New-York tribune., 1899-05-28
UNITED STATES IN THE PHILIPPINES.
WHY THE ASSERTION AND MAINTENANCE OF ITS


WHY THE ASSERTION AND MAINTENANCE OF ITS
AUTHORITY THERE NOW ARE NECESSARY
To the Editor Of The Tribune
Sir: The force Of the opposition 20 the policy OF
the Federal Administration in respect TO the Phil
,npines is intensified by a lack Of comprehension
OF the real status of the question. The anti-ex-
pansicnists base their upon the theory that
the present contest in the Philippines is war OF
conquest and as such. is at variance with the
principles Of American institutions But their
premises are false and their conclusions erroneous
The prosecution Of the war In the Philippines
and the ultimate disposition OF the Islands present
two radically different propositions. The future
disposition Of these islands presents question OF
political or commercial expediency. and It Is op-
tional with our Government whether to retain or
10 give up the territory. The question Is discre-
tionai and its solution is a mere matter OF public
policy But I'm respect TO the prosecution or the
war quite different problem confronts us. II
should be remembered that before the Philippine
war broke out had practically assumed the
sovereignty over the islands which the compile
ton OF the Treaty Of Paris ripened into an ex-
ecutory trust BY its acceptance OF the sover-
eighty over the Philippines. coupled with an ex-
ecutory trust. our Government assumed grave
obligations OF international character. Such
obligations render us responsible for the proper
administration OF affairs in the Philippines and
for the proper conduct OF the inhabitants Of the
islands. For any infraction OF the principles Of
international law by the inhabitants Of the Phil
ippines the United States Government will be
held responsible to the party aggrieved
Thus. IL the Filipinos should blow up German
ship In the harbor Of Manila. the German Gov
eminent would look TO our Government for re-
dress. So for any injury 10 life property in
ncted by inhabitants OF the Philippines against
citizens of other countries. our Government will
be called upon TO make proper satisfaction. We
stand IN the same position with respect to the in
hsbitants Of the Philippines engaged In an in
surrection against us as Spain did in respect 10
the Cubans when the latter were in revolt against
the Government at Madrid.
Under the principles Just laid down. 1t is Of the
utmost Importance that the insurrection in the
Philippines should be put down with the utrnos,
dispatch and force. and that the United States
should be able to assert its complete sovereignty
over the islands at the earliest possible date Thi,
Is matter OF grave public necessity Having as
sumed the sovereignty the islands and tn,
corresponding obligations for the proper admin
istration Of affairs there our Government should
be IL position to control the situation and tC
limit the measure OF its responsibility to othei
powers. Until the formidable insurrection In tn,
islands is subdued. and our Government is able q
exert It's authority over the Philippines It is ex
posed TO grave responsibility which the army O
the insurgents may draw upon US
When the authority OF the United States is full,
recognized in the Philippines. then: and not unit
then can the question OF the final disposition of th
Islands be disposed Of. The question OF soveresnt,
over these islands must be settled under the well
defined principles of international law Hence
there must be a principal in the matter, a re
rponsiblc contracting party. able to make a vail.
agreement and execute IL according its terms
In other words. the disposition OF the Philippines
must be regulated by agreement which will re
cefve the sanction Of the other powers. At th
present time the sovereignty OF the islands IL vese
IN the United States. and this arrangement &
tacitly recognized by the other powers But be
fore the United States divest itself OF the SOY
erefgny over the Philippines. with the correspond
Ing international responsibilities IT must conform
10 certain regulati destined to protect the in
terests Of other Powers which have subjects an,
property interests in the Philippines. The inde
pendence Of the Philippines could only be secures
by virtue OF some proper arrangement which wou
be recognized by the other Powers. And in sucl
an arrangement the United States Government
must stand as the principal CONTRACTING party an
becomes Guarantor for the faithful execution 0
the contract, as between other nations.
Hence. II Is clearly obvious that before the Unite
States can enter into such arrangement,
must be able to assert its authority In the Phil
Dpines and be able to compel its Inhabitants