The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-10-13

TO discuss the Philippine question with
such correspondent, and we think that
we can disabuse his mind Of some I'm
pressions which. to our mind, ere clearly
erroneous. Let us say right here, al
| though. II our correspondent has read
| Tho Times closely he does not need TO be
so Informed, that we were opposed 20 the
| war with Spain. that we were opposed,
and are opposed. 10 any policy Of foreign
conquest and imperialism. so-called. to
be pursued by this government. and we
have so expressed ourselves time and
again. But after the fight was on, after
there was a clash between Spanish and
Americans. after we smelt gunpowder.
we forgot all that was past and our ma
tional pride and patriotism asserted them
selves. We were then for the American
flag and for 5he triumph of American
arms.
In all the ante-war discussion little was
said or thought Of the Philippine ques-
ton. The attention of the nation was d.
rected towards Cuba and Porto Rico
But the Philippine question was no less
involved. and one morning before break
fast George Dewey took his fleet into
Manila Bay and destroyed the Spanish
vessels OF war. Then and there the Phil
ippine question was forced upon us. and,
whatever the cost. We incurred an obli-
cation which we could not shirlS BY and
by Cuba fell. and negotiations for sur
render and peace were entered upon. II
was agreed that we should pay over to the
Spanish government the sum OF $50. 900
and take the Philippines under our pro-
lection. with the promise that we should
restore order and establish good govern
ment IN those islands as well as in the
island Of Cuba.
Judge William r. Day, who was then
Secretary Of State, in an interview print
ed in the newspapers OF yesterday, inn
presses the fact that We obtained the
Philippine islands not by conquest, but
that they were ceded TO us by Spain in
consideration OF the sum Of $4,000. 600.
at was not claimed" said he that the
United States had a right TO the Phil
ippine islands as a matter of conquest.
The United States has never undertaken,
so far as l know. to wrest from a foreign
country lands or possessions simply by
right Of conquest" And again. by cession
for a consideration. we obtained an indis-
putable title which must be respected
by all other nations"
It is clear from this that the Philippine
islands belong to tho United States. as
truly so as Alaska, or any other terrific
rial possession. Tho great body Of the
inhabitants OF the islands are willing to
accept the situation, trusting 20 the hon
or and prestige Of the United States TO
deal fair and justly with them. But
small number Of Filipinos, headed by an
ADVENTURE named Aguinaldo. have defed
our authority, have refused 10 submit
have set up government OF their own.
and are claiming that they possess the
land and that the United States govern
ment is q trespasser.
What arc We TO do? Shall we in the
face Of such state Of things haul down
our flag. call our forces off and surrender
the Philippines TO Aguinaldo? Would that
be brave, would that be honorable. would
# be just TO the great body Of the Phil
ippine inhabitants. would it be carrying
out our promise TO restore order and set
up stable government? Would our
correspondent have the United States
troops run under fire and surrender TO
this pretender? we cannot believe it,
The Times has a very clear and settled
view as to what policy this government
should pursue towards the Philippines
after the instruction has been put down
and peace has been restored. That. how
ever is d question for the future and is
not now under discussion. The question
which now confronts us is open defiance |
TO our authority and war TO the knife |
Aguinaldo, when not running is fighting, |
and refuses to submit. II we should re-
call our forces. he would at once pro-
claim himself dictator and chaos would !
reign. There would either be an inter
nal conflict or the many would have TO |
submit to the few, and Aguinaldo would |
rule with rod of iron. 1t would be |
cowardly and base treachery to the great /
body Of Flipinos who have submitted to |
us and trusted US. should We desert them |
and let Aguinaldo have his way. There |
is but honorable course open TO us and |
that is to put down the rebellion. and
set the Filipinos up in a stable govern
ment of their own, then bid them god
speed and an affectionate goodbye.
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An English soap manufacturer received
recently communication from a church
in Scotland, asking him TO advertise his