Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-04-16


Die Interpretation OF our action. and re-
sulting naturally IN war with the natives
themselves. whom our armies are staying
IN great numbers.
/ think am safe in saying that every
thing In our history which could be con-
strued 10 indicate the course we would
pursue IN the present circumstances tends
toward a very different programme from
mat which is being followed. one cannot
morally profess certain set OF prin-
clples at one time ana profess others
Numerically opposed at some other time
Nhen II suits his convenience to do 50.
we announced the principles which l have
stated IN order TO Justify our separation
from England. All our controversies with
european nations respecting Central
ana south American countries, which
nave, from time TO time, attained their
independence, have been along these lines.
II Is not fair that We should deny them
now, when we wish to impose our gov
eminent upon the Finpinos. These are
our principles and We must stand by
them Those people were justified. from
our previous history and reputation, in
believing that we would not contest their
right TO independence, when the war
with Spain was over; and. when con-
hding In our sense Of justice and fair
dealing. they acted upon this presump-
ton and rendered US assistance which we
accepted. / hold it 90 be contrary TO good
morals that we should have acquired this
territory and thus deceived these people.
And / would like also at this point TO
call attention 20 the cOntemptuous man
ncr i'm which the Filipinos have been ig-
norcd by the administration in the settle
mcnt Of this matter with Spain. No re-
spcct whatever was accorded their repre-
sCntatve-the representative OF those
who would erect the first republic ever
planted on Asiatic sofia people strug-
Cling for freedom. even as we once strug-
gled, and who, while the negotiations
with Spain were pending. 50 patiently
awaited our action until all hope Of OBJ
tanning their independence was gone. BY
all the esteem in which Virginians cher
ish the memory Of Patrick Henry, / ask
il these natives are fighting in a just
cause. If they are. then how can our
government be justified in course which
has brought about this wholesale blood
shed? Was it not fOroseen? Were we
not warned by the Filpinos themselves?
Why was this course pursued? Why did
We not say TO the Spanish Government
regarding the Philippines what I'm sub
stance we said TO them regarding Cuba
namely. that we would not accept the
sovereignty, and all we desired was a
withdrawal OF troops? Could VIC not main
tain order and protect property with as
much propriety in the Philippines as in
Cuba. until the people of the former as
we'll as Of the latter country could estab-
lish stable government Of their own!
In answer TO this. the statement is often
made that the Filipinos are incapable Of
establishing stable government of their
own. and those who take this position
usually succeed i'm showing that these
people are very ignorant, when measured
by our standards. But that doesn't prove
that they cannot establish a stable gov
They are certainly no more ig-
norant than other Asiauc peoples who
have governments of their own. They are
monarchies, it is true, and 50 would the
become, If the people are
not sufficiently intelligent 10 maintain a
republic; and in either event they would
prefer it 10 foreign yoke, set 1t ever so
lightly. Let us give them a chance at
any rate. If they are willing 10 submit
themselves 10 a government Of their own
whatever its faults from our
point of view. what moral right have we
TO object? DO not governments derive
their lust powers from the consent of the
governed? We must remember that such
a government has not 10 deal with the
complicated affairs of people far adj
yauced as we are in the reiinements OF
and il is not necessary, or, in
deed. reasonable. that they should be Of
the same mental and moral calibre as
those men to whom we look for guidance
in public affairs There Is one qualllica-
ton. however, which every government
should possess. ana when IN the matter
of governing the Philippine Islands would
Re possessed by native government ana
totally lacking I'm the United states, and
that is a thorough understanding OF the
people who are 10 be governed.
Until this war with Spain / never al
lowed myself to doubt that this nation
stood for the right in all cases. and
would not believe that any government
of ours would dare TO put us in contrary
position. Some three or four years ago
the nation thrilled with admiration Of
the bold stand FOR justice which was
taken by our government in the NeneZue-
Ian controversy, ana enthuslaSucally
backed them up. But the doubt has
forced itself upon me, | have seen our
people apparently fired with the lust OF
conquest, and our government deliberately
for a supposed right to con
quer and rule an unwilling people. MY
faith has been rudely shaken. and l am
proud To confess that | feel ashamed
when l think that behind all the talk OF
manifest destiny" "humanitarianism,
&c, there is really the same motive in
lucncing our action which causes every
nation i'm Europe to reach out for empire
D.
selves at the expense of others.
Passing TO the standpoint of economy,
there would seem TO me TO exist some
very strong reasons for seNerlng al the
EARLIEST possible date our present connec- |
lions with the Philippine Islands. II this !
be- true. and they outweigh those i'm favor |
If such q connection il is equivalent 10 !
saying that the relation should not nave
leen assumed, if II could be avoided.
contend that the position We occupy To- |
l.
lent consideration.
Hitherto il has been possible for the |
United States, on account Of its geOgraphl- |
al location to hold itself alOOf from the !
.uarrels OF Europe. Having no outlying |
tTritOry TO protect, and practically I'M !
'regnable in our own posluoh' II mas Desh
to burden our people with the |
Expense OF great navy and standing |
lmy. and we have gone steadily on pur- |
ung the arts of peace ana deNotinS our |
thoughts ana energies 10 the building up |
fl our country. developing our natural |
csources. and solving domestic problems |
hiCh concerned our happiness and pros
lrity. Under these favorable circum- /
tances, our republic has become me |
onder and admiration of the outside |
World. Continue these CONDITIONS anu
augng the future by the past. who can |
ay what we may not achieve? Utopia |
tself were no longer a dream, but az
mbitiOn.
Now, shall we permit ourselves TO be |
ia astfay from this grand prospect Dy |
no speciOus reasoning of those men who
&c in the Philippine acquisition chance
u make Il few dollars. and care not ABOUT
nything else? Shall We sacrifice that
zeal future for one ol great wars, enof-
-Ous taxes, compulsory military service,
nd imperialism generally? Surely. II IS
ut fair 10 argue that this VIII be the re-
tit, when We consider that the interests
f the Philippine Islands are now our