The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-02-25
THE RIGHTS OF FILIPINOS
Dr.. W. A. CrOffut Lectures at the
Second Baptist Church Lyeeum.
The Speaker Scores McKinIey's
Policy and Declares the American
ent Use in the Philippines Stands
for Oppression and Tyranny.

DR.. William A. Croffut spoke before the
Lyceum of the Second Baptist Church,
Third and H Streets northwest. yester-
day afternoon on the subject of the
Rights of the Filipinos" DR.. Fontel-
lam, Filipino. visiting Washington, oc-
cupied a seat upon the platform. The
speaker severely attacked the policy OF
this country in seeking to establish SOY
ereignty over the islands against the
will of the people, declaring that they
were fighting for their liberties as our
forefathers fought for our independence
against Great Britain, and made a strong
presentation Of the Filipinos side of the
perplexing question.
Il think said Dr. Crofiut that Dewey
having destroyed the Spanish fleet at Ma
Mia Bay and gained so remarkable Nic-
tory almost without less of life. should
have at once been ordered away, or if
in the excitement and enthusiasm of vic
tory there was neglect in sending him
such an order, We ought to get out now
and give people struggling ior hbe.ty
the freedom which is by right theirs"
Or. Crotfut spoke in high praise of
Aguinaldo, describing him as a man who,
at the age of twenty-seven. possessed
such qualities of intellect. ability, and
patriotism that he became the recognized
leader of l0,0O0,U00 Of people. Dr. Croffut
told of his cooperation with Dewey at
the request Of the latter. how he raised
10000 native troops and informed the
American commander that he could cap
ture Manila. The capture was delayed
however, he declared. until the arrival
of American troops; then when it was
accomplished our guns were turned upon
q
by the side of our soldiers. We betrayed
their confidence, because they asked for
independence
Il do not ask said Dr. Croffut. "wheth
er 1t was legal, but was it morally right?
They tell us We did not promise them in
dependence. ! DO not care whether we did
or not Our history and traditions as a
nation, our Declaration of Independence,
our Constitution, all of which they knew
and had studied, were standing promises of
liberty and independence to them. 1t is pain
full for me to say anything against the
country for which 1 fought, and no man
can say that l am not a patriot. but these
tlIlpnos are lighting with the same spirit
that inspired our forefathers when they
fought the minions of George III. and |
want 70 say TO you that men who will not
fight for their liberty are not deserving of |
IT, How much longer are they going to
obtained their priceless freedom.
We are told that the Filipinos are not /
Mt to govern themselves, but We have made |
an arrangement with the Sultan of SuIu
which enables him to govern the Sulus I
and We are paying him a salary for doing |
H. We are making war upon the Chris
tan inhabitants of Luzon and other islands
and paving tribute to the Mohammedans of .
to the Sultan to maintain his
~FHaaH
are the servants of this Sultan drawing
f75 a month for sweeping out the harem.
and how do you Americans like that? We
have made an agreement to defend polyg-
amy and slavery in the Sultan's territory.
The hrst is a penitentiaTy offence in the
United States. and the second. an amend
ment to the Constitution declares shall
not exist in any territory subject to the
jurisdiction OF the United States The
var IN the Philippines cost more than $685.
'O0OOO last year, and think We have got
EN- in round numbers about 81. 600 in re-
urn II 1t continues six months longer,
We shall have been reimbursed for the
money thus far expended in about 1000
ears.
TO have anchored a Republic off the
'oast of Asia that would have been the
.chievement of the greatest glory. rather
han the Staying of men fighting for indie
zee Republic established there. and have
he impression go out that the people were
bile to govern themselves The Philip
lines are too near to India, and England
loes not want the ideas OF self-goveru-
nent TO become prevalent there Eng
and always takes our part by taking part
II us She took New Brunswick, the Ore
ION territory, large enough to make
lightly States the size OF Massachusetts.
nd recently she took 1000 miles of ter
itory in Alaska, where our miners had
ettled.
Il am afraid continued Dr. Croffut.
that too many of our good people give
literal inteI probation to the Biblical
hrase, Him that is unjust let him re-
nain unjust still 1t is an allegory and
ever intended to be literally interpre-
ed. / say II Uncle Sam is unjust. let
I'm begin by being Just, and see II he will
ot have some restoration OF self-respect
bur flag has been polluted, 1t has been
ragged in the mire of greed and avarice,
has become what the union jack Is. a
commercial asset. It's stripes hare heen
lade doubly red by innocent blood. OF our
oldiers. and by the blood OF others who
re fighting for their homes. their fami-
les, and their liberties. want to see the
Id emblem restored the flag of free
ON. the flag Of Lincoln, the old flag which
'etsy Ross and Washington made out OF
aico. the flag that Jackson raised over
>ew orleans. do not want to see il
sed for oppression and tyranny"
DR.. Crohut's remarks were freouep.Iv
and when he closed he received
n ovation.