Evening star., 1899-02-08
.suinnIdo.s Declaration of War.

From g II the circumstances reported from
the scene Of the fighting at Manila it was
early concluded that the natives had de-
Iiberately provoked the affray, and that
the assault upon the American lines was
in accordance with a Dreconceived plan.
This suggestion. which is strongly present.
ed by the manner in which the Fihpiuos
sought repeatedly to break through the
American picket line. is now anSrily de-
uounced by the Filipino representatives in
this and other countries. They claim that
the Americans themselves picked the quar-
rel and were ready for an aggressive move
ment.
Evidence to refute their claims and to
more firmly establish the first assumption
that the natives planned the attack is at
hand in the announcement that Aguinaldo
issued a proclamation last Saturday break
ing peace and friendly relations with the
Americans-in other words. declaring war
upon the United States. 1t does not yet
appear that this proclamation actually pre-
ceded the engagement. which began at $50
o'clock Saturday night. but it is not to be
believed that it was really issued during
the night as result of the fight 1t is
more likely to have been framed and pro-
mulgated Saturday morning. thus being the
cause rather than the effect of the attack
on the Americans.
Indeed the absence of any reference to
the engagement in the text of the procla-
nation indicates that it was intended to
pave the way to just such an assault in
stead Of being inspired by the affray. In
view Of this fact the proclamation which
followed, either on Sunday on Monday,
declaring the hostiHties of the night pre-
yious to have been ''unjustly and unex-
pectediy provoked by the Americans is
evidently an attempt to becloud the record
and to prejudice the Americans in the eyes
Of the natives.
Inasnuch as Aguinaldo has now thrown
of all pretense of friendliness and has
declared war. the duty of this government
in the premises is plain. He and his forces
must be thoroughly punished. His power
must be broken, fIc must be taught that
when the United States comes to him with
proffers Of friendship and good government,
perhaps of independence. he IS not justified
IN assuming an attitude Of suspicion,
treachery and open defiance He must be
punished for the harm he has already
wrought ana prevented from making fur
ther trouble. The American forces in the
Philippines must he augmented, if neces-
-ary. to accomplish these ends. The is
+d-ii'@ must Dc lSClHtu- "nGlnef lhey are
TO be retained i'll the American system or
disposed Of to another power, or relin-
quished to the custody of the natives.
Il is clear that thus far the administra-
tl"n has been acting upon this lire of policy.
Regardless Of the sentiments of the people
concerning the doctrines Of expansion and
Imperialism, it is to he questioned whether
one per cent Of the American citizens today
do not desire that an active. humane cam
paign be waged against these misguided
people 1t is not the part or the purpose or
the desire of the United States TO conquer
them for the sake of their lands or their
goods This country finds itself confronted
with problem logically and inevitably
growing out of the war with Spain. 1t
must solve that problem by military means,
which have been forced upon the govern
ment by the intolerance of the natives and
the Vaccinations of the opponents of the
peace treaty in Washington. 1t will not do
to permit the TagaIs to roam unhindered
through the archipelago. burning. pillaeing.
killing. as they please. II will not do to
withdraw in the face of the proclamation
VI this puny Dretender. There is more at
stake than the holding of a few acres of
island territory in the Pacific. The pres
uge Of IA nation is involved.