New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-04-21
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fanatical sons of Islam. The recos-
nized leaders in the Philippines to-daf'
so far as racial qualihca tons are con
cerned would have at least eq"@i
right TO claim citizenship in Spa'"'
| China England. Thus far il is the
men Of mixed blood who are the po-
| llticlans. The degree OF capacity III
| the Filipino will not be revealed nntil
the schoolboys of to-day are in active
public life. Even among the ChiiS-
tianized peoples. because Of their man!
tongues and limited though increasing
INSTRUMENTATION, there are sectional
jealousies. but the wild peoples have
a marked antipathy for their Christian
neighbOrs because OF past history ~
harsh md unfair treatment at their
! hands.
1t is owing solely 10 the prodigious
industry Of the Secretary of the In
terror of the Philippine Islands and
his sincere enthusiasm for the welfare
Of the inhabitants Of the Mountain
Province that "A notable work of pro-
lection and development has been be-
gun which no one less we'll Informed
than he could continue effectively.
As for the Moros. they are the ira
ditional enemies of the Filipinos. as
the ruined watchtowers of the coast
even of Northern islands testify. nor
has animosity 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 bafiied the attempts of
our ablest officers and administra tors
to pacify it, The Withdrawal Of the
spanish was the signal for outrages
upon Christianized Fiipinos within
immediate reach OF Moros and there
is no reason To suppose that history
would fail 10 repeat itself the moment
American control ceased.
Problem international.
FINALLY II must be- recognized that
the Philippine problem cannot be set
tied without reference 10 it's interna-
tional bearing. Naturalization has been
proposed But can American or any
other diplomacy secure the neutrality
Of the powers? Would il mean any
thing II promises of neutrality were
made? Is it not so. that though no
existing military power East OF West.
would fight America i'm order to secure
possession of the Philippines. there are
at least two nations which would seize
the frs: opportunity for interference
if American sovereignty ceased? can
America afford to protect government
half way round the world. which she
does not actually and constructively
control? She has found il difficult
enough with one near al hand.
II appears to me that It would be a
measure Of quinotry beyond the most
aItrustic admin str alton to stand spor-
sor for the order Of an experimental
government Of more than doubtful
stability ten thousand miles from our
coasts. When the Philippines achieve
independence they must swallow the
bitter with the sweet and accept the
periIs as we'll as the Joys Of walking
alone. There arc national risks in
volved. even in limited protectorate,
70 which | trust America will never
expose herself
/ have said nothing about the in
terests Of American commerce which
has grown up in the Philippines, be-
cause il is not TO the point. The moss
it can ask is an equitable protection
and consideration such as the presence
of the American flag guarantees. Nor
have made any appeal for the reten-
ton of the present personnel of gov
eminent. for believe ofliccholders
should stand or fall on their record,
though it would indeed be nationa
calamity To degrade the Philippine
question into ball for party poll
ticians and Office seekers 10 buffet. My
sole thought is for the enduring welfare
Of the Filipino people and the honor
and wisdom Of the American nation in
the execution f a great trust.
My own conviction of our present
duty. based on eleven years Of obserya-
ton and experience. is summed up in
words written in relation To another
dependency. but which | apply with a
few verbal alterations to our own case:
THE people Of the Philippines re-
ouire our rule. We are not in the Phil
ippines for our pleasure or profit. "
we were it would be the most natural
thino in the world 10 say that the game
is not worth tho candle as soon as IN
tense difficulties and dangers arise, and
leave the Philippines to 90 to perdit'on
in their own way. But we cannot DO
that.
I'VE are in the Philippines because
we are required there. II our rule were
removed. at this iuncture at any rate.
the philippines would at once become
\ nrey to the strongest Of the sectiona
aooreoations. and they in turn would
,jtim ateIy be devoured by intruders
from outside the borders Of the Philip
r;n.s We do not know how to
leave the Philippines. and therefore let
ne see IL we know how to govern
them