The times., 1899-02-28
GENERAL WASHINGTON
NEWS AND GOSSIP
The Philippine opcn Door.-Mem-


NEWS AND GOSSIP.
The Philippine Open Door.-Mem-
bers of the Administration circle claim that
an erroneous impression has been created
in the minds of many people regarding the
alleged open door policy of our Govern
ment in connection with the Philippines.
Much has been taken for granted, espe-
cially by foreigners. Our Government. it is
said, has not committed itself in any way
in this matter. and is still free to keep the
door of the Philippines is open or closed. as
may seem best. The Administration. it is
understood. intends to leave the whole
matter to the wisdom of Congress. IN
Ill Congress decides what shall be the
policy of the United States in the premises
the Administration will make no move.
The present military government in the
Philippines" will be continued and there
will be no special discrimination against
any country thatris doing business with the
inhabitants OF the islands. However, the
military occupation of a country is not. as
4 rule, conducive to the development of its
| foreign trade. England. France, and Ger
many, and other countries will be glad
when we establish civil government in
the Philippines and outline our policy in
that territory. They are all striving for
the so-called open door. but they are not
sanguine of obtaining it. They believe
that we will endeavor TO secure monopoly
OF the trade of the Philippines for our
selves. While the President has practical
ly decided. according to the talk at the
| White House, to eventually turn the en-
! tire matter over to Congress he will make
no move in any, direction until after he re-
! ceiyes the report of his Commissioners to
the Philippines. Upon these distinguished
! gentlemen will devolve the responsibility
/ of making the first serious recommendation
! regarding the open door. Mr.. Mckinley is
! likely to indorse any recommendation that
| his Commissioners may make in the case.
| but IT is not so certain what action Con-
! gress may take about it. The Philippine
! Commissioners will not make a report to
/ the President, it is understood, for several
months. possibly not before fall. If there
/ should be an extra session. however, 1t is
quite probable that the work of the Com
missioners will be hastened and that they
will submit a full report to the President
| on or before July l. There is no positive
indication at present that Mr.. Mckinley is
! thinking seriously OF establishing a So
| called open door in the Philippines.
Prospective Damage Claims In :he
PhiiiPpines.-The Administration. it is
understood is more or less concerned over
| the personal claims for damages that may
be made against this Government on &C
I count of the destruction of property in
the Philippines. Attorney General Griggs
| has been asked, il is understood to look
into the subject and give an opinion as to
the extent of the responsibility and liza
bility of the United States for losses sus-
tained by foreign residents and native citi-
10
movements since We came into possession
of those islands. The general contention
is that our liability and responsibility be-
gan from the date of the signing of the
peace protocol on August 12. We are re-
sponsible, il is asserted. for all losses sus-
tained since that time that are in any way
1 connected with our occupation of the
islands. According to the reasoning OF
some people we viii have to pay for every
hut that is burned, provided that it can be
proved that its owner was not bearing
arms against the authority of the United
States. or giving aid and comfort to its
enemies. 1t is estimated that property
to the value of several millions of dollar!
in and around Manila has already beer
destroyed by the Filipino insurgents
Attorney General Griggs will not. it is
said, give his opinion for some time yet
4 great many delicate questions are in
yoived, and it is not matter that ough
to be decided OFF hand
\ Naval HerO.-The American Navy i
full of heroes and brave men. 1t has beel
so since its inception but they do not al
receive the reward for their courage AM
i self-saerifice that they Deserve This is
perhaps. unavoidable, but where an oppor
tunity is presented to do justice to bray
officer would Saeru that oh
be ignored. Lieutenant Commander r. II
G. Brown, retired, furnishes case il
point. Hen entered the navy during tn
Civil War, and saw over thirty-fve year
of active service. There is a bill pendiuj
before Congress today to retire Mr. Brown
with the rank Of a commander. In the re
port from the Committee on Naval AZ
fairs recommending the passage of Com
mander Browns bill, the following state
ment is made:
The services rendered hy Lieutenant Commando
r. VI. G.. Brown during the hurricane in the hal
| bor of Apia Samoa March. lssg. demand recogn
tion. To his cnolnes, and skill in time OF suprcm
danger many hundreds Of American scamcn ow
their lives. This is most fully acknowledged b
Capt. y. II. Farquhar, Of the L. :. :. Trenton o
which vessel Lieutenant Commander Brown Wa
navigating officer. Lieutenant r. NJ. G.. Brown
the navigator. hc reported. was by my side TIA
whole time, and 10 his excellent Judgment on
time. at least. the ship cleared OF reef. la
struck il | fear few of the 40 people on boar
OF the Trenton would he alive today" By his ol
. der putting the $50 seamcn in the rigging thcg
To act a living sail. when canvas would II,
have witiISt0od the hurricane instant. Lieutri
ant Brown enabled 10 steer the Trenton cIcl
, o a reef and to place her in il position which va
one 0f comparative safety for her crew Til. q,
has already been httingly recognized by the stat
of West Virginia, which has presented a s,.itlbl
inscribed sword 10 Lieutenant Commander Brow
and should also he acknowledged bv the C.uyerr
mcit which Lee sgually served
Commander Brown was one of the frs
OF the retired naval officers to tender nj
services 10 the Government when war wa
declared against Spain year ago II
got up OFF a sick bed TO do So and bull
dozed the medical men OF the navy int
passing him. He served for over 81
I months as assistant commandant at tn
T., Norfolk navy yard. and the manner
which he performed his duties is a matte
of record. l. would seem to be only
, simple act of justice for Congress before
adjourps on Saturday next to pass Com
mander Browns bill.
The EmhaImed tIcyeIanJ
81.