The evening times., 1899-01-06
FRIDAY. JANUARY c. 1899.
Force fer the FIIipinos.

Force fer the EiIipiucs.
This mornings news from Manila indi-
Gates an indisposiiion on the part OF Agui-
naldo's army TO accept the conditions i'm
posed by the Presidents proclamation. 1t
is apparent that the programme of that
leader of the Filipinos was made up long
ago. There is no reason 20 doubt that he
has received information of the sympathy
of the anti-expansionists in this country
and counts on their influence TO prevent the
use of force 10 compel obedience 10 the
American authorities. He is not fool, and
ne knows that resistance TO an American
army is not like an insurrection against
Spanish rule He does not harbor any de-
lusions as to the result of a conflict with
General Otis and Admiral Dewey, and.
therefore. il is reasonable to believe he re-
CARDS the demand of General Miller for the
surrender OF noilo on pain of assault as a
mere trick. For the situation as il is, and
as il threatens to be, we may hold the Car
negies and other enemies of expansion as
primarily responsible.
At this moment il looks as though it will
DC ANACoSdts " N414EAOs AI-Nt " dlS-l IL lAIS
Filipinos. In the light of the President E
proclamation there can be no defense of the
attitude of Aguinaldo's army. No reasona-
bic creature could ask for anything more
liberal and definite than the Presidents af-
frmatiOn that we come not as invaders
or conquerors, but as friends. TO protect
the natives in their homes, in their employ
aud in n.f TapSOuaI and ral fUfN
rights. The military administration is
charged 10 win the confidence. respect and
affection of the inhabitants of the Philip
pines. by assuring them in every possible
way that full measure of individual rights
and liberties which is the heritage of free
peoples, and by proving 10 them that the
mission of the United States is one of be-
nevolent assimilation substituting the mild
sway of justice and right for arbitrary
rule"
This country is charged with the supreme
duty of establishing good order in the
Philippines and protecting all the people
regardless of the ultimate destiny of the
archipelago. Before all the world it as
sumed the sovereignty of the islands for
40 specified purpose beyond the perform
ance of that duty to the people and 10
civilization. II IS not bound to annex the
Philippines, but may. in lis discretion. con-
fer full independence on the FiIipinos.
when that can be done with safety to all
the interests tia, are involved. Even if it
were the distinct policy and pledge of the
American nation 10 establish the independ-
ence of the PHILIPPINES. it would be COM
PEELED to take exactly the course that is
row imposed On il. 1t would be necessary
10 obtain the release of the Spanish prison.
ers and the surrender of IIoilo and all other
posts held by armed bodies of men. and
TO require Tie native army 10 disband 1t
could in no wy recognize the authority
OF Aguinaldo or any other leader of an
armed force. When he resists the efforts
of this nation 20 institute an orderly con-
dition, he becomes a bandit and an outlaw.
10 be run down like any other brigand.
The President has gone as far as he can
in offering 10 the Filipinos the same de-
gree Of liberty that is enjoyed by the
American citizen and in providing for the
disarming Of Aguinaldo's followers The
rejection Of This offer and the refusal TO
cDN- AAAS ShttiAseAHp- NbtAStltINS a uSClaTa-
lion of rebellion aeainsI the supreme au-
thority in tsie island. The next step is the
use Of force.
This imposes on ne anti-expansionisis
in This country the tlujy of sustaining the
Government. the sHeers of Mr.. Cleveland
Mr.. Carnegie and others who profess TO
sympathize with outlaws are an encour-
agement 10 Z treasonable cause which the
American people are not disposed to toll
crate. Our flag belongs in the Philippines.
no matter what is 20 be the final dispo-
sition Of that territory. and forcibIe re-
sistanee TO lts authority is not to be ap-
plauded by American citizens, with i'm
punity- When the Filipinos are reduced
10 orderly submission, such as prevails in
The States. how TO treat the whole oues
lion Of expansion may be properly dis
cUssed, bat there can be no difference of
opinion ancDg leyal American citizens as
10 the duty cf the Government and the
duty Of citizenship. Aguinaldo and his
army must lay down arms now or suffer
The known consequences.