Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-04-23
Examples in Western Hemisphere.

ut is. to say the least, dangerous to
argue on the theory that any autonomy
no matter how slovenly, Is preferable
to alien rule with higher political eff
ficency' as it's motto There are mo-
ments. at any rate, as in Cuba, Santo
Domingo. Nicaragua and Mexico, when
alien interference, or even alien rule
for a while is not counted amiss by
our most fanatical individualists.
"a third fact is that the Philippine prob
lem has a puzzling completely, due to
its island character and diversified popu-
lation, of which one-tenth is composed of
primitive folk of the hills and fanatical
sons of Islam. The recognized leaders
in the Philippines today, SO far as racial
qualifications are concerned, would have
at least equal right to claim citizenship
in Spain, China or England. Thus far it
is the men of mixed blood who are the
politicians The degree of capacity in
the Filipino will not be revealed until
the schoolboys of today are in active pub
lie life Even among the ChristianiZed
peoples because of their many tongues
and limited though increasing intercom-
munication, there are sectional Jealousies.
but the wild peoples have a marked an
tipathy for their Christian neighbors. be-
cause of a past history of harsh and I'M
fair treatment at their hands.
Moros Foes OF Filip1nos.
"As for the Moros, they are the tradi-
tional enemies of the Filipinos, as the
ruined watchtowers of the coast, even
Of northern islands, testify, nor has ami
mostly diminished with time. Though
there has probably been more order in
the Moro province since the beginning of
the American occupation than during any
corresponding period of time In history,
the Island of Jolo has steadily baffled the
attempts of our ablest officers and admin
istrators to pacify it. The withdrawal of
the Spanish was the signal for outrages
upon Chrstianized FilipfnOs within mme-
date reach of Moros, and there is no
reason to suppose that history would fail
to repeat itself the moment American
control ceased.
FINALLY it must be recognized that
the Philippine problem cannot be settled
without reference to it's international
bearing. Naturalization has been pro-
posed But can American or any other
diplomacy secure the neutrality of the
powers? Would it mean anything if
promises of neutrality were made?
Must Go It Alone.
"It appears to me that it would be a
measure of quixotry beyond the most
altruistic administration to stand spon-
sor for the order Of an experimental
government of more than doubtful sta
bility 1O.OUO miles from our COASTS. " Hci
the Philippines achieve independence they
must swallow the bitter with the sweet
and accept the peris as we'll as the joys
of walking alone. There are natlonal
risks involved. even in a limited pro-
tectorate, to which I trust America will
never expose herself.
MY own conviction Of our present
duty, based OH eleven years of observa-
ton and experience, is summed up in
words written in relation to another
dependency, but which l apply with a
few verbal alterations to our own case:
1.-The people of the Philippines re-
uuire our rule. We are not in the Phil
ippines for our pleasure or profit. If we
were it would be the most natural thing
in the world to say that the game is
not worth the candle as soon as intense
difficulties and dangers arise. and leave
the Philippines to go to perdition in their
own way But we cannot do that
1--WE are in the Philippines because
we are required there. If our rule were
removed, at this juncture at any rate.
the Philippines would at once become a
prey to the strongest of the sectional ag-
gregations, and they in turn would ulti-
mately be devoured by intruders from
outside the borders of the Philippines.
/. I'VE do not know how to leave
the Philippines. and therefore let us see
if we know how to govern them