The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-09-23
Fairbanks on the Philippines

There is no doubt that the question
whether the Philippines should be re-
tanned for a considerable period will
play an important part in the campaign,
as it did four years ago. The issue, how
ever has been simplified. The rebellion
in Luzon has been quelled, and it can no
longer be alleged that every vote in favor
of treating the Filipinos as the Cubans
were treated would be interpreted in the
archipelago as a vote of sympathy with
rebels against the lawful authority Of
the United States.
The question, therefore, must be dis
cussed Ind settled on different grounds.
The arguments for the concession of
absolute independence to the Philippines
have been stated more adroitly and
forcibly by ex-Secretary OLNEY than by
any other Democrat. They ignore, how
ever, the existence of any duty upon our
part toward the wards Of the nation and
are based mainly on the assumption that
politically and economically, it would
be better for ourselves to send the Phil
ippines adrift. That is not the position
of the Republican party, as it is formu-
lated in it's platform or in the utter
ances of its nominee for the Presidency,
and we do not eXaGgerate the facts when
we say that good many Democrats will
be reluctant To accept Mr.. OLNEy's con-
illusions. They will find their reluctance
justified on the highest moral grounds
in an extended discussion Of the subject
by Senator FAIRBANKS in his letter of
acceptance. We are CONVINCED that not a
few thoughtful, iarsishted and patriotic
Democrats will recognize in that letter
the most powerful plea yet offered for
the retention Of the Philippines for an
indefinite period. The distinguishing
feature of this plea is that il lifts the dis
terests and appeals distinctly and ex-
clusiyely TO our sense Of right.
Mr.. FAIRBANKS begins by denying
that his party's administration of the
Philippines has been subversive of our
national ideals. He asserts that, on the
contrary, it has been in conformity with
the best traditions Of the republic, be-
cause it has been dictated by a recogni-
ton of public duty and by motives not
a lot less lofty and disinterested than
those which caused the deliverance of
Cuba from the oppressive yoke of Spain.
1t is pointed out that the Philippine
archipelago came to the United States
as the result Of war, and irom that
moment our Federal Government be-
came bound to enforce the laws there
as elsewhere, to uphold the national
sovereignty, to maintain order and to
restore peace. The purpose with which
we assumed control OF the Philippines
is accurately stated in words uttered
by President MCKINLEY and reproduced
by Mr. FAIRBANKS. we shall continue, y
he says, "as we have begun, to open the
schools and the churches, to set the
courts in operation, to foster industry and
domestic trade and commerce, and in
every way in our power to make these
people whom Providence has brought
within our jurisdiction feel that it is
their liberty and not our power, their
welfare and not our gain, that we are
seeking to enhance" Mr.. MCKINLEY
added that -our flag has never waved
over any community but in blessing, +"
and he. expressed the belief that the
FilpinosFould soon recognize the fact
that the Eag has not, iostdts yift,sf bsne-