The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1899-01-14
Shall Germany TRIUMPH.


Shall Germany Triumph.
If there is any truth in the report that
the President is now less worried about
/ the situation in the Philippines the public
is denied all information as to what re-
/ lieved his distress. 1t is absurd to say
/ the published message of General Otis
/ could do it. As far as the known facts go.
there is every reason TO fear the most seri-
( Gus trouble unless the Government makes
/ concessions that would mean a virtual
I abandonment of all the Peace Commission
( ers fought for at Paris and all the Presi-
dent spoke for on his Southern journey.
! There is cause to believe the agents of
Germany, who have control of Aguinaldo
| are resolved 10 prevent an agreement that
does not pledge the Americans TO grant
full independence to The Filipinos within
a given time. Another conference can
achieve nothing except 10 confirm Aguinal-
! dos opinion that this Government depends
entirely on persuasion-unless General
Otis is instructed to promise more than
the Presidents proclamation warrants.
The self-constituted dictator has been
greatly strengthened since General Mil
lers expedition was stopped in sight OF
Iloilo. General Miller says he could cap
ture the place in twenty minutes and give
most salutary lesson TO the rebels, but
his hands are tied by instructions from
Washington. of which Aguinaldo is fully
informed. lie is compelled to keep his
force aboard the crowded transports, while
~
confined 10 making preparations 10
resist an assault on Manila. This
inaction, due, as Aguinaldo knows.
by advices through the Germans, 10 the
resolution of the President to refrain from
violence. has convinced the rebel that he
has only to hold out or assume the ag
gressive in order TO gain all he demands.
The Germans. TOO. have been encouraged
10 increase their aid to the rebels by the
apparent timidity of the Government at
Washington
There is a growing anxiety throughout
the country about the backbone OF the
President weakening now means still
holder steps by unfriendly Germany in
Aguinaldo's behalf and great difficulty in
enforcing our authority-if it does not
mean a pledge TO give up the Philippines
There is so little confidence in the courage
and tenacity of the President that a sur
render of what we achieved at Paris would
not surprise the people, however fierce
their Indignation over the betrayal might
! be- We were on the high and unobstruct-
ed road TO victory for the policy of eX-
/ pansion when the Presidents lack Of cour-
/ age invited opposition. Instead Of carry
/ ing out the purpose for which he sent Cen
| eral Miller to Iloilo, he suddenly called a
/ halt and began with Aguinaldo the dila-
/ tory talk proceedings that he carried on
( so long with Spain, and would have con-
/ tfnued Indefinitely but for the interference
/ OF Congress With every assurance that
/ his bold attitude assumed in his Southern
! addresses had frightened the enemies OF
his policy and that the treaty could easily
! be ratified at this session without amend
ment. he was too timid TO impress on the
Senate the necessity Of immediate rati-
foation and to uphold his purpose with
all the force OF ringing message. He in
| vited all the opposition he has met and
has encouraged not only Aguinaldo by his
cowardice but also the antiquated FEEDER
| alist old women, who had fed before his
! Southern address.
II there is prolonged war in the Philip
pines and much bloodshed, it may be just
/ " charged to the President himself. The
people begin to fear that he viii attempt
to escape this by a surrender to Germany
for that is what a promise of independence
to Aguinaldo would mean. This fear in
creases with every days delay in bringing
the defiant rebels TO terms. Gen
eral Miller should be allowed &c
attack IIoilo Immediately; Genera
Otis should arrest Aguinaldo If he
has to cut his way through a solid mass
OF armed Filipinos 10 reach him; Germany
should be warned against further aid Il
the rebels. and the recall of Prince Henry
from Hongkong should be demanded. TIL,
authority of this Government should bt
established in every foot of the Philippines
even II IL should be necessary to lombard
every spot that the rebels occupy. We
are Inundated by advice from Spain as tC
how we can escape the hopeless task o
unfolding the sovereignty OF America, anC
the attitude of the Government seems Il
warrant the opinion that We lack the cour
age and strength to compel obedience.