NOMINATION OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY, SEPT. 8
«tatua of the native inhabitants of the terrl-
tnrles hereby ceded to the United States
•hall be determined by the Congress."
Eleven days thereafter, on Dec. 21, the fol
r towing direction was given to the command-
* nr of our forces la the Philippines:
New forestry regulations give impetus to
timber trade and reduce high price of him
her. The customs collections for last quar­
ter 50 per cent greater than ever In Spanish
history, and August collections show fur­
ther increase. The total revenue for same
period oue third greater than In any quarter
under Spain, though cedilla tax chief source
"The military commander of the United
of Spanish revenue, practically abolished.
“Economy and efficiency of military gov
State« 1« enjoined to make known to th* in­
eminent have created surplus fund of $»•.
habitant« of tbe Philippine Islands that, In
000.000, which should be expended In much
••eeeedlng to the sovereignty of Spain, In
needed public works, notably improvement
••▼•ring the former political relations of the
of Manila harbor • • • With proper tar
iff ami facilities Mauila will become great
inhabitants and In establishing a new polit-
port of Orient."
1
leal power, the authority of the
United
The commission is confident that "bv a
States Is to be exerted for the securing of
Judicious customs law, reasonable land lax
and proper corporation franchise tax. Im
the persons and property of the people of
position of no greater fate than that in the
the islands and for the confirmation of all
average American State will give less an­
their private rights and relations.
It will
noyance ami with peace will produce reve­
nues Huffieient to pay expenses of efficient
be the duty of the commander of the forces
government, including militia and constabu­
♦f occupation to announce and proclaim In
lary. ’
the most public manner that we come not
No K îkîi of Alliance.
•n Invaders or conquerors, but as friends, to
They
»y “
"are
are preparing
preparlng a stringent
strlngent civil ser-
ser­
protect the natives in their homes, In their
to 1 Fill-
vice !aw giving
__ „ equal
. * opportunity
*”
■,,,
___
______
pi
nos
and ___________
America ns. . with preference fur
employments and in their personal and re­
the former where qualifications are equal,
ligious rights."
to enter at the lowest rank and l»y promotion
reach th«- head of the department. • • •
Bent a Commission.
"Forty five miles of railroad extension
Is «rder to facilitate the most humane,
under negotiation will give acre»» to a large
province ri«-h In valuable minerals, a mile
pacific and effective extension of authority
high, with strictly temperate climate. • ♦ •
throughout these islands, and to secure, with
RullroH«l eonatructiou will give employment
th« least possible delay, the benefits of a
to many an«i «-ominunlcatlon will furnish a
market to vast stretches of rich agricultural
wise and generous protection of life and
lands."
property to the Inhabitants, I appointed In
They report that there are "«-alls from all
JaB-uary, 1899. a commission consisting of
parts of th«“ Islands for public- seh«»ols,
school siippll«»* ami English t« a« her*. greater
Jacob Gould Schurman of New York, Ad-
l haii th«- « oinmlssioii «-an provhh- until a
m-lral George Ikewey, U. S. N.;
Charles
«•onipreheuslve school system is organized.
Denby of IudiaAia, Professor Dean C. Wor­
Night schools for teaching English to adults
Amnesty Proclaimed.
are being established In response to popular
cester of Michigan, and Major General El­
Would Invite Anarchy.
d»»inan«l
Native children show aptitude In
That
all
might
share
In
the
regen»
“
ratl»»n
well 8. Otis, U. S. A. Their Instructions
"Should our power by any fatality t»e
learning English
Spanish Is spoken by a
withdrawn, the commission believes that the of the islands and participate In their gov »mall fraction of tbe people, and in a few
eeatsined the following:
eminent. I directed Gen. .MacArthur, the
vear*
tbe
medium
of
«-«»mmunlcatlon In the
wIn the performance of this duty the com- government of the Philippines would speed­ military governor of the Philippines, to Is­
Mlisloners are enjoined to meet at the ily lapse Into anarchy, which would excuse, sue a proda ma t ion of amnesty, which con­ courts, publl. offices and between different
tribes will be English.
