New-York tribune., 1900-03-20
BISHOP POTTER on THE PHILIPPINES.

BISHOP POTTER on THE PHILIPPINES.
Bishop Potter, having happily returned IN
good physical and mental health after an ex-
tended and instructive tour Of the East, has
performed public service by giving deliberate
expression to deliberately formed opinions con-
corning our situation and duty in the Philip
pines. Those opponents of the National policy
who prefer epithet to argument have never in
cuded Bishop Potter among the "Jingoes." On
the contrary, they have rejoiced to claim him
anti-expansionist, and have expected to
derive great aid and comfort from the results
Of his tour. Their disappointment will conse-
quently be keen, and it may be feared that their
demeanor will leave something to be desired.
We suppose it is quite fair to say that Bishop
Potter when he left New-York not only was
predisposed to deplore the establishment of our
sovereignty over the Philippines, but expected
to find in the conditions prevailing there sub
stantial causes for complaint against the United
States and some support for the contention that
even now the islands ought to be given up.
But he is cool and conscientious observer, his
opportunities for ascertaining the truth
unexcelled, and he comes home to declare that
1--WE shall keep the islands because there is
way to get rid of them" He still permits it to
be understood that in his opinion 1t might have
been desirable to adopt a different course i'm
medately after the battle of Manila, and that
his views on the general subject Of expansion
have not been greatly changed; but the ques
ton of retention or abandonment is now purely
IAN academic one; practically the matter is
Settled" 1t being granted as It must be. that
the islands are to remain in our possession, he
believes that military government is for a
while the only feasible form of government
Why? Because at is nonsense to talk of the
native Filipinos having the ability to organ
''ize government of their own" He confirms
the common report that they are Industrious
and mechanically dexterous, but 'ft is only in
rare cases that any OF them show a real gov
"erning power" There and everywhere through
out the East "the problem is the same-to
'bring these peoples to and recognize the
superiority Of what we know civilization,
"and give them the opportunity to adopt it."
AS TO the manner in which that problem is
being solved by the representatives OF the
United States within the limits of their re-
sponsibility Bishop Potters testimony is val
liable and gratifying The Filipinos have been
described by men who apparently more
anxious TO make out a than to tell the
truth oppressed with fear and distrust of
this country. The Bishop reports that ''the
majority of the Fiipnos friendly 10 us,
shave every confidence in our soldiers and are
ready to come under our government" 1t has
been declared with wanton recklessness on the
slenderest possible basis of rumor that the 9)l-
diers are cruel, profgate and undiscplined.
The Bishop speaks with hearty admiration Of
their appearance, character and morale, and
says that the children everywhere are devoted"
to them. Indeed his clear and compact state
ment of facts is at every point striking refuta-
ton Of the caumnies which Americans have
been entrea ted to believe concerning their fell
low countrymen serving unselfshly and eff
ciently in the Philippines. He may still regret
the events which have produced these for
midable tasks. but he clearly discerns the i'm
perious obligations under which are laid,
and believes that they being fulfilled with
| honor and sa gacity.