Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1902-04-07
THE DEMOCRATIC PLAN.

Whenever a democratic protest Is
made against the changes threatened in
our government system by the adoption
OF the policy enforced in the Philippines
bv the republican administration, and a
halt is called in the insane rush for
colonial posses sions, they are met with
meaningless lingo generalities as rule.
But, the most irequen. reply is, tina, the
democrats are simply directors; that
they offer no solution OF rhe problems
that confront the nation as the out
growth OF the spanish war. This reply
will have TO be dropped for while, and
We may now expect woriy reasons why
the adoption OF almost the indentical
policy that has been pursued toward
Cuba, is an absurd ignus iatus when al
.ocatef for adoption in dealing with the
Philippines.
The democratic members Of the senate
Committee on the Philippines have
greed on q substitute for the Philippine
government, bill 10 be offered them. +,
,royides, subject TO provisions which ar
-et forth, that the United states shall re.
inquish all ella ms OF sovereignty Owe
he Phi ippine archipelago. but that tie
United states shall continue 10 occupy
and govern the archipelago until the PEG
Ole thereof shall have established gov
eminent and until sufficient guarantees
have been obtained for the performance
! d our treaty obligations with spain and
for The safety Of those inhabitants VIC
/ have adhered 70 the United States anc
for the maintenance and protection to all
rights which have accrued under the au.
,hority thereof.
A constitutional convention is provided
for, the members OF which are to be Sc.
lected by voters who speak and write
the English. Spanish or any OF the Ian.
yuages OF the archipelago. This conven.
ton is 10 number 800 persons, and is &c
meet in Manila not more than year from
the cessation Of hostili,ies in the islands
This convention is 70 proceed 10 io'm a
constitution and organize such govern.
ment as they may deem best adapted tc
promote the welfare and secure the peace
and happiness OF the inhabitants OF the
said islands, proyi led tina. said conyen.
ton shall provide by an ordinance ire
yocable without the consen, OF the
United states.
'First-that there shall belong TO the
United States and continue 10 be the
property thereof such lards and water:
as the president OF the United States
shall designate TO the said convention for
naval, military and coaling stations and
terminal facilities, submarine cables
the same TO continue under the control
and sovereignty OF the United States.
"Second--To carry into effect the treaty
obligations OF the United States with the
kingdom Of Spain, and for the mainten-
ance and protection OF all rights and
property acquired under the authority
OF the United states.
"Third-That no inha btitant OF said
dltHll~4deO sinai ever br u4OtrsleI II
person or property on account OF his or
her adherence 10 the United states -
It is then 10 be the duty OF the presi.
dent Of the United States to issue the
proclamation declaring the independence
OF the people Of the archipelago. The
president is also authorized and request
81 to negotiate an agreement between
the United states and the Philippine
archipelago, and Great Britain, Ger
many, France and other powers. as he
may deem best, providing for the perpe-
tual neutrality and inviola bility from all
foreign interference with the territory OF
the archipelago. and also for equal OPP
protunities 10 trade between the archi-
pelago and other foreign countries.
Full amnesty is granted to all the in
habitants OF the islands on account Of
political offense and the bearing Of arms
against the United states. Within sixty
days from the election OF officers under
the Philippine constitution and their in
the president is to cause the
armed forces OF the United States 70
withdraw from the archipelago as speed
ly a. possible