•Arffest possible day In the city of Manila, if It dl«i not ne«“essitate, the Intervention of tained among other statements the follow­
ing:
Working for Humanity.
end to announce by public
proclamation other pow'ers. and the eventual division of
“Manila. P. I.. June 21. 1900. By direction
“Creation of central government within
their presence and the mission intrusted to the islands among them.
Oulv through of the President of th»“ Unite«! Stales th»»
them, carefully setting forth that, while the American occupation, therefore, is the Idea undersigned announces amnesty. wTh com eighteou month*, under which substantially
píete Immunity for Ihe past ami .ibs«»lute all rights described in the bill of rights in
■oJIltary government already proclaimed i« of a free, self governing and unite«! i’hillp
liberty of action for the future, to ail per the federal «-oust it nt Ion are to be secured to
to be maintained and continued so long as I pine commonwealth at all conceivable. • • ♦ sons who are now, or at any time since tlie people of th«“ Philippines, will bring to
Feb. 4. 1899. have been In insurrection them contentment. pr«»sperity, education
necessity may require, efforts will be made
"Thus ihe welfare of the Fillpines coin
ami political enlightenment."
to alleviate the burden of taxation, to estab­ chles with the dictates of national honor in against the United States In either a mili­
Till» shows to my «-ouiitrymen what has
tary of civil «-apiidty. and who shall, within
lish industrial and commercial prosperity, forbidding our abandonment of the archl
a period of ninety days from the «lat»» thore- been ami Is being done to bring the benefits
of
liberty and g«»«»d government to these
and to provide for the safety of persons and pelago. We <*annot from any point of view «>f. formally renounce all connection with
wards of the nation. Every effort has been
of property by such means as may be found «•scape the responsibiliiies of government such Insurrection ami subscribe iu a dec-
conducive to these ends.
which our sovereignty entails, and the com
mission Is strongly persuaded that the per­
Given Careful Instruction®.
formance of our national duty will prove
••The commissioners will endeavor, with
the greatest blessing to ihe people of the
•nt interference with the military author!
Philippine Islands."
ties of the United States now In control "f
¡Satisfied that nothing further could be ac­
the Philippines, to ascertain what aiucliora
It will be noted that the (DeinoeraUe) demand is fur the immediate lestora
complished in pursuance of their mission y
V
tlon of th«* free coinage of silver at 16 to 1. If another Isaue is paramount, inis
tloa in tbe condition of the inhabitants and
until the rebellion was suppressed, and <le
y
is
immediate.
It will admit of no delay and will suffer no postponement.
what improvements in public order may be
)
c
• • •
siring to place before the Congress the re
practicable, ami for this purpose they will
y
We
accept
the issue and again invite the sound money forces to Join In win
suit of their observations, I requested the
V
nlng anol her and we hope a permanent triumph for an honest financial system
study attentively the existing social and po
commission to return to the United State*. Z
which will continue inviolable the public faith.
Utica! state of the various populations, par
Their most intelligent and comprehensive x
• • •
•
tlcularly as regards the forms of local gov
y
It is our purpose to establish in Ihe Philippines a government stiltable to the
report, was submitted to Congress.
x
wants an«! conditions of the inhabitants, and to prepare them for self govern
ernment, the administration of justice, the
Duties of the Cotn mission.
y
’metii, and to give them self government when they are ready for It, and as
collection of customs and other taxes, the
x
rapidly as they are ready for It.
In March. 1000, believing that the Insur
wieaaa of transportation, and the need of
x
• • •
There has been no time since the destruction of the enemy's fleet when we
public improvements. They will
report rectiou was practicaUy ended ami earnestly y
x
could
or
should
have
left
the
I
’
hilippinc
ar«hlpelago. Aftei- th«» treaty of peace
• • • the results of their observations and desiring to promote the establishment of a
y
was ratlfi«'«) no power but (’«ingress could surrender our s«>vereiguty or alienate a
stable government in the archipelago, I ap
reflections, and will recommend such execu
X
foot of th«- territory thus acquired.
