The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-02-25

Spanish fleet Mr. President he could not
have left Manila Why? Because it be-
came his duty, as 1t was the duty of the
United States. to hold disorder and anarchy
in check in the Philippine islands.
OUR PLAIN DUTY.
Mr.. President, our course in the Phil
ippines has not been imperialstic; ii has
not been tyrannical. President Mckinley
undertook through the first, or the Schur-
man commissioner commission OF able
eminent and patriotic citizens of the
Jnited States-to supplement the war pow
T and accomplish a peaceful settlement in
ne Philippine archipelago. Some Filipinos
'ebelled against the authority of the United
states, challenged our sovereignty, chal-
lenged the rightfulness of our possession
there. Mr.. President, it has been from the
beginning the duty of the United States
government to compel recognition of Amer
lean sovereignty and American authority
in the Philippine archipelago. This has
been our imperative duty, our plain duty,
which we could not avoid or evade, without
absolute national dishonor We must hold
to the doctrine, without varying or turn
ing aside, that the sovereignty Of the
United States, wherever and by whoever it
is challenged, must be upheld against all
corners. Who is there with a sensitive re-
gard for the prestige and good name of his
country would consent that his govern
ment should do less than this?
Have we done nothing in the Philip
pines of which we may be proud? The cata-
We have accomplished much towards the
advancement of an ignorant people in the
ways of a higher civilization. No other
government than ours has in its benefi-
cence accomplished so much in lifting up an
unfortunate people to a higher plane. We
have counted effort too great TO win
those people TO the ways of tranquility
and to educate them in principles of re-
publican government. Shall we leave half
done an undertaking self-imposed and turn
over the Philippines to disorder and to
hacOOoa rav n of Of haT nov
erS? Shall we withdraw our sovereignty
and perhaps thereby disturb the inter
national peace? Have we done nothing in
the Philippines except that which deserves
censure? What we have done signalzes
our government one of the most just
and humane governments of which there
is record and every American should be
filled with pride because OF what have
accomplished in the name of justice and
for humanity.
''Sir, the moral forces of the United
States have been back of the Republican
party in carrying forward our exalted and
self-appointed task and they will sanction
no base abandonment of it or any wretched
and cOWardly surrender or our authority at
the dictation of those who wish to place
under contribution the Philippine islands
"Our friends in opposition are continually
inquiring, What of the future?' Let them
be patient. Let them restrain their i'm
petuosity. Let them indulge in no intem-
perate speech and criticism. Let them have
faith i'm the wisdom of the American people
and there need be no fear about the future.
Let us not be uncharitable. Let us go for
ward, meeting the duties of the present in
an intelligent, enlightened, patriotic way.
Sir, If we perform in full measure the
duties of the hour we shall, indeed have
done well. BY our past achievements we
have added greatly TO the renown of our
country and if we shall persevere in the
way. and if we shall but hold fast to the
great principles which have thus far guided
us we shall but increase the prestige and
renown of our government, which is dearer
to us than all else