The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1901-02-02

Lo1eOk1N1 q, lSUl.
the eloquent Alinnesotian and intimat-
ed he would be the candidate of the
Democracy for president in 1904.
Some Republican organs of imperial
ism. like the Tribune and journal of
this city, flippantly dispose of MIR.
Towne's speech by saying it is repe-
tition OF what was said by others dur
ing the campaign, and that the people
pronounced Il verdict in favor of Nc
kinley's Philippine policy. 1t will be
remembered that the paramount issue
with the Republicans was not imperial
ism but Mark Hmna's full dinner pail,
and imperialism will not down, like
Banquo's ghost. until the Philippine
and Porto Rican questions are adjust
ed in accordance with the spirit of
American institutions.
The Mckinley administration had it's
mask of humanity and liberty torn off
by Senator Towne, and to offset the
effect OF his philippe it was arranged
that a peace message from one Frank
IL. Rourns and four Filpinos be re-
ceived in the senate from Manila on
the day of TOwne's address, declaring
that the hour of peace has sounded"
and demanding that Mckinley be CIV
EN- full authority by congress to estab-
fish civil government in the islands
whenever he believes it opportune."
In view Of the fact that a resolution
is now before congress calling for the
immediate cessation of hostilities in
the Philippines and the granting of
independence to the inhabitants, it is
striking coincidence, to say the least
OF 1t, that the apocryphal message
from unknown Filipinos and an Amer
lean adventrrer should arrive Just as
the Duluth statesman was arraigning
the president for his base perfidy to
the brown men of the Orient.
Since Mr.. Towne delivered his speech
General Otis has been heard from to
the effect that the Filipinos are not
able to govern themselves and that 80
per cent of tllenl cannot read and
write. 1t may be interesting to re-
mark that 80 per cent of the American
people i'll the South cannot read and
write, and yet they are capable of self
government in spite of their ignorance,
General Otis. however. makes one adj
mission which is worth quoting. He
says:
40 my mind the greatest problem
is. how can we get rid of the islands?
| believe that after Il series of years it
will be possible for this country to
plan some stable form OF government
tor the islands and then turn them
over to the natives ana let then. have
practical home rule. How long it will
be before this can be done | am not
prepared to say. l think. however,
THAT the SOONER this can be done the
BETTER it will be for this country
The only way to restore peace in the
| Philippines is to have congress declare.
us in the case Of Cuba, that the Philip
pines are and of right ought to be,
free and independent. In n telegram
to the state department from Manila
on June 23, 1898, Admiral Dewey said
of the Filipinos: ''rhese people are far
superior in their intelligence and more
capable of self-government than the
natives of Cuba. and l ;m familiar
with both races In communication
to the secretary of the navy, written
OH the flagship Baltimore in Manila
bay on August 20, 1898, he reiterates
what he said in June, and adds: eur
Their intercourse with them has con-
tirmed me in this opinion"
Then, why cannot the Filipinos have
their independence like the Cubans i'll
stead Of giving them, after series of
years, ''some stable form of govern
ment' and practical home rule
while the most of them are being killed
Off by 1.-THE benevolent assimilation of
his imperial majesty Of Canton? 1t
lis evident to every American of ordi-
nary intelligence that the colonial pol
icy of Mckinley, Hanna, Hill, Depew
and other promoters of trade does not
contemplate freedom to the Filipinos
either now or at any period in the flu
ture; but these assassins of human
liberty will pass away in Il few years,
and the republic OF Washington will
live and keep no people in bondage.