The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-09-17

at present impossible for reasons which we have
endeayorcd to state. But, for the sake OF argu.
ment, let US suppose that in accordance with
Mr.. Bryan's second proposition some sort Of so.
called scfgoveTnmcnt is established among these
scmi.civlized savagcs, and let us consider his
third proposition.
Thls proposition is a sort OF Asiatic Monroe
doctrine which shall apply as far as the United
states is concerned; but shall not involve equal
rights on the part Of foreign powers He forgets
that as mere interlopcr without the sovereignty
| she now possesses in the Philippines the United
states would occupy about the same unhappy
position in the far east European power
would occupy in attempting to interfere con.
| trary to the Monroe doctrine, in the islands in
| the American seas As some one has well said:
The Monroe doctrine is a law Of national self.
defense" 1t is not ar arbitrary doctrine made
Tor purposes OF extending national responsibilities
without incurring national benefits. What an
ahsurdity it would he for the United States
possessing no right. through sovereignty to in.
terfere with the foreign or domestic policy OF
! the so-called independent Filipinos to assume
to establish protectoratc over them. with Just
as large an army necessary TO its maintenance
as II the United States controlled the islands
and to mix in every quarrel with foreign powers
which this inexperienced collection Of natives
would inevitably stir up.
some foreign power would not that mean that
the United States must interfere, and would not
that interference either mean war on its part
with foreign power, or, ii it decided adversely
to their position, with the Filipipos themselves
The minute commence to deal with condi-
tions and not with theories must see that il
the interference Of the United States is necessary
to preserve peace and liberty in the islands, the
rights Of the United States in the islands must
be recognized there and abroad.
Before we make promises TO the Filipinos. let
us get better acquainted with the Malay race,
and further discuss their capacity for self.gov.
ernment then
McKinley's Plan.
As opposed to this vague, theoretical and
superficial plan Of Democracy let us consider the
plan of the president. You may read every ut.
terance and examine every act Of william Nc.
kinley in connection with the whole Spanish and
Philippine war, and you will not find one in.
consistent with the dictates of the most enlight.
ened conscience. Every public order and procla.
| nation relating 10 forms of government of Presi.
dent Mckinley to the Filipinos guarantees TO
them protection in their inaienabe rights to
| life, liberty and the pursuit Of happiness, and
as full a measure Of personal independence as is
enjoyed by any American citizen.
In so far as 1t can be done without endanger.
| ing the stability Of the government there and
therefore endangCring the liberties OF the nhahi.
tants, the United States proposes and has al.
ways proposed TO give the Filipinos themselves
I every opportunity 10 participate in the govern
ment up TO the limit Of their capacity In his
| letter Of acceptance the president makes this
very clear. With the sovereignty Of the United
States established, the Filipino and the resident
foreigner alike guaranteed protection 10 life,
| liberty and property. and equal justice under a
| law impartiallv and honestly administered The
| strong hand Of the United States, compelling
Justice Furnishing the criminals and the oppres.
| sOrs. helping the poor, protecting life and prop
| erty and guaranteeing equality to all under the
| law, will bring to these beautiful islands the
blessings OF peace prosperity and happiness.
| The constitutional right of the United States
| 10 do this is explicit for its constitution eN.
| pressly states that Congress shall have power
| 10 dispose of and make all needful rules and
! regulations respecting the territory belonging to
| the United States"
| We may look at the question, as we will,
| from the standpoint OF national interest or from
| the standpoint Of national duty, must keep
our sovereignty in these islands, and our marty
| stands for the rentention Of this sovereignty.
| It believes that sovereignty will secure foi
natives and foreigners therein resident liberty aud
| protection to life and property, while without
that sovereignty the islands will be seized for
! foreign nation OF by native oligarchy of a
| cruelty and corruption which would rival that
before maintained by Spain.
| It believes that the retention OF our sovereignty
! in these islands the increase Of their trade
| with the United states ana through the CONNER.
| cial foothold obtained in them the securing to
| the labor and capital OF the United States their
| fair share Of the enormous trade of the empire
| Of China the greater part of which. although
naturally belonging to us, now goes TO other
| nations
Our party is not unmindful Of the fact that
| the recent magnificent rescue Of our minister
| and citizens in Pekin by troops was made
| possible by our foothold in the Philippines
| which enabled MS to place American troops
| where American lives and interests were enGan.
| gered. Was not that rescue and the circm.
| stances which surrounded il significant Of the
| great power as factor in the worlds progress
| which the republic possesses and do they
not suggest added reasons why this nation shall
not In defiance Of duty surrender power which
| can so effectively be used for humanity's sakeS
| In looking at these people, have no right
| 10 consider the leaders alone, but must think Of
' the millions OF poor and ignorant natives whose
| only experience with government has been with
| Spanish tyranny. We cannot abandon these ma.
' tves TO the dictatorship Of those whose only
| school Of government has been that Of Spain.
| How much consideration to the inherent rights
| Of foreigners in Manila, whom we bound by
| treaty obligations 10 protect, would these savage
| leaders give who only turned to war upon their
| liberators when they were discovered in treach
erous plot to massacre at night our soldiers and
the foreigners in Manila.
Consent of Governed.