The evening times., 1899-01-18
WEDNESDAY. JANUARY is, 1899.
First Ratify the Treaty.


one poll of the Senate, made with the
utmost care, yesterday, showed fifty-four
votes in favor of the ratification OF the
Peace Treaty without amendment, or six
less than the required two-thirds. with ten
doubtful. Another alleged poll gives eX-
actly The necessary sixty. with only four
doubtful-Senators Daniel, Harris. Roach
and Turner.
The Importance of the earliest possible
ratification cannot be exaggerated. but un-
less there is a certainty of sixty favorable
Senators no vote will be taken at this
time. In that case an extra session viii
be called in March.
The effort to make the Treaty party
issue does net represent the sentiment of
the Democratic press of the country, which
may be accepted as the popular voice. The
leading newspapers Of the party. with few
exceptions in every section. favor the
speedy ending Of the war and the estab-
lishment Of American authority in the
Philippines. 1t seems TO be the distinct
purpose of the President TO use no force
against the Filipinos unless fight is pre-
cipitated by them. until the Treaty is dis
posed Of
II is affirmed that some of the Demo
cratic, Senator's who are not favorable 10
unconditional ratification. shrink from ap-
pearing as obstructionists when their votes
may be decisive; that while they would
vote against the Treaty if yo-thirds of the
Senators favored it, they are in doubt since
their attitude may prevent an ending of
The war and they may become RESPONSE
hle for a prolongation OF the situation IN
The Philippines.
The anxiety as TO that situation becomes
greater every day in spite of the alleged re-
assuring messages from General Otis. which
are not made public. The President is
said TO affirm that his hands are tied as
long "a the Senate does not act favorabiy
on the Treaty, and Senator Davis is making
The fight of his life to secure the needed
six votes.
General Whittier, recently returned
from The Philippines, brings the most en-
couragng report since that of General
Merritt He asserts that nothing in the
world is easier of settlement than the
Philippine question. 1t could be settled
in three days. he says. with frmness.
which has not been tried since the cap
ture of Manila, accompanied by dipIo-
macy and tact, I think il is the simplest
matter possible TO bring them under con-
troll" General Whittier had long talk
with Aguinaldo three days before he left
Manila. The rebel chief said that the
FilipinOs were about equally divided one
1aaFF for-
the other half an American protectorate.
He confirms what The Times has asserted
so often, that not only Aguinaldo. who is
entirely selfish in his ambition, but the
intelligent, property holding business men
of the islands. feel that they have been
neglected and affronted by the Americans
After the signing of the Treaty" said
General Whittier, communication should
have been established with them, and |
have no doubt an understanding could
have been arrived at with no impairment
OF our dignity and with no suggestion that
we were going to give up the islands, He
does not believe Aguinaldo has the large
army he claims and he doubts if there are
more than three thousand rebels at Hoilo
Another point of interest in the STATE
ment of General Whittier is that while
the Filipinos are not capable of seif-gov-
ernment now, they are not as ignorant
and savage as Mr.. Edmunds and others
assert. but they are adept at manufac-
tures, and as accountants, mariners and
railroad operatives. They are quick and
most temperate" He also says the wealth
of the Philippines is greatly undare-ti
mated by Americans.
From the statements of all persons who
are acquainted with the Philippines. we
are bound TO believe that if this Govern
ment should show a stern purpose 10 es-
Iablish good order and Uphold American
authority Al any cost, Aguinaldos army
would melt away; and if it should then
prove its purpose 10 promote the material
and political welfare of the people. ad-
mitting their capable representatives 10
share in the administrative Offices, there
would be an enthusiastic majority favor
able TO annexation. All the talk about
imposing a yoke on unwilling necks is
disproved by the reports of intelligent and
well-informed Americans who have spent
any time among the Filipinos.
When the facts as presented by such
men are considered and the consequences
Of a rejection or amendment of the
Treaty are estimated, it is difficult 10
understand what defence Senators can
make for attempting to draw party lines
here or for any opposition to unconditional