Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1899-09-08
A Good Statement of the Situation In
the Philippines.

which is valuable because 1t brings out and
puts in order and makes available the facts
concerning our operations, in the Philip
pines since the present year began. Al
though Democrat in politics Mr.. Barrett
writes without partisan prejudice, and he
endorses the general policy Of the Mckinley
administration toward our Asiatic posses
siOns.
The outbreak at arms between our forces
and the Filipinos occurred on the 4th day
of last February. Hostile critics of the ad-
ministraton, and those who denounce all
that has been done in the Philippines,
overlook the fact, the writer says, that
very critical situation had existed there
for two months previous, and that those in
command used every means to avert AN
outbreak. Commissioners appointed by
Gen. Otis met a commission of the Flip
mos and during repeated conferences offer
ed to them every possible means of concil-
iation. No definite proposition could be
secured from them. Our advances were
met with distrust. Finally, after much
urging, they said the least they would ac-
cept would be absolute independence, with
the United States simply protecting them
from foreign interference or invasion, and
to leave them entirely alone when they
should so order Our land forces were to
be withdrawn at once, but the navy was to
remain TO protect them from meddlesome
foreigners until their own navy was organ
lied and built.
"When we pointed out to them that such
conditions we're unreasonable until they
should prove their capacity for governing
the whole group of islands, that our gov
ernment had a responsibility to all the
world in seeing stable government estab-
lished, and that simply defending them
without voice in their control of affairs
might involve us in wars with other ma
tions, they could not or would not see the
situation in that light. We even went so
far as to assure them that the United
States would grant them every degree of
autonomy they proved themselves equal to
even TO obtain all the advantages of self
government with the assistance of the
strong guiding and cooperating hand of
America, but all without avail"
In other words, rule or ruin was the Fill
ipino policy, and Aguinaldo was bound to
have fight whether or no. Fighting be-
gan on the evening of Feb. 4. The out
break was unpremeditated on our part. 1t
was provoked by the Filipinos, though the
first shot was fred by one of our men,
member of the Nebraska regiment. On
the evening in question a Filipino came
out of the rebel lines at Manila near the
Santa Mesa bridge, followed by three or
four others. He refused to halt after
repeated calls, and then, in obedience to
strict orders, our sentry fred and killed
him. His companions returned the fire,
and then the engagement became general
all along the line. During the next few
days the insurgents were pushed back un-
| til our troops held all the immediate sub
urbs of Manila. The insurgents had
about q, 600 men engaged and the Ameri-
cans 1900.
Mr.. Barrett gives a sustained and detail
ed account of the operations which have
taken place since, of the plan and attempt
of the rebels to assassinate all of the
! foreigners in Manila and burn the city,
|
which was sent to the islands by President
Mckinley to try to establish peace. But
what we are chiefly concerned with is the
way in which the war began, and the fact
that our government used every proper
means to prevent the outbreak That
there have been mistakes of judgment
and mistakes of action Mr.. Barrett freely
admits, but with the general policy which
has been pursued he is in full sympathy.
| His final summary of conclusions is in
teresting:
Q) "We are in the Philippines as re-
suit of meeting imperious and unavoidable
moral responsibilities TO ourselves, to the
natives and to the world, resulting from
the war with Spain, and we cannot retreat
from them without shame, dishonOr and
disgrace to us as great nation, and as
Christian civilizlng people"-say nothing
of the material advantages which we
should recklessly throw away did We at
tempt TO shirk those responsibilities.
(2) The responsibility for the present
conflict is with Aguinaldo and his follow
ers, as already stated. That they have
been greatly helped and encouraged by the
attitude of the obstructioDists here at
home admits of no doubt.
(3.) Notwithstanding the disadvantages
of the climate and the rainy season our
troops have met with no serious reverse.
a. Our forces CONTRARY to the general
impres sion) now hold all the most impor-
tant points in the Philippines. Area does
not decide the question of present strength
and influence. The best and most i'm
portant section of Luzon is rapidly COM
ing under our control, and we are already
in possession of the leading commercial
and strategical points of the islands.
(5.) When the dry season comes, as it
will in two months, there is reason TO
expect that a successful and conclusive
campaign will be prosecuted. With pop
ular sentiment, irrespective of party, active
ly supporting the determined efforts Of
President Mckinley and Secretary Root,
'there is no strong reason why, within an