Evening star., 1902-05-09
The Substance and the ShadoW,

The anti-imperialists of the Senate who
declare their purpose to filibuster to the end
of the session rather than permit the pass
age of the pending civil government bill
for-the Philippines are proposing the worst
possible punishment for their self-adopted
proteges Of the archipelago. They are de-
nying to the Filpinos the substance of
good government. relief from the burden
of the friars' occupation of the best agri-
cultural lands. preparation in citizenship,
participation in the rule of municipalities
provinces and even insular affairs. while
keeping their eyes fixed on the ignis fatuus
of independence. The Fipinos may not
themselves understand the reasons why
the practical benefits embodied in this
measure do not reach them. They are suf-
fering today for the lack of a proper coin
age system, mining laws, land laws, corpo-
ration laws and the like. Their progress Is
checked while their false friends in the Sem
ate hold back the measure which would
supply these needs.
Senator Tillman hnted Wednesday at
determination to prevent action until the
voters have had chance to decide finally
whether the governments policy shall be
continued. The voters have already had
two chances so to determine. In 1898 when
it was clearly understood that the admin
istration proposed to take over the islands
permanently If permitted by treaty, the
voters returned republican Congress-
after campaign in which the issue of
'scuttle" was consistently played up by
the democrats in many forms In 1900, the
issues being then drawn even more dis
tinctly upon the question of retaining or
abandoning the Philippines. President Nc
Kinley and a republican Congress were
elected by heavy majorities. Thus on each
occasion that the question of keeping the
Philippines has been submitted to the peo-
pie they have given their answer in distinct
tones against withdrawal.
A third submission to the people is, of
course. possible if the democratic party and
it's anti-mperialistic republican allies wish
to assume the responsibility of keeping the
Filipnos out OF their needed reforms and
advantages embraced in this measure long
enough to permit such a campaign. But
that responsibility Is very heavy. At best
1t means that the Fiipinos will be held un-
der the present unsatisfa ctory mixed civil
and military regime for an indefinite period
without the extension of the substantial
benefits of the practical sort which this
measure carries. A filibuster to the end
Of this session. If not provocative of an ex-
tid StSSiou WOuiu throw tne
question over to next winters short ses-
sion.-
Even il the November elections show
democratic majority, what warrant would
there be In that for the government to
cease it's efforts to amelorate the condi-
tion of the FiiipinOs? 1t could not properly
accept such vote as a direction to aban-
don American sovereignty. So momentous
question should be referred, IL at all. ITO
the electors In a presidential year, with the
issues SO exactly stated as to leave no
doubt of the meaning Of the result. The
administration cannot possibly. without vio-
lating all principles of faith and honor.
cease in this attempt to give the Filipinos
good government under the American flag
until 1t has been unmistakably notified by
the voters that the country's sentiment de-
mands absolute and immediate withdrawal.
Such process will cover several yoars,