The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-01-10
EDMUNDs on THE PHILIPPINES.

| EDMUNDs on THE PHILIPPINES.
The letter of ex-senator Edmunda of
/ Vermont, on the Philippines. a synopsis
| Of which was published in our dispatches
on Sunday. is calculated to make a pro-
| found impression on Congress and the
| country. He is looked upon by the great
majority of the Republicans as the ablest
statesman in their party, and there is no
I question that he ranks very high among
the nations leading men. From the time
it became apparent that it was the
purpose of the administration to demand
The Philippines from Spain he has taken
the ground that 1t would be a serious mis-
take to attempt to deal with islands in any
other way than as we propose to deal with
Cuba. He thinks that we ought not to
have taken the Philippines, but having
taken them we ought TO let the Fnipinos
have their own government
He is not so much concerned about the
Filipinos as he is about this country. He
is satisfied that they can take care of
themselves as well as the people of the
South American states do. We do not
South American states; therefore, there is
no call for TO ipterfere in the affairs of
the Philippines, further than 10 assist the
people there in establishing an Intelligent
and stable government.
Mr. Edmunds points out that under the
constitution we cannot hold the Philippines
as colonies. AS soon as we accept the
treaty in which islands are ceded to us
the inhabitants OF them become citizens Of
this country, having all the Rights which
our citizen now have. They must be
dealt with just as the people of our terri
tories are. Governors and judges must be
provided for them. and they viii be en-
titled TO delegates in Congress And if
tens Of thousands of them want 10 settle
in this country there viii be no possible
way TO preFent them.
The fact seems to be very generally
overlooked that there was much better
organized insurrection in the Philippines
when Admiral Dewey arrived in the bay
of Manila than there was in Cuba when
we nterfered in the affairs of that island.
Spain had control of only a very small
part Of the islands. Therefore, Spain cedes
a very small portion of the islands to us
in the treaty of peace. If we get posses
sion Of the islands we shall have to CON
quer the Filipinos if they do not choose to
accept our authority. And 1t looks as if
they do not intend to do that
We began the war with Spain not for
conquest, but to give freedom to the Gu
bans, who. Congress declared, ought to be
free, If we pursue the policy which the
administration seems to have determined
upon we shall have to have a war with
the Filipnos and get possession of the
Philippines by conquest. Beginning as
the hberators of an oppressed people we
shall end it, after the expenditure of
great amount of blood and treasure, as
conquerors. holding a vast region against
the will of its Inhabitants, and against the
principles on which our own government is
founded.
When the administration decided TO de-
mand the cession of the Philippines it APP
parenuy thought it would be an easy mat
ter to establish our authority in them 1t
was no doubt convinced that it was the
wish of our people that this country should
have them. If it had 10 make the treaty
over again, knowing the situation as it
now knows it, the demand for The Phil
ippines would not. in all probability, be as
imperative as 1T was. In fact, it is doubt
full if Spain would be asked for the ISL
ands.