The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1899-04-29
Negroes for the Philippines but None
for Cuba.

Negroes for the Philippines but None
for Cuba.
The Washington, d. O., Star of Tues
day says: The policy is being dis'
cussed in regard to the future military
opeeation of this government IN the
Philippines, which is attracting much
attention among those TO whose atten-
tion it has been brought, and 1t Will
uuouestionably be considered by the
administration in the near future. This
policy is advocated with the idea that
certain racial affiliations may be utiliz-
ed in q way to defeat rebellious acts ON
the part Of Aguinaldo and his party
and to bring peace to the newly ac-
uuired possessions of the United States
in the east
IL is proposed to utilize negro troops III
the Philippines to very large extent,
and it is suggested that the four negro
regiments now is this country be order
ed for this duty, and that they be follow
ed in the near future by five additional
regiments Of volunteers made mp OF
colored men. 1t is not generally un-
derstood that about Onethird Of the
population Of the Philippines are negroes
Of the same race as those Of the United
States. They are the aboriginees OF the
islands who were subdued by the Malay
race now dominant there among the
natives. The natives are not numer-
Gus about Manila, but on some Of the
islands they comprise nearly the entire
population. That is the case especially
On the Island of Negros.
WOULD YIELD TO THE NEGROES.
1t is argued that if colored troops were
sent among these people they would
more readily succumb to their rule and
prefer them to the race of which Aguin'
aldo is the leader In a short time il
is thought there would be an assimila-
tion between the negroes of the Phil
ippines and their kindred from the
United States.
1t is believed by those who advocate
this plan that the colored meu Of the
south would gladly embrace the oppor'
tunity for manly efforts that would be
given them through the execution Of
such compaign. There are considera'
BILE tracts of land in the Philippine:
that have never been settled and that
would offer attractive homes. Much OF
this land is in the public domain and
under favorable conditions that could
be arranged would be available for set
Element.
OPPORTUNITY FOR COLORED COLONIST>
The colored men Of the United States
would have opportunities TO get homes
and would have before them the posi-
bilities of careers they could not hope
for in the United States. The highest
political offices of the islands would be
within the grasp of any one who could
become dominant among men Of his
own race. Business and other oppOr-
tunities would be open to them, and
there would be none Of that racial
prejudice to encounter that is so detri.
mental to their advancement in this
country.
SOLDIERS WOULD BECOME COLONISTS.
1t is not believed that there would be
any retrograde movement among the
colored race Of this country transplanted
to the Philippines. They would have
outlined for them that same form OF
republican government to which they
have been accustomed OF home, and
they would have better chance to en-
Joy the results of their ambition than
they have ever known in the United
States. Those who advocate the for
warding Of negro troops to the Philip
pines believe that their families should
be sent along with them whenever de-
sired. so that their long separation from
home might not make them feel as
exiles. AS soon as hostilities in the
Philippines have ceased there will be a
great deal of puplic work to be done,
and that would give desirable employ
ment to large numbers Of people. The
colored men from the United States
would have opportunities to fill response
BILE places on such works. 1t is believed
that once tide of emigration were
started from this country to the Philip
pines it would result so satisfactory to
the colored people that large numbers
of them would seek new home in the
islands of the east.
The emigration of colOred men is re-
garded as the nutural outcome Of mill
tary operations, which would involve
their use in suppressing insurrection in
the Philippines. With third of the
population of those islands strongly
antagonistic to Aguinaldo and WELDON
ing the coming of colored men of their
own race and of intelligence superior to
their own, it is believed that an enor-
nous influence for future peace would
be secured.
Those who advocate this plan strong
ly condemn the sending of colored troops
TO Cuba, where. it is said, that race
tends to incite opposition instead Of
being a power for good.
"A word to the wise is sufficient"