New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-04-09

HOPEFUL VIEW OF THE PHILIPPINES
FUTURE STORIES OF CRUELTY
EXAGGERATED.
Try TELEGRAPH To THE TRIBUNF.l


washington Aprl S-GeneraI Macarthur
continued this morning before the senate fhll-
ippne Committee the highly interesting and
vaiua BILE testimony which he has been giving on
conditions in the Philippines. His views OF the
Filipinos character and abilities diner materi-
ally from some which have been recently ao-
vanced before the committee. The general mas
shown himself most capable and enter
tanning witness He began by reviewing the
conditions which led up to the present state
of mind of the Philippine people, and SAID that
long before the advent OF the Americans the
germs of democracy had been planted, and that
these had originated in the agitators in Spain
Of a century ago, which had been reflected in
the Spanish colonies. He also described the
conditions in the archipelago at the time of the
American occupation saying that the Filipinos
were then in a vindictive and resentful MOOD
toward Spain, with general yearninS TOT I'D
erty Taking these psychological conditions INTO
account and giving due heed to the character
of the people he felt when he assumed COM
rnand in the islands that there was to be found
the most fertile soil for planting the best type
of republican institutions
General Macarthur then discussed the eco
nonnic conditions in the Philippines. saying that
they the finest group Of islands In the world.
occupying a strategic position absolutely unex-
FiIipinos could be rapidly organized into po-
Utical bodies, and said that they were eager to
secure educational facilities Because or his
opinion that the Philippines afford splendid op-
portunities for the dissemination OF American
ideas he decided when he assumed command at
Manila to conduct military operations in a dras-
tic manner. at the same time trying to give
them the most enlightened civil government
wherever opportunity offered.
Concerning the in the Philippines he said
while It was war. he doubted whether any war
of modern times had been conducted with as
much humanity and self-restraint as this had
been
Senator Lodge asked a number OF questions
bearing on the reports of cruelties practised by
american soldiers, to which General Macarthur
replied that while there had doubtless been in
stances Of excesses the general conduct OF the
troops had been Of opposite character, as
the general orders had been. Moreover. all vio-
lations of the rules OF war had been instantly
punished.
Replying to questions by Senator Carrnack'
he said that the Filipinos like American ideas
of personal liberty embodied in our institu-
tons. This" he SAID realizes an ideal or
their own"
Then they have an IDEAL" asked Senator
Carnack.
They have. most decidedly" replied the wit
You do not then regard them as a miser-
able corrupt, cruel and degraded race
BY means Such view IS 10 my mind
mistaken view"
Senator Carmack also asked about the ex-
poitation Of the material resources OF the ISL
ands and General Macarthur replied that one
of the great apprehensons of the people was
that they might be deprived OF these resources
and thus reegated to a position of social In
feriOrity in the islands On this point. he said,
they very sensitive. They did not care so
much for their treatment outside the islands,
but were particular the point OF social equal
ity when in their own country
In reply TO a question from Senator Culberson.
General Macarthur declined to make compar-
ison between the Filipino and the American
negro. The Filipinos are pretty good people.
he said but have never had occasion TO come
pare them with other people. and | don't want
TO attempt such comparison. which might be
unjust to BOTH
do you not think" Senator Carnack asked.
that the Filipinos ought to have a voice In
their governmental affairs where they have to
do with franchises and concessions?'
That question is somewhat hypothetical" re-
piled General Macarthur. We are approx
mating that condition now. l would, however.
like to see the F'ilipinos pretty we'll represented
in their central government, and l should like
TO see the question of franchises except for rail-
roads held in allegiance until the evolution pro-
ceeds further
The committee adjourned until Thursday.