New-York tribune., 1901-05-04
THE ROAD TO PHILIPPINE AUTONOMY.

THE ROAD TO PHILIPPINE AUTONONY
Commenting on the view which is being put
forward in some quarters that a decision of the
Supreme Court in the Porto Rican case adverse
10 the administration would open the door for
the solution Of the Philippine problem along
the lines proposed by the Platt resolution for
Cuba. The Boston Transcript points out that
exactly the contrary result would flow from
such a decision. II says:
II the Supreme Court decides that Porto Rico
ana the Philippines must be admitted 10 the
Union that we cannot have colonies or possess
slons, and that they must be regarded Terri
tories ana organized as such. Cuba will not be
any more our guide by virtue of this Judgment.
II these possessions are Territories We cannot
constitutionally set up in them foreign govern
menus Win winch We are TO hold relations on
the basis of suzerainty II they are American
Territories they can only have an American gov
ernment.
That ground is we4l taken. The vital point
al issue in the Porto Rican and Philippine
cases is the power of the United States TO
hold territory sovereign under any tenure
hut that OF absolute Incorporation into the
Union subject 10 government under the con-
stitution. Cuba Is foreign territory. and we
may exercise such influence there as may he
agreed upon and give such help as may be de-
sirable for the maintenance Of its government
in condition of stability Porto Rico and the
Philippines are our own. If we can hold them.
as provided 10y the treaty making power with
out annexing them as integral parts of the
Union. then We can at any time It may appear
eXpedient establish In them any sort Of govern
ment called for by circumstance mere local
self government. autonomy and complete native
control OF the islands except with regard TO
foreign affairs independence under a protec-
torate. any intermediate form between com
pletely dominating every branch of adminisrra-
tion in the islands and absolutely turning them
adrift We could treat them as we are pro-
posing 10 :reat Cuha-let them establish their
own independent nationality. safeguarded by
guarantees enabling us 10 protect them from
external aggression and internal weakness or
ineNperience. But. as The Transcrint" notes
II the supreme Court should supplement the
treaty and change requirement sub modo TO
integral annexation. the Filipinos wouId become
bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh. ia he
ruled only rule ourselves i'm Oklobomo mr.
the District OF Columbia The door 70 autononv
or protectOrate would he shut and we sbould
have upon our hands several million brown men
on the road 20 participation i'm the government
at Washington.
The only way in which they might be disposed
of under such conditions would be turning them
adrift absolutely, IT, indeed the disputed power
10 cede away American citizens 20 the domina-
iion OF any other government really exists.
That would not be a solution OF the problem.
but merely retreat from it-injurious 10 our
interests in the Orient. and probably fatal IN
their progress IN civilization and self-govern-
menf-as the alternative 10 the worse evil of
dilutng our own citizenship with a vast Asiatic