The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1926-06-23
THE PHILIPPINE "GRAB"

Filipinos holly accuse Congressman Robert L.
Bacon of New York Of planning to grab" the richest
part of the Philippines for American rubber growers
Representative Bacon has just introduced bill
in Congress which would remove the immensely rich
islands of Mindanao, Basilan, Paliwan and the Suu
group from the jurisdiction of the Manila government
and put them directly under Washington.
This is desirable, says Representative Bacon,
who visited the islands last year, ito protect these
defenseless and unarmed, though proud and selfre-
specting" Mohammedan Moros agains THE Christian
Filipinos.
Fiipinos smile ironically at this and observe that
the Moro territory happens to include the very
regions which the United States Department of Com
merce last year pronounced good for rubber.
If ever the islands given their independence,
they add America would thus retain the richest lands
and turn over the dregs to the Philippine republic
There is something to be said for their conten-
ton The picture of Moro conditions painted by
Representative Bacon is not exactly fair.
Theer were only 100000 Mohammedans
(Moros) in the Philippines, according to the census
of 1920 though other Pagan tribes would bring the
total up to about the fgure-S70,O 00-used by the
able young Congressman
The Moros are racally of the stock as the other
Fiipinos that is to say. Malay. The difference be-
tween them today is that after threescenturies the
Spaniards were able to tame and Christanize the
other 100000 natives while the ercer Moros stood
. them off and retained their Mohammedan faith.
Representative Bacon gives the impression that
when it our turn to deal with these people, we
quickly made them our friends. Says he:
Present conditions in sharp contrast with
those obtaining under the benefcent administration
of the Moro provinces by Generals Wood, Bliss and
Pershing in the decade between 1903 and 1913"
To.be historically correct, 'the benefcent- admin
strations" of these three American military men
were characterized principally by almost constant
warfare General Pershings reputation up to the
world war was won chiefly fighting the Moros and it
was not until 1913, on the little mountain of Bagsak
in the Sulus, that he finally broke the back of their
resistance.
Thousands of fanatical Mohammedans men and
women, were killed in that battle and Pershing
much criticised because of the women. Yet, he was
in no wise to blame The Moros of both sexes look
and dress so much alike that they certainly could
not be told apart from the American lines.
The Moros today still go the warpath against
Christians whenever they can get together sufficient
arms The most "benefcent" thing Generals Wood
Bliss and Pershing did in Mindanao and Whereabouts.
was to disarm the bulk Of the natives.
1t is perfectly correct to say the Mohammedan
Moros and Christian Filipinos hereditary enc
mics. But so are all Christians the hereditary
mics Of the Mohammedans- whether they Span
ish. Christian. Filipino, American or other.
If we wish to retain the Philippines should
say so. Let's not beat the devil around the stump.
We don't fool anybody by it, not even ourselves.