The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1899-02-24
The Truth About the Philippines.

1t has been affirmed more than once, and
always with positiveness, by General Otis
and Admiral Dewey that Aguinaldo is a
mere fgurehead-the tool of a foreign in
fiuence, that has directed all of his move
ments. There can be no better authority
on this subject than these officers, who
have found it necessary to learn every pos
sible fact in relation to the Filipinos. They
do not announce what are the sources of
their information, but there has been proof
enough of the accuracy of their statements.
The English consular officers at Hongkong
have confirmed the assertion that the
agents of a foreign power have acted as
advisors to the Tagal leader, and there
have been limitations of more material
aid. While it is inexpedent for this Gov
eminent to make direct charges or COM
plant, owing to the shrewdness with which
the business is managed, there is no rea-
son why we should entertain the least
doubt of the truth of the reports made by
Dewey and Otis.
The purpose of the foreign syndicate is
obvious. 1t would be enough if mere con-
troll OF a territory as rich in resources as
the Philippines and with the influence it
would give over Eastern politics were all
But besides this the exclusion of America
is worth any amount of risk, any ex-
penditure of money. The acquisition OF
the archipelago by this country means the
entry of a new and tremendous power into
the affairs of the East Already the most
dangerous rival of the industrial nations of
might interfere with the dearest schemes
that have been fostered by ambitious pow
ers. II we were less formidable there are
nations that would find a pretext for a
quarrel in order TO keep us out. war
would be small price to pay for it. But
We are not to be beaten in a war, and
there is nothing left but a diplomacy that
is inscriptions and shrinks from nothing
II it were known that the American peo-
pie are unit in their support of the Ad-
ministration in It's Philippine policy it
would not be worth while TO foster a re-
bellion among the Filipinos. 1t is found.
however, that nearly one-third of the mem
bers of the Senate opposed the Treaty of
Peace because it did not bind us to aban-
don the archipelago. 1t is also learned
that the late Presidential candidate of the
great Democratic party. and possibly its
next candidate also, is going about the
country denouncing this policy and advo-
eating our withdrawal from the Philip
pines. Naturally the syndicate that has
entered on the work Of excluding America
from participation in the future great
events of which the countries bordering
the Pacific are TO be the scene has lively
hopes Of success.
Assuming that the Democratic party fol-
lows Mr.. Bryan it infers that his triumph
in the next election is possible. He has de-
clared himself against the keeping of the
Philippines and therefore it would be
foregone conclusion that he would make a
complete change in the American policy.
This would be the more probable if the
American people should be wearIed and
Disguised with their effort to establish or
der there To effect this they have in
duced Aguinaldo and his army TO demon
strate their uncomfortable hatred of
America by an unproyoked assault on our
lines by plots to massacre all foreigners,
by incendiarism, and by the killing of pris-
oners.
No leader capable OF directing the move
ments OF the native army would be so fool
ish as to adopt the methods of the Filipi-
nos. Even if there were no other reason to
suspect the Intervention of foreign infu-
ence, the insanity of the rebellion would
suggest it, There is, however. the best
possible authority for the statement that
the rebel cause is in the hands and under
the specific direction of foreign syndicate
which bases its hopes on the speeches of
recent and perhaps a prospective Presi
Dental candidate. Mr.. Bryan should look
to this. Honest. patriotic, and straight
forward as we all know him to be. he can
not permit himself to appear tool in the
hands of this country's enemies.