Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1900-03-09
PETERS New Book.

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"The Way Out" Book No. 2 is, "American-
ism and the Philippines"
So far as l know, no one travelled Pefer's
"Way Out" unless it was PETER.
Peher's new book coptempates the way in.
The book is made up of history, eulogy of Nc
Kinley, drivel and theology He speaks of
the several purchases of contiguous territory by
the United States, and argues therefrom that
the seizure of the Philippines is right. 1t has
heretofore been pointed out that all the terrific
ry acquired bv the United States was through
peaceable cesson. We did not 60 to war with
Spain for the possession of Florida and the in
habitants of Florida acquiesced without mur-
mur. Same of the Louisiana purchase from
France Texas asked for annexation, and the
war with Mexico was a war to settle brigand-
age and certain boundary lines. While it may
be claimed that our government acquired Cali
fornia, Mexico and Arizona through force, it
will not be claimed that we whipped single
inhabiant into citizenship.
Common horse sense would have suggested
the acqsiton of all the territory mentioned
and justice did suggest that it be acquired-by
and through peaceable methods. We needed
all the territory to round out great nation
This done, our work was to develop resources
and build up great people.
So far, we find no parallels, from any point
of view, to the annexation of the Philippines.
The Philippines are already inhabited, and,
by every moral right, the people own the
islands. In previous acquisitions, there were
few inhabitants, and what few there were set
up no other claim than that granted by the
governments that formerly held possession.
The people of the Philippines are held to be
subjects of the United States The white peo-
pie of the several other acquisitions became cit
izens with all the mmunit1es of other citizens.
The Filipinos, through long struggle with
Spain, had virtually acquired independence.
Our government, through an army of devasta.
ton and blood, has overhrown that independ-
ence
Florida and the Louisiana acquisition cost us
$40, 900, 900. The Philippines up to date,
have cost us over 5000, 900 900.
Territory previously acquired can be defend
ed from foreign invasion by land forces. The
acquisition OF the Philippines means greatly
enlarged navy and sufficient land force to
hold the Fipinos in subsection.
PETER attempts to deduce arguments from
our governments action in subduing the whis-
Ky and Southern rebellions. This is drivel.
The whisky and slave rebels were children who
had eaten at Uncle Sans table and slept in his
bosom. Born "subjects,' their duty lay in
obedience to laws fairly enacted. The FLIP.
mos owed our government no allegiance. Born
subjects of another country. Allegiance for
feited because of the nhuman treatment Of her
governors. Self-government struggled for and
largely obtained. America invaded her coun-
try and struck down her rights, So far as
know, no Filipino has taken the oath of allegi-
ance except the Sultan of Sulu
Peffcr affects to see the hand of Divine Prov
idence. This is cant, and smacks of BIAS
phemy. Jesus expressly says that the gospel
is to be propagated by preaching-"Go ye into
all the world and preach the gospel to every
creature" and "Lo, am with you always till
the end Of the world" 1t is susceptible of
proof that Jesus condemns all war. The spirit
of Jesus is with the preacher of the gospel, rot
with armies, The Spirit is peaceable, gentle,
persuasive. God is with no Amy, unless it be
an army of self-defcnse. If Christianity can
be claimed to be on either side, it is on the side
| Of the Filipiaos. ~ 5000 1.