The times., 1899-02-12
American S.If-ConfiJ-nce

The London Spectator" takes clear and
sensible view Of the relations Of this coun-
try and the Philippines that should be OF
some value TO the few Americans who are
timid about the undertaking we have en-
tered upon. That the Philippines are
American property and will be recognized
as such by every nation is not a mere
statement of opinion, but a positive fact
about which there can be no question. No
matter what men may think about consti-
tutional authority to acquire sovereignty
over outlying territory, il is fact that the
right of Spain 10 confer title on this coun-
try is unquestioned, and that title has
been accepted by the President, with the
approval of the Senate. That being the
case We are bound 10 establish our au-
thority there and 10 protect the interests
of the inhabitants and OF foreign resi-
dents against outlaws and rebels.
Our ability TO do this is not doubted by
persons who are most competent TO express
an opinion on the subject. The Spectator"
thinks the work Of reducing the islands TO
good order will not be long. II justly OBJ
serves that it will never occur to US 10 in
whether il is Catholic or Pagan, or a mix
ture of both. Then it asks: why should
the Tagal peasant, who will probably be
freer from official oppression than any man
in the world except the Hindoostanee peas
ant, risk his life. his house, and his means
of subsistence, 10 enter into a contest with
rulers whom be sees from his experience
OF last Sunday that he is wholly unable TO
defeat?''
This is the key 10 the situation and it
cannot be too fully considered by the
doubling Americans. AS we have shown,
the Filipinos who have gathered around
Aguinaldo's banner have been the victims
OF falsehoods OF the basest kind, and Amer
ican caution or indifference has aided the
perfdious adventurer who hoped to profit
by their ignorance. BY misrepresenting
the purposes of the Americans, by warning
the ilIiterate peasants that they were to
be enslaved, he was able 10 play on their
fears 10 the uttermost. A part OF his sue
cess in misleading the people was due TO
his sneers at American courage. He could
show apparently that our soldiers were
afraid 10 fight. The rebels constructed
Notifications within sight and gunshot OF
the American lines, made all sorts OF in
sulting demonstrations, and still the
Americans did not appear 10 resent II.
What wonder that others who had been
doubtful about their cause Joined Aguinal-
dos army?
They have learned now that II was the
patience and forbearance OF strength, and
not OF weakness, and that II is hopeless
to attempt TO resist American rule. When
they learn. also, that We have no inten-
tion TO oppress them, but instead TO be-
stow on them a degree Of freedom enjoyed
by no people OF the same measure OF ignor-
ance on earth, they will, as the "specta-
tor" foresees. lay down their arms and
become good and peaceful citizens.
1t is strange that there are Americans
who should have TO learn this from for
eign source. The Spectator tells them
that they underrate the American capacit,
for producing men whom they can trust
TO govern well. Why" II exclaims, "tht
whole continent of Europe is already de.
elaring that the reserve force OF the Unior
is too great for the future security OF tn,
remainder Of the world" There woulC
be good cause for this anxiety II the Amer
lean people were less devoted to the prin