New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-05-11
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fray the expenses OF the government, and
possibly maintain a small army OF the
present strength OF the constabulary." ne
replied.
But what OF such fortihcations az
these? or do you think that under native
rule the country would not need them
the other insisted.
We would have 10 have them. but We
would have to ask for some years at least
that the Americans should continue to
maintain them"
Without compensation or any hand in
the government
Yes"
And this applies also 10 the naval sta
tons at Cavite and Olongapo?"
Yes"
And II the United States, having sur
rendered the islands. should not be willing
TO go TO the enormous yearly expenditure
Of protecting a people not even under its
care? II it should prove unwilling TO loan
its men 10 man these Notifications and
stations"
HELPLEssNEss OF THE ISLANDS.
The legislator raised his hands in
helpless gesture.
The Philippine Islands, without help
could not provide themselves with these
things" he said. Nor could they do so
for a good many years TO come Posi-
bly, never"
Inquiry among this legislators friends
developed the fact that majority OF them
fully expected the United states 10 fur
nish the islands with a navy or. II not
that. at least to protect them with its
own. Theis less educated fellows had not
inquired deeply enough into this phase or
the agitation 10 voice an opinion And In
the provinces where the taos did not even
know the meaning Of the word 'indepen-
dence" questions about an army or a
navy were met with blank stares OF in
comprehension.
The Americans in the Islands are GER
tain that 10 surrender the islands would
mean throwing them back into the black
horror of internecine strif or turning
them over to some foreph power with
sense enough TO appreci| the wonderful
richness and possibility of the country.
with good many ! these Americans
II is unquestionably' rue that this atti-
tude is somewhat 4 ged with the realizs-
ton that the end Z American rule means
their financial r. n. But those who have
personally nothing to lose In the matter
and Euroosans who have no pride OF nag
IN influence them are unanimously OF tn"
same opinion.
Perhaps the most scornful man whom
the writer interviewed In the islands was
the representative OF one OF the European
mowers which has had considerable expert
ence in colonization.
THE NAIVE AMERICAN.
"you Americans are a naive people" he
said with a derisive laugh Here YOU
have possessions which may become any
thing at least. with the opening OF the
Panama Canal You boast OF their won
do,ful richness and their still greater pos
sibIlities. You point to their posiuon on
the map and prove very clearly how
through them the United States can oo-
tain a very comfortable slice Of the trade
of the Orient.
"And then. on top Of II all, when your
mon are still being shot down by the
Noros and butchered whenever oppor-
tunity offers, you suddenly think that
perhaps the time has actually arrived
when YOU ought to give them up as an
act of philanthropy. You cause your
American business men in the islands
fearful financial less and you suddenly
paraIyze business conditions out OF mere
sentiment.
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