Los Angeles herald., 1907-09-21
THE PHILIPPINES

III secretary of the Anti-Imperialisi
- league, is an advocate for neu-
tralization, an effective and sane meth
cd of being rid of the Philippines with
honor and profit to ourselves and the
islanders. In the North American Re-
view for September he states the ma
ture of the method as follows:
"It is to the nineteenth century that
we owe the practice of naturalization
the declaration by the joint action of
the great powers that a given nation
or territory is permanently removed
from the field of international strug-
gle. The powers agree to respect the
integrity Of the neutral nation, while
IL, in turn, agrees neither to make war
nor to take part in the wars of 9TH
ers.
ga nation set apart and neutralized
is bound as the authorities assert, to
avoid in times of peace every engage
nent which might prevent its OBJ
serving the duties of neutrality in
time of war AS an independent state
1t may lawfully exercise in its inter-
course with other states all the other
OI 6AlSIUdl SONCAOA6hNS- -
may form treaties of amity and even
of alliance with other states, provided
1t does not thereby incur obligations
which, though presumably lawful IN
time of peace, would prevent its full
filing the duties of neutrality in time
of war. Under this distinction treaties
of offensive alliance applicable to
specific case of war between any two
or more powers, or guaranteeing their
possessions, are, of course, interdicteQ
to the presumably neutral state, but
this interdict does not extend to de-
fensive alliances formed with other
neutral states for the maintenance of
neutrality of the contracting parties
against any power by which it might
be threatened with violence"
All men of all parties are agreed
that the Philippine islands are a
white elephant on our hands and
should be released in some honorable
way, if it is possible to do so without
the red fire and campaign methods
now being advocated by the Republic
can press.
To an original investment of $780,
100000 to gain possession we have
added $4OO,OOO,OO0 to keep it, and the
outlook is for many more millions in
the near future, all of which, with
the lives sacrificed in the cause, made
the purchase dear one, indeed, and
costly one to maintain. Our discip-
linary methods have proved barren of
lasting results, and the sentimental
side of the national controversy has
had ample trial without appreciable
results. Error marked the original
act of purchase and has continued to
manipulate the administration of af-
fairs there, solely to bolster the orig
inal break, till now even the most
rabid Republican would view the let
ting go of the "Tartar" with equanim-
ity, IL not with rollicking joy.
The naturalization of the islands
would free us from further account
ability and assure the people there
of autonomy IN their affairs. The de-
mand now is for a statesman who
will initiate the movement in the COM
ing congress and advocate it to sue
cessful conclusion. OF course present
conditions are to be met and an adj
justment of financial responsibility for
outlays effected, all Of which may be
readily accomplished. We have forced
American monopoly in many forms on
the people there; vested interests have
been legalized, but concessions made
may be Cancelled upon just terms and
all pending and settled financial OBJ
legations adjusted to meet the new
conditions, if our people attempt the
movement in fair and determined
spirit. Our withdrawal should be abb
solute with no string other than that
of the Favored nation" and we shall
be free from many vexing problems
and have the gratitude of people
whom we have lifted to independence.