• • •
—
tive action as may from time to time seem pointed the following civil commission; y
Every effort has been dlrecte«! to their (Filipinos» peace and prosperity, their
William II. Taft of Ohio, Professor Dean C. X
to them wise and useful.
X
a«lvan<-einent and well-being, not f«»r our aggiandizement or for prhie of might.
"The commissioners are hereby authorized Worcester of Michigan. Luke 1. Wright of S
not for trade or eomnier* e, not for exploitation, but for humanity and «-IvllizatIon.
Tennessee. HehPy C. Ido of Vermont, and X
to confer authoritatively with any persons
• • •
The American question Is between duty .»nd desertion. The American ver«il«‘t
.My instruc­ S)
resident in the Islands from whom they may Bernard Moses of California.
/
will
be
for
duty
and
against
desertion,
for ihe republic against both anarchy and
tions to them contained the following:
believe themselves able to derive Informs
o
Imperialism.
«.
• • ♦
z
"You (the Secretary of War) will instruct
Don or suggestions valuable for the pur
Honest co operation of capital I* necessary to meet new business conditions,
n
— poses of their commission, or whom they the commission • • * to devote their at
am!
extend
our
rapidly
Increasing
forelgu
trade,
but
conspiracies
and
eomblna
A
may choose to employ as agents, as may be tention in the first Instance to the establish
lions intended to restrict busiiitss, create monopolies ami control prices should
y
tnent of municipal governments. In which
accessary for this purpose. • • •
be effectively restrained.
Q
• • •
ihe
natives
of
the
islands,
both
in
the
cities
Avoided Harsh Measure».
For labor a short day Is better than a short dollar.
C
and in the rural communities, shall be af
• • •
j
"It Is my desire that in all their relations forded the opportunity to manage their own
Unless something unforeseen occurs to reduce our revenues nr increase our ex-
v
with the inhabitants of the islands the coin
penditures. the Congress at its next sesslou should reduce taxation very ma
y
local affairs to the fullest extent of which
mlssioners exercise due respect for all the they are capable and subject to the least <le
terlally.
C
Ideals, customs and Institutions of the tribes
gree of supervision and «-ontrol which a care
We ought to own the ships for our carrying trade with the world, and we C
which compose the population, emphasizing
y
ought to build them tn American shipyards and man them with American sailors.
V
ful study of their capacities and observation
upon all occasions the just and beneficent In
of tbe workings of native control show to be
tentions of tbe government of tbe United consistent with the maintenance of law, or­
and enthusiastic army. No alternative was of primary edm*Mtion which shall bo free to
all. ami which shall lend to tit the people
left to us except ignominious retreat.
for the duties of citizenship, aud for the or­
Had to Remain.
dinary avocation* of a civilised community.
"It Is not to be conceived of that any • • • Especial attention should be at once
given to affording full opportunity to all the
American would have sanctioned the sur people of th»» islands to acquire the use of
render of Manila to the insurgents. Our ob the English language. • • •
“I'pon all officers anti employes of the
ligations to other nations and to the friendly
United States, both «ivil and military,
Filipinos and to ourselves and our flag de should be impressed «a sense of the duty to
manded that force should be met with force. observe not merely the material but the per
Whatever the future of the Philippines may sonal and social rights of the people of the
islands, and to treat them with the same
he. there is no course open to u* now except «•ourtesy and respect for their personal dig
the prosecution of the war until the insur­ nity which the people of the United States
are accustomed to require fr«jtu each other.
gents are reduced to submission.
"The commission is of the opinion that ,
All Pledges Kept.
there has been no time sln«‘e the destruction
"The article« of capitulation of the City of
of the Spanish squadron by Admiral Dewey Manila on the 13th of August, 1898. con­
when it was possible to withdraw our forces cluded with these words: ‘Tills « lty. Its in­
habitants. Its churches, ami religious wor­
from the islands either with honor to our ship,
Its educational establishments and Its
selves or with safety to the Inhabitants."
private property of all descriptions, are
After the most thorough study of the peo placed under the special safeguard of the
pies of the archipelago the commission re­ faith and honor of tbe American army.’
