The times., 1899-01-12
THURSDAY. JANUARY u. 1888.
Enrl, Ratification.

II is not idle talk 10 say that the anti
expansionists in this country are respon-
sible in large part for the situation in
the PHILIPPINES. There was 4 time when
Asunaldo and his rivals and the leading
people OF Manila were strongly in favor
OF annexation. AEuinaldo set up his claims
10 kingshfp, as he affirmed. TO be prepared
10 resist Spain II. as there was reason TO
fear from the speeches of Carl Schurz ard
others of MS kind. this country should
abandon the Philippines in favor Of their
former oIpressors. The continued agita-
lion OF the question OF expansion by the
Carnegies HOars. the AntiI Imperialist
League and the like. inspired -,guiualdO
with the ambition TO continue in the SOY
creign business, which is pleasant occu
patton. Since the signing of the treaty.
Senator Hoar has distinctly affirmed that
it could moi he ratified, and the agent 0.
Asuinaldo in this country was eager 10
believe bin. Therefore. if the blood OF
Fiiipinos j. shed. the chief blame will rest
on the nt!-expansionists.
They could afford 10 bear this resion
sibiii,y proudly if they were able to make
:, reasonable defense Of their course. II
the independence Of the Philippines could
b. supposed 20 mean what the independ
cuce Of the american colonies meant, or II
American rule in the Philippines could be
supposed TO imply what British rule IN
America dia. then the blood Of fcw
thousand Filipinos shed in a struggle for
freedom coaid not bc called a stain on
the honor OF those who cause its flow. But
We have now heard from the ablest. ev-
Senator Edmunds and the most hysterical.
Senator Hoar. Of the -eypansionist-.
and may justly consider they have said
all that can he urged in defense OF their
nIischieyous attitude. and no fair minded
reader who has kept himself informed Of
the facts viii assert rhat the defense Is
adequate or reasonable or even sincere. Lr.
Edmunds has through ignorance it is
charitable 10 believe. mIsrepresented eyery-
thing in relation 10 the value OF h. Phil
ippines, and has failed utterly TO I'd
vance single reason why We should not
retain What We have acquired. Senator
Iioar has 10; made even as good a pre-
tense of reasoning and his erroneous as
sumptions are fully refuted by the brief
address of Justice Harlan.
II is evident, therefore, that we cannot
excuse The eucouragement they have given
to Aguinaldo rs we might If they were
sincere in their regard for the welfare OF
The Filipiuos-if they were trying to save
them from a yoke OF tyranny. What is
hack Of the moral support they give to i
rebel against The authority Of the Coy
"rnmenr, il is not important to know or
worth while 20 guess. The fact that with
out any warrant IN reason, without any
plausible argument. they do make it nee
essary tha; wc should exercise force in
maintaining our rule, at the cost of many
lives of their ignorant dupes. is enough 10
consider. Public opinion viii not long tol
crate such costly treason. even though the
Government ignore 1t. II is essential 10
early peace in the Philippines that the
Treaty made ~ Paris should be ratified al
once. Every week Of delay adds 10 the
seriousness and difficulties OF the situa-
5ion and increases the number Of lives
that may be taken 10 uphold the authority
and honor Of ;he nation. The people VIII
make existence very uncomfortable for any
senator whose opposition 10 ratification
leads 10 complications and delays in cfecl
ing our honest purpose in the Philip