The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-07-17
Funston Declares War In the
Philippines a Mistake.
Is a Republican But a Strong
Anti-ExpansiOnist.
SAYSLESS GUNPOWDER
And More DiplOmacy-Treat
FilipinOs as Children.
The Retention of Benefit to Big
Capitalists Alone.

San Francisco, July 17.-Rou1seVllle
Wildman, consul at Hong Kong, during
a visit to Manila, interviewed Brigadier
General Funston of the Twentieth KAN
sas. General Funston is reported as
follows, referring to the subjugation OF
Philippines:
4 believe at present there should be
a little less gunpowder and more diplo-
macy. F'IipinOs are no doubt impressed
by the former in a manner they will re-
member. I think that we should con-
slider them as children and treat with
them accordingly. Grant them some
concessions, which are seemingly OF
great Importance to them. Give them
some assurances and actual demOnstra-
ton of our good will and friendship for
them and their welfare, win them into
our confidence. 1t can be done. And in
such a way that never again will there
be rebellion against us in the island.
ITO win confidence of people misgOv-
erned as these people have been under
Spanish regime, we must give them bet
ter government. A civil government
should be established at once, backed up
with strong military forces now here.
The military should be independent and
separate from civil government, but
standing ready to carry into execution
edicts and laws of the civil authorities,
should it be necessary and they could
be called upon to do so.
I believe the backbone of this insur-
the insurgents such a sound whipping
that with any other people the insur-
rection would be ended.
IF the FiIpinos do not give up by the
end of the rainy season I am in favor of
the government bringing 100, 900 men
here and make short work of ending any
further resistance; though, I believe a
little diplomacy at this time would go a
long way toward settling the trouble
and bringing peace and consequent
prosperity to these unfortunate islands.
Strange as it may seem, am almost
"a peace at any price man. When life
and property can be saved it is almost
crime not to follow that rule, whatever
circumstances may be arguing against
it. I am a Republican, but I am an anti
expansiOnist, though not a bitter one
more of a mild one. I think the acqui-
sition of Porto Rico and other islands
OF the West Indies will be valuable in
the future development of our country
I think well of the acquisition of the
Sandwich islands. believe they make
good OutpOsts, but when we consider the
Philippines 1 believe it to be a mistake.
Big syndicates and capitalists will be
greatly benefited by the retention of
these islands, but outside of a few ex-
ceptiOnal individual cases can see no
advantage in their possession by the
United States. The islands are so thick
ly populated and abor so cheap. there
certainly is no inducement for the
American labOrer.
There will probably be large sugar
hemp, rice and tobacco plantations
winch VIII greatly increase the extent
of exports, but with all these there is
an underlying feeling that is irrepressi-
bic to a soldier who has fought over any
territory foot by foot. and resists the
! thought of ever giving it up and hauling
down his flag. 1 have fought in Cuba
for independence of Cubans, but some
how want to see Cuba part of Ameri-
ca.
Il am pleased with the Philippine
| country. 1t is fertile, and the further
we have advanced into the interior the
more beautiful and productive has ap-
peared the land. The soil IS rich and
capable of the best productions. I have
no doubt there are valleys among the
mountains that are the richest possibili-
ties in the world
While the country over which we
! passed (as far as San Fernandez is al
ready under cultivation, yet with mod
| efn implements and ideas of farming
| the country could be made to produce
! in excess of what it does now both in
quality and in quantity of it's present
| yield"
How would you compare the Cubans,
| general, with the Filipinos?"
We'll, they are altogether different
people, though somewhat similar in
| physique. Cubans are quite superior to
Filipinos; they are a Drawer and more
capable people. You see, the better
class of Cubans have a higher order OF
/ intelligence than the best class here. 1t
| is a little unfair to Cubans to make a
rar,r rsicy