted,
before he found the man. At last he
found him. What will be the history,
during the next few months. of our
efforts to aid the Filipinos?
He who counts on the gratitude Of
these people to the United States, for
expelling the Spaniards, does not ap-
preciate the workings of ignorant
minds. The average Filipino does
not admit that he Is under the least
. obligation to the United States. and
considers himself as competent as any
: American to take care OF his own po-
: litical condition. Aguinaldo and his
. friends take 1t as a piece OF impudenCe
. for the Americans to put on airs and
= tax about their superior wisdom in
2 governing men.
) But it is fortunate that the President
3 has, 50 far, shown rare wisdom in
e dealing with critical situations, and he
8 will make fewer mistakes than many
: Of his predecessors would have made,
| under similar circumstances.