The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1900-12-31

personal friend, Mr.. Miller, who was at
torney general during the Harrison adj
ministration, and the latter's views on
the acquisition of foreign territory by
the United States are not in accord with
the policy of the present administration.
Mr.. Miller 1 regard as one of the strong
est and best lawyers who have presided
over the department of Justice. although
his innate modesty and dislike for undus
notoriety may have prevented him from
figuring more conspicuously I'm national
affairs during his connection with the
Harrison administration. am aware
Of the estimation which General Har-
rison placed upon the KNOWLEDGE anu
Judgment OF Mr.. Miller; therefore. am
not surprised that General Harrison en-
tertains views similar 10 those qufetly
expressed by Mr.. Miller in connection
with the acquisition of the Phlllpplhe
islands by this government"
''In my Judgment" continued General
MacVeagh, 1.-THE present administration
may seek an early opportunity TO re
model it's policy with regard to the
Philippine islands. have always thought
that our government made a mistake
in acquiring the Philippine Islands as a
result of the destruction of the spanish
fee; in Manila bay by Admiral Dewey.
90 that time our people were carried
away by Inc nnlnuFlANil u NA'Ntff' -
Manila and at Santiago. and 10 use
slang EXPRESSION. we lost our head in
our desire to acquire additional terri
tory. Circumstances rendered II impOs-
slble for the administration to recede
from the position il assumed in con-
nection with the Philippines. Tor any
surrender or departure from the pro-
eramme as then outlined would have
been heralded 10 the world as back
down or retreat ON the part OF the ac-
ministration. Such action might nave
seriously interfered with republican sue
cess in the last campaign. IL was heSss
sary for political purposes 70 Keep NV
tha war sentiment besides Roosevelt ana
the jingo element had 20 be used i"r ~
IL was worth before the election. now
how. YER that President Mckinney mas
received an overwhelming lhdorseihth ~
by the voters of this country ana ne
assured 81 another four years IN the
whit. house ne may b- able. in my
opinion. 10 take more cohsrrF"'iNe
view Of the situation.
II believe he would BE- sustained by a
great majority Of the American people
II he would undertake a. dispose OF tne
phIipuine question lay Issuing a general
amnesty ~ the Philippines ana causing
p cessation of hostilities between the
United States forces and the natives 81
those. Islands lie might - further by
rivfns. the natives of the Philippines
their independence under form 81 gov
eminent such as now exists az liawah.
I am convinced that a satisfactory solu-
tian OF the problem might b. reached
along these lines and such an adjustment
might b.. secured without sacrihcihB
either the dignity or the honor of me
United States. Without consultation
with any one on the subject. or without
pretending 10 express tht sentiments -
anvnns, bur myself 4 sincerely believe
tbsf a great majority Of the American
r.-opl. would gladly welcome an carry
settlement 90 this very complex question
upon which - many great minus dlh'l;
/ am simply expressing my lhhiN ldu.'i
views aS I, private citizen. who ncli'N-.
that the acquisition of foreign territory
viii entail uuon this government '"ihl'll
CATIONS serious enough % hai"7' - 1"i
generations tu come