The San Francisco call., 1903-01-22
AGUINALDo's REAPPEARANcE.

THE bad condition of the Filipino people has ap-
peaed very strongly to the sympathy of this
Il country The waste OF war has been followed
by that of epzootes among the draft animals, and
epideics among the people OF the archipelago until
the islands have been brought to the distressing
economic and industrial conditions. The people num-
ber approximately ten million souls, and it is impos-
sble for us to be insensble their suerngs ndif
ferent to their welfare
The administration in conjunction with the Philip
pine Commission has already called the attention OF
Congress the need of relief and this call is now re-
inforced~from welcome though unexpected source
Aguinaldo who withstood arms with courage
and genius deserving respect has broken the long 81
lence which supervened upon his capture and deten-
ton as prisoner in actual confinement under pa
role by addressing the Secretary of War, proposing
comprehensive plan OF relief by helping the Fpinos
to help themselves.
The only criticism that is likely to be passed upon
his plan is the magnitude OF its scale. He proposes
credit of eighty millions in the form OF bank capital
to equip farmers bank in the islands with necessary
branches that will be capable of extending credit
the people upon appropriate security and low inter
est His plan is effectively worked out to the reim
bursement OF the credit the end of twenty years.
Then the bank will find itself in the possession of
pie accumulation OF capital for the continuance OF its
business
1t goes without saying that recovery of prosperity
for the islands requires the presence and use of ample
capital accessible the people, at living of in
terest This will stimulate the enterprise OF the native
people and give them sense Of commercial power
that is derived from any other 1t will OBJ
solete the charge that rich Americans and corpora
tions mean to exploit the country and the people for
their own benefit, and will induce the spontaneous
activity Of the natives increase their productive power
cause surplus for commerce, and give needed feel
ing of industrial independence Whether the plan be
adopted in its entirety not points the way to
peaceful and necessary commercial development and
industrial conquest of the islands which is, after all
the only conquest which will endure.
Aside from the plan itself and its vaue as an eco
nomic proposition, its is qualification to all
Americans. Say what one may about unjustifable
challenge Of our arms in February, I89o by the Fill
pino forces the American people have gallant feel
ing for any man who though mistaken, risks his life
in fighting for the soil on which he born 1t was
never possible to rouse here resentfu spirit toward
Aguinaldo After his capture he took the in his
fortune and the foreclosure OF his fate with Oriental
philosophy and patience and though under restraint
and suspicion advised his people to submit to the in
evtable 1t is entirely possible that his counsel made
more for peace than his capture, since many daring
spirits still free continue the hopeless struggle
who submitted to the wishes OF the imprisoned leader
In fact looking at his whole course since his over
throw it has been characterized by dignity OF de-
meanor and lofty unselfshness of spirit which COM
mand respect From this attitude he suddenly
emerges to stamp his characteristics upon phase
in the career OF his country and at a time when the
incident renders the most substantial assistance to the
administration. He and undoubtedly remains
the leader of his people. Other natives experienced
change OF heart in proportion to their nearness TO the
heshpots and their conduct has borne every evidence
of being influenced by purely mercenary spirit. But
he has had neither salary support and has sought
no favors personal to himself. Projecting that per-
sona independence and position of sef-respect it is
consistent with his position in recent history that his
first utterance since his personal overthrow is not for
himself but for his country and its people
Let it be noted, also that his proposition is in
tended to inspire with sincerity the American allie
glance OF the Filpnos and is directly in line with the
expressed policy of the administration. That his
timely suggestion received gratefully by the Secre-
tary OF War and will appeal to the business of
this country will go far toward speeding the islands
on the road to prosperity and happiness.