Durango semi-weekly herald., 1904-09-19

have done irreparable injustice to all
concerned. and their only excuse is
sire to obtain political advantages
which they have failed Honest
Zen, who from sentimental or other
reasons are demanding independence
or self-government for these islands.
do not know what they ask. If they
would spend few weeks here ipves-
tigating conditions and inquiring into
the character and capacity of the
people, they would never cease to re-
gret the mistake they have made.
To Secretary Taft. Governor Wright
and their associates the people of the
United States. as well as the inhabi-
tants of the Philippines, owe debt
OF honor and gratitude that never he
fully paid; and Governor Wright and
his associates and subordinates are
al least entitled to the confidence and
announcement of all who recognize
the national duty that has to be per
formed here. They have made mistak-
es, TO be sure, and are likely to make
done better or so we'll
The degree Of success to be real
lied under the present administra-
ton policy depends quite as much
upon what may be done in the United
States, as here, and several important
measures must be adopted by Con
gress before the results desired NAV
be accomplished. In the first place.
political tranquility is absolutely nee
n
development of these islands As long
as the question of independence or
self-government is agitated there will
be spasmodic political disturbances.
Until irresponsible political adven-
turers are convinced that their dem
onstrations are futile they will con
tinue to create distrust and apprehen-
sion among the investors and bust |
ness men and prevent the contribu-
ton of capital and labor to the devel-
opment of the mines, the forests the |
plantations and the commerce of the |
country Some positive declaration
from the President or from Congress |
that self-government must be post.
poned for several generations. and
that independence is impracticable. is |
absolutely necessary to secure per-
manent tranquility and induce revolu- |
tionary agitators TO divert their tai
ents and energies to useful purposes
A promise of independence without |
a date will provoke eternal turmoil. |
promise of self-government without |
a date will stimulate conspiracy and |
intrigue, and continual plotting to |
secure political advantage. The dan
ger does not lie among the sober. |
thinking, responsible classes of the |
people, who have interests at stake.
ana TO whom peace and prosperity |
aat9hpEo pEor Tahsy Tah pa9 a9 Rqs %isn ~a any
further extension of self-government |
The only men who demand either are |
those who should not and cannot be |
trusted, and who are keeping alive |
what is falsely called patriotic spirit |
among the Ignorant masses for their |
own selfish and corrupt reasons
II must be made clear also that the |
shibboleth. unfortunately uttered by
the late President Mckinley, The
Philippines for the F'ilipinos," does
not mean the Punishment of all for
eigners and the surrender of all the
material interests acquired by the
United States under the Treaty OF
Paris. Secretary Taft, during the last
few months of his administration
OF the government, endeavored to cor
rect that impression. and Governor
Wright has utilized every possible op-
portunity to convince the restless
chat President McKinley's promise
not be given literal Interpretation
But | suppose that time and exper-
ience alone will convince the vain and
deluded portion of the population that
the American people have no idea of
ever abandoning these fair islands
and the treasures which nature has
stored under their soil