Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1899-02-25


prophet ofevil would do nothing. be-
cause he flinchcs at sacrifice and effort.
aud to do nothing is easiest and in
wolves the least cost. On those who
have things to do there rests a respon-
sibility which is not on those who
have no obligations as doer.
IF the doubters were in a majority,
there would. it is true, be no labor,
no sacrifice. no anxiety. and no bur-
den raised or carried; no contribution
from our ease and purse and comfort
to the welfare of others. or ever to
the extension OF our to the
welfare Of ourselves. There would be
ease. but, alas, there would be moth
ing done.
"But grave problems come in the
life of a nation, however much men
may seek to avoid them. They come
without u seeking, why. we do not
know, and it is not always given us
to know; but the generation on which
they are forced cannot avoid the re.
sponsibility Of honestly striving for
their solution. We may not know
precisely how to solve them, but we
can make an honest effort to that end.
and if made in conscience, justice and
honor. it will not be in vain.
THE future of the Philippine is
lands is now in the hands of the
American people. Until the treaty
was ratified or rejected the executive
department of this government could
only preserve the peace and protect
life and property. That treaty now
commits the free and enfranchised
Filipinos to the guiding hand and the
liberalizing influences, the generous
sympathies, the uplifting education,
not of their American masters, but OF
their American emancipators.
mo one can tell today what is best
for them or for us. know no one at
this hour who is wise enough or suf-
ficiently informed to determine what
form Of government will best subscrve
their interests and our interests, their
and our well-being.
IF we knew everything by intui.
tion--and sometimes l think thereare
those who believe that if we do not
they dove should not need informa-
ton; but unfortunately most of us are
not in that happy state. The whole
subject is now with Congress. and
Congress is the voice, the conscience,
and the Judgment of the American
people. Upon their judgment and
conscience can we not relyl believe
in them, / trust them.s l know OF no
better or safer human tribunal than
the people.
"Until Congress shall direct other
wise, it will be the duty of the Execu-
tive to possess and hold the Philip
pines, giving to the people thereof
peace and order and beneficient gov
eminent, afording them every oppor-
tunity to prosecute their lawful pur-
suits, encouraging them in thrift and
industry, making them feel and know
that we are their friends, not their
enemies; that their good is u aim,
that their welfare is our welfare, but
that neither their aspirations nor ours
can be realized until our authority IS
acknowledged and unquestioned.
That the inhabitants Of the Phil
ippines will be benefited byI. this re-
public is my mistaken belief; that
they will have a kindlier government
under our guidance. and that they
will be aided in every possible way to
be self-respecting and self.governing
people is as true as that the American
people love liberty and.have an abid-
ing faith in their own government
an in their own institutions.
"No imperial designs Turk in the
American mind. They are.lalien to
American sentiment, thoughts and
purpose. Our priceless principles
undergo no change under a~stropical
sun. They go with the fat:
Why read ye not the changeless truth
The free can conquer but to save?
eff we can benefit these remote
peoples, who will object? If in the
years OF the future they are established
in government under law and liberty,
who will regret our perils and sacri-
fees? Who will not rejoice lin our
heroism and humanity? Always per-