The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1899-06-08
Ex-Ministsr Barrsta Ia af the
Philippines.
Their Importance Commercially and S'rate.
gicalIy to United States.
Upon Our Policy Depends Our Po-
sition in the Great Paciic-We
Should be First, if Opportnn1-
ties Are Developed, in Control
ling the Trade of the Orient.

CHICAGO, June Hon John Bar
rett, Minister to Siam during the
Cleveland Administration, and who has
Travelled extensively in the East, was
given a complimentary dinner at the
Union League Club tonight, and by
request spoke about the Philippines and
their Importance, commercially and
strategically to the United States. Mr..
Barrett said in part:
L am deeply sensible of the great
responsibility resting upon me to-. tell
you the truth as actually seen and
learned by me about the Philippine ISL
ands, their possibilities. their people and
their bearing upon our commercial and
political standing in the Pacific and
Far East
I'VE are face to face in the Pacific and
Far East with situation of immeasur-
able possibilities. Upon our policy de-
ponds our position in that great ocean.
where by the hand of God, by destiny
and by fortune, it is intended that we
should be first, but where, if We fail to
seize and develop our opportunities, we
may not only become forever second,
but come trailing along behind Great
Britain, Russia. Japan and Germany
and even France. 1t is an issue of the
hour. 1t is now or never. If We weaken
one iota We give an entrance for the
wedge that will destroy the unity of
policy and integrity of principle which
alone can bring US success.
If l may be called an expansionist,
am not so radical that 1 do not respect
the arguments of those who hold other
views. and I have the highest respect
for many of the distinguished and good
men in our country who hold that our
policy is wrong. They are doubtless
sincere, and mean only we'll for our
country, but might 1 not add that if
they are, in the opinion of some, doing
any harm. it is not that they are Great
Ing discordant influence at home, but
that they are. and possibly without
their intention, giving comfort and aid
to our enemies. In the Philippines and
IN Hongkong, and, moreover. in Europe
Wherever any anti-American sympa-
thizers are gathered. every word and
every utterance of those who oppose
our policy in the Philippines is repeat
ed, emphasized and sent broadcast to
encourage not only those who are fight
ing US, but those who would secretly
assist them. l say this with all frank
ness, because l could not help seeing
and noticing it only too plainly in my
recent trip home by way of Europe.
Ii l We're asked what was the great
signal result of the late war with Spain.
would say it has suddenly and unex-
pectedly made us the first Power in
the racine. Formerly. as I Travelled
up ana down the coast, visiting both DO
htical and commercial capitals, / was
always depressed by the indications of
our seeming insignificance. When I
made my last journey in December to
these same points, l was astonished to
note the mighty change that had been
worked since Dewey sailed into Manila
ana destroyed the Spanish fleet T
iouhd America. American influence and
American trade everywhere the first
consideration. Whether discussing mat
ters with native statesmen or foreign
dlplomatlsts or leading business men. or
devoted missionaries, at dinner parties
or IN the club, or in the streets with
common everyday natives and coolies. I
FOUND the one sensible. tangible thought
that had to do with foreigners to be-
What Is America going to do? What
VIII be her policy? Which way will
her influence be thrown?
But this is not all. There is the
practical and commercial side of it..
winch appeals to us all-for commerce
Is the life blood of nations While for
merly 1T was most difficult to arouse in
terest in American products and to get
european or native houses to handle
American imports. now all is changed.
and there is grand movement all
along the line from Java to Japan in
favor of American interests These
same native and foreign firms want
American connections. and wish to
handle American goods.
What a vista of opportunities here
opens before US, and yet largely de-
pendent upon two great points; first,
whether we shall meet. master and hold
the situation in the Philippines, and,
second, stand inf1exibly for the mainte-
nance Of our treaty rights and freedom
of trade throughout all China Given
this mighty nation of ours in that in
calculab BILE position of strength resulting
from permanent sovereignty over the
Philippines and perpetual enjoyment Of
freedom of trade in China and you will
have a nation whose power and inhu-
ence will be paramount. not only in the
Pacific, but throughout all the world.
Manila occupies a strong place for
both trade and strategy purposes and
under the progressive administration
of the United States she has brilliant
opportunity which cannot be hidden.
and may yet prove a worthy rival not
only of Singapore and Hongkong, but
also of Shanghai and Yokohama, in
the vast commercial exchanges of the
far East.
Manila is the most central city of
the entire Asiatic Pacific Coast from
Siberia to Australia, more so even than
Hongkong and Shanghai. because it is
on the direct route to Australia and
nearer to the great range of Southern
Australia ports. This is not a mere
advantage on the map, but an actual,
practical, favorable condition from the
way tides and routes run, as well as
winds blow; and Manilas unique
strength Of position Isl therefore not
only commercial but strategical.
I'm comparison with the opportuni-
ties afforded by other Asdatic countries.
the Philippines provide more than their
natural share of opportunities for the