The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-02-15
WOMEN as PACIFIERS.

MINNEAPOLIS Tribune.

Minneapolis Tribune.
Gen. J. +. Bells opinion. expressed In q
personal letter to Adjutant General Corbin.
that lone American woman can contribute
more to the reformation Of the Filipinos
than any company OF American. soldier or
civilian" is at once tribute 10 the uplift-
ing power of the gentler sex and the ex-
preston of a profound philosophical truth.
The application is by no means confined to
our distant island wards, but IL is encour-
aging 10 know that they, too. are suscep-
tible to the destinations of the American
woman.
We Americans are too prone to fall into
the habit of Dragging about all sorts or
things, and thereby to make ourselves bores
and nuisances to the really cultivated out
siders; but there is one theme upon which
we have full license and that is the
passing qualities in the field OF beauty, ac-
complishment and achievement, OF our
American women. Whether II is because
they are, for some reason, inately superior,
or because they are allowed. more freedom
of development and hence grow 10 larger
mental and temperamental stature, certain
IL Is that the women OF TINS country take
the palm whenever they are brought into
competition or contrast with the women or
any foreign country, either in the realm or
fashion. literature, housewifery or any
There has been much defamation against
international marriages wherein American
beauties and heiresses unite with the SciOns
of European aristocracy. The advantage
is all of course, on the side OF the lucky
husband, but such marriages have done
much to recuperate not only decayed Euro
pean fortunes, but degenerate European
blood as well, and TO Introduce higher
and brighter tone into European society
by introducing many American women
there If our American ladies can work
such wonders among the effete aristocracy
of the civilized portion Of the old world
il stands TO reason that they can do much
more with the primitive and plastic ma
terial OF the Philippines. We believe that
General Bell is right. IL any consider able
number of such sterling American women
as usually make up the families OF the
army officers, with the families Of the civil
ian officers, and the devoted teachers who
cross the wide expanse of ocean not mere
ly for the salaries, but in the fulfllment
OF a mission, are scattered among the ma
tive Filipino women they cannot fail 10 in
fiuence them for good to inspire them with
higher ideals, to win their love and adj
miraIon. and thus 10 bring 10 bear upon
the Filipino men an influence in favor OF
accepting American customs and govern
ment that will prove irresistible.
place aux damesi' Since the American
man has made buagle, to some extent.
OF recOnciling and recOnstructing the FL
ipinos let US try to enlist the help OF the
ladies To as great an extent as possible.
General Bells suggestion that the wives
of American officers and civil officials on
duty in the Philippines be allowed TO join
their husbands Is a good one. In the fam
lilies of the older officers there are often
daughters, whose aid in making society
distinctively American and attractive would
be valuable. The ideals are the thing. and
the ideals are formed by society. Let the
ideals become American, and the work OK
Approximation will be practically accom-