The National tribune., 1899-01-19

we will exercise that function ourselves.
Mr.. President, they will never learn to gov
ern themselves while we govern them. There
is no such thing as teaching the art Of self
Government
The Filipino is beginning TO treat with
us as to his own land He acknowledges
our gallant service. There is no honest
commercial treaty that an honest nation
could ask that tIiey are not willing to con-
sent TO- They want liberty. as we did, and
when 20, coo, eco people have heard their cry
for mercy and independence the father in
New England will plead for the father in
Manila, the mother in Illinois will pray for
the roar mother III the islands of the sea; the
fathers Will vote as the mothers pray; the
roisoned view OF se.fishness will have had lis
run, and God help the party that urges war
on the native who defends only his liberties
and his home.
'Ah. Mr.. President have we got to fight
and plead for these people as we did for Cuba?
Are we to hear Aguinaldo and his followers
called robbers and cut-thrOats, as we heard
cf the brave Garcia and those followers with
in rhe last II months in this chamber? Why
not make them our friends forever, instead
Of cur enemies? Why stingily withhold the
level of independence? Why not finish this
war rs we begun it. for humanity's sake
Why not, with free and open hand, give to
them what we have promised to give to
Cuba? Then we have kept our promise,
then have we bound them to Us by bands
stronger than steel, and then can we answer
the ISLANDERS of Europe, who called us land
grabbers.
''But. Mr. President. we are told that we
must civilize them. Which part Of our civili-
Zation shall we give them first? Shall we
show them how to run municipalities with
Doodle Aldermen? / see the chief of that
great ethical society known as Tammany
/ Hail says keep the islands Shall W. send
/ him to teach the untaugbt Filipino clcanli-
ness in municipal politics? Shall we teach
them 10 worship money or the man who has
Int?
| Shall we have special instructors to
teach them how to Kill postmasters and their
wives and children because of their com
plexions? Shall We have illustrations show
| M in large pictures the works of our nobs
within tue last 80 days in North Carolina,
South Carolina and Illinois? 20
/ While Mr. Mason WAS discussing the
statement OF the possible bombardment OF
/ Iloilo which be said IL was currently re-
/ ported was IN contemplation, Mr. Gallinger,
OF New Hampshire, said that as Mr.. Mason S
statement was very serious, he would like TO
know upon what information it was based.
81 have some Information" replied the
Illinois Senator which | cannot here and
DOW communicate to the Senate. What
have said, however, is reported, and has been
day after day. III the press dispatches.
Those reports are that we have threatened to
bomhard ilo!lo, with its women and
children, where our flag has never been
raised"
:" This statement - interjeeted Mr.. White
OF California, has been published through
out this country. We all know that when
untrue statements are so published they are
denied by the Administration. Instead Of
denial il is met with silence that is alike
ominous and convincing"
This statement was denied at the Wal
and the Navy departments.
4 Secretary Alser said that no such instruc
tions had been issued, nor will they be unit
the Administration is satisfied that The
Filipinos viii not accept the friendship
offered by the United States.
In the Senate on Jan. ii Mr. Forakel
spoke in opposition to the declaration of tn,
Vest resolution, that the United States hat
no constitutional power TO acquire foreign
territory 20 be maintained as colonies.
1t being lyue that we have the power t.
make war and to enter into treaty agreements
We logically have tie power to acquire terri