The times., 1899-06-06
TUESDAY. JUNE 6, 1899.
Mr.. Gormnn's Americanf.m.


The Hon. Arthur Pue German is opposed
to the doctrine of national expansion which
has lain at the base of Democratic faith,
history. and policy for over century Let
that pass for the present; he has not for
gotten to be an American. as most of the
little Americans" who think they agree
with his views undoubtedly have. In an
interview published in the New York
World" of yesterday the former Senator
says. referring to the Philippine situation:
Having gone into this troublesome dispute
however there is but one thing TO do-continue
the fighting. "An the men and all the money
necessary to bring the war to a close" should he
the motto OF every tTue-spirited American. II Is
too late now TO withdraw. IL would be comics
sion Of our inability TO cope with these bar
h1rians and TO whip them into subjection-it
would be ignominious-for the American forces to
hack out OF the Philippines at this time. My ad-
vice TO the Administration is to give Otis all the
men he may need and 10 instruct him TO force
fighting rntil some sort Of solution OF the
problem Is evolved.
Whether it be true that the Administra-
tion is preparing for retreat from the Phil
ippines or not, and we hope not, for the
glory and honor as well as the commercial
future of the country. Mr.. Mckinley might
do worse than take inspiration from these
words Of z decided anti-imperialist. with
whose views on the subject generally we
have not the slightest sympathy. But he
says what every decent American is say
ing, and his and their opinion is worthy of
consideration at the White House. What
ever the President may have been induced
TO do in oyersetting the civil service re-
form system. and returning to that of cor
rupt political spoils, he certainly must not
make any mistake in the matter OF the
Philippines.
We are aware that enormous pressure is
being brought TO bear upon Mr.. Mckinley
by persons and corporations interested in
keeping possible new sugar territory in
foreign hands. and that, Furthermore, he is
open to outland influences. OF a financial
or commercial character, that would cheer
fully give him or his party the wealth Of
an Astor or Rockefeller to secure Ameri-
can surrender Of the archipelago But
perhaps, there is point, in subordinatinl
the good and destiny OF the whole Unior
TO private rapacity. or to foreign poiitica
designs beyond which even a Hanna Re
publican President might not dare to go.
If we are right in such an assumption !
is possible that American fears today ma,
be without complete foundation. It ma!
be seen, little later, that President Nc
Kinley's hesitation in providing troop
necessary to suppress -the Tagal mutin!
may have resulted from temperamenta
timidity and tendency to put of the da.
OF action on any given thing as long a
possible. The developments of the cur
rent week may show him still willing t,
bow to the unquestionable demand Of tn
country. that he send troops enough t
Otis to give that officer a fair militar.
chance to suppress the Luzon rebellion
and occupy and garrison the country.
But if this is not shown to be the polio
Of the Administration, and at once tn
public will be certain to conclude tha
anti-expansion. or important politica
considerations connected with the Obi
campaign. contributions to the next Presi
Dental canvass. or matters of that sort
have once more become the moving force
with the Administration.