Clinch Valley news. [volume] (Jeffersonville, Va.) 18??-2019, 1899-02-10
TURN FIllPINos LOOSE.
Argument by a Learned
Teacher-for Thirty Years Pro
fessor In Richmond College

Peace Commission, directing them to
demand the whole oi the Philippines, he
made one oil those blunders which have
been aptly designated as worse than
crimes. 1t was n crime, huge trausen-
dent crime. without warrant and with
out qualification. The Presi dent sipned
against light and knowledge lie sinned
against his own convictions, il such n
changeling can be said to have any con-
victions.
We began the war in behalf oi human
ity-horresco referens-and for the ad-
vancement of liberty. The war so be-
gun ends as n war of covetousness and
for the establishment of despotism. Was
there ever SO lame n conclusion?
We declared tqat we did not intend to
acquire n foot OF territory, and with
that declaration we purchased the neu-
trality OF the world. We have not rem
dered the quid pro quo our recent con
duet has given tho lie direct TO our ma
tionnl declaration. In my soul believe
we stand disgraced in the signt of God
aud in the eyes of the world.
| The debauchery, extravaganza, corrup-
ton, and tyranny that will soon follow
the acquisition of the Filipinos will effect
the downfall OF the republic. The huge
army that will be employed to crush
liberty among the Philippines, will be
quite effective also to crush liberty
among ourselves, and directly or
indirectly it will surely do it.
Now, Mr.. Editor, ii an honest man
commits n blunder, what course does he
take? He proceeds as quickly as possi-
BILE to correct, to undo this act That
is what we ought to do in regard to the
Spanish treaty. 1t has not been rati-
fled. Let us refuse to ratily it. This is
the thing Tor US to do, the only thing.
II once we get these islands and these
people on our hands, we will never get
rid of them. The fact OF possession will
be the patent argument for further steps
for hug navies, ior standing armies, for
ruinous taxation, FOR poverty and pollu
ton at home. Obsta in prncipis.
But what will become OF the Filpinos
il we reject the treaty? says the Imperial
list. But what will bccsme OF us ii we
don't, is the question that more concerns
us. IL is the business OF the Federal Gov
ernment TO protect the rights and inter
est of the American people, certainly not
tn sacrifice us for the supposed benefit
of the motley races OF the isles OF the
southern seas.
can tell you, however, what will
become of the Filipinus in the event i'm
question. Spain, with her strength in
tact, could not subdue them. The is
landers would in short order wrest their
freedom from Spain, exhausted and rui-
ned by the war. The rejection oi the
treaty will cause delay but what of that
We are not in n hurry TO get the Philip
pines. Delay is needed to collect the calm
thought OF the American people, and
when so collected, Mr.. Mckinley will
surely find that he has been altogether
too previous. They want not European
entanglements and complications; not
| standing armies to eat out their sub
stance and destroy their liberties; not
the pride, pomp, and circumstance OF
constant war, not the grinding taxation
that would make them poor and keep
them so not the surrender of their sons
to cOnscription to be sent thousands OF
miles away to these death-laden islands
TO keep yellow pagans in order; not gor-
geous Imperialism, with its pomp and
luxury and power for thefew at the cost
and suffering OF the great body OF the
people. And ii the sober thought of our
people shall haye an opportunity to as
sert itself, am certain that it will then
appear that the firm, constant, infexible
Warrington is still the object Of their
idolatry; not the changeiul and capri
cious Mckinley.
Mr.. Editor, is not a pity that in these
trying times we have had for our lead
er such weakhng as the President, who
does not even profess to have any con-
victions, and is only eager TO discover
the trend OF public opinion. He is only
n weathercock not leader, not guide,
not a statesman; utterly unfit for tho
great responsibilities that have fallen
upon him.
| Ihe situation mas demanded, III the
head OF the government the purest pa
triotism, clear and positive convictions,
and dogged and heroic courage;a mind
that meyer says with doubt nor shakes
with fear" For the lack OF such lead
er wo have fought war with weak
and decrepit power, lasting only one
hundred days. yet costing $500, 900, 900,
with an amount OF laundering, foolish
haste, incompetency aud corruption I'M
, Iparaleled in any annals. "The offence is
rank, it smells to Heaven"
We cant hold the Filipinos as vassals:
we can't annex them. But the idea oi
Establishing a protectorate over them
and educating them into itness for free
dom is silly, chim9rical, and ii adopted
II