The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1908-11-20

make that promise now, and upon suit
able guarantees of protection to citizens
of our own and other countries resident |
there at the time of our withdrawal, set
the Filipino people upon their feet, free
and Independent, to work out their own
destiny"
The people disposed of this issue by
the most crushing defeat ever suffered by
the Democratic party and 30 far as the
question of Philippine independence was
thoroughly settled' in 1904, it was
settled with a most emphatic negative.
IN 1908.
This year, the Republican platform de-
clared that
"In the Philippines, insurrection has
been suppressed, law established, and
life and property made secure. Educa-
ton and practical experience are there
advancing the capacity of the people for
government, and the policies of McKin-
ley and Roosevelt are leading the inhabi-
tants step by step to an ever increasing
measure of home rule"
This is all, and it is not the shadow of
a promise of Philippine independence.
The Democratic platform condemned
''the experiment OF imperialism" in the
Philippines, and added:
"We favor an immediate declaration
of the nations purpose to recognize the
independence OF the Philippine Islands
as soon as a stable government can be
estsSisshed, such independence to be
guaranteed by us as we guarantee the
independence of Cuba, until the neutra-
lization of the islands can be secured by
treaty with other powers. In recogniz-
ing the independence of the Philippines,
our government should retain such land
as may be necessary for .coaling stations
and naval bases.'
But even with the modificat ton con-
tanned in the last clause, Bryan's prop
osition was rejected by the people by
the largest majority ever given against
him.
Thus the alleged "foregone conclu-
sion" of Philippine independence Gin
the near future" proves to be bare as
sumption, with nothing whatever to rest
on in the form of action by the Repub-
lican party or approval by tie people.
1t is a most diaphanous conclusion, dis
sipated into thin air by the popular ver-
dict. The attitude OF the Republican
party is contrary to this view, and moth
in the attitude of Roosevelt or of Taft is
inconsistent with our retention of the
Philippines.
DECLARATIONS BY CONGRESS.
The Herald further says
at was declared by Congress at the
time of the declaration of the war
against Spain, that any territory re-
covered from Spanish dominions should
, be turned over to the inhabitants. In
the treaty of peace however, Porta Rica
was ceded to this country by way of an
indemnity"
This is a point in modern history on
which our neighbor might easily be bet
ter informed.
When war was determined on, the
island of Cuba was the only subject OF
!, consideration, and the only declaration
relating to it was the resolution approx,
ed by the President April 20, 1898. The
first three sections of this, in brief, de-
clarcd that the people of Cuba are and
,, of right ought to be free and indepen
=, , dent that it was the duty of the United
States to demand the withdrawal o.
!, Spain from the island directed the
President to use the entire land anC
. naval forces of the United States t.
carry the resolutions into effect and tn,
fourth section declared
; 90. That the United States hereb,
: disclaims any disposition or intention tt
h exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction or con
{ troll over SAID ISLAND, except for tn
pacification thereof, and asserts its de
termination, when that is accomplished
y to leave the government and control o
!, THE ISLAND to its people,"
J, THE TERRITORY ACQUIRED.
The first reference to any other terri
n tory than Cuba was in the peace pro
tocol, signed August ~, 1898. This pro
vided that Spain should relinquisl
sovereignty over Cuba that "Porto Ric
IS and other Spanish islands in the Yves
= = Indies, and an island in the Ladrones
e to be selected by the United States
e should be ceded to the latter )" an
e that the United States should hol
y. Manila pending treaty of peac
l. (which shall determine the control, dis
o position and government of the Philip
e pines" On October S1st, the formulat
y ed demand of the United States for tn
cession of the entire Philippine archipel
ago was laid before the Peace Commits
y mission, with an offer to reimburse Spail
: to the extent of her permanent improve
= ments, the amount being finally fixed a
u 500, 1000, 1000. The treaty OF peace wa
70 signed on December 10, 1898, and ced
:, ed the islands specifically mentioned i
u the protocol, the island of Guam, and tn
. Philippine archipelago ; but there is nc
where any indication that Porto Ric
"was ceded to the United States by wa
&c of an indemnity" as the Herald asserts
;o STATUS OF THE PEOPLE.
q Article of the treaty provided that
6 "The civil rights and political statu
L e ~ 10 L.