New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-01-27
AMERICAN AIDS TO FOREIGN FOES.

The situation In the Philippines has long been
strained II has now reached the breaking
point. That is this mornings news from Ma
Mia. on the authority Of the official organ OF the
FuDno Government" The Filipino Con
gress" has authorized its creator and dictator
Agulnaldo. to declare war against the United
States whenever he peases. That authorize
ton is in effect a declaration of war so far as
that Tagal cOncave can make II. The perform
ance is prepOSterOus one, and an impudent
one. Of course II may. and probably will, lead
IN some trouble and bloodshed which both
Americans and FillpinOs will have TO suffer.
And. 10 speak plainly. both Americans and
TiHpinos will be responsible for II. For If the
Filipinos are acting fooshly and wickedly they
have been melted 10y Americans to do so. That
and no less. is the dcporahe fact
The significant statement is made by the
"Imparcal" newspaper, of Madrid that "the
"Filipinos understand that the Americans wish
"to tyrannlze over them and use them as the
"Spaniard. never did" That may well be be-
leved 10 be, with certain limitations, exactly
true Not all the Fnpincs have such ideas.
Some who profess 10 may not have. But there
IS little reason TO doubt that some Of them SIN
cerely think just that and that others, who
know better. are industrlously disseminating
such notions for selfish political effect. From
such causes undoubtedly arises large share.
probably the major part of the opposition 10
the authority Of the United States in those
islands. Including this Malolos declaration Of
war.
Who are responsible for the existence OF so
OF which their hostile effor.3 may always be
directed with hope of success
So far the Nations honor has never been tar
nished It's President. necessarily clothed with
authority 10 conclude negotiations with foreign
Powers. has never submitted n treaty Of peace
which the Nation has not approved Possibly
men do not consider what a state OF things
there would he il the public confidence and the
worlds confidence. long and 50 reasonably
reposed in the Nations support Of negotiations
made hy the Executive, were TO be withdrawn.
II II were to be determined that no peace with
the United States could be concluded until after
n more or less prolonged session Of the Senate,
orr relations with other Powers would be en-
flrely changed. The United States would then
become the one Power from which II would
never be possible TO obtain terms Of peace I'M
I'll the Nation had been conquered and
crushed that further resistance could not be
attempted
The ouesfion is not exactly ono OF conven-
fence on the one hand or Of constitutional law
on the other Nobody disputes the legal right
Of the senate 10 throw cut treaty when IL
thinks contrary 10 the interests Of the United
States The Presidents right OF Initiative IL
based upon the belief that he can be trusted to
enter into no foreign engagement when me
people will not approve. The people sustain
their President because he guards American In
terests with care. They unqucstonably sus-
tain the President now. but n minority tries
20 defeat him and 10 deprive the majority or
its right. and thus 20 dishonor both the Gov
eminent and It's principles OF government
II is not by anybody alleged that the pending
treaty has not guarded American interests with
-~<e utmost care. Indeed the only claim made