Washington sentinel., 1900-08-18

American feet to Manila, where he
personally assumed charge OF the
rebellion.
He Immediately issued a proclama'
ton with which the American suthori.
ties were thoroughly acquainted an
nOuncIng that Divine Providence is
about to place independence within our
reach" On June 8 the FIlipinos Of
Singapore, In addressing Consul Pratt
and referring to the aPeement bstweeu
himself and Aguinaldo, expressed the
hope that "the United States, your
Nation, persevering in its humane
policy, will efficaciousIy second the
programme arranged between you, Sir,
and General Aguinaldo IN this port of
Singapore, and secure to US our inde-
pendence under the the protection of the
United States" Consul Pratt at once
informed the United States Government
Of the receipt OF this address, so that at
60 time was our Government ignorant
of the purpose OF the Philippine contest.
Admiral Dewey declared it to be "for
the purpose OF forming civil govern
ment."
AS early as the middle Of June, 1898,
a declaration Of independence was
promulgated, and reiterated at a con-
gress Of the Filpinos held in August.
and laws established, with all of which
actions our Government was made
acquainted and as to which 1t never
expressed any dissent. There was thus
established a deiacto COVE rnment, and
the only government entitled by the
laws OF nation to recognition at home
or abroad.
So far the course Of liberty had run
smoothly. The nation was IN an ecstasy
Of happiness. The great principles on
which the government had been founded
had gained expression in the war for
humanity and were about to he con.
summated by the birth of one or more
new republics. OF the many hirelings
who have since re-echoed the false
doctrines and pious platitudes coming
from time to time from the Presidential
mouth, not one then dreamed OF the
course about to be pursued. Even United
States Senators and Representatives.
not to speak of the smaller official fry,
have recanted opinions expressed
against the departure from our tradi
tIonal policy and basic principles. And
this for the sake OF retaining an Office O.
trust, or profit, or party standing
To observant eyes it had become
apparent that change had come over
the Presidents dream. Gen. Agoncillo
the envoy Of the Filipinos, was not
received az the State Department
Neither were their enyOYs consulted at
Paris. The explanation is plain. The
English knowing but too well the sad
plight Of Spain, saw that victory would
be with the United States. Then for the
first time in her existence she affects a
friendship for US, When victory came
she claimed her reward. Lord Paunce-
fOte secured the assistance of Mark
Hanna and Steve EIkins, and others OF
that ilk, benz in railroad and other
capitalistic speculations. and as it has
been apely put, President Mckinley was
"characterless putty" in the hand OF
his masters. An unhoIy alliance was
entered into with knR land for the rum
OF the Republic For according to the
Presidents own statement, before his
better self was crushed out. forcible
annexation according to our code of
morals is criminal aggression" He is
condemned out OF his own mouth.
WheE it had been decided to deprive
the Filipinos OF the iru Is OF their victory,
movement was set on iO5t to attain
American investment Of Manila. The
FllipIuos we're requested to remain
outside Of Manila, l. st. iorsooth. they
should commit acts that Wou dhurt their
cause. The Spanish troops were induced
10 give way to Americans in order 10
place the latter between the + lipinOs
and the city. We were thus placed IN
the treacheTous position OF entering
into collusion with our late emies to
obtain advantage over our late allies.
No such infamy is known 60 sacred or
pToiane history. No nation, srcient or
modern, has turned treacherous to its
allies. England, though STEPPED to lips
in corruption, has always maintained
faith with ns friends. Ii remained for
the great Republic under the degenerate
Administration Of William Mckinley to
iuaugurate this atrOcious practice. And
when we remember that the successes
OF the Fllipinos were brought about bY
the use OF some $500 COO which they
had obtained from Spain as a guarantee
for the redrt IS of their grievances the
action OF our Govern ment becomes
uauseatinR.