The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1903-11-12

COool PopuIotlOu. IulS AoC1 oIOuO WOulu
make the chance of successful self-gov-
ernment very difficult, if not impossi-
BILE.
But what of the other 80 per cent of
the population? If they were COM
posed of English, Americans or others
whose nationality and temperament fit
them for self-governmentt the problem
would not be so difficult. But race
of people ruled, or rather misruled, by
Spain for years, suddenly thrown upon
their own resources, could end in but
one way-a series of relationships or
anarchy. Regarding Aguinaldo and
his actions, L have come to the conclu-
sion that he had in his mind at the
time of his turning against the author
ity of the United States the idea of a
dictatorship for himself under the
guise of securing independence for the
islands.
Take into consideration the condi-
tions and temperament of the people,
there is absolutely no foundation upon
which to base belief in a capable self
government But suppose for the sake of
argument we leave them to themselves,
can anyone be insane enough to think
that they would remain so? We must
remember that the European countries
are strictly in the real estate business.
They are cit" when any new territory
is in sight. Because of their geograph
ical position and value, the islands
would become their prey; they would
be swallowed up for debt or some 9TH
or excuse before the young republic
was fairly started, as would have been
the case in South America but for the
Monroe Doctrine.
We hear the claims, "violation of the
Declaration of Independence" and "a
government can receive its just powers
only from the consent of the governed"
We can have no better authority upon
the "consent of the governed" claim
than the founders of this government.
At the very beginning the Louisiana
Purchase was made practically by
signers of the Declaration of Independ-
ence. No one ever dreamed of holding
an election, to find out whether the in
habitants of the Louisiana Purchase
Territory gave their consent or not.
Again, we have Alaska added to our
country without the consent of the In
habitants. Such a proposition was
never heard of until given birth in con-
nection with the Philippine question, at
the same time the anti-imperialist mi
crobe came into existence. Through
the payment to Spain of $20,000,OOO
and the war this country secured title
to the islands not only through con-
quest, but also by purchase. AS against
control by foreign government with
an uncertain future, depending much
upon what country secured control, is
independence, with its inevitable strug.
giles upon the part of the people
against would-be dictaters and against
disorder, they have brought order out
of chaos, linked with a strong govern
ment aiding and assisting on every
hand.
While 1 have not the faith some peo
, pie have in our government, imagining
it can make few cents worth of sill
yer equal a gold dollar, or buckwheat
cakes legal tender simply by putting
upon them its stamp of approval,
| still believe this country through it,
Representatives can and will handle tn
, future of the Philippines to the entir'
satisfaction of the people of the island
/ as we'll as the people of America.
Z The benefits to the islands, even a
3 this early date, are not theoretical o
. imaginary. A vast system of improv
| ments, embracing sound currency, san
itary regulations aud a system of educa
. tion, looking toward moral, physica
: and financial advancement is in opera
: tion. The control of the Philippine
8 marks the commence ment of an epoc
: in the affairs of this country larger an
: broader than ever before. 1t will ne
Q cessitate widening our previous nal
Q row limits as nation and making ou
q influence felt throug hout the civilize
j. world. We will become, in fact,
8 world power. q position the mer
: mention of which has been night
= mare to the anti-imperialists. 1t is th
8 entering wedge toward securing
Q larger share of the vast trade Of th