“I believe that tills pledge has beu faith
ported, among other things:
fully kept. As high and sarred an obligation
rests upon the government of the Unite«!
"Their lack of education and political ex
perlence, combine«l with their racial and States to give protection for property ami
life, civil and religious freedom, and wise,
linguistic diversities, disqualify them, in firm and unselfish guidance in the paths of
spite of their mental gifts and domestic vlr peace and prosperity to all the people of the
tues, to undertake the task of governing the Philippine Islands.’ I charge this conimis
sion to labor for the full performance of this
archipelago at the present time. The most obligation, which concerns the honor and
that can be expected of them is to co-oper­ conscience of their country, in the firm hope
that through their labors all the Inhabitants
ate with the Americans In the admlnistra
of the Philippine Islands may come to look
tlon of general affairs, from Manila as a back with gratitude to the day when God
«•enter, and to undertake, subject to Amer gave victory to American arms at Manila
ican control or guidance (a* may be found and set their laml under th»» sovereignty ami
necessary) the administration of provincial! the protection of the people of the United
States."
and municipal affairs. • • •
vlsloaa.
The ratifications were exchanged
by the United States and Spain on the lltb
•f April. 1899.
Aa early as April, 1899. the Philippine
commission, of which Dr. Schurman was
president, endeavored to bring about peace
In the Islands by repeated conferences with
leading Tagalog» representing the so-called
Insurgent government, to the end that some
general plan of government might be offered
them which they would accept.
Pleased the Native«.
Bo great was the satisfaction of the lusur-
gent commissioners with the form of gov­
ernment proposed by tbe American com
Bnlssloners that the latter submitted the
proposed scheme to me for approval, ami mv
action thereon Is shown by the cable mes­
sage following
"May fi. 1899. Rchurnian, Manila: Yours
•th received. You are authorized to propose
that, under the military power of the ¡’real-
•ent. pending action of Congress, govern
meat of the Philippine Islands shall consist
•f • governor general appointed by the
President, cabinet appointed by tbe govern­
or general, a general advisory council elect­
ed by the people, the qualifications of elect­
ors to be cgrefully considered and deter­
mined, «nd the governor general to have ab­
solute veto.
Judiciary strong
and
inde­
pendent. principal judges appointed by the
President.
The cabinet and judges to be
chosen from natives or Americans, or both,
having regard to fltties«.
"The President earnestly desires the resva-
ties ef bloodshed and that the people of the
Philippine Islands at an early date shall
have the largest measure of local self gov-
ernment consistent with peace and good
order.
Signa of Treachery.
!■ the latter part of May another group
®f representative« came from the Insurgent
leader.
The whole matter was fully dis-
euMed with them and promise of acceptance
seemed near at hand.
They assured our
commissioner* they would return after con
^■ultlng with their leader, but they never did.
As a result of the views expressed by the
•rat Tagalog representative favorable to the
plan of tbe commission. It appears that he
was, by military order of the insurgent
leader, «tripped of bls shoulder at raps, dis
■dated from the army and sentenced t®
twelve year*’ Imprisonment.
Tbe views of the commission are beat set
•brtb In their own words
"Deplorable as war la. the oae la which
we are now engaged was unavoidable by os.
>e war« attached by a bold, adveatarous
der and loyalty.
•
•
•
Await* the Report.
laratlon acknowleding and accepting th«“
sovereignty and aiiiborltj of the t nlted
States in and over the I’hilippinc Islands
I lie privilege herewith published is ex­
tended io all c»in«*erned without any reser­
vation whatever, excepting that person* who
Lave violated th«“ laws of war curing ’lie
period of active bustiiitles are not embtwed
w It bin ibe scope of this umuesiy.
I’ay
tie red lor Rifles.
