The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1901-11-05
THE PHILIPPINE SITUATION.

Filipino-Another officer Expresses the
Same Opinion in a Picturesque manner
Taft to Remain in the Islands.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 29.-Secretary
Root has been unable as yet to reach
any d~ececision as to the mum
Der of troops to be maintained in
the Philippines during the coming
winter and spring. He is not sur
prised at the recent disturbances in
the Philippines, and has always had
in|mind the know n disposition of the
Filipino to practice deceit. He was
not astonished, therefore, at the r
ports telling of native treachery and
of difficulties encountered by the
Philippine Commission in securing
native officials who can be trusted
and whose loyalty is beyond cues
ton. On the contrary he feels that
too much should not be expected of
the Philippine Commission in view
of the great difficulties in the way of
carrying on civil government among
a people who had never known any
other government than the iron
hand of military power He is of
the opinion that it could hardly be
expected that civil government
would proceed smoothly and quietly
without some obstacles in the way of
disloyalty. Whether it will require
a renewal of active military opera
tons to restore an absolutely peace
full condition remains to be decided
after a careful consideration of the
subject.
Another officer who is known TO
have very little confidence in the
Filipino's ability to govern himself
is Gen. S. B. M. Young, now com
handing the Department of Cali
fornia. In a statement made some
time ago in regard to his pursuit of
AguinaldO he said:
"Our pursuit of Aguinaldo re-
sembled a march of triumph through
the north in the manner of our re-
ception. Brass bands met US at every
town, and church bells rang, and the
alcades and presidents and principal
Filipinos greeted Us with bows and
smiles and ELUSIVE hospitality. They
were ELUSIVE in hospitable speeches.
They yearned for the Americans
they longed for peace they hated
war and ~insurrection they were
our most humble servants to com
mand. But as to the enemy they
did not know; they had not seer
him. Meanwhile the enemy was
hiding in their own houses, or lying
near by in ambush fully informed by
these lovers of peace whether we
could be safely attacked or not
Did any person show US a road, he
was murdered as soon as we we're
out of sight. The money we paid
them for forage and food was
straightway sent to the nearest in
surgent commander. The Filipino is
expert in deceit. He is the most
cheerful and unnecessary liar you
ever saw. Truth is his last resort,
only to be used when all else fails.
tits thought at the War Department
that even though Judge Taft be dis
couraged in his work in the Philip
pines he will yield toa patriotic duty
and not resign as predicted in a let,
attributed to General Chaffee. He
will be given every assistance by the
War Department., and there will be
no hesitanoy about increasing the
military force should such a step be
considered necessary to uphold the
civil authorities in the performance
of their duties.
It is now practically admitted at
the War Department thatit will take
about 1900 troops a month from the
United States to replace the short
term men coming home.