Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1900-09-21
THE PHILIPPINE SITUATION.

OF the many interesting features of the pres
ent political campaign, that in regard to the
Philippine Islands is perhaps of the most i'll
portance; and it should b. thoroughly under
stood by every voter this fall before he casts
his ballot, so that the dream of Emple may be
dssipated and the institution of American lib
erty may remain secure. You may think that
this is taking an extreme view OF the situation,
bnt think not
No. | believe it is the natural sequence of
our present course in regard to those islands
and peoples. Let us briefly review the situa-
ton and see.
The Spanish American war was declared in
the name of Humanity, because the atrocities
of Spain to her subjects in Cuba had become
uncomfortable to our people. 1t ought to have
been declared long yeats BEFORE but 1t required
the cowardly blowing up of the Maine to arouse
the administration, not the people, to a realiza-
ton OF existing conditions.
Yes; American patriots had been ready for
years to aid in expelling the tyrant from the
Western hemisphere but American politicians
said, 'No; it's none of our business" So,
when the call came for volunteers, the recrIting
officers were flooded with enthusiastic young
men, inspired with love of liberty, to battle
for right against wrong.
1t is as natural for true American to SYM
pathize with nation struggling for freedom as
it is for the vegetation to spring forth in re-
sponse to The gentle showers of spring time.
So, the most wonderful army IN all the world
was organized. Statistics proclaim it to have
been composed of men of the highest stature,
most wonderful physique, greatest intelligence
and most youthful in wears of any organization
of like size.
Of course, they did their work we'll. The
magnificent victories OIL land, the miraculous
victories at sea, demonstrate beyond a shadow
OF doubt that the cause was just.
But look! The enemy, defeated in one form,
assumes another and more dreaded shape.
Stalking down the corridors of Time comes
the destroyer of ancient republics-the love
of gain!-the spirit of conquest!
1t is not enough for us to do right. We
must be PAID for doing so. An administration
formed into crusade for humanity's sake now
willingly enters into all era of conquest. Men
enlisted to liberate oppressed people are
FORCED to fight those struggling for their just
rights and liberties.
When Admiral Dewey and General Merritt
captured Manila, Aug. I3, 1898, the insurgents
occupied all the remaining islands cities
excepting Iloilo, on Panay island which they
captured leter on. In their long struggle for
freedom from Spanish rule, they had at last
arrived at period when they had right to
expect it soon TO become reality, for the only
place they did not possess was no long occupied
bystheir lifelong enemy, but by "America, the
sympathizer Of the oppressed, and the estab-
Usher of liberty and freedom" No wonder
they reioiced and welcomed troops with
outstretched hands of friendship. We were
their frends-aye, their brothers-for were we
not battling in the name of Freedom for hber-
tv, for hunanity's sake, the establishment o
Justice and equality to alp
A nation with the established principle such
as the United States has was above suspicion
of mercednary intentions, even by the Filipino
reared in distrust as they are.
So thev went to work and organized gov