“in order to mhigrate as much as possible
cou>equem:eHzresUit tug from Hie various dis
turbauces which since 189,» have »ucceeded
each other so rapidly, and to provide in
some measure for denlitute Filipino soldiers
during the transitory period which must
iueviiably succeed a general peace, the mid
lary autboriiies of Ihe I lilted States will
pay 30 pesos lo each mau who presents a
ritle iu good condition." ‘
Under their instructions the commission,
composed of representative Americans of
'• ditlereut sections of the country and from
different political parlies, whose character
ami ability guarantee the most faithful In
teillgeuce ami patriotic service, are now
laboring to establish stable government uu
der civil control, in which ibe inhabitanis
shall participate, giving them opportunity
Leifialutive Author t.v.
"Exercise of this legislative authority will to demonstrate how far they are prepared
include the making of rules and orders hav­ for self-government.
ing the effect of law for the raising of reve
Quote* the Commission,
nue by taxes, customs duties and imposts;
This commission, under date of Aug. 21.
tbe appropriation and expenditure of the I’.M iij , makes au interesting report, from
public funds of the island*: the establish
which 1 quote the fnLowlug extracts:
ment of an e«incatlonal system throughout
Hostility against Americans was orlg
th»* islands, th»* establishment of a system inally aroused by absurd falsehoods of un­
to secure an efficient civil service: Ihe or i scrupulous leaders. The distribution of
ganization and «-stalillshment of < o»ir *: the troops in 300 posts has by contact largely
organization ami establishment of municipal dispelled hostility, and steadily improved
ami departmental governments, ami all temper of people. Till,* Improvement is fur
other matters of a civil nature of which the tbered by abuse» of Insurgents. Large num
millt&ry governor Is now competent to pro
bers of people long for pea«»» and ire willing
vide by rules or orders of a legislative char­ to accept government under the United
acter. The commission will also
have States.
power during Ihe same perl«»«! to appoiut to
Insurge nts not surrendering after def«»at
office such officers under (he judicial, edu­ divided into small guerrilla bands under gen
cational and civil service system* an»l in the crul «>ffi<-ers or became r»»bbers. N»‘urly all
municipal and departmenta! governments as of th«* protniuent generals and politicians of
»hall be provide«!."
the insurrection, except Aguiualdo, have
Rule» for the Interim.
since oeen captured or have surrendered and
Until Congress shall take action I directed taken the oa b of allegiance. • • •
“All northern Luzon, except two provinces,
that:
Upon every division and branch of the substantially free from Insurgents. People
government of th«“ Philippines must be Im- busy planting, and asking for municipal or­
p«»sed these inviolable rules: That no per ganization. Railway and (elvgrzph lln«»s I
son shall be deprive«! of life, liberty or prop from Manila to Dagupaii, 122 miles, not mo­
erty without due process of law; that pri­ lested for five month*. • • •
vate property shall not be taken for public
Finn* Native Militia.
use without just compensation; that In all
"Tagalog* alone active In lca«llng guerrilla
«-rimlnal prosecutions the accused shall en­ warfare. In Negros. Cebu. Romblon, Mas-
joy the right to m speedy and public trial, to hate. Sibuyun, Tablas, Bohol and other Phil­
be’ Informed of the nature and cause of the ippine Island-» little disturbance exists, and
accusation, to be confronted with the wit­ . ivil government eagerly awaited. •
•
nesses against him, to have compulsory
Four years of war ami awlessness In
process for obtaining witnesses In hi* favor, parts of island* have created unsettled con­
and to have the assistance of <*ou«»el for hl* dition*. • • • Native constabulary atui
defense; that excessive bail h I ih II not be re­ militia, which should be organiz»*»! at once,
quired, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel will end thl* and ’he terron«in to which <le
and unusual punishment inflicted; thnt no fenseie«* people are subj»“Cted. The native*
person shall be put twice in jeopardy for tbe desire to enlist n these organization*. If
same offense, or be compelled hi any « rimi Judh lously selected a ml oMcered, will be
ual case to b* a witness against himself; efficient force« for maintenance of >r«ler. and
that th* right to be secure against unreason
will permit early material reduction of
able searcher« and seizures *hall not b* vio­ United State* »roop*.
lated; that neither slavery nor involuntary
“Turning Islands over to coterie of Taga
servitude shall exist except a* a punishment log polltl» iun* will blight fair _ prospect
.
