Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-05-17
Democratic Denunciation of Scuttle.

The Chronicle. the only democratic morn
ing newspaper in Chicago. is not an advo-
cate of scuttle 1t says:
Senator Foraker is not the best author
fty on the subject of democratic policy and
action. but when he made the statement
the other day that even democratic ad-
ministrdtion would not abandon the Philip
pines he was eminently correct.
There might be a democratic president.
and Congress in both branches might have
a two-t thirds democratic majority, and Yet
there would be no scuttle in the Philip.
pines.
There is not now and there never will be
a political party in this country which.
clothed with responsibility ard authority,
would surrender foot of soil belonging To
the great republic except as a matter OF
necessity at the end of bloody and disas-
trOuS war.
1T Is to he hoped that democratic adj
ministration at Washington would inaugu-
rate free government in the Philippines.
With such Il government even in prospect
there would be motive for scuttle.
The talk in certain democratic circles
about abandoning the Philippines is not
Only unauthorized and stupid; 1t is dis
honest.
There are many other democratic newspa-
pers holding a similar tone on this subject.
They are not only opposed to scuttle, but
are opposed to making a campaign on any
tricky presentation of the situation in the
Philippines. or of the national obligations
II the islands. They will understand that
victory al the polls if one could be won in
that way would be worthless to the party.
and that it might involve the country in
fresh and very serious embarrassments.
They realize that as We are on the ground.
and have been obliged to pay a penalty in
blood and treasure for our foothold. pride
and duty unite in commanding to stay.
And stay We will, no matter which party
may be in power.
The Chronicle states that as much as
might be expected under a democratic ad-
mlnistration would be free government in
the Philippines. When the Filipinos are
prepared for such government what party
could afford to deny 1t them? The only
question relates to the length of time
quired for fitting them for such a RESPONSE
bility. Time is required, by general con-
sent. Nobody holds that they are competent
for such a task now Even the Atkinsonians
admit that government by the Filipinos
would not at the start resemble very strik-
ingly the government of the United States
Meanwhile the pending bill in the Senate
has everything to recommend it to those
who sincerely desire to see the proper start
made toward successful civil administration
on broad scale In the Philippines 1t will
answer the immediate purposes of the ma
tIveS and our own purposes admirably. 1t
is fully as long a step as should be taken
a. this time 1t is well calculated to give
the people unfamiliar with any but oppres-
sive government an excellent object lesson
In what government should be- and to en-
cCurag them To prepare themselves for par
tcipatins directly in the conduct of their
own affairs. Ii ought to receive every vote
In the Senate. and that il viii not is al
best but an exhibition of shortsighted and
some what reckless pIrtisanship.