Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-08-26
UsURPATION BY PROXY.

Some Of our contemporaries express
great surprise that General Otis should
have applied the Chinese exclusion and
other domestic acts" to the Philippines,
seeing. as the Baltimore American puts il.
that the proceeding is "imperious" and
at variance with American sentiment
The American also characterzes the pro-
ceeding as plain usurpation," and says
that Otis evidently regards himself as
the supreme ruler OF the islands. Plain
usurpation beyond a doubt But there is
every ground for believing that it is usur-
patton by proxy. and We see no reason 10
be surprised at the Generals "impe-
rious" performance. Tile American, we
think. does Otis injustice in putting him
I'm the light OF regarding himself as SUI
preme ruler of the islands. If our Balti-
more contemporary viii refresh rs me-
mory it cannot but conclude that Otis
merely regards himself as the Lord Lieu
tenant Of the real self-constltuted SUI
prcme ruler of our far East possessions,
or prospective possessions.
Usurpation I'm respect Of the Philippines
harks back to MI Mckinley. whose whole
Philippine policy bristles with arroga-
ton to himself Of powers that are extra
constitutional and obnoxious TO this spirit
of our institutions. one Of his Philip
pine proclamaiions, for instance, had as
arbitrary "a ring as a ukase of the Car
OF Russia. lie has given repeated EVIL
dences since that he considered the ma n
agement OF the Philippines problem prao-
tically the exclusive prerogative Of the
administration. That this is the Presi-
dents position is every now and then
made tho moro patent by the utterances
Of those in his confidence, and who, 1t is
accepted, have a right 10 speak for him.
Indeed, these confidants of tho Presi-
dents seem 10 be engaged in an effort 10
educate the public up TO acquiescenoe in
the doctrine OF McKinloys supreme ruler
ship of the Philippines. only a day or
so ago the head of the Mckinley High
Commission TO the Philippines proclaimed
that 1.-The means saud agencies for the
accomplishment of the ends TO be attained
IN the islands must be determined by
the President" and that no doubt the
President would effect a solution OF the
Philippines problem" Here we have
clear assumption for the President OF the
authority of dictator I'm settling one Of
the most mOmentous questions that have
ever confronted the country. Congress,
which not few unsophisticated persons
would naturally think ought to have a
ray in the matter. is entirely ignored.
IT, in connection with the Philippines
issue. anything has been made more
manifest than presidential usurpation, il
IS that General Otis has been the humble
and willing tool and obedlent servant OF
the Presidents at Manila. lie has been
quick TO furnish just such military re-
ports as the administration might desire,
in order 10 the counteracttng Of facts
and influences that were working 10 the
detriment Of Mr.. McKinley's political
prospects. and he has seen TO II that the
dispatches OF the newspaper correspond
ents were cooked to the same end lie
has heretofore. throughout his Philip
pines career, reflected the policy and the
wishes OF the administration. There Is,
therefore. reason for supposing that his
application OF the Chinese exclusion and
other domestic acts TO the islands is but
another complication of like master,
like man.
our Baltimore contemporary says, fur
ther. that the information about the APP
phcation Of the Chinese act has very
naturally created CONSERVATION in WASH
ington. and promises TO result In deli
cate situation between this government
ana that Of China" But In the minds OF
great many persons the statement that
ous's "imperlousness" touching the
heather chinee' promises complications
with China. will only tend to strengthen
the supposition that the General was in
spired from Washington. Moreover. In
the minds of these same people, there is
IKE" TO arise lively suspicion that