The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-02-19
DECLARATION OF POLICY.
Would Have Gone Far to PlaCate Aguin-
aldO'S HOrdeS.
THE OPPONENTS OF RATIFICATION
Were Not the Cause of the Beginning of
Hostilities, But Rather the Up
holders of the administration
in the Senate.

Ann Arbor, Mich, February 1S-Colonel
William j. Bryan lectured on Imperial
ism" tonight before an audience of stu
dents, members of the University of Miehi-
gan, faculty and citizens, which taxed the
capacity of the big university hall.
1t is seven years since the present leader
of the silver democracy last visited this
city and the students of all shades OF po-
litical opinion gave him Enthusiastically
enthusiastic and noisy welcome on his APP
pearance. Colonel Bryan's declaration in
favor OF independence for the Filipinos I'M
der an American protectorate brought out
considerable applause. lie said in part:
1.-THE president, in his Boston speech, has
declared that the future of the Philippines
is in the hands of the American people.
This is all that has been commended Tor by
the opponents of the colonial policy out
lined by those who have demanded the
forcible and permanent annexation of the
Philippine islands. If the matter is in the
hands of the American people then it is
subject for discussion by the American peo-
pie, and the only question to be considered
and decided is whether the permanent re-
tention Of the Philippines Islands is desira-
BILE. And in considering what is desirable
we must consider what is best for the peo-
pie of the United States and what is best
for the Filipinos. Those who oppose the
colonial policy deny that the adoption of
such a policy by this nation would be bene-
fetal either to the United States or to the
alien race over which our sovereignty would
be extended.
The Sooner the Better
1.-THE sooner the question is settled the
better. 1t is putting the cart before the
horse to say that the nation cannot reveal
its purpose until the FSipinos lay down
their arms.If the nation would declare its
intention to establish stable and inde-
pendent government in the Philippines and
then leave that government in the hands
of the people of the islands, hostilities would
be suspended at once and further blood
shed would be avoided. What would our
colonists have thought of a demand upon
the part of England 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 rati-
fed and Spain eliminated from the ques-
tion, the American people are free to take
such action as the circumstances require
Shall our nation enter upon a career of
conquest and substitute the doctrine of
force for the power of example and the in
huence of counsel? Our forefathers fought
for independence under a banner upon
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 can fight
under banner upon which is inscribed a
similar motto: Millions for defense but
not one cent for conquest
Some of the advocates of a colonial
policy have sought to lay upon those who
opposed the ratification of the treaty the
responsibility for the bloodshed around
Manila. While 1 believed and still believe
that 1t was better to ratify the treaty and
make the fight for Philippine independence
before the American people rather than
through diplomatic negotiations with
Spain, L deny that the senators who op-
posed ratiication were in any way respon-
sible for the commencement of hostilities.
The Republicans Responsible
The responsibility rests not upon those
who opposed the treaty, but upon those
who refused to disclose the nations purpose
and left the Filipinos to believe that their
tight against Spain instead of bringing them
independence had only brought them a
change of masters. 1t was the desire to be
independent that led the Filipinos to resist
American authority. and their desire for
independence was not inspired by any
American opposition to the terms of the
treaty. 1t will be remembered that the
Filipinos issued a declaration of independ-
ence last summer before the treaty was no.
gotiated. Opposition to the treaty, there /
fore, could not have caused a desire for in
dependence which was expressed before the
treaty was made. If 1t Is wrong for any
one in this country to inspire in other races
a desire for self-government the imperial
lists cannot confine their reproaches to the
living. They must lay the blame upon
American statesmen long since dead Pat
rick Henry was responsible to some extent
because the sentiments expressed 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 de-
Tense of the rights of the colonists he gave
inspiration to all similarly situated. Jeffer-
son was largely to blame, because the De-
claration of independence, the work of his
pen, has been an inspiration to the lovers
of liberty in every cline. -.
Independence Under Protectorate
1.-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
a defender of the principles embodied in
our Declaration of Independence and con-
situation. A man may live double life WI en-
only one of his lives Is known, but soon
as his duplcity 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 coun-
try, and the other by force In ASIA we shall
cease to have the influence of republic
and joi min the spoiliation of helpless people |
under the pretense of comforting upon them,
and undesired blessings. indie
pendence for the Filipoins under a protec-
torate which will guard them from outside
while they work out their des-
tiny is consistent with American institu-
tions, American history, and American in
terests The soorsH the declaration is made
tho sooner will como the rewards assured