The Washington weekly post., 1899-10-24
The Anti.lmperial League.

The Anti-lmperial League, although
comparatively small in numbers, includes
some of the brainiest men in the country
II is doubtful if any other political or
ganzation of the present or past has ever
borne upon its rolls so large a proper
ton of the names of men who have
achieved eminence in public life. In fact
the distinguishing characteristic Of the
league, so far as the public has been
made acquainted with It. is that it has a
much greater array of leaders than fol-
lowers; more men who have been accus-
toned 10 lead by the divine right of su-
perior ability than OF those whose natural
habit is to be led. George F. Edmunds,
George F. HOar, George S. Boutwell,, Carl
schurz have all been. and one OF them
stin remains, among the most conspic-
uous members OF the United States Sem
ate. Two of them have served the re-
public in the Cabinet successfully and
honorably. Other statesmen Of good re-
pute and several distinguished educators
are enlisted in the anti-expansion cause.
II must, therefore. be conceded that the
league is not lacking in respectability;
that however mistaken its policy may be.
It's members are above suspicion as to
motives; that however sharply their plans
and purposes may clash with the general
trend Of sentiment they are still lovers
or their country and have the moral cour-
age lc stand up, in face of reproach and
aerision, TO contend for what they be-
heVe TO be for the good of the republic.
The Post has expressed the belief that
millions OF good Americans-perhaps a
majonty-wouid be glad 10 have our po-
sition as 20 the Philippines put back to
the ante-bellum status. If that were prac-
hcable-if 1t could be accomplished with
out any sacrifice of national honor
through desertiOn Of national duty. The
Post has carefully scanned the publica-
tions Of the league and the speeches de-
hyeTed by its members TO discover by
what means they proposed TO get the
United States out Of the Philippines.-At
the convention in Chicago last week Carl
schurz made the following proposition:
Let there be at once an armist!ce be-
tho Philippine islanders at the same time
be told that the American people will be
glad 10 see them establish an Independent
government, and 10 aid them in that task
as far as may be necessary; that Il the
different tribes composing the population
OF the Philippines are disposed, as at
least most Of them. IL not all, are likely 10
be, 70 attach themselves in some way TO
the government already existing under
the presidency OF Aguinaldo, We shall
cheerfully accept that solution of the
question. and even, If required. lend our
good Offices 10 bring IL about; and that
meanwhile We shall deem II our duty 10
protect them against interference from
other foreign powers"
IL f. assumed that the President. in his
message 10 Congress. will recommend the
establishment OF the authority OF the
United States in the Philippines By the
employment OF all "the force that may
be needed. that IL be maintained perma-
nently. that the civil government follow
the military at the earliest possible mo-
ment, and that wide latitude be allowed
the natives in local self-goyernment"
Which OF the two plans affords the bet-
ter solution Of the Philippine problem
Mr. schurz does not question the legality
OF our sovereignty. Admitting that, he
admits that Aguipaldo and MS followers
are In rebellion against our lawful au-
thOrsty Aguinaldo's so-ealled government
represents possibly 10000 Of the eight to
ten million Of the population Of the arehi-
pelag0 Yet Mr. Sehurz proposes that We
send = flag OF truce to the insurgeni
leader and bribe him to quit fighting with
the offer TO install him over the 7.ecO.0
or s.O0.oco who want nothing to do with