The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1901-01-30
In the Philippines.

The Philippine commission strongly
urges the passage of the Spooner Phil
ippine bill by Congress, saying OF it:
"Until its passage, no purely central
civil government can be established;
no public franchise of any kind granted
and no substantial investment Of prl-
vate capital in internal improvements
is possible" OF the need of civil laws
in the islands, the report Gays: "rhe
army has brought the Philippines to
the point where they offer ready and
attractive field for investment and en-
terprise, but to make this possible there
must be mining laws, homestead and
land laws, general transportation laws,
banking and currency laws" OF the
general condition oflthe affairs Of the
island the report.says,l after no ing the
favorable effect of the reelection of
President Mckinley: "From now on
conditions in these islands will grow
steadily better, and however formidable
the difficulties really are the possibili-
ties that present themselves of improv-
ing the condition of the people in edu-
cation, wealth, comfort, and in the
knowledge of how to govern them
selves, cannot but awaken the deepest
enthusiasm on the part of every friend
OF civilization familiar with the actual
conditions" Many believe that Presi-
dent Mckinley will call an extra SEES
sion if this Congress fails to act upon
his recommendations, as lack of time
may compel it to do. Senator Lodge,
chairman of the Philippine committee,
expresses confdence!sthat the Philip
pine legislation recommended by the
President can be pushed through the
Senate in few days, but that conf
dence is not generally shared by Sena-
ators. His committee is now consider
ing the best method of accomplishing
the desired end.
Respecting the report of the commits
sion and the duty of Congress in the
matter the Brooklyn Eagle pertinently
observes:
The report sets forth what are
doubtless the facts. AT any rate what
legislation may be framed must be
based on the conditions which the re,
port says exist, rather than on the al
legged conditions described by those
who b lieve that the United States are
guilty of crime against liberty in pre-
serving order where there is the desire
for disorder. For instance, the CON-
mission says that there are fewer sa-
looms in Manila and that they are under
better restraint than in American cit
les of the same size. This must be
considered along with the charge of q
lot of sentimentalists that we are de-
bauching the natives with liquor. The
commission says that he natives are
weary of the fighting, but that in GER
tain districts they dare not express
their hope for peace under American
supervision because if they do they
will be assassinated. The killing of a
man who disagrees with you is char
acteristically oriental procedure. The
commission, however, in spite of the
barbarities of the small insurgent bands
believes that the time has come for q
larger measure of civil government
and for giving more ntrol of their
own affairs into the hands of the ma.
tives. 1t also sees signs of DISPOSE
ton to accept the situation since the
defeat of Mr.. Bryan, and willingness
even among various bands of insur'
gents to lay down their arms now thai
they know that there is no prospect fol
our withdrawal. But neither the com
missioners nor the war department Of
ficials believe that there will be abso
lutte peace for long time. The guer'
rilla bands will make trouble Just al
the Indians III the West have disturb
ed the peaceful people there for years.