Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-09-04
GOVERNMENT FOR PHILIPPINES.

The American" daily newspaper
published in Manila, P. l., pours lit
tie hot shot" into the ranks of the
leaders of democracy in this country,
In opposing republican policy in those
Islands. A well known Ottumwa man
received copy of the paper few
days ago containing the following ed
1torial on the subject. which was, as
will be seen written before the close
OF congress;
TN the closing days of busy ses-
sion, congress is taking the time from
other duties to consider the question
of form of civil government for the
Philippines. 1t is necessary as well az
right that it should do this, for it is
one of the most important duties of
congress, which has already done ma
ny things that will form a permanent
part of the history of this country.
This need of some form of civil
gov eminent in the Philippines is en-
phasized by the close of the futile
struggle of the Tagal insurgents.
While arms rule the laws are silent,
| is statement of condition rather
than theory, but when the arms be-
come silent then it is in accordance
with American principles that the laws
should resume their sway.
Fortunately for congress it is not
| without precedent in this important
matter and the proposed bill for the
| Philippines follows closely the lines of
| that which provided for the govern
| ment of the province of Louisiana by
| that ardent imperialist and expan-
sionist, Thomas Jefferson. There is,
however, practical difference which
somewhat complexities the problems of
administration. Uncivilized as much
of Louisiana was at the time of its
purchase and control by the authority
of the United States without any ref
| erence to the consent of the governed,
| it was very much in advance of the
! Philippines 1t is an undecided ques-
ton whether the democratic leaders
who prate so glibly of Filipino indie
pendence, are themselves ignorant or
are willfully trying to deceive their
followers, but however that may be,
| the Filipino must enter the primary
school of politics. Capable of self gov
eminent they doubtless are; if by that
is meant the possession of natural
qualities that will enable them to prof
| it by education and training but Who'll
| L. destitute of political experience,
| emerging from a condition which was
only slightly advanced from actual
slavery and with notions of govern
ment and political duties that are erro-
neous in Inc extreme, the Filipinos
must begin at the very foundation to
build the structure of their govern
ment.
"The simpler therefore the struct.
ure of civil government for our new
possessions is, the better. 1t is folly
to expect that these islands which
Spain held for hundreds of years with
out conauering them, should become
civilized and self-governing all at once
Institutions, laws and local govern
ments Should to the greatest degree
possible, be developed rather than
forced upon an unwilling and an I'M
comprehending people. Due allow.
anche should be made for differences
of sentiment and tradition, as we'll as
of character among the numerous
tribes, and wise discretion should be
allowed to the American administra
ton in meeting the problems of which
to large degree our legislators must
be necessarily ignorant.
"The bill now before congress con
forms to these conditions. 1t is op
posed, of course, by those who make i
a part of their party creed to oppose
everything, and who have no conf
dence in the integrity or ability o
their fellow Americans, but fortunate
ly these are not the majority of thu
present congress-"