El Paso daily herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1881-1901, 1899-10-12
Philippine Problem
An Inconsistent Example.
Wrtftop Tor ho HvpaTn
Written For the HERALD.

|
- Written For the HERALD. E
The anti-imperialists contend that
the present course of the government
toward the Filipinos is q bad as the
| atrocities committed by Turkey
against the Armenians, or the Spanish
against Cuba.
This contention Is utterly false,
wicked, and inconsistent with the facts
in the case. The present contest in
the Philippines is conducted by our
we'll defined principles of modern war
fare, and 10 absolutely devoid of those
shocking incidents which characterize
ed the wars against the Armenians, or
against the Cubans. Can anyone point
to ruthless massacre of helpless
victims in the Philippines re-
lentless prosecutions on account of re-
ligious faith? Can anyone instance q
case in the islands which can be COM
pared with she atrocities of the
Spaniards in Cuba? Can anyone point
to case in the Philippines com car
able with the reconcentrados in Cuba?
Can Anyone point to q case in the
Philippines where the inhabitants are
deprived of their liberties,-except in
SO far as the exigencies of war may de-
mnnd? Can anyone point to oppres-
sion and butchery in the Philippines
in ord er to compel the natives to sub
Unless an Affirmative answer to all
these questions can be given, the in
dictment against the government
must be dismissed.
The Filipinos are RESPONSE ble for the
contest which ts being waged against
them. They have it in their power to
terminate the contest at once,-by SUBJ
mission to the only lawful authority of
| the islands. But they will be accorded
the treatment of rebels just as long as
they persist in their reckless and re-
bel lious course. Theysiwill be subject
ed to the'present mode of procedure
until they show themselves worthy of
better entertainment. When they are
prepared to accept the present order
of things in the island, they will be
received through the door of penance,
and accorded the full measure of civil
or religious liberty guaranteed to every
American subject
Comparing now the examples of the
Armenians land Cubans with the Fill
pinos, and the illustration falls of it's
own weight. The object of these con-
tests must determine their character
In the contests in Armenia and Cuba
the sole object WAS to crush the spirit
of liberty in the people and to bring
them under the iron heel of despotism.
But is there any such purpose behind
the movement OF armed forces in the
Philippines? Certainly not. Neither
Turkey nor Spain desired to give the
subjects in Armenia or Cuba any form
of llberty,-in fact they had no such
priceless legacy to bestow. But our
government is not only willing to give
81 al ;,of~ Cell
civil liberty, such as is enjoyed by Am
erican citizens, but is actually striving
to secure them in the perpetual use
and enjoyment of such privileges. But
We must first teach these former sub
jects of most despotic government
the plain principles of Hberty,-how to |
enjoy and use 1t Alright, Its bounds and |
and the rudimentary prin- |
ciples of American governmental |
priveo OF such blessings, through an
anarchy and an fnterven-
ton of other powers to preserve peace,
and protect the lives and property of
Christian subjects. We must remem-
Der that the subjects of Aguinaldo are
not endowed with those gifts of mind
or training which are the character
istios OF the Anglo-Saxon races.
1t follows from these observations
between the cases of Armenia and
Cuba and the Philippines, and that the
held up by the Anti-Imper-
ialists has no application whatever to
the case in hadd, and is unworthy the |
of intelligent, candid |
people.
SECRETARY LONG.
In view of the exalted character, the |
patriotism, high purpose, and the brill
liant record of Secretary Long, it |
seems almost incredible that any Of his |
fellow citizens of New England should |
venture to criticize his course in res
spect to the war in the Philippines. |
Yet he has not only been called to &C
count for his course in the present con-
troversy, accused of misrepresenting
the people of New England in the ex-
ecutive branch of the government, but
has'been called upon to resign from the
cabinet.
1t is well known that Governor Long
was reluctant to re-enter public life;
that he retired from congress-, with
brilliant career opening up before him,
through a natural aversion to the pub
lie life. Previous to his acceptance of
a cabinet portfolio, he was enjoying q
large, highly responsible, and lucrs-
tive law practice. was enjoying the
pleasures of life in his native state and
city, and the charms of q most beauti
full aud attractive domestic life,-the
quiet dignity and plain course
of duty of New England gentle
man of rank and position. All
of these enjoyments he was compelled
to sacrifice in order to assume diff
cult and arduous task at Washington,
to enter the turmoil of public life and
an inevitable war. Yet he accepted
the call from sense of duty in re-