New-York tribune., 1902-01-17

proposition the right of every man to his per-
son, his property, to his reputation to his
family and TO his liberty-that is, his right do
what he WIFI with his own so long as he does
infringe the similar rights of others. For the
safeguarding Of these rights governments exist.
The basis Of government is the universal instinct
for self-protection and mutual protection; and
that IS a just government whatever its form.
which adequately protects the natural rights Of
its subjects Neither the decision of a majority
the consent Of a minority have the
least effect on the fundamental question. What
are human rights at home and abroad, and what
measures may be justly taken TO protect them?
Just government, then does not rest on the
sent of the governed, and the rule of ma atorties
IS merely a device for reaching a standard of
public conduct, necessarily imperfect. but
sonably satisfactory, among a people Of nte-
gence and education in self-control No man
has natural right 10 share in the administra-
tion of the government under which he lives.
He has right to he protected in his reputation.
person property, family and liberty. If a gov
eminent fails to give him this. he has right to
agitate change it. and. in the last resort. TO
rebel against il, but the fact that the govern
ment does not suit him. does not give him
vote. or does not ask his consent 10 the govern
ment, is no just ground for revolution. There is
form of government from despotism TO
the best form which in a particular case best
protects people and promotes its welfare. In
a certain state of civilization II may be des-
potism, and in another democracy.
Such views may by some be thought un-
American and unrepubcan. but DIR. Abbott is a
true believer in American ideals, in evolution in
the essential nobt, of the whole human race.
and, consequently. in the most advanced democ-
racy. But he regards democracy as the ultimate
.Ia
starting point. Self-government requires train
ing. a people cannot rule themselves till
they have learned under the rule of others how
10 do it. any more than children can. To this
the advocates of democracy for its sake.
who insist that it is outrage to interfere
with savage freedom, will object. They will in
sist that barbarism has the same absolute right
as civilization. DR.. Abbott answers that bar
barism has no rights which civilization is bound
to respect. The barbarian has rights which it
is bound TO respect. 1t must protect him in the
natural rights of life. liberty and property and
help him to a better condition. But it owes
nothing to the darkness in which he lives. To
the assertion that no people ever prepared
by despotism for the ultimate self government
Of the highest civilization, the author replies:
No people have ever been prepared for free
dom except by a despotic government. The
Napoleonic empire was necessary preparation
ated people had to learn to obey before they
could learn to command. A long line OF kings
beginning with William the Conqueror and end
ing with Charles /. laid in England the founda-
tion for her constitutional liberties. Our own
preparation made in the same school, and
post graduate education was added In colonial
government under English autocratic au-
thority. No people in the history OF the world
have ever passed directly and without inter-
venirg education from a primitive or tribal con-
dition of government 10 a self-governing democ-
racy which adequately protected person, prop
erty, reputation, the family and liberty. and il is
safe 10 assume that no people ever VIII. Inc
question which COnfrOnts self-governing coun-
tries in this beginning OF the twentieth century
Is, Shall we leave races Just emerging from
childhood TO acquire capacity for seif-govern-
ment through the long and dismal processes
which have been necessary in our case, or shall
, we serve as their guardians and tutors. pro-
I tecting their rights and educating their Judg-
rnents and their consciences until they able
10 frame their mutual protective associa-
tons; that is, constitute and administer
without aid their own governments?
In this view of history DR.. Abbott finds abso-
lutte justification for our occupation of the Phil
ippines. He emphasizes the often forgotten dis
tInction between independence and liberty and
recalls the fact that the Civil War was a strug-
gle between them. Independence meant slav-
cry; independence was conquered and freedom
prevailed. Those who believe that the Philip
pines ought not TO be independent" he says,
believe that if they become independent they
pendent on the United States their freedom will
be assured" He frankly challenges those who
uuote the Declaration Of Independence justi-
fcation for Filipino insurrecton, asking, Why
ought the colonies TO be independent? Not be-
cause they denied participation in the
British government, because they preferred
q republic TO a monarchy, but because their
fundamental rights for the protection of which
governments exist had been invaded and appeals
for lust rule were made in vain. That justice
and those fundamental rights We are taking to
the Filipinos. The foundation of civilization is
law, and their first step toward Improvement
must be obedience. Then commerce and educa-
ton can do their work
II is the function of the Anglo Saxon race to
confer the gifts Of civilization, through law,
commerce and education. on uncivilized peoples.
The gift is attended with some measure of hard
ship and injustice, but those who look only at
these incidental evils asked TO remember
that where the Anglo-Saxon race has gone per-
sons property and family are. on the whole,
safer than they ever were before and that on
all the pages of human history there is not to be
found the record of any other nation which has
come so near fulfilling the Christ-ideal in deal
Ing with subject races as this American people
Therefore Dr. Abbott urges that 1t is not merely
a right but a duty for 10 rule the depend
ents put in our hand. and thus maintains our
pre-eminent fitness for the task:
II Is said that we have not the form of gov
were true. should change the form of gov
ernment Forms of government are but tools;
let adapt tool 10 cur work, not our work
10 our tool. But government is admirably
adapted for the work God has given us 10 do.
For our work is not 10 subjugate people! 1t is
not TO govern people; ii is to develop in