The Washington herald., 1915-08-28

ding tears when the political guillo-
tine decapitates former American SOL
diers in the interest of his politica,
supporters or former comrades in the
Filipino revolution. Such Wilson
ian policy may delight the Manila
politicians. but / doubt If it will ap-
peal to the sense of fairness of the
American people who have always be-
lieved in fair and honorable treatment
# these who have bravely and patrI-
otically come TO the nations aid in
times of stress and storm.
Competent Men Ignored.
The Americans whose courage and idel-
ity contributed to the establishment of
our sovereignty in the islands. whose
energy and capital have been freely used
in developing the mining. commercial.
and manufacturing interests of the Phil
ippines and who are among the largest
taxpayers, have no voice in the govern
ment no influence with the present ad-
ministration, are not consulted, and are,
in fact, absolutely ignored.
One noticeable effect of such a policy
is shown in the action of the command
ing general in not permitting the band
to play Americas national anthem-"The
Star Spangled Banner'-on the Luneta
or Public Park. He very properly de-
clines to give the natives opportunity to
continue to show their disrespect in re-
fusing or neglecting to salute our flag.
Now, what has injured business? What
is holding up progress? What is delay
ing development and keeping prosperity
out of sight in the Philippines-the rich
the great Pacific?
The true answer is the Jones bill-the
attempt in Congress to carry out the
foolish and unpatriotic teaching of Will
liam Jennings Bryan to turn the islands
adrift without guide or compass; to turn
5000, OUo people, 90 per cent of the adults
illiterate and 100000 wild. over for the
time being to the political firm of Que
zon, Osmena & Co, to try out their kim
dergartcn governmental notions and pipe
dreams of a great national Philippine
republic until they are taken over by
Japan and relegated to the vassal class
along with Korea and Formosa. In that
event the Filpinos would not only lose
very name of their country would be
changed. as in the case Of Korea and
Formoso. and a japanese name substi-
tuted.
For ten days I industriously interviewed
in all walks of life and en-
gagged in every line of human endeavor.
Republicans. ProCressives.
soldiers, sailors. civil officials, merchants.
professional men. lawyers. physicians.
,lergymen. editors, bankers. clerks. po-
iceInen. scout and constabulary officials.
etc, and upon my honor not single
1ae. and mark You a majority of them
nave been in the islands for more than
en- years, many fifteen and sixteen years.
hought the natives prepared. able or
,trong enough to maintain law and or
Ter, continue the excellent government
,reated and maintained under American
guidance. supervision and control.
Native. Cannot Control.
quote the following from one of those |
Interviewed: If the United States |
should withdraw. it would result in a |
Implication of the situation and condi- |
ions in Mexico. Haiti and San Domingo |
nultipli,d d many times over" |
a native government would he power |
ess to control and govern the many |
ribes. with fifteen Or sixteen different |
ialccts. pagan. heather and Christian.
rarlike and savage with bitter and long
standing grievances between them. ::
christians. wild and uncivilized. and of |
he 100000 Christians less than l per
ent of the adults educated. In addition
o these serious and complicated local
roblems, without the aid of the United
tates the natives would be wholly un-
bic to protect and defend themselves
rom without--from foreign selfishness,
ovetousness and ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The total government income is less
han the cost of a single up-to-date bat
leship. This means that an army and
avy for defensive purposes would be
impossible. The Manila native editors
nd politicians who shout Independence"
light and day are so simple that they be-
eve the people of the United States will
AK themselves till Kingdom comes" to
maintain an army and navy in the Phil
ppines for the benefit and protection of
people whose selfish politicians insist
pom severing American control and set
ing up for themselves.
Every intelligent American and Euro
can engaged in business in the islands
nd I do not hesitate to include the Chi
ese merchants. who control sls0, 600 of
he se67, ,000. 900 wholesale and retail trade
nows and realizes that So long as they
ave American protection their lives and
usiness interests are absolutely safe, and
!, the event our nag should come down
nd another flag Of the so-cailed Philip
inc republic appear. 1t would mean con-
Ision. chaos. and. In a very short time,
ain. pure and simple.
So long as there Is doubt and uncer-
ainty as to whether the United States
r the Manila politicians are to govern.
here will be stagnation in businesses
suspension Of growth and development-l
: II