The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1904-05-13

| to me that the native even in his own
habitat has not the strength and
stamina of the white race. For about
year had charge of two com panies of
U. S. troops here and we lost only one
man, but the Philippine Scouts, who ar
rived here in May, have lost FIVE out of
one company. They are very subject
| to malaria, beriberi, and lung troubles.
The Filipinos all imagine the United
States to be one vast gold mine, and it's
citizens to be walking mints" Their
argument is that theI American being
fortunate enough to live in country
where the coveted metal can be picked
, up on the streets, ought to pay at least
twice as much for the necessaries of life
as others. For a people who ''came,
saw and conquered" to be deliberately
robbed and Disseminated against by the
vanquished seems strange, nevertheless
such is the case.
In the towns the Americana" is
charged at least double the regular
price for everything. For instance,
after he has rented room (paying the
double price, and has gone to the ex-
pense of decorating it, the grasping
land lady will raise the rent after the
first month, knowing that after going to
the trouble and expense of embellishing
it, he would rather pay the difference
than move. The same greediness is ex-
hibited in all commercial transactions
but most of the walking mints" have
learned trick or two and send their
''muchachos" native servants) to do
their purchasing.
The Americans have their own ideas
of how people should live, eat, transact
business and preform the other func-
tions of life. They think their way is
the best and as evidence, point to the
growth of their republic from a strug-
glingly colony to the foremost nation of
the world within one hundred and
twenty five years
Previous to the submersion of the
Spanish fleet, by Admiral Dewey in
Manila Bay, the American people knew
scarcely the existence of the Philippines.
But since then fully 200, 600 soldiers and
officers, wearing the uniform of the
American army, have participated in the
struggle of pacifying, and convincing
the Filipinos that we are mighty
nation and are also stern dispensers of
justice.
This has of necessity been a SLOW and
tedious process and in some cases there
may have been cruelties inflicted, and
equally harsh criticisms INDUCED in at
home, still we should not lose sight OF
the fact that war lacks many of the
charming features of social function.
Part of the purpose of it is the defeat OF
the enemy. When the enemy is cruel
and traitorous foe, incapable of appre-
ciating kindness, the policy of petting
him may be dear to the hearts of some,
but 1t is not war, not genuine humanity
and surely is not common sense. No
country in the world has better army
than America, and all America should
be proud of it.
But sometime there will be an awak-
ening and republic, generous nation
face to face with the knowledge of its
ingratitude, will rise and land the heroes
who faced disease, criticism, and dis
honor in the performance Of duty, not
because they wishedit, but because they
were.sent.
Very respectfully,
E. T. WILSON.
In personal note to the editor, DR..
Wilson reports himself and family as
being in good health and enjoying their