Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1899-11-11
A SENATOR'S VIEWS.
George F. Hoar, Of Massachusetts,,
Writes About the Philippines.
The WAR WITH SPAIN REVIEWED.
Senator Hoar Thinks It Might Have Been
Avsrtsd-Our Future Altitude Toward
the Isiauds--Ths sober Second
Thought Of Americans.

New York. Nov. 9.-Senator George
r. Hoar. OF Massachusetts,, has con-
tributed an article on "0ur Duty to the
Philippines" TO the Independent, which
will appear to-day. He begins with q
review Of the circumstances leading up
to the war with Spain, Of which he says:
Think It might have been averted and that
Cuba could have been liberated by peaceable
means II the counsel OF Grant and Fish had been
followed and II our public men In the senate had
remembered that they were part Of the diplo-
matte power OF this country and IL was unbe-
coming In them TO indulge In bitter and singing
invcctives against SPAIN whether such invec-
lives were Just or unjust
Continuing, the senator says that
down TO January !, 1899, the American
people and the republican party were
committed to the doctrine that just
governments rest upon the consent Of
the governed and that every people
has the right to dissolve ut will the
political connection that binds 1t to
another people. In dealing with Cuba,
says the writer, 1--WE acted upon those
principles, but the treaty Of peace dis
closed different purpose rs to the
Philippines, the inhabitants Of which
were much nearer independence when
the treaty Of peace was signed than
ever had been the people Of Cuba |"
The senator writes:
Their leader had been brought over 10 the Is
lands In United States ship by the United
States authorities and was In arms at the head
OF his forces, with our full concurrence and In
operation. They had framed provisional con-
stltution. model Of Its kind, md establishing
Dictatorship like those established by Bolivar
In South America 70 give place to republic as
soon as the military condition should make 1t
possible.
Looking back. can any SINE man doubt the
wisdom OF those who desired TO amend the
treaty and 10 deal with the Philippine islands
as we did with Cuba: to compel Spain to re-
nounce her sovereignty: 10 keep on oil foreign
nations and to aid the islanders In establishing
their own government according 10 their own
desirei
As to our future attitude toward the
Filipinos, Senator Hoar writes:
The time has come to mako up your minds II
you urc to declare that you do not mean 70 sub
jugate them or to enslave them. that you will
yet net toward them on the principles and spirit
OF your own declaration OF independence, the
war can be ended In IN hour. The refusal TO
make this declaration In the beginning brought
on this war, and your refusal now 70 declare
yourselves Is what Is alone responsible for Its
continuance Now We have got to settle the
question, which tn, president has repeatedly de-
clarcd Is for congress or for the people whether
We will complete the subsection OF the Filipinos;
whether we will undertake TO govern them as
subjects or serfs: or whether we will aid them
TO become self-governing nation. either rs q
republic. as they seem 70 desire. or rs limited
monarchy like Japan. or whether they shall ex-
list hereafter as an absolutely monarchy. after
the fashion In which we are maintaining In
power to-day the sultan OF Sulu, with his slaves
md his harem.
In conclusion the senator says:
The American people, the brave and just peo-
ple, who made the immortal declaration ind
who maintained with life and fortune their
sacred honor who established our wonderful
constitution, to whose Monroe do,trine Is due
the freedom OF the American continent from
the Rio Grande TO Cape Horn. have not changed
their character or their principles In the twin
king Of an eye under the temptation OF any
base motive or personal advantage, or under
the excitement Of war. They ore subject,
doubtless, rs all masses OF men ore subject,
however intelligent or however upright TO
great waves OF passion. But their sober second
thought Is TO be trusted. Tnsr deliberate &C.
tion will be wise and just The great passions
by which they IRE stirred and by which their
Judgment Is now clouded ore generous noble
and humane. Reason will resume Its rlghtful
sway and the great republic will remain o re-
public still.