The bee. (Earlington, Ky.) 1889-19??, 1908-10-29


the Philippines the problems there
were military. Nothing OF civil func-
lions could be essayed until the rebel
lion had been put down. In the midst
Of this the first Philippine commission
was sent out to look over the situation
"as hearers of the blessings OF libcr-
atlng rather than conqueriug ma
ton" as President Mckinley wrote.
The commissioners decided that II was
a bad mess.
Mr.. Mckinley was advised TO try 60
do nothing 10y civil power, but 20 give
n military governor full sway. This
would have been a fatal error. Any
continuance OF the military govern
ment beyond tho time when its stern
restrictions were required to induce
peace and maintain It would still fur
Their have ieOpa rdlEed the trust Of the
natives In our good faith. And II had
already been so strained that II would
stand no more tension.
The people at homo. too, were grow
ing thoroughly out Of conceit with the
little brown brother" Our appetite
had become stated Of military conquest.
Too many long, narrow boxes were
shipped over sea and land for inter
ment In village chuphysrds, too many
mothers mourncd sons. done to death
by bullets OF bolo. 10 support general
conviction Ia the doctrine OF eKpan.
sion. We thought we bad no prototype
Of CrOmer no giants Of colonial admin
istration upon whom Mr.. Mckinley
might call 10 'Iny the foundations OF q
superior civilization, with specific ref
erence TO the needs OF the people to be
governed and with definite reference
20 the welfnre OF the islands. both ma
terial and moral" as be had put II.
There was dearth OF men wholly IN
harmony with the presidents concep-
ton OF what our national duty to the
Fnipinos comprised, who would con
stantly bear in mind that Il was llbcr-
~ they wanted. liberty that they
should have. as Nr Mckinley had
promised. pledelng our faith as a ma
liberty AZ be wrote. "of the
whole Filipino people and not Of a
decimal fraction OF them. who through
the leadership Of education and prop
erty have acquired domination over
the great mass"
Mr.. Taft had not been thought OF II
his sentiments on the Philippine ques-
ton was known Il was patent that he
was neither a believer In Mr. McKin-
ley's policy nor IN our ethical right TO
be in the islands. Said the president
one day 10 the then secretary OF state.
William r. Day. 81 want a man who fl
strong. honest snd tRctful. man OF
education aud executive ability. man
who Is fearless. but conservative, who
Will get along with the army people"
Judge Taft fills the bill n he will
take the Job" said Mr Day IN a stroke
OF insplratIonRl genius. They sent for
Judge Taft who WAS then on the su-
preme court bench. and told him what
was wanted. He shook his head
81 cannot bo OF use 10 you there, Mr..
President" he answered. Il didn't
want 10 take the Philippines. IL was
a mistake" The president regarded
him musingly for moment. then,
Nor did want to take them" said
he. III had 10. There was nothing elsei
to DO. We must build new nation out
there. want you TO help Us"
Secretary OF War Root added his
persuaslons. He showed both sides OF
the medal 10 Judge Taft. Perhaps he
was motiVed more sbrewdly than he
affected, for he deseanted upon the diff
nR -
the cOngenlsl aud relatively easy work
that Judge Taft had upon the bench.
with the almost ultimate certainty OF
being elevated to the supreme court.
lie must fOrego all this, said Mr.. Root
But what chance offered IN the
Philippines TO do. 10 create, to dis
prove the AVAILABILITY OF some OF Eng
lands pet theories Of colonization. TO
bring into being a nation. Such nrgu-
ments turned the tide. Judge Taft ne
cepted one Of those duties which" 80
quote him, sis an entirety and not
fulfilled until 1t IL entirely fulfilled"
AS he took ship. and always Siter-
ward, there WAS Ia his mind the con
GLIDING paragraph Of the Instructions
given him by the president;
"a high and sacred obligation rests
upon the government OF the United
states TO give protection for property
and life, civil and religious freedom
and wise, Arm and unselAsh guidance
IN the paths of peace and prosperity to
all the peoples OF the Philippine Is
lands. charge this commission 10
labor for the full performance OF this
obligation. which concerns the honor
and conscience OF their country In the
firm hope that through their labors all
the people In the Philippines may come
TO look back with gratitude 70 the day
when God gave victory TO the Ameri
can arms nc Manila and set their lar
nnder the sovereignty and the proter-
non Of the people Of the United States
Allruistic, perhaps but Mr. Tart IS
m altruist. IL needed an altruist 20
compass the Requirements specified in
the quoratlon 20 the letter AMI pave
the way Ger the fClnllment OF Mr. =