The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1913-11-21
REAPING THE WHIRLWIND.

The Democratic party is about to
reap the whirlwind in its Filipino
policy. After the war with Spain the
Republican and Democratic parties di-
vided radically on the question of i'm
perialism. While the Republican party
declared in favor of holding the Phil
ippines until such time as the natives
should be fitted for self.government,
large section of the Democratic party
insisted that we should allow the Fill
pinos immediate independence. Later
the Democrats were willing to concede
that we should continue to hold the
islands, but believed that we should
make a declaration in favor of speedy
independence. Then the Democrats
began TO advocate that some specific
time be set for the independence of the
islands. The Republicans, however, held
fast to their original policy that the
Filipinos should be granted such meas
ures of self-government as they became
fitted for from time to time.
The Americans have already given
the Filipinos a large measure Of home
rule. an efficient government, an ade
quate system Of education, and have
greatly improved the sanitary condi-
tions in the islands. Never before have
the Filipinos been so happy and pros
porous. While the policy has cost the
United States much blood and consid-
cradle treasure, we have been compelled
TO fulfill our manifest destiny. We
were thrust into the islands by unfore.
seen circumstances, and it would have
been flying in the face OF Providence
had we failed to meet the obligations
imposed upon us. We assumed the
white man s burden. - and so far we
have been faithful to our trust.
Former President Taft, the best in
formed American on all that relates to
the Philippines, speaking before the
Brooklyn Institute Of Arts and Science
on Wednesday night, took occasion TO
point out the perils Of the Democratic
policy President Wilson, feeling him
platforms, has sent Francis Burton Har-
rison, as governor general, with instruc
tions 10 carry out, as far as possible,
the Democratic theories. Seeking to
comply with his instructions. the COVER.
nor general has announced that the
present administration is looking for
ward TO ultimate independence This in
itself is nothing extraordinary, for, as
exPresident Taft points out, Mr.. Nc.
Kinley, Nh Roosevelt and he himself
promised II from the first. In fact,
the Republicans were even more specific
than the Democrats. inasmuch as they
declared that they did not believe the
F'ilipinos would be fit for self govern.
ment for at least a generation While
the Democrats have been more vague.
they have allowed il TO be understood.
and the Filipinos undoubtedly believe.
that the administration g pledge means
early independence Herein lies a great
element Of danger for our administra-
tiou OF affairs in the islands As ex.
President Taft pointed out. the Fill
pino people. when they find they are
no nearer independence under the Dem
ocratic administration than they were
under the Republican administration.
will think themselves deceived. II is |
TO be expected that this Will lead 10 |
serious disturbances which must be put
down with an iron hand
President Wilson has enlarged the
Filipino membership in the commission |
SO that It has become majority. and |
the Fihpino people viii bring pressure
to bear upon this majority TO WORK for