Arizona republican., 1902-09-16


 pared to give answer to the question of the form or manner of their govern meRt, that as a people they are eX- tremely childlike; they require the guidance of stronger hands than those so long restrained by spanish tyrrany.
 What boy is there from four years upward who, when riding with his father, does not wish to drive? And the kindly heart of the parent prompts him to place the reins in childish hands, while his own strong fingers, encirclins them, press babys fingers around guid- ing lines; there Is a smile of sweet con tent upon the youthful countenance; to the mind of the baby, the baby drives. Fort at least generation, and more likely two, the Filipino must be content to stand between the knees Of a stronger people. His hands may, in deed hold the reins of government, but encircling them must be the firmer grip of hands strengthened by centuries of government. in the handling of difficult problems trained in statecraft. When cur boy has outgrown kits and knee trousers, no longer a child, he will sit in his own carriage and draw reins over his own horses. So there will un- questionabiy come a time. not remote, when the Filipino, no longer in the leading strings Of infancy. robust and capable, will stand alone upon the deck of his chariot of state and with unaided hands guide the steeds of his own des- tiny
 The average Filipino is incapable of giving you an intelligent definition of ''independentia." There is, however, a respectable minority, composed of the most intelligent and progressive Fill pines, who know and appreciate fully all that is meant by self-government. They struggled nobly for three hun dred years against the fierce tyranny of the hated Spaniard. Nearly all of these believed that by the terms Of the treaty Of Paris they simply changed tyrants; they fully expected the Ameri- cans to rob and exploit them. as their former masters had done.
 Our efforts to establish Q government in the islands commensurate with the needs of the people are now being un- derstood and appreciated by d large number of the most influential natives. By far the strongest and most repre- sentative party in Manila are heartily and unanimously in favor of American sovereignty, at least for time.
 I am sure that if many who do not agree with me could have had the op- portunities that I have enjoyed in my investigations, they would find that the sentiment toward friendship with the Americans is already great and rapidly growing.
 The many different tribes in the
  homogeneous government a difficult matter. 1t was the policy of the Span ish to keep up a tribal distinction that they might in case of war play one tribe against another It will be our aim to bring the tribes together. This will require time. but is absolutely nee essary ere our hands can be lifted from the fabric of insular government.
 Notwithstanding the fact that we are obliged to undertake that most diff cult of all tasks, the establishment of civil government in the face of military establishment, the work has been thor oughly done. Never was there q more humane campaign than that engaged in by our boys iI the Philippine islands. Cruelty though provoked, has been the exception. and Kindness upon the part OI the tlCODS tie rule. upon tOulda- tions laid by Generals Otis, McArthur and Chafce, Governor Taft and his as sCCiates we "ui!t thus far II. a ran ner that has brought forth unstinted praise from those who have been best able to appreciate the ma magnitude of the undertaking. Best of all, the civil gov ernment, represented by Judge Taft, is receiving the hearty support Of the great mass of the natives All are pleased with the humane manner of their treatment I am firmly Of the opinion that if the choice of governor general should be left to the people of the islands, they would by their votes elect Judge Taft to that office, such is the universal love of the people for him.
 Why do we not make them definite promises Of independence?
 In reply to this I wish 10 say that promises made so far in advance of any possible fulfllment are dangerous, for the reason that no statesman now