of
for « rime; that no Idll of attainder or ex |H>*t enormous improvement, drive out * capital,
facto law shall be passed: that no law *I ih II make life and property secular and rellg ;
t>e passed abridging the freedom of spe«*< h or lou* most insecure; banish by fear of cruel
of tbe pre*«, or the rights of the people to proscription considerable body of conserva ■
peaceably assemble and petition th»“ govern rive Filipino« who have aided American* In
ment for a redress of grievance«; that no well-founded i»e||pf that their people ar-»
law «hall be mad* respecting the esfablisti- not now fit for self government, an«! r»dntro
ment of religion or prohibiting tbe free ex due* *ame oppression and corruption which
ercise thereof, and »hat tbe free exercise existed in alt province* »n«ler Malolos !n
and enjoyment of religion* profession and »urgent government during the e gh? n»on*h*
worship without discrimination nr prefer- of its control
The result wll' be factional
en- e «ball forever be allowed. • • •
strife between jeslou« leader*, -hao* and
F.z tending Education.
anarchy, and will require and justify active
"It will be the duty of tbe commission to Intervention of our government or »ome
promote and extend, and. as they find occa-1 other. • • •
Trade Follow» I’eace.
sion. to improve, the system of educates
already inaugurated by tbe military autborl-{ "Rusin*«* interrupted by war much Im­
ties, in doing tbl* they should regard as of proved sa peace extend» • • • |0 Negro«
"Whenever the commission Is of the opln
Ion that the condition of affairs In the isl
a nds is such that the central administration
may safely be transferred from military to
civil control they will report that conclu
sion to you (the Secretary of War», with
I heir personal recommendations a< to the
fornf of central government to be estab-
lishe«l for the purpose of taking over the
control. • • •
“Beginning with the 1st day of Septem­
ber, 1900, the authority to exercise, subject
lo my approval through the Secretary «»f
War. that part of the power of government
in the Philippine Islands which is of a leg
isiative nature is to be transferred from the
military governor of tbe islands to this eon»
mission, to be thereafter exercised by them
In the place and stead of the military gov
ernor, under such rules and regulations
you (the Secretary of Wan shall prescribe,
until the establishment of the civil central
government for the islands contemplated iu
the last foregoing paragraph or until Con
gress shall otherwise provide.
first Importance the exteasloa ®f a aystem
■»er« augar la culttoattos thaa ever before.
to another power, which is without experi­
ence or traiuing, or the ability to maintain a
stable government nt home and absolutely
helpless to perforin its international obliga­
tions with the rest of the world.
Will Defend Our Title.
To thia we are opposed. We should not
yield our title while our obligal
bligulion* last.
in the _____
language
our __________
platform. , “Our au­
w— of
______
thority should uot be less than our responsi­
bility," and our present responsibility is to
Easy to Find Fault.
establish our authority iu every part of tba
’ Would not our adversaries have sent islands.
Dewey « fleet to Manila to capture and de
No government can so certainly preserve
slroy the Spanish sea power there, or. dis­ the peace, restore public «»rder. establish
patching It there, would they have with
law, justice and Htable conditions as ours.
drawn it after the destruction of the Span
Neither Congress nor the Ex«»cutlve can es­
ish fleet; and If the latter, whither wouhl tablish u stable government hi those Islands
they have directed to *all? Where could except under our right of suv.-relgnty, our
It have gone? What port In the Orient was authority aud our flag. And tiii* we are do­
ing.
opened to it?
Do our adversaries condemn the expedi
We could not do it a* a protectorate power
tlon under the command of General Merritt so completely or so successfully as we ar®
to strengthen Dewey In the distant ocean doing It now. As ihe sovereign power w®
ami assist in our triumph over Spain, with «•an initiate action and shape means lo etuis,
which nation we were at war? Was It not and guide the Filipinos to self development
our highest duty to strike Spain at every and self government.
vulnerable point, that th«» war might be
As a protectorate power we could not ini­
successfully concluded at the earliest prac­ tiate action, but wouhl bo « «impelled to fol­
low and uphold a people with no capacity
ticable moment?
yet to go alone In the one case we «‘un pro­
A»ks for Honest Opinion.
