New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-21
NOTHING TO PROPOSE.

Men are saying that the Democrats in Con-
gress have committed themselves and their
party on the Philippine question. They have
acted after much consultation with the most
conspicuous and influential leaders not in Con-
gress, so that it is not likely men say, that the
National convention will take different course
If so. it would be a little interesting to know
what position the Democratic Congressmen
have taken. No man has yet been able to ex-
plain, though many have tried. Doubtless there
is the usual haZiness of expression because be-
hind it the usual tricky and dishonest spirit
has sought a position which could be differently
interpreted for different sections or elements,
and could even be modified according to events
hereafter. But in spite of all this there is an
evident purpose TO take the side of Tagal insur-
gents against the Government. Hatred is there
just it was in the behavior of Northern
Copperbeads during the Civil War II nobody
can say exactly what Democrats wish to do or
would do had they power. that is partly because
some intentions are too offensive TO be exposed
and partly because there has been too much
spitefuI feeling for any sober consideration of
facts.
This criticism applies with justice TO a large
proportion Of Democratic leaders in and out OF
Congress The voters Of the party, it may
probably be said with truth have very little of
the same bitter feeling. Some are constitution
ally "agin the Government" and some are suffi-
GENTLY ignorant or blinded to be drawn into a
hostile attitude by their accustomed leaders
even as they were nearly forty years ago. but
probably the greater number have no definite
interest in Aguinaldo or his rebel followers and
are naturally disposed to stand up for the Stars
and Stripes. The force of partisan habit and
feeling may swing many far toward mis-
chief as their leaders venture to go but the
main trouble is that the leaders themselves
seem 10 have no intelligent purpose.
Some have been talking, in Congress and out
Not one has yet suggested a single definite and
sane step for the Government TO take Would
any one Of them stop resistance to guerillas
and send out 10 them and to other savages in
the mountains lot Of ballots and ballot boxes
with which 10 express their decision in favor of
or against American government! Until some
recognized authority can hold an election
voting is not possible. If offered a free cleo
tion, would leaders assent who now know that
their power over nine-tenths Of the inhabitants
is gone forever? Were order restored what
part Of the inhabitants could be invited 10 yoteP
IL those only who could read a ballot. the
result would be an oligarchy of the most
offensive sort. the peaceful and industrious in
habitants being stripped Of all power by the
scum Of few cities and towns If all should
vote, not one in ten knowing what his vote
means, could there be more ridiculous farce?
And IL every ballot cast with knowledge or
without any were against government by
American authorities, can any Democrat ex
piain now The United States could escape from
as responsibility for the maintenance of peace