Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-09-15
ITS WISDOM DOUBTED
Declaration Regarding the Philip
pines Suggested.
PROPOSED STATEMENT OF POLICY
Action by Congress Would Be
Embarrassing.
LITTLE CHANCE OF PROFIT


The suggestion made by Mr.. Schurman
of the Philippine commission in an inter-
view that Congress should declare form
Of government for the Philippine Islands
or should establish a government among
the natives not hostile to the United States
arouses some doubts among those interest
ed in solving the Philippine problem. Some
apprehension is felt that serious embarrass
ment might follow an attempt by Congress
to establish a government or declare a
policy for the Philippines, on no better in
formation than Is now possessed.
It is pointed out that the Teller resolu-
ton declaring in advance the purposes OF
the United States with relation to Cuba
has been the source of more or less en-
barrassment to this government in dealing
with the Cuban problem. A determined ef-
fort was made while the peace treaty with
Spain was before Congress to secure the
adoption Of a declaration with respect 20
the Philippines similar to that adopted as
to Cuba.
1t required the power of the administra-
tion's influence and the very active eff
fort Of some of the more far-sighted men
In Congress to prevent the adoption of such
resolution. 1t was argued then by these
opposed to the resolution that Congress
was not In position to make any declaration
of intent respecting to the Philippines in
the absence of information to the condi-
ton of affairs those islands. Because
every man in Congress was compelled to
confess ignorance no one was in position
to insist strenuously upon a declaration of
policy.
Effect of a Declaration.
1t is conceived that present conditions
are even less favorable to declaration of
policy by Congress which would be bind
ing upon the government under any cir
cumstances than they were at the outset.
1t is suggested that If Congress should see
fit to declare an ultimate purpose to es-
tablish an Independent government in the
Philippines, as is contemplated in Cuba.
this action would at once change the status
of our military forces in the Philippines,
and very seriously embarrass all operations
there.
IT, on the other hand, Congress should
declare a policy of maintaining the SOW
ereignty of the United States. such decla-
lation would probably not weaken the pur-
pose of the followers Of Aguinaldo in their
struggle for absolute independence, but
might be used by Aguinaldo as an argu-
ment with other tribes Of natives to join
him in his resistance of the power Of this
government.
Moreover, with all the investigation that
the United States government has been able
to make through the Philippine commission
and the military. information as to the
wishes and needs of a majority of the in
habitants of the Philippine Islands is ex-
tremely meager. While 1t is known that
the tribes in revolt under the leadership of
Aguinaldo comprise but a small percentage
Of the entire population of the islands, it
is not yet determined to what extent the
other natives sympathize with the rebel
lion.
Mr.. Schurrnan himself says that 1t Is not
safe to assume that these tribes of the
Malay family are disposed to be in sym
pathy with the United States, though they
are not active in their support Of Aguinal-
do. The government has no adequate in
formation as to what character of govern
ment on the islands would be either accept
able or efficient for this aggregation of
tribes, nor what form of proposition would
be likely to excite the sympathy and ap-
prevail of those not now associated with
Agunaldo.
Peace First, Then Plans.
1t is not apparent. therefore. how Con-
81 ess could act intelligently upon any prop
osition fer government or could do more
than make some broad. indefinite declara-
ton, which would be as apt to embarrass
as to improve the situation. 1t is felt that
while 1t might be that some definite state
ment Of purpose would satisfy a majority
of the inhabitants Of the Philippines not
now in revolt and secure their sympathy
with the United States. it would be a mere
chance. with possibilities of great danger,
and that the only really safe plan Is to
establish peace under the authority of the
United States, so as to enable a thorough
investigation of the conditions and needs
of the island, and to make a proper eSti-
mate OF the best interests of the United
States before any congressional action Is
taken.
1t Is felt that any action based on I'M
perfect informa ton and unsustained senti-
ment would prove very embarrassing. This
government has already given assurances
of liberal, free government and autonomy
to the Filipinos: in fact, every degree Of
liberty short of absolute independence, and
it has been rejected by those in rebellion
and not accepted by those occupying a
passive or neutral attitude. The wisdom
of action by Congress at this stage of the
situation Is very much doubted.