And was it not our duty to protect the tect both ourselves and (ho Filipinos from
Involved in dangerous complications;
live* and property of those who came within being
the other we could not protect even th®
our control by the fortunes of war? Could In
Filipinos
until after their trouble had come.
wo have come away at any time between
May 1. 1898. aud the conclusion of peace
Consent of the Governed.
without a stain upon our good name? Could
Beside«, If we cannot establish any gov­
w«» have come away without dishonor nt any
time after the ratification of the peace treaiy ernment of our own without the consent of
H
ip
governed, as our opponent* «“ontend,
by th»» Senate of the United States?
then we »“ould not establish a stable govern­
There has been no time since the dost rue
tlon of the enemy’s fleet when we could or ment for them or make ours a protectorate
should have left the Philippine archipelago. without th»» like cousent, anti neither th®
After the treaty of peace was ratified no majority of the people nor a minority of th«»
W®
power but Congress could surrender our people have Invite«! us to assume It.
sovereignty or alienate a foot of the terri­ could not maintain a protectorate even with
the
consent
of
the
governe«t
without
giving
tory thu* acquired. The Congress has uot
seen fit to do the one or the other, and the provocation for conflict and possibly costly
President had no authority to do either, If wars.
Our rights In the Philippines ar«» now free
he bad been so Inclined, which he was uot.
So long as the sovereignty remains in us It from outside Interference ami will continue
so
In our present relations. They would uot.
is the duty of the executive, whoever he
may be. to uphold that sovereignty, and if It be thus free in any other relation. We will
not
give up our own to guarantee another
be attacked to suppress Its assailants. Would
sovereignty.
our political adversaries do less?
Our title is good. Our peace commission­
Begun by 1 n*v>r»rent».
ers believed they were re«*clving a good title
It has been asserted that there would hare when they concluded the treaty. The exe«-n-
been no fighting in the Philippines If Con tive believed It un* a good till«» when he
gress had declared Its purpose to give Inde submitted It to th«» Senate <»f the Unite«!
pendence to the Tagnl Insurgents. The In­ States for Ils ratification.
The Senate be­
surgents did not wait for the action of Con lieved It was a good title when they gave It
gross.
They assumed the offensive, they their constitutional assent, and Ihe Con­
opened fire on our army.
gress seems not to have doubted lis com­
Those who assert our responsibility for pleteness when they appropriate«! $20,009.0)«)
the beginning of the conflict have forgotten provided by ibe treaty.
that before the treaty was ratified in the
Title Is Un<| ur*t ionuble.
Senate, and while it was being debated in
If any who favore«i Its ratification believed
that body, and while the Bacon resolution
was under discussion, on Feb. 4. 1899. th«» it gave ns a bad tillo they wore not sincere.
insurgents attacked the American army, Our till«* Is practically identical with that
after being previously advised that the under which w»» hold our territory acquire«!
American forces were under order* not to since th»» beginning of the government. ami
tire upon them except in defense. The pa under which w< have exercised full sov­
per* found in the recently captured archive* ereignty and established government for th®
inhabitants.
of the insurgents demonstrate that this at
It Is worthy of note that no one outside of
lack bad been carefully planned for week*
the United Slates dispute* th»* fullness umi
before It occurred.
Integrity of Hie cession. What, then, I* th®
Only One Course Open.
real issue on this subject? Whether II is
Their unprovoked assault upon our «ol paramount to any other or not. it is whether
dlers at a time when th«* Senate was dvllb we shall !•»• responsible for ill»» government
crating upon tlie treaty shows that no a«
of the Philippines, with th«“ sovendgnty and
tlon on our part except surrender and abnn authority which enable* u* to guide them to
donment would have prevented the fighting, regulated liberty, law. safety am! progress,
ami leaves no doubt in any tali* mind where or whether w shall be r«“*poii*lbh» for th«»
the responsibility rests for th«» shedding of forcible ami arbitrary got eminent <»f a mi­
American blood.
