The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-01-05
THE M,RAE RESOLUTION.

The resolution of Representative McRae,
of Arkansas. declaring that the Philippines
be recognized as an independent govern
ment when a stable government, republican
in form. shall be established, is evidence
that the Democrats nave discovered that
the withdrawal of our forces at once is not
practicable, and that some other ground
must be taken. Assuming that Mr.. McRae
is speaking for the party, the Democrats
in Congress, or in the House. propose to
extend to the Philippines the pledge which
the Republicans of the last House insisted
upon in regard to Cuba, and which the
Democrats voted against-the turning over
of that island to the Cubans when it should
be made certain that they would maintain
a stable government, republican in form.
When the Republicans first proposed this
policy for Cuba, Mr. McRae and his party
associates voted against it because they de-
sired to recognize the republic of Cuba.
which had no real existence, and make the
United States an ally.
There is wide difference between Cuba
and the Philippines fact that most nom
expansionists seem not to be able to recog-
nize. They assume that all the inhabitants
OF the Philippines are followers of Aguin-
aldo, and sympathize with him in his in
surrection, when, as a matter of fact, his
followers are the people of his own tribe,
the Tagalos, who do not constitute one
third of the inhabitants of the single Island
of Luzon. All the others are hostile to
Asuinaldo The anti-expansionists will not
heed the fact that the different tribes
scattered over the islands are traditional
foes, rendering anything like one general
government impossible for years, if ever
On the other hand, Cuba is single island
without race or tribal feuds, and is in
every way adapted to the establishing of
one government for the entire territory
The Philippines are scattered over a large
area, the larger islands being hundreds Of
miles apart, with tribes having different in
situations and possessing none of the char
acteristics essential to federation under
one central authority. Therefore, We should
be compelled to establish as many indie
pendent governments as there are large
islands.
1t seems important to recognize these
facts while the McRae resolution NAV be
attracting popular attention. Cuba, being
at our door, will be free from foreign in
reference when it becomes an independent
government. If ever it does. 1t would be
| different with the Philippines. If we give
| them up they will become the prey of any
European governments that conclude that
| the islands, with their trade and their no.
sition, will be useful to them. Great Brit
| ain and Germany. which now seem to be in
| partnership in real estate enterprises, If
| the reports regarding disposition of pos
sessions in South Africa are true. might
decide to take charge of the Philippines
| when the United States shall retire. Should
| they do so, We could not say them nay.
we would have no business to interfere
We want the Philippines for their trade
and for the advantage their position would
give us in the worlds commerce. The Phil
| ippines want us because we can give them
| secure government and protect them
against themselves and undertaking ma
| lions. This may be called Imperialism: if
it is, our control over Alaska, and even
over New Mexico for fifty years is imperi-
| alsm- The resolution, however, means
nothing. since those who have any infor-
| nation on the subject know that the tribes
or the Philippines can never form a stable
| government.