The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-11-16
tn. phiItnptue coupn,,rum.

Is 1t not about time for the President tc
tell the country what he intends to do in
the Philippines? OF course no one has
the right to ask the question and demand
an answer The American people con-
cluded that matter at the polls last week.
But, in view OF the rather precarious sit
uation in the archipelago. 1t may not be
improper for his fellow citizens to hope
that, as a matter of grace, Mr.. Mckinley
will socn let them know what is to be his
Philippine policy and course Of conduct
there.
We can hardly believe that when the
Administration declared, loudly and per-
sistently, that the defeat OF Mr.. Bryan
would put an end to the Aguinaldo rebel
lion. 1t thought that any considerable
number of sensible Americans would be
impressed by such a statement AS a
matter OF fact, there has been no attempt
in official circles at the Capital. except as
to campaign advertising to dodge the
truth that the alleged triumph of Otis ov-
er the rebels was a carefully concocted
political snare, or that the insurrection
is Just as active and serious today as 1t
was on the date when Admiral Dewey be-
came convinced that 1t was good poll
tics" and not war that his land colleague
was prosecuting. and sailed away from
Manila in disgust
General MacArthur's philosophical. psy
Geological, and chronological report was
hardly necessary to inform the country
hat ofy ,,.o ~ hovd Rut,
Ing wading, and shaking with chills and
fever. the American army now holds the
principal city Of Luzon and a few other
fortified points in that and two or three
other islands. 1t is quite natural for the
American people to ask: What next? Are
We TO hold the Philippines? If SO. are We
70 keep them at an annual expense Of six
or seven times their original cost? II We
are. then are they 20 be held as American
territory under the American Constitution
or as mere executive appanage?
II the latter is to be the case, most peo-
pie who believe IN our free institutions will
incline to the opinion that It would be
better to give them up. II the Constitu-
ton. which legally goes with the nag, is to
be shut out. then conservative citizens will
conclude that the islands are merely being
occupied. not as national territory, but
temporarily for the benefit OF Administra-
ton exploiters and hooters.
II II be the purpose to maintain the flag
In the archipelago on the only basis il can
have any logical or constitutional right
there. and to treat the civilized inhabi-
tants as Americans some day to become
citizens. after proper tutelage, then ma
3ority Of the American people undoubtedly
will stand by the President In the main
tenance Of such policy. There is ground.
however. to fear that when once the su-
preme Court tells him he must abolish the
tariff between the Philippines md other
parts OF the United States, and rule and
govern them In accordance with the pro-
he will be urgently DESTROYS to let go OF
them.
Mr.. Mckinley is in an ultra delicate no.
sition in this connection. 1t is doubt.
full II his outside control would tolerate
free trade with territory SO easily made
vast source OF sugar and tobacco pro-
cuction. Added to this consideration. we
mus; remember that the eighth article
Of the Treaty of Paris was formulated to
guarantee to the Spanish friars In the
Philippines the landed holdings. the extra
legal powers and privileges. and tho I'M
Hrniffes from civil and criminal process