Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-06-11
Reasons for Leniency.

Reasons Tor Len1ency.
Governor Wright in his inaugural adj
dress, February !, 1904. gave reasons for
the lenient policy that has been followed by
the civil administration of the islands. He
said: That we have made mistakes shall
not controvert. The man, or men, however,
who do not make mistakes are only those
who accomplish no serious permanent
work. l think, however that we may just
ly claim, at least the benefits of good in
tentions and honest efforts. 1t seems to
me. furthermore that when comparison
is made between the situation it existed
three years and half ago and as 1t exists
now, even the least observant the most
censorious must be struck with a marvellous
change for the better Then there was a
blaze of instruction extending from one
end of the archipelago to the other. Today
general peace prevails. Then lives and
property We're only secure in those towns
garrisoned by American troops, who oc-
cupied several hundred stations. The num-
Der of our troops has been reduced by more
than three-fOurths; they occupy only few
strategic points, and yet, with the excep-
ton of the occasional depredatons commit
ted here and there by insignificant and
fugitive bands of ladrones, life and. prop
erty are as secure in these islands as in
other well ordered communities.
Il do not for moment pretend that this
gratifying change has resulted fully from
the labors OF the commission. Unqueston
ably in the suppression of insurrection the
navy But l think may say that but for
the efforts of the commission to establish
in the minds of intelligent and thoughtful
Fiiiplnos conviction as to the recttude
and benevolence of the intentions of the
American people with reference to them.
and thereby securing, in multitude of in
stances, their cordial and Jealous co-opera-
ton in the establishment of peace and or
der, these gratifying conditions would not
exist.
I'VE have reposed trust and confidence
in many Fflipinos, and it is but simple JUS
tice to say that rarely has this confidence
and trust been abused. Today, pursuant
to legislation enacted by the commission,
the Filipnos have in all their local affairs
self-gOvernment Americans understand
that term. They are largely represented
upon the commission, in the judiciary, and
in all other branches of the government.
They constitute the body of the constabu-
larry, who have been for the past two years
charged with the duty of maintaining order,
and have done and are doing most faithful
and efficient service. They have the bene
fits of a comprehensive civil service law
which applies equally to them as to Amer
leans public school system has been
created and is being steadily extended with
sa satisfactory results.
When it is considered that SO much has
been accomplished among a people alien to
us in traditions, customs and language,
l think may fairly say in the first place,
that we have not wrought wholly in vain;
and in the next and most important place,
that it furnishes striking evidence of the
adaptability and capacity of the F'illpinos
and warrants US in entertaining high hopes
for their future.
Peace and Good Will.
THE commission came to these islands
bearing a message of peace and good will
from the American people to the Filipino
people The instructions which President
Mckinley gave were definite and ex-
plicit, and were made known to us before
we left the United States We assumed
the responsible duties with which he had
honored us, fully understanding their tenor
and asserting to their wisdom and justice.
Whatever differences of opinion may exist
as to the soundness of the policy enunciat-
ed In these instructions, there can be none
among conscientious and honorable men
that we were and are fully committed to
their execution. We understand that, while
opposition to American authority, when 1t
took the form of an armed instruction,
must be met and put down by the military
forces of the United States; at the same
time We realize with equal cIearness that
true peace could only be established
by obtaining the confidence and co-opera-
ton of the educated and patriotic Fflipinos.
We further believe the true American doc
trine that people affected by a government
should have as large a participation In
that government as they are capable of
safely exercising in their own interests;
and that the fullest opportunities should
be given them to test their abilities by
actual participation In the administration
of their own affairs. 1t was not believed
to be either just or polite to impose upon
them government modelled strictly upon
American lines and administered wholly
by Americans.
Acting upon these general principles.
Governor Taft and his colleagues, from
the beginning have endeavored to pursue
policy of attraction; and at every step
have invited and welcomed the advice and
assistance of those Filipinos whom they
believed competent to be of service In es-
tablishing good government here.
Naturally there have arisen differences