The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-12-04

been slowly fitting themselves. sometimes
consciously, sometimes unconsciouSly, to-
ward this end What has taken US thirty
generations TO achieve, we cannot expect
to see another race accomplish out of hand,
especially when large portions of that race
start very far behind the point which our
ancestors had reached even thirty gener-
atoms ago. In dealing with the Philippine
people We must show both patience and
strength, forbearance and steadfast resOlu-
ton. Our aim is high We do not desire
to do for the islanders merely what has
elsewhere been done for tropic peoples by
even the best foreign governments. We
hope to do for them what has never before
been done for any people of the tropics
TO make them fit for self-government after
the fashion OF the really free nations.
History may safely be challenged TO
show a single instance in which a master
full race such as ours, having been forced
by the eXigencies of war TO take possession
OF an alien land, has behaved to its inhabi-
tants with the disinterested zeal for their
progress that our people have shown in
the Philippines. To leave the islands at
this time would mean that they would fall
into a weller of murderous anarchy Such
desertion of duty on our part would be
crime against humanity. The character Of
Governor Taft and of his associates and
subordinates is a proof, IL such be needed,
OF the sincerity of our efforts TO give the
islanders a constantly increasing measure
OF self-government, exactly as fast as
they show themselves fit to exercise ii.
Since the civil government was established
rot an appointment has been made in the
islands with any reference to considerations
Of political influence or to aught else save
the fitness of the man and the needs of the
service.
HASTE NOT DESIRABLE.
In our anxiety for the welfare and prog
ress of the Philippines, it may be that here
and there we have gone too rapidly in
giving them local self-government. 1t is
on this side that our error. if any, has been
committed No competent observer, sim
cerely desirous of finding out the facts
and Influenced only by a desire for the
welfare Of the natives can assert that we
have not gone far enough. We have gone
to the very verge of safety in fastening
the process. To have taken a single step
farther or faster in advance would have
been folly and weakness, and might we'll
have been crime. We are extremely anxious
that the natives shall show the power of
governing themselves. We are anxious,
first for their sakes. and next, because it
relieves us Of a great burden. There need
not be the slightest fear Of our not con-
tinuing to give them all the liberty for
which they are Mt.
The only fear is lest in our overanxiety
we give them degree Of independence for
which they are unfit, thereby inviting re-
action and disaster. AS fast as there is any
reasonable hope that in a given district the
people can govern themselves. self-gov-
eminent has been given in that district.
There is not locality fitted for self-gov-
eminent which has not received 1t But IL
nay well be that in certain cases II will
have TO be v hdrawn because the inhabi-
tants show themselves unit TO exercise it.
such instances have already occurred. In
other words, there is not the slightest
chance OF our failing 10 show a sufficiently
humanitarian spirit. The danger comes in
the opposite direction.
There are still troubles ahead In the
islands The insurrection has become an
affair Of local banditti and marauders, who
deserve no higher regard than the brigands
OF portions of the old world. Encourage
ment, direct or indirect, 10 these insurrectos
stands on the same footing as encourage
ment 20 hostile Indians in the days when
we still had Indian wars. Exactly as our
aim is 10 give 10 the Indian who remains
peaceful the fullest and amplest considera-
ton. but TO have il understood that We Will
show no weakness If he goes on the war
path so we must make IL evident unless
we are false TO our own traditions and 10
the demands OF civilization and humanity
that while we will do everything in our
power for the Filipino who is peaceful, We
will take the sternest measures with the
Filipino who follows the path of the in
surrecto and the ladrone.
The heartiest praise is due 10 large num-
steadfast loyalty. The Macabebes have
been conspicuous for their courage and de-
votion to the flag. l recommend that the
secretary Of war be empowered TO take
some systematic action IN the way Of aid