nority, without sovereignty ami authority
With all the exaggerated phraseinaklng on tuir part, and with only th«» cinbarrnss-
of this electoral contest, wo arc In danger of m«»nl of a protectorate, which draws iis Into
being «liveried from the real « «»ntentlon We their troubles without th«“ power of prevent­
are In agreement w ith all <»f those w lu> sup ing them.
ported the war with Spain, and also with
Obll’gat ion* of War.
those who counsel«“«! th«» ratlflcatlon of the
There were tlios«- who two years ago wer®
tleat.v of peace. 1 pon these two great ♦•*
rushing
us
on to war with Spain who ar®
sent lai steps there ran lie no Issue, and out
of these camo all of <>ur responsibilities. If unwilling now to accept ii.s dear «onse-
others would shirk Ihe obligations Imposed quetmes. as ther»» »re th«»*»» among us who
bj the war and the treaty, w •• must decline advocated the ratification of the treaty of
lo act further with them, and here Ihe issue peace, but now pndrst against its obliga­
was made.
tion.*.
Nations which go lo war must be
Il Is our purpose lo establish in the Philip prepare«! to a«“cept ii * resultant obligations,
pines a govornrtient suitable to tlie wants ami wli«“U they make treaH>* must keep
and conditions of the inhabitants. and lo i hem.
Those who profess to distrust the liberal
prepare them for self government, ami to
give them self government when they are and li«»iiornble purpose* of Hie iidinliilatra-
ready for it, ami as rapidly as they ar»» tlon hi it* treatment <«f the Philippine* ar®
ready for It. That I am aiming to do under not Justified. Imperialism has no phi*«» In
my constitutional authority, ami will con
Its «•r«“«*«l nr cpnducl. Froe«toin i* a rock up­
Hum* io do until Congress shall «letermlm* on wI)l» li the Republican party was build«*«!
the political status of the inhabitants of I lie ami now rests Liberty I* the g eat Repub I-
archlpela go.
chu docirinr f«*r wlil«*h the p«*«»pl«» w«“iit to
war and for wliich h million lives were of-
Plea for Consistency»
fere«l ami billion* of dollar« expended to
Are our opponents against the treaty? If make It a lawful logacy of all wlihvut thè
so. they must be reminded that It could not
of master or slave.
j hnv«» been ratified in th«» Senate but for their i <*on*ent
Stralli of Hvpncrisy.
assistance. Tlie Senate which ratified the
’treaty ami th«* Congress which added Ils' There I h a slraln of III eoncraled hypocrlsr
directed to their peace and prosperity, their sanction by a large appropriation comprise«! In the anxiety to extend the <• •unsi li ut tonai
advancement and well being, not for our ag Senators ami Representatives of the people guáranteos to the peoph* of the Uhi lipphies,
grandlzement nor for pride of might, not for of all parties.
w hilo I heir nullltlcai ion i opetily advi*eate«l
trade or commerce. not for exploitation, but
Would our opponents surrender 1o the In-I at home. (>ur opp< n< ni uinv dis'ru t hem-
for humanity and civilization, and for the sui'gents, abamlon our sovereignly «»r cede it selves, but they Inn e no right to discredit
protection of the vast majority of the popu to tnem? If that be not their purpose; then the good faith ami patriotism of the major­
fation who welcome our sovereignty against It should be promptly «li*«bil.;je<l. for «mlv ity of the people who tire opposed t,» them.
the designing minority whasr first demand , evil «»an result from th»» hopes raised by our They may fear the worst form of Imperial-
after the surrender of Manila by the Span «»pponents in the minds of th»» Filipinos, that 1*11» with the helpless Filipinos hi I heir
Ish army was to enter the «lty that they , with their suc««“ss at th«“ p«>lts In N«>v»“iub»»r hands, but if they do it Is b> c.mse III«“.) hav®
might loot it and destroy those not In sym l there will be a withdrawal of our army and parted with Hie spirit and faith of tin* fath­
pal by with their selfish ami treacherous de­ ¡of American sovereignty over the nrchlpeh)- ers and have lost the virility of the founders
signs.
[go. th