The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-11-04

AT last the report of Mr.. McKinleys
Philippine peace commission has been
made public. 1t is noticeable that there
is no minority or dissenting report ac-
companying the document, but it is
signed by all the commissioners in prac-
teal unity of opinion.
Aside from the historical portions de-
voted to the description of the islands,
past and present, the general tone of the
report is sanguinary, not to say blood
thirsty. The commissioners can see no
other course open to the United States
but complete subjugation of Aguinaldo's
Tagal forces at the point of the sword.
In spite Of the fact that no one of any
Importance, that no prominent newspaper
present, advocating humiliating re-
IL withdrawal of the American
flag from the island of Luzon, the spirit
Of ferocity breathed by this deliberately
prepared state paper would seem to in
dictate fear on the part of the commits
sioners that some such step was being
u l -
never lent countenance to any such prop
osition. While it has claimed, and still
holds that better way of adjusting the
trouble with Aguinsldo might have been
adopted now that we are in for it, 1t is
impossible to withdraw our forces and
permit the Philippines to drift into an
archy or into the clutches of other DOW
ers
Rut why not treat with Aguinalco?
why not, at least, allow his commission
crs to lay before this government certain
terms any terms they may wish to pro-
pose, looking to the termination of war?
FROM both humane and economic point
of view this would seem to make for the
better way. The plea that such course
would be Cishonorab!e is not borne ont nv
the logic OF events in the past Time and
again this nation has treated with in
surrectionary Indians Are not the Taeals
in the same class? Assuming that the
S2OW0000 treaty with Spain decided to
the United States, in fee simple, all right.
title and claim to these islands, are the
so-called rebels not occupying a. Desi-
tion strictly analogous to American tribes
of Indians in revolt? Aguinahlo Is as
much on the war path as was ever Sit
ing Bull Geronimo, Black Hawk, or any
other chief with whom American com
missioners have arranged reace treaties
and that, too, without any qualification
on our part. What is there about Ar;1i-
naido that removes him from all possible
conference?
Honestly, it would seem the part Of
wisdom to ascertain upon what terms
the leader of the Tagal forces is willing
to cooperate with us in bringing about
early peace. The absence of anv such a
suggestion in the report of the Philippine
commissioners is open to the suspicion of
disingenuOusness. 1t is more than nos
sible that Aguinaldo is now ready RI
concede much, more, perhaps than Mr.
mckinley expects. OF course one can
now see the beginning Of the end IF tho
A'zoh lhsurrection. But would not a
Pc-'cS arranged on terms of mutual
understanding and good will be far bet-
Ter more economical and more bonorab,,
TO US as nation, than a continuance -
the waste Of blood and treasure nou, 90
ing on the Philippines? There would
seem to be every argument in favor ot
such course and none against it
Again with what consistency con a..
United States, through COMMISSIONS,
Bates. arrange for a treaty with IN.
sultan CT Sulu and refuse audience r.
commission from Aguinaldo? Whore
is the disgrace on one hand and cred,,
on the other? True, there is no exIstine
treaty between the country and Sulu. No,
could there be until it was ratified h,
the United States senate But there wa.
quasi treaty, an arrangement to nra.
vent bloodshed, and the recognition ~
certain crimes and evils not tolerated
among the Tagals 1t is not necesssr,
Tor this government to recognize tbose
people in Luzon as foreign power Car
them what we will, outlaws, rebels. bush.
rangers or ghost dancers, it matters not