The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-12-04
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT'S
MESSAGE.
CONTINUED from Page Three.)

have shown in the Philippines. To leave
the islands at this time would mean That
they would fall into welter OF muir
derous anarchy. Such desertlon OF duty
on our part would be crime against
humanity. The character or Governor
Taft and of his associates and subordi-
mates is a proof, if such be needed, or the
sincerity of our effort to give the island
ers constantly increasing measure OF
self government, exactly as last as fhey
show themselves fit to exercise it. Since
the civil government was established
not an appointment has been made in the
islands with any reference to considera-
tions of political influence, or to aught
else save the fitness of the man and the
needs of the service.
In our anxiety for the welfare and
progress of the Philippines, it may be
that here and there we have gone too
rapidly in giving them local self-govern-
ment. 1t is on this side that our error,
if any. has been committed. No COM
, petent observer, sincerely DESTROYS of
finding out the facts and influenced only
by desire for the welfare of the ma
tives, 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 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 the sakes, and next, because it
relieves us of a great burden. There
need not be the slightest fear of our not
continuing to give them all the liberty
for which they are fit.
The only fear is lest in our over-anxie
ty we give them degree of independ-
ence for which they are unfit thereby
inviting reaction and disaster. AS fast
as there is any reasonable hope that in
a district the people can govern them
selves, self government has been given
in that district. There is not locality
fitted for self government which has not
received it. But it may we'll be that in
certain cases it will have to be with
drawn because the inha bitants show
themselves unfit to exercise it; such in
stances have already occurred. In other
words, there is not the slightest chance
of our failing to show sufficiently hui
manitarium 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.
Embarrassment, direct or indirect, to
these insurrectos stands on the same
footing as encouragement to hostile In
dams in the days when we still had In
dian wars. Exactly as our aim is to
give to the Indian who remains peace
full the fullest and amDlest considera-
ton, but to have it understood that we
Will show no weakness if he goes on the
warpath, so we must make itevident,
unless we are false to our own tradi-
tions and to 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 stern
est measures with the Filipino who fol-
lows the path of the insurrecto and the
ladrone
The heartiest praise is due to large
numbers of the natives of the islands
for their steadfast loyalty. The Maca-
bebes have been conspicuous for their
courage and devotion to the flag. l re-
commend that the Secretary of War be
empowered to take some systematic ac-
ton in the way of aiding those of these
men who are crippled in the service and
the families of those who are killed.