The Washington times., 1902-06-10
Strong Resolutions Sent
to President on the
Subject.
BAD EFFECT OF TRIALS
Say That So Many Make the Officers
Lose Self ADMINISTRATIONS in the
Philippines Not Fully Understood by
Those at Home.

Letters received at the War Depart
ment yesterday by mail from Manila En-
dictate a strong feeling in the Philippines
against the policy of the Government in
crediting charges of cruelty against
army officers. The business men of Ma
Mia have been very active in sustaining
the conduct of the army officers and
claim that ruinous conditions may re-
suit by giving comfort to those who OPP
pose American occupation of the islands.
This view of the matter so much i'm
pressed itself upon the citizens of Ma
Mia that the American Chamber of
Commerce held a meeting at which the
following resolution was prepared with
the understanding that # be sent To
President Roosevelt:
Destroys Self Reliance,
Whereas it has come to the notice
of the American Chamber of Commerce
that a large number of officers of the
American Army in the Philippine ISL
ands have been tried and a very large
number of others are being Investigated,
anu aIc sulOi ncu are " bt lficu, duu
Whereas these trials and investiga-
tions are having the effect of destroy
ing that spirit of self-reliance which is
so necessary In army officers, and which
can only be attained or cultivated by
loyalty supporting them in the perform
ance of their duties. and especially when
they are called upon to fight a savage
foe, and
Whereas the conditions which exists
in these islands are known to be differ
ent in every sense from those existing
in the United States. where there is pro-
found peace and prosperity, and these
conditions we are assured and believe
are most thoroughly understood by our
American Army officers. who have met
them and by untold hardships gained a
complete knowledge of their savage
foes. and at the constant risk OF their
lives, which have been freely offered up,
have established peace in all parts of
the archipelago except the island of
Mindanao. and
Watchfulness and Protection.
Whereas. The business interests Of
this archipelago imperatively demand
the watchfulness and protection Of our
army. and can only be maintained and
carried on by virtue of this protection,
absolutely uninspired by attack upon its
officers, and
Whereas the business interests OF
Americans here have been seriously
threatened by the present action of the
authorities toward these officers, and
Effect on Inhabitants.
Whereas If this policy is pursued
the effect upon our native population
will be to cause the prompt rehabiltta-
ton of the insurrection that has been
suppressed at the cost of so much treas
ure and blood. and will, result in the
abandonment of the American cause in
the Philippines, and
Whereas 1t is believed that the pres
ent cause is being pursued without q
full knowledge of the conditions that ex-
list, and that, therefore, these conditions
should be called to the attention of the
authorities with the hope that change
of policy may be inaugurated, so as to
save our army and American and other
interests in the islands. and therefore,
BE 1t resolved, That this body re-
specially petition His Excellency, the
President OF the United States. to care
fully consider the business interests OF
these islands, and to suspend further
action against the army in the Philip
pines until the actual situation can be
calmly studied and understood in all
its bearings. and that a copy of this
resolution be duly forwarded, and the
substance sent by cable