Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1902-04-09
MUST KEEP The PHILIPPINES
United States Possession, Says Macarthur,
is an Absolute Necessity.
FACTOR IN DEVELOPMENT OF FAR EAST
Islands, He says, stand as Protection
TO American Interests In orient
without Exertion of Much
Additional Power.

WASHINGTON, April s-General Mac
Arthur today continued his testimony con-
cerning conditions in the Philippine archl-
pelago before the senate committee on the
Philippines. His discussion at the begin
ming of the session was devoted to review
of the conditions which led up to the pres
ent state Of mind of the Philippine people
He said that long before the advent Of
the Americans the germs OF democracy had
been planted and that these had originated
in the agitations in Spain Of 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 at that time the
Filpinos were in vindictive and resentful
mood toward Spain, with an early yearning
for liberty. Taking these psychological
conditions into account and also giving due
character of the character he had felt when
he assumed command OF the islands, that
there was to be found the most fertile soil
for planting the best kind Of institutions.
General Macarthur then took up and dis
cussed economic conditions in the archi
pelago saying that they are the finest group
Of islands in the world, occupying a STRAIT
egic position absolutely unexcelled.
PosseasiOn of Islands n Necessity.
Continuing, he said that the archipelago
must necessarily exert an active and po-
tential influence upon the affairs of the
entire east in both political and a mill
tary way. The China sea, only $50 miles
wide. he considered a safety moat. The
islands would therefore stand to protect
our interests in the Orient without the
exertion Of much power on our part.
Hence, he concluded that our presence in
the Philippines will always insure all thS
protection we need in the east, and no
one can now say how great those needs
may be. Their position is such, he said,
that from the islands we may observe
whatever passes along the coast OF Asia, as
| IL must pass under the shadow of our flag
He therefore concluded that "the pos
session, the permanent possession Of the
Philippines. is not only OF supreme i'm
portance. but absolutely essential to Amer
| ican interests"
He believed, he added that when the
i Philippine people come to realize the mis-
sion OF the American people among them.
| and that they were a chosen people for
| the dissemination OF American ideas, they
| would rally to this inspiring thought and
cheerfully follow and support the American
flag.
war of Humane Methods.
| Concerning the conduct OF the war In the
| Philippines he said that while 1t was war
he doubted whether II any war Of modern
| times had been conducted with as much
| humanity and self-restraint as this war
| had been.
Moreover, all violations Of the rules oi
| war had been instantly punished. Reply
ing to questions by Senator Csrmack, he
said that the Filpinoe had ideas like oui
American ideas of personal liberty, as en-
| bodied in our institutions. This" he
said. realizes an ideal of their own"
Then they have an ideal?" interjectet
Senator Carmack.
"They have-most decidedly" he replied
you do not. then, regard them as I
miserable, corrupt, cruel and degeneratet
racer"
by no means. Such a view is, to m!
mind, a mistaken view"
do you not think" Senator Carmacl
asked, that the Filipinos ought to hav'
a voice in their governmental affairs, wher'
they have to do with franchises and con
cessions?"
THAT question is somewhat hypothet
ical," replied General Macarthur. 1--WE ar,
approximating that condition now
would, however. like to see the Filipino
pretty we'll represented in their centra
government, and I should like to see thu
question Of franchises, except for railroads
held in abeyance until the evolution pro
ceeds further"