The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-02-19
COL. BRYAN'S LECTURE
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN ST11-
DENTS AND FACULTY
APPLAUD 1T
INDEPENDENCE FOR FILIPINOS

That Was the BASIS of The Argu-
ment Advanced by Col. Bryan
President McKinIey,s Bostou
Utferances Ridiculed by the Lee
turer-Argued That Now Is the
| Time to Announce Intentions.
| ANN ARBOR. Mich, Feb. 1s.-CoI.
| William j. Bryan lectured on TIM
perialism" tonight before an audience
OF students. members of the University
of Michigan faculty and citizens. which
! taxed the capacity Of the big university
nall. 1t is seven years since the leader
OF the silver Democracy visited this
| Guy, and all citizens of whatever Do
ltlcal following gave him an enthus-
1astlc and noisy welcome on his ap-
pearance. Col. Bryan's declaration in
favor of independence for the Filipinos
| under an American protectorate'
brought out considerable applause. He
said
FUTURE OF PHILIPPINES.
The president in his Boston speech has
declared that the future of the Philippines Is
in the hands of the American people. This
is al that has been contended for by the
opponents of the colonial policy outlined by
those who have demanded the forcible and
permanent annexation of the Philippine ISL
ahds. II the matter is in the hands of the
American people then it is subject for dis.
cusslon by the American people, and the only
question to be considered and decided Ia
wnether the permanent retention of the Phil
lpplne Islands Is desirable And in consider
ing what is desirable we must consider what
Is best for the people of the United States
and what is best for the F1llpinos Those
who oppose the colonial policy deny that
abortion a Nv
YOU'D be beneficial either to the United
states or to the alien race over which our
sovereignty would be extended.
The sooner the question Is settled the bet
ter 1t Is putting the cart before the horse
to say that the nation cannot reveal it's pur-
pose until the Filipinos lay down their arms
establish stable and Independent govern
ment in the Philippines and then leave that
government ,IIa IN the hands Of the people of
a9e o 1sland ano hGstie would be SUSPENDED
avoided. What would our colonists have
thought Of demand upon the part of Eng
land that we first lay down our arms and
surrender to the king, and then trust to
the decision that he would make Now that
the treaty has been ratified and Spain elimt-
mated from the question, the American people
stances require. Shall our nation enter
upon career of conquest and substitute
the doctrine of force for the power of ex-
fathers fought for independence under a ban
ner upon which was inscribed the motto
millions for defense, but not one cent for
tribute
And so those who today not only desire
american independence. but are willing to
encourage the idea of independence and self
government in other races fight under
a banner upon which is inscribed similar
motto: Millions for defense, but not one
cent for conquest.
FIXING RESPONSIBILITY.
Some of the advocates of a colonial policy
have sought to lay upon those who opposed
the ratification Of the treaty the RESPONSE
bility for the bloodshel around Manila. While
believed and still believe that it was bet
ter to ratify the treaty and make the fight
for Philippine independence before the Ameri-
can people rather than through diplomatic
negotiations with Spain, deny that the SEN
ators who opposed ratification were in any
way responsible for the commencement of
hostilities The responsibility rests not upon
those who opposed the treaty but upon those
who refused to- disclose the nations pur-
their fight against Spain instead of bringing
them independence had only brought them
a change OF masters 1t was the desire to
sist American authority, and their desire for
independence Was not inspired by any Ameri-
can oppos. ion to the terms of the treaty
1t will be remembered that the Fflipinos
issued dec -aration of independence last sum-
mer. before the treaty was negotiated. OPP
position to- the treaty, therefore, could not
was expressed before the treaty was made
II it is wrong for any one In this country
to inspire in other races a desire for self
government the imperialsts cannot confine
their reproaches to the living. They must
lay the blame upon American statesmen long
since dead. Patrick Henry was responsible
pressed in his speech have found a Judgment
in the hearts of all the races. Washington
must also be blamed. for when he drew his
sword in defense of the rights of the colonists
sit al
jefferson was Largely to blame because the
DECLARATION of Independence. the work of
his pen, has been an inspiration to the low
ers of liberty in every cline Abraham Lin.
coin cannot escape his share of blame. If those
are to be blamed who have aroused anions
the oppressed/a desire for participation iS
the government under which they lived
When the great emancipation delivered his
speech at Gettysburg and appealed to the peo-
eminent of the people, for the people and by
the people shall not perish from the earth
ne dld more to stimulate the desire for self
pubic man in half century.
DOCTRINE OF FORCE
The American people cannot apply the
European and monarchical doctrine of force
in the subjugation and government of alien
races and at the same time stand forth as
defender of the principles embodied in our
Declaration of Independence and constitution
man may live double life when only one
of his lives is known, but as soon as his
duplic.ty becomes manifest to the world he
can lead but one life, and that the worst AS
soon as we establish two forms of government
one by consent in this country and the other
by force In Asia, We shall cease to have the
influence of republic and join in the spo,ia
ton of helpless people under the pretense of
comforting upon them unsought and unde-
sired blessings.
Independence for the Filipinos under a pro-
tectorate which will guard them from outside
interference while they work out their destiny
Is consistent with American traditions, Ameri-
can history and American interests The
sooner the declaration is made the sooner will
come the rewards assured to individuals and