The Washington times., 1902-03-16

separated by a considerable psychological
distance; and this fact is all the .uore
impressive because of the latter's evident
determination to give the native all the
credit which is honestly due him. In a
page or two Of this chapter he sums uI
the Philippine American situation as he
sees 1t. as follows:
THE United States consists. as every
schoolboy knows, of a federation OF
States under President and Congress,
elected by a manhood suffrage. The Con-
stitution was especially framed to en-
sure the rights of American citizenship
to every one born under the Stars and
Stripes. This was simple at first, though
it involved later on the admission to the
franchise Of a very large colored race.
but when oversee expansion began The
question was at once complicated. The
problem, briefly put. is how to govern de-
tendencies, which, under the United
States Constitution, should be as autono-
nous as the different States OF the fedora
tion. 1t was obviously impossible to
create new States at once out Of the coun-
tries annexed. whose peoples have not
been educated or trained UP to the stand
ard of American citizenship. These have
therefore been constituted IS Territories.
some still remaining in that status. while
others have gradually become full-fedged
between States and Territories is that the
secretaries, and judges, who are appointed
by the President, and that, although au-
tonomous, any of their measures may be
altered or vetoed by the Federal Govern
ment Hawaii is such territory
Cuba. on the contrary, clamors for the
full rights Of State. II not for complete
independence. To show the elasticity OF
the United States Constitution. or perhaps
the liberality with which it is interpreted.
we must add that Alaska is practically
the same as a British Crown colony. be-
ing even administered by Governor with
out the aid OF any Legislature. Constitu-
tionaI difficulties which hiterto have been
settled by a little adjustment, have. how
ever assumed a. more serious aspect dur
ing the recent developments. 1t is one
thing to admit scattered communities Of
white, or nearly white. men into me
rights of citizenship. keeping them for q
time in leading strings, but always with
the view of giving them an equal share
in political responsibilities, but quite
different matter to act In the same way
with closely-packed and numerous
brown people OF Oriental origin and pecu-
liar civilization.
The Philippine Problem.
"The question presents difficulties in
Cuba. where a far higher standard Of po-
liticai and social evolution has been
reached, and even In Porto Rico. which
Is so near the United States mainland as
to be easily Influenced and controlled.
The former will probably be created an
State later on. while the lat
ter, now under military rule. is to have
government with a re-
stricted franchise, and later will be a
Territory; but neither system seems suit
able for the remote and popuIous Phil
ppines with their peculiar conditions.
The United States are Just undertaking a
some time ago-how to govern dependsn-
lies. The dearly bought experience of the
after has convinced her of one thing:
hat no hard and fast rule can be laid
iown. but that racial, climatic and other |
conditions must play their part. In coun-
ries unsuitable for white labor the Eu |
-opean must direct and coptrol-in other |
words government must be official-while |
n temperate climes every inducement |
must be given to white settlers and self |
government granted at the first possible
moment. No such problem however has
yer presented itself to Great Britain or
ny other colonizing power as that which
onfronts the United States in the Phil
ppines, for there conditions are compli-
ated by the presence OF mixed race
rho can neither be treated as natives
or as Americans. The evil traditions of
ONE three centuries of corrupt govern
lent hang over the islands. and the task
rendered twofOld harder by the neces-
ity for pulling down the edifice before