Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1900-08-10

situation despite our best efforts. The
treaty of peace was not ratified until Feb
ruary, 1899, or nearly six months after
our occupation of Manila. Up TO that
time We did not know whether the islands
were to be ours or not. We could DO moth
ing but hold Manila and endeavor to pre-
vent a collision with the natives. We
were at the mercy of unhappy fortune
while Congress debated whether we should
hold or evacuate the Philippines. The
outbreak came on Feb. 1, 1899. Every
one who was there, especially the men on
the firing line, knew that it was not pro-
voked by the American forces. Since
then the conflict has continued with no ia
vorable influences for complete cessation
that would be both honorable and conclu-
sive.
Granting, as l readily do and know
from personal acquaintance, that Aguin-
aldo is a man of considerable ability and
executive capacity, and granting that
many of us spoke earnestly in his behalf,
while his acts were characterized with
moderation and good judgment, we must,
in all fairness and in knowledge of subse-
quent events, admit that his course and
attitude, and that of his followers toward
us and our army and navy, in those last
months when we did not know whether we
would hold the islands or not, and when
we were YEARLY and longingly waiting for
the verdict Of Congress, were arbitrary, ir-
ritating, unreasonable, and calculated to
inspire his army and people TO conflict.
For the conclusion of the present guer-
rilla warfare, we must be patient. 1t is
the natural outcome Of the previous strug-
( gle, and is as distasteful now to the ma
ne m
apparent support by peaceable natives of
those engaged in fighting is inspired more
by fear than by sympathy; while the sole
inspiration today of the leaders who are
still holding out is the hope that the com
ing presidential election in America will be
! determined in their favor.
Men who have repeatedly travelled,
officially and privately, through China,
japan, Eastern Siberia, Korea, Siam, In
do-Chna, Burmah, Straits Settlements,
Java, and the Philippines, are unanimous
in the conclusion that America cannot af-
! ford to neglect that part of the world, or
weaken her new position as the paramount
power of the Pacific, by surrendering SOW
ereignty IN the Philippines sovereignty
that has come to us as just award in the
aIbitrament of war, and not as a prize in
| conquest. The possession of the latter is
absolutely indispensable to the full appre-
citation and legitimate exploitation of the
general Asiatic opportunity and the meet
| ing of our growing responsibilities in
China as demonstrated in the present
crisis.
Before Dewey's victory the United
States was regarded everywhere in Asia
by the common people and by the govern,
ing classes as a secondary power. Our com
merce and our influence were hampered
and checkmated. The achievement OF
May /, 1898, and the consequent occupa
tion of the Philippine Islands, made Amer
lea actually respected and treated as first
class power for the first time in the his
tory of our relations with Asiatic nations.
Manila is the most centrally located port
between Yokohama and Melbourne. From
Manila to VladiVOstock the distance is moi
much less than from Manila to Port Oar
win, in Australia; while a circle of 250C
! miles swung around Manila will take in
more important Aslatic cities, more com
merce, and,more population than similar
circle about any other Pacific-Asiatic port
The Spaniards did not realize this, but we
do and will. Manila is not far from the
track of all the principal steamship line!
that run between Europe, America, Aus
tralia and India on the one hand, and the
Far East on the other. 1t will in due time
become the terminal point for American
steamers and an important stopping sta
ton for those of other countries.
Looking north from the Philippines in
to China proper, we study an opportunity
that is worthy of our best efforts. China
has an area of 100000 square miles, OIL
greater than that of the United States; a
population commonly estimated at 400, 000,'