The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-08-02
PLEA FOR THE FILIPINOS
COL. w. j. BRYAN WOULD GIVE THEM
INDEPENDENCE.
An Essay on the Right OF People to
Free Government-He Thinks Con-
gress should BE Called.


discusses the Philippine question in this
weeks Independent. He says:
1.-THE Philippine question is important be-
cause fundamental principles are involved
in its discussion. There are two sources OF
government-force and consent. Monarcnies
are founded upon force, republics upon con-
sent The Declaration Of Independence as
serts that governments derive their just
powers from the consent Of the governed,
and this is the doctrine to which we have
adhered for more than century. 1t is the
doctrine which has distinguished US from
European countries and has made our Ma
ton the hope of humanity. The statue of
New York harbor typifies the Nations mis-
sion. If the doctrine set forth in the Decla-
ration of independence is sound how can We
rightfully acquire sovereignty over the
Filipinos by war of conquest? If the doc
trine set forth in the Declaration Of Inde-
pendence is sound how can we rightfully
purchase sovereignty from a Spanish
sovereign whose title we disputed in Cuba
and whose rebellious subjects we armed in
the Philippines?
In the resolution of Intervention Con-
gress declared that the Cubans were and of
right ought to be free. Why? Because gov
ernments derive their just powers from the
consent of the governed and Spain had re-
fused to respect the wishes of the Cubans.
If the Cubans were and of right ought to be
free why not the Filipinos?
In the beginning of the Spanish war
Congress denied that our Nation had any
thought OF extending its territory by war.
If We then had no thought of securing by
conquest new territory in the western hem
isphere, why should now think of Sc
curing in the eastern hemisphere new races
for subjugation?
AN individual may live a. double life
when only one life is known. When both
lives are known he can lead only one life.
and that the worst. republic cannot enter
upon colonial policy. 1t cannot advocate
government by consent at home and gov
eminent by force abroad. The Declaration
of Independence will lose its value when
We proclaim the doctrine familiar in Eu-
rope, but detestable here. that governments
in diameter and fired out of cannon.
For more than a century this Nation
has been travelling along the pathway which
leads from the low domain of night to the
lofty realm of right, and its history has
been without a parallel in the annals of re-
corded time. What will be our fate If We
turn backward and begin the descent
toward force and conquest?
1T is not sufficient TO say that the forcible
annexation of the Philippines islands is a
benevolent undertaking entered upon for the
that this has always been the argument OF
kings. TO use his words, They always be-
IL
wanted to do it, but because the people were
better Off for being ridden
1T Is surprising that any believer in self
ton, but still more surprising that anyone
who believes in the Christian religion should
favor the substitution Of force for reason In
the extension for our Nations influence.
IF We adopt the gunpowder gospel in the
Philippines how long will 1t be before that
principle will be transplanted In American
soil? So long as our arguments are adj
dressed
progress is sure, but can we without danger
to Christianity resort to the ancient plan OF
injecting religion into the body through the
1.-The question Is frequently asked. What
can We do? Nearly two months elapsed be-
tween nnn the signing Of the treaty and the be-
During that time the President and Con-
gress might have given. to the F'ilipinos
was given to the Cubans. Such assurance
would have prevented bloodshed. II the
doctrine of self-government Is sound, the
F'ilipinos are entitled to govern themselves
and the President can now promise them in
dependence as soon as a stable govern
ment can be established.
IF the President Is not willing to take
the responsibility of enforcing the doctrine
set forth in the Declaration of independence
he can call Congress together and let II
Would be less than war
speak OF the principles involved.
"Our Nation is protecting the republics
of South America from outward interfer-
ence while they work out their destiny. we
| can extend the same doctrine to the Philip.
pines. and having rescued the inhabitants
! from molestation while they develop a re-
| public in the Orient. They will be oul
| friends instead of our enemies; we can sen6
| diers, and the world will know that there
| is reality in the theory OF government
promulgated at Independence Hall and de-
Tended by the blood Of the revolutionary