The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1900-08-14
FUTURE STATUS OF THE FILIPINO.
Whnt Are We to DO with Him Now That
We HIVE Him?

what Are We to DO with Him Now That
We Have Him?
The Republican platform assumes
that the Philippine islands will be re-
talned under American sovereignty,
and we have a right TO demand Of the
Republican leaders a discussion Of the
future status of the Filipino. Is he to
be- a citizen on subject; Are We 10
bring into the body polite eight or ten
million Asiatics. 50 different from us IN
race and history that amalgamatiOn Is
lmpossiblet Are they to share with us
In making the laws and shaping the
destiny Of this natiOnI No Republican
OF prominence has been bold enough tO
advocate such proposition. The Me
Emery resolution. adopted by tie SEN
ate Immediately after the ratification
OF the treaty. expressly negatives this
idea The Democratic platform de-
scribcs the situation when it says that
the Filipinos cannot be citizens with
out endangering our civilization. Who
will dispute it, And what is the alter
natiyey II the Filipino is not 10 be .
citizen, shall we make him subjectl
On that question the Democratic plat
form speaks with emphasis. IL de-
clares that the Filipino cannot be
subject without endangerlng our form
of government \ republic can have
no subjects
The Republican platform says that
"the largest measure Of Self-gOyern-
ment consistent with their welfare and
our duties shall he secured to them
Cthe Filipln0s) by law" This Is
strange doctrine for a government
which owes its very existence to the
men who offered their lives as pro-
test against government without con
sent and taxation without representa-
ton. In what respect does the position
of the Republican party differ from the
position taken by the English govern
ment in 1776? Did not the English
government promise a good govern
ment to the cOlOnistst Did
not the English government promise
that the colonists should have the larg
est measure Of government con
slstant with their welfare and English
dutlesP The Republican par
tv has accepted the European idea and
planted itself upon ground taken by
George Ill. and by every ruler who
distrusts the capacity of the people for
self-g0vernment or denies them voice
In thir own affairs.
The Republican platform promises
that some measure % f-gOvernment
Is 10 be given to the FilipinOs by law;
but. even this pledge is not fulfilled.
Why does the Republican
party hesitate TO legslate upon the
philippine question? Because a law
would disclose the radical departure
from history and precedent contem-
plated by those who control the Re-
publican party The storm Of protest
which greeted the Porto Rican bill was
an indication of what may be expected
when the American people are brought
face to face with legislation upon
subject:
If the Porto Ricans. who welcome
annexation. are to be denied the guar
ontee of our constitution, what is to
he the lot Of the FilipinOs. who resisted
our authority? II secret influences
could compel disregard Of our plain
duty toward friendly people, living
near our shores. what treatment will
those same influences provide for un-
friendly people 1000 miles awayl II.
I1 this country where the people have
the right to vote, Republican leaders
dare not take the side of the people
against the great mOnopOlies which
have grown up within the last few
wears how can they be trusted to pro-
tect the FiIipinOs from the corpora
tions which are waiting to exploit the
islands?
is the sunlight Of full citizenship to
be enjoyed by the people OF the United
states. and the twilight Of semi-citizen-
shin endured by the people of Porto
Rico. while the thick darkness Of per
petual yassalage covers the Philip
pines?
The Porto Rico tariff law as
serts the doctrine that the OPP
Grafton of the constitution is confined
TO the forty-hve states. The Democratic
party disputes this doctrine and de-
nounces 1t as repugnant- to both the
letter and spirit of our organic law
There IS no place in our system of gov
ernment for the deposit of arbitrary
and irresponsible power.
= The territorial form of government is
temporary and preparatory, and the
chief security a citizen of a territory
has Is found in the fact that he enjoys
the same constitutional guarantees, ana
is subject to the same general laws as
a citizen Of state.
Throw away this security and his
rights will be violated and his inter-
ests sacrificed at the demand of those
who have political influence. This Is
the evil Of the colonial system, no mat
ter by what nation 1t Is applied.