The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1899-02-02
THE PRESIDENTS ANXIETY.


debates in President McKinley's Cab
met, he would hear little said about
expansion, or Imperialism or the glory
of the Flag, but he would hear the
president and his advisers discussing
the vital subject of reconciliation and
amity with the Filipinos. The policy
of the President forbids forcibIe sub
jugation. He recognizes the absurdity
of killing people of another race, in
order to make them behave themselves.
He hesitates to initiate the British po-
3icy OF using force to compel order,
among an alien people, even if Justice
follows with swift step.
The situation is extremely critical,
and it is not surprising that the Presi-
dent told Gen. Whittier that he had
been walking the floor at night for
three months" in continuing way to
solve the serious problems without
firing gun.
The Filipinos, it must be admitted,
have abundant reason to suspect the
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.
I'm 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 F'ilipfnos
But to convince them that powerful
nation proposes to treat them justly
Kindly and even make some sacrifices
an order TO educate them in the prin-
ciples and practice of self government,
as am undertaking that requires great
tact, a clear knowledge of the instincts
and habits of those ignorant people
The occasion is one that calls for
great man.. Success in getting the
confidence of the F'ilipinos, and in
swinging them into harmonious action
with the Presidents policy can only
be secured by patience, knowledge and
the possession of an euuable temper.
Who is the man that will during the
next few months become the conspicu-
GUS reconciler of these antagonisms?
One may pause and watch with pro-
found interest for the appearance Of
the man of the hour. AS the adjust
mont of these Earring relations must
be made by personal contact, the Pres
ident must designate the person who
may make luminous chapter in Am
erican history or, on the other hand,
fill page of history with the record
of failure
Naturally, looking towards this land
of Malays one recalls the singular sue
cess of the Rajah Brooke in dealing
with the people of North Borneo; his
patience, his tact. and his remarkable
gift of personal force in winning their
confidence Men of like character are
not uncommon in America. But Dem
Ocracy does not urge such men TO the
front, because they are not partisans.
In dealing with the Filipinos, he
who acquires their confidence, must be
a plenipotentiary and be commission
ed with power TO promise and execute.
There is danger of his being handi-
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 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 Fflipinos?
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 it as a piece Of impudence
for the Americans to put on airs and
talk about their superior wisdom in
governing men.
But it is fortunate that the President
has, so far, shown rare wisdom in
dealing with critical situations, and he
will make fewer mistakes than many
of his predecessors would have made,
under similar circumstances.