New-York tribune., 1902-05-23
A CRIME TO WITHDRAW
BISHOP THoBURN ON THE PHILIPPINE
SITUATION.
SENATOR PATTERSoN'S PECULIAR MEIh-
DDS AS AN INQUISITOR ONCE
MORE DEMONSTRATED

washington May 22.-Bishop ThOburn. of the
Methodist Episcopal Church of India and Ma
laysia was before the Senate Committee on the
Philippines to-day. He said that the American
occupation of the Philippines should be continued
In the of his examination he declared that
the American occupation act of God. This
led to long line of questions by Senator Patter-
son.
IF a Philippine government should be estao-
lished and you should be asked whether you
thought such establishment the act of God,
would you ask TO defer your opinion asked MT
Patterson.
"I would not say it was the act of God" replied
the Bishop.
You would say il the act of the devil?"
mo. would not 1 would say it was the act or
American politicians"
The Bishop added that he believed, with an in
dependent Philippine government. the Macabebes
would be extermnated within twelve months.
Mr. Patterson asked If he believed the subjuga-
tion of barbarous or semi-civiized peoples by the
great powers TO be the act of God.
Il would put it that way" Bishop Thoburn
replied The most enterprisng governments are
pushing out individuals. and governments gen
orally find that they have to follow their citizens
God rules and overrules."
If" went on Senator Patterson. "a nation has
gore to the help of a sem-civilized people, and
finds itself in control of their country. has that
nation right to it. against the will of its
people, and to kill and burn in order to accomplish
its purposes
DO you mean that question seriously?' the
Bishop replied; and Senator Patterson said it was
very difficult to answer ii seriously for the reason
that what is right in may be wrong in
another
s'Does man determine what is right and what is
wrong?" asked Senator Patterson, and again this
question met by another from the Bishop.
''Is this he asked. IAN examination in metaphys-
les or in theology"
You volunteered to say that God had put us in
the Philippines said Senator Patterson, and he
insisted on a reply.
Il cannot very well discuss theological questions
here. but II can give you any information shall
be glad 10 do So" replied the Bishop.
In response to questions from Senator Carmack
Bishop Thoburn expressed the opinion that the
Philippine people now better disposed toward
American missionaries than they at the close
of the Spanish In proof of this statement
he said that there is an attendance of twelve
thousand people at the Methods, churches in Ma
Mia and that both in that city and the outlying
demsnd and for Tnos teachers & and preachers
%sks in Maroh Sad 3 fast ed s rsn Manu- n
1900. for one week. When he said he thought the
eumstances which would not permit them leave.
Senator Dubois objected, and asked for a state.
ment as to the moral and intellectual capacity OF
IN Inn many ny. rssspscts replied the witness they
herence among them. They divided into tribes
recognized as sultan % They are bright and euicE
but not profound and am afraid they are treach-
Senator Beyeridge brought out the fact that the
witness had lived forty-three years in the Straits
settlement, and asked him for his opinion OF the
capacity OF the Malays for self-government
II think they very defective he said. 1T
would be a crime. in my opinion. 20 remove the
present American restraints in the Philippines"
In response 10 questions by Senator Culberson.
Bishop Thoourn said he believed the Fitpinos
should have a protectorate after the manner of
the British protectorate. He did believe that
oriGinally the American Government had. when
Admiral Dewey went 70 Manila. intention Of
taking control OF the Philippines. President Nc
kinley. he said had told him that he had tried I'm
every possible way 70 avoid the annexation OF the
Philippine.
The Bishop will be heard again tomorrow.