New-York tribune., 1902-05-06
ARMY DEFENDED.
SENATOR LODGE ANSWERS CHARGES OF BRUTALITY on
THE PART of AMERICAN SOLDIERS.
Try TELEGRAPH To THE TRIBUNE.

Try TELEGRAPH THE TEIBUNE-l
Washington May J.-Mr Lodge the chairman
of the Philippine Committee in his speech to-
day in the Senate called a timely halt the
sweeping and unjustihabIe criticism which has
been leveed from the Democratic side for
week past at the honor and discipline of the
American Army. Practically ever since the de-
bate began the Lodge bill erecting form
of civil government in the Philippines. Demo-
cratic Senators have been filing the air with
lamentations at the lowering of American mill
tary standards and the observation OF American
military honor through the adoption of certain
measures OF reprisal in the Philippines If Dem
Ocrattc critics of this governments military
policy were to be believed, the American name
had been sullied by a wantOn and unwarrant-
able severity in dealing with a native population
absolutely untitled by nature training TO rec
ognize the rules and customs of civilized
fare. Complaint upon complaint has been made
that the Filipino insurgent has been subjected
to all the brutalities of middle age warfare,
If on his part long and bloody record of
treachery and savagery had been laid up to
chill the sympathy OF his Overzealous advocate
and apologist.
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PICTURE.
Mr.. Lodges speech to-day afforded glimpse
OF the other side of the atrocity ledger and
under which the American soldiers in the Phil
ipI ines have struggled and suffered-provoca-
toas which have been borne for the most part
with heroic fOrttude and unexampled forbear
ance. To those who cannot bear 10 read or hear
OF the disciplining of a Filipino spy Fill
pino guerilla, this grisly record of Filipino bar
barty carry some hint of the necessities
which have driven American officers and SOL
diers to hasty and violent reprsals against
uncivilized and cunning foe
Certainly Mr.. Lodges appeal for moderation
and justice in judging the measures adopted by
American military commanders in view of the
dangers and responsibilities which they have
had to face. will strike note OF sympathy in
every American heart No position could be
less tenable in point Of common sense or patriot
is than that assumed by the Senate minority
in its wholesale denunciation of the American
arny-an army against which the charge of
wanton inhumanity has never hitherto been
proven. 1t was the chief merit of Mr. Lodges
speech-brilliant and interesting it at
every pOint-that il swept completely away the
hyopcritical pretence OF the minority TO see no
iniquities in Philippine warfare, but those prac-
tised by United States soldiers. and challenged
the opposition to compare with some show OF
fairness and justice the cruelties inflicted on
Americans with those retaiIatory punishments
which have so shocked the critics OF American n
military policy in the Philippines.
POINTS MADE By MIR. LODGE.
Mr.. Lodge spoke in part follows:
Mr. President, think there has been a marked
Improvement in this debate over the last de-
bate which held upon the question of Phil
ippine affairs. because in this debate. far as
II has proceeded there has been more or less
said about the perding measure. 1 am aware
that We devoted one afternoon to a discussion
OF politics and election methods in North Caro-
Ina, but possibly IL not amiss to consider
the quality of mercy exhibited in certain parts
OF our country. we'll as In the Philippines 1t
is true. also that we devoted one afternoon to
trying 10 decide the question whether AguinaldO
caused the assassination OF General Luna,
whether he had him aSsassnated in self-de-
fence, whether he merely killed by the
guard because the guard did not like his man
ner. But all these things. Mr.. President, have
more connection with the matter before US than
the discussions about revolutionary history and
the character of the Judge at Nome in which
before nduged.
I think. Mr.. President. 1 am not too optimistic
when express the hope and the belief that the
time will come, and come before long. when we
shall discuss measures in regard to the Philip
pines discussed the Chinese Exclusion bill
with view 10 getting the best legislation pos
sble in the interests of the people Of the islands
and the people of the United States, and when
we shall cease TO make the affairs of the Philip
pine Islands field for the Investment of pOlit-
teal capital by a party whose ventures in other
directions have not all been very successful.
The Senator from Tennessee CN1r. Carmack)
with the grace of phrase characteristic OF his
elOquence. asked II any would have the
effrontery to defend the pending bill In all
humility, Mr.. President, l will say that have
the effrontery not only 10 defend the bill but
In my feeble way 10 advocate It, believe II
To be a well considered measure. dealing with
subjects of great difficulty TO which the COM
mttee have given careful attention. over which
they have labOred assiduously. and to parts of
which the minority of the committee have made
valuable contribution, of which I am happy TO
make acknowledgment
PHILIPPINE BILL EXPLAINED.