The record-union., 1899-03-26

ment has positively been laid open TO
the indictment that it did not provide
sufficiently for the order of stock that
stipulate and contract with that fore
knowledge and foresight that ought to
characterize such a department of the
Government.
But this much is settled beyond cavil,
that General Miles has been vindicated
in this, that there was sufficient evil
dence before him to justify eomman-
der in saying that the meat supply of
GENTLY protected and in considerable
measure unfit for consumption and that
some of it had been experimental upon
with preservatives which are the enc
mics of the stomach. 1t remains to be
shown, however, and it probably will not
be established, that the Commissary
Department willfully and fraudulently
combined with the meat contractors to
fraud and cheat the Government. The
probabilities are that the department
itself was put upon. It's error lay in
it's unwillingness to confess that it was
cheated and imposed upon; that it had
been negligent in inspecting and in pro-
viding the safeguards that should be
thrown about contracts to supply meat
rations. For in all other respects the
rations appear to have been sufficient,
and taken all around not the subjects
of much justifiable complaint.
Ex- Embassador Whitelaw Reid, now
visiting California, was present at the
reception rendered President Harper of
Chicago the, other night in San Fran
cisco. Being called upon to speak, and
the word expansion having been put
into the sentiment given him for re-
Spouse, Mr.. Reid took occasion to say
something upon that subject. While
he disclaimed with emphasis speaking
for the President of the United States,
or because he was one Of the Peace
Commissioners, he was very frank in
stating his own views concerning re-
tention Of the Philippines.
AS he served during all the negotia-
tions with Spain and must have been
In close touch with the Administration
all that time his words have more than
ordinary significance. Mr.. Reid holds
that when nation goes to war it must
accept the responsibilities thrust upon
it in consequence. or run away. There
is no gainsaying that; we have really
but two courses open to us in the Phil
ippines: to make our authority respect
ed and faithfully carry out our COM
pact with Spain or to turn tail and run
for home like a whipped cur.
War forced the issue. said Mr.. Reid,
and we did our best. 1t was our duty
to smite Spain where we could and
Dewey for us fulfilled that obligation.
1t was the voice Of the people and if
that is the voice of God, then, indeed,
Divine Providence placed the Philip
pines in our hands ard we must accept
the trust of this magnificent archipela-
go and do our full duty by it.
Mr.. Reid added that the man who
advocates the abandonment of that ter
ritory to the inevitable anarchy that
would follow such retreat, advocates
the course Of the oward; which is put
ting it strongly, but with just empla-
sis. Outside Of this question of duty,
however, Mr.. Reid sees in this new
trust committed to US, commercial adj
vantages which it would be idiotic ~
reject. This commercial opportunity
touches California more closely than
try. There might be business reasons
why New York or Chicago would be
against retention of the islands, but
there can be none of business sense
that ought to operate in San Francisco,
for instance, against discharging the
task we have taken up.
Mr.. Reid reflects the sentiment we
have entertained iE regard to this
whole matter With him we are amazed
at expressions made upon this coast
against retention of our foothold in the
Philippines. That sickly sentimental
ity, misconception Of duty and condi-
lions, could run 10 such extreme as 10
carry Californians into the camp Of
those who SWIVEL over the so-called
pines, and who speak of our own arms
as those or oppression and slavery, is
more than amazing; it is astounding.