New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-09-15
TLFNS OF TIE PHILIPPINES.


The statement concerning the Philippines put
forward This week bv Mr. Schurman deservedly
commands much attention. II is made by
man of authoritative standing who has spent
much time in the Philippines as the head Of n
committee sent thither for careful investigation
and for peaceful and peace making negotiation.
Mr.. schurman has heen as an observer. on the
firing line Of our army and. a diplomat in
the councils Of the racalS In these circum-
stances il is of interest 10 observe that this uni
Versity president exactly and omphatically con-
firms the contentious of our Army and Navy
officers and men in political life 70 wit. That
The United States is playing the part of right
and duty in the Philippines that Agunaldo's
rebellion must bc suppressed and American au-
rhority established that the insurgents are only
81 part Of one Of the tribes and thus a small
fraction Of the whole Philippine population
aud that both the leaders and the masses Of the
great bulk Of the population are amiably dis
posed toward American sovereignty except
when stirred up or torrorzed by the rebellious
pagals
The point Of chief novelty. and perhaps thus
OF chief interest. in Mr. Schurman's statement,
j. his recommendation that form of govern
Tent be promptly prescribed for the Philippines,
and put into operation. That. he suggests.
would give all the natives who are well dis
posed an opportunity 10 manifest their ale
glance 10 this Government and would also give
1hem all an ocular demonstration Of the mean
ing. the purport and the effect Of free govern
ment on the American plan. 1t is TO be re
nembered that the people of the Philippines as
q rule know nothing OF our form Of government.
nor Of what IL would mean 10 them The only
" bite rulers Of whom they have had knowledge
are the Spanards. and their experience with
them was not satisfactory. Many may sup
pose that we would treat them in much the same
fashion The Spaniards the clergy and Agui-
naldo and his comrades have told them we
would treat them much worse. Despite these
things. however. they are largely inclined TO
accept our sovereignty Certainly nothing could
more effectively encourage them TO do SO than
o practical demonstration Of the bcnefcencc of
American government. not merely in proclama
lions and promises but in actual adminiStra
lion of the islands.
We quoted some time ago the advice Of The
Spectator" of London that the pacifcation OF
The islands be undertaken not merely by the
necessary military operations against Aguinaldo
but by practically occupying and retaining oc
cupation Of the country as our forces advance
by establishing civil administration. and by
creating the public works and other appurte
nances of civilized communities. The same Judi
clous and friendly journal adverts to the topic II
fhe latest number which has come 10 hand il
n tone well according with that Of Mr.. Schur
mans report II heartily approves the Pres
dents recent declarations al Pittsburg III
Philippines are ours a. much as Louisiana
Texas or Alaska. and that the insurrectOl
must be suppressed and American authorit
established-as worthy Of the best tradition
of the United States" And then, commendn
fully our policy in the Philippines 1t renew
ifs discussion Of the best means for executing Il
The Spectator reminds us that we are j
the Philippines not merely to conquer but
govern Beyond doubt We can beat down all OF
position Bur merely beaten down by force.
--.-a x1se a.ain like reeds beaten down by winC