New-York tribune., 1899-02-12
THE MEN or THE WEST.

Tho ottitudc Of the West in regard TO expan-
sion and more especially in regard 10 the ac-
ouisitlon of the Philippines deserves word OF
recognition and cordial praise While we pe-
licve that the people of the East are overwheln-
inrlv with the West on this question. 1t is n fact
that nearly all the anti-expansionists are East
crn men. and their prominence no less 'hah
their high character and conspicuous pubic
servjces in the past. has naturally given the
impression that they speak for the East al
though in reality they do not. The NeSt, now
over has not been so misrepresented. with
few exceptions its public men have spoken ior
the pcoplc. and the people are believers in the
GOOD American doctrine of National groW'h'
Indeed. il is not too much TO say that the East
alone handicapped it was. could not nave
succeeded in impressing the policy of expansion
unon the Nation. II is TO the West largely that
we owe the Philippines. The West does not
pav much heed to traditions as such. for II lives
IN the present and projects it's golden age in the
future. II cares little for political maXims 'ha'
ore not vitally related to the pressing ques-
tlons of the moment. 1t would stife in the aca
denic atmosphere of ncbulous theory in which
certain wise men Of the East are wont 10 i've
and move and have their being. 1t scorns the
studv of our National infrmitics The West, IN
n word lives outdoors sees things as they are
in the white light of heaven and believes with
all it's heart in the glorious poSsibulties OF the
American people 1t may pay transient heed
sometimes 10 passing vaGarieS OF OPINION. bu'
when any really great crisis arises II never lal's
10 strike the true note of AmcricaniSm
Nor is the interest of the West in the fhiiip-
..tY,oo
pines merely speculative. The Philippine arm!
Of occupation is largely composed OF western
men. And what splendid fellows they are-Dlg
in stature. strong Of limb representing the very
best type of American citizenship IN their sunny
optimism. eager hopefulnesS and strenuous, az
rrcssivc manhood, The East, in common win
the whole country is proud of them They rep
resent its beliefs and ideals no less than those OF
the West. and they are kin TO it in blood no less
than in patriotism. While the Regular Army Is
deserving Of all honor. it is happy circum-
stance that il is not the Regular Army. hut cltl-
zcn soldiers. mostly of the West. whose privl-
loco II Is TO take possession Of these far-diStant
islands of the Eastern seas. For II signifies
that American citizens rather than American
eoldiere are 10 hold these islands and develop in
tbom the Ideals of American civilization ana
progress.
How great Is the interest Of the Western
people in the Philippine problem can only he
understood by those who come in actual con-
tact with them. Ever since the American troops
landed i'm Manila all the great papers OF the
West have been filled with graphic and interest
ing letters from Western volunteers. These let
tors have told all about the islands and their
wonderful possibilities in hOmely but effective
fashion, While AT the sauc time they have de-
scribcd with many quaint touches of racy west
crn humor the tribulaiOns and pleasures of the
BOYS in camp. For this reason it is fact
strange rs II may seem. that the people Of the
West know a great deal more about the actual
situation in the Philippines than do the people
OF the East That with their clearer knowledge
derived from their own sons the people OF the
West still believe in acquiring these islands Is
an argument in favor of that policy upon which,
in our opinion not enough stress has been laid
1t certainly cannot be met by quoting academic
maXims ana theories of closet philosophers. The
Yves; has not sent its sons 10 the Philippines on
n fools eIrand. hut 10 aid in fulfilling the des
tnv Of the Nation. II is not frightened hy the
bogio of "imperialsm.' nor does il shrink from
the duty of making worldwide the power and
influence of the Nation because that duty may
pcrchance interfere with the Nirvanalke peace
of a few timid traditionalists