The times., 1899-11-04
Truth About the philippines

Perhaps because he is aware that upon
only one single important issue he is not
in antagonism with the general sentiment
Of the country. Mr.. Mckinley is determined
20 make the most of the exception He
has a most valuable trump in the preIimi-
nary report of the Philippine Commission.
and il is evident that it is to be played for
all IL is worth. Why he should decline to
re-enforce his hand by drawing a few
cards from the pack of his opportunities,
is matter which it would be futile to dis
cuss. He does not display any such in
clination. and, on the contrary, seems
anxious to discard elements of strength.
II he would. instead throw overheard some
of the low spots before him, represented
by Otis, Sampson, Long. and such charac-
ters, no one can tell what heights of public
favor he might aspire to; but he has made
his bed, and II it should not turn out to be
entirely constructed of roses, he may thank
his unlucky stars, one OF which is the eX-
piring planet Hanna.
While compelled almost 10 consider his
case hopeless in other respects, it would be
unfair not 10 concede that, as representing
the national conscience and determination
in his reputed policy TO keep and develop
the Philippines under the American nag
Mr.. Mckinley is backed by the ooun-
try. In matters of detail, with which
Otis and DENLY have been conspicu-
ously connected. the reverse is the fact;
but on the general proposition he IS
supported. On this account, it cannot
be doubted that the views of the Phil
ippine Commission will be matter OF
comfort to him. as they are of satisfaction
to the public.
II is gratifying. for instance. TO receive
official yerification of the history and pro-
gress of the Luzon insurrection, as it has
been known TO the country for some time.
but persistently and vociferously falsiied
by our domestic Filipinos. The report af-
fords light on only one point that had not
been previously settled II shows that
none Of the rebelIions which so often
disturbed the island under Spanish rule,
including the serious insurrection Of 1896,
had for its object the achievement Of in
dependence That was an invention of
Aguinaldo. after he discovered that the
United States was neither disposed to make
him a local dictator with full privilege Of
plunder. nor to buy him of with kings
ransom.
1t appears that all the outbreaks, and the
last one under the old regime especially.
were caused by a desperate native desire to
throw of the yoke which they declared had
been imposed upon them by the Spanish
priests of the religious orders. These. they
contended had robbed them OF their prop
erty, subjected them to practical servitude,
and sunk them in hopeless poverty. The
great rebellion was for the purpose OF com
pelling the Spanish Government to eject
The friars from Luzon, TO restore the prop
erty they were alleged TO have taken IN
justly from the people, and to grant equal
civil rights 10 Filipinos and Spaniards.
II is stated by the emissaries of Agui-
naldo in Europe and insisted in the mass
of rebel literature printed by the Filipino
junta in Hongkong, that one of the Filipino
reasons why a majority Of the Tagals now
refuse to accept American sovereignty is
that they believe the United States has en-
tered into d treaty obligation and has made
private promises 10 perpetuate the system
against which they have been fighting for
years; and that it is the intention of the
Washington Government 10 continue all the
privileges and immunities enjoyed by the
friars under the former regime and to
recognize their claims 10 all the property
controlled by them at the time of the
cession. without enquiry as TO their legal
or equitable right TO hold it,
The assumption that Mr.. Mckinley and
his advisers are under any such engage
ments is not necessarily allowable. and the
Ills against which the inhabitants Of the
TagsI provinces in Luzon have braved per
secution. torture. and death may be entirely
OF mostly imaginary. But it is apparent
by the frIars. as they have done for fifty
years. and still 90, the matter Is not one to
leave TO the discretionary treatment Of a
person like Otis or to wipe of the slate
on the opinion Of Monsignor ChapelIe that
the charges and the bitter hatred of a pop
ulation at the same time universally Cath
olic and devoted TO the secular clergy. are
completely baseless. More than ever. the
report Of the Commission proves that the
subject is one for an immediate investiga-
ton by Congress, and It is well that this
is being prepared for on the initiative
OF many members Of both houses.
The report includes a memorandum sign
ed by Admiral Dewey which conclusively
disposes of the Boston junta story that
the victor OF Manila promised indepen-
dence TO Aguinaldo in return for assistance
in fighting the spsniards To offer in
dependence" 10 that Tagal adyeuturer at
any time would have been ridiculous. His
people number less than twelve per cent
Of the island population. The other eighty
eight or more are loyal to the American
Government and glad to be under its shell
tering wing In Luzon the Macabebes are
clamorous TO be led against the intending
usurper and a battalion of the tribe are al
ready fighting for America.
Vaudeville Preachers.