New-York tribune., 1899-03-25


running this native government. They are men
who have received their education and culture IN
the capitals OF Europe. They are Thoroughly
in earnest in wanting their own independence
and am heartily in favor OF their having IL.
In this respect have changed. as formerly
was in favor OF annexation. Il would be an
awful job for to try to govern these people
and particularly so because they wish to govern
themselves. They are ten million strong. ana il
would be n mean and a thankless Job II we were
TO try 10 govern them when they had strong o"-
iactions to the contrary do not really see
why We should wish TO govern them II they
should ask us to do So ! would think that 1t was
our national duty to them. and that we were
bound to do So If they do not want us to. why
should we be desirous OF shoudering such
heavy burden? I honestly believe that these
people are as fit for self-government as are the
people Of some Of the so-calied republics of Cen
tral and South America ! suppose that We VIII
have to remain in force here until We are salts
fed that they are in some respects fit. and then
I think that some kind OF an International agree
ment will be formed 10 insure their integrity
nation. | do not doubt but that what We
want in the shape OF a coaling station. CONNER
cal rights. etc. we will have matter Of
REASONS AGAINST ANNEXATION.
The only possible reasons why we could want
these islands is for the commercial benefits TO
result on one hand. and for purposes Of military
and naval strength on the other. We can have
all this without loading ourselves down with
the government Of these millions OF people, alien
TO us in every sense and seven thousand miles
away from the nearest point OF our country.
Furthermore they say that they are grateful
to America for her assistance In driving tho
Spaniards out but at the same time will fight all
America before they will allow their own coun-
try to be blotted out.
We came down to Ioilo in the island Of Panay.
to take possession. but before got here the
natives had driven out the Spaniards and were
in undisputed control They told us to come
ashore and visit them and be friends with them.
but saying al the same time that should we at
tempt to take military possession they would
oppose US by force They said that they wanted
American protection but not American sover-
eighty. Very wisely the matter was referred 70
Washington. and then our commanders received
from Mckinley strict orders that we were not to
make an aggressive move against these people.
This I think fine statesmanship. ! believe
that we were very near TO open hostfties with
would surely have been lost
Though there is no doubt but that could
easily subdue them. at the same time We would
have an Indian our hands for many
years Instead Of that. If can build these peo-
pie so that they may be trusted with their own
government. ! think that America will always
be proud OF her work in the Far East.
THE KEY TO THE SITUATION
You say that you Interested I'm the question
OF the East can give you the key to the whole
thing which out here is perfectly apparent
Japan England and America are IN some kind
OF a deal Just what it is l do not know but
that they are working together is unquestoned
My information is not to be doubted. on August
13 had there been reason would have had
japanese and British ships fighting tho Ger
mans The latter were and have been distinctly
hostile and It was only fear that kept their
hands off The Germans recently have had
change OF heart and are now terribly friendly
The French. / should say. have been decidedly
neutral They always sympathized with the
Spaniards. but when the Germans began their
funny business the French hated them more
than they loved the Dago and there you are
But at the same time 1t is my belief that there
is q gentleman in St Petersburg who IS pulling
the string which is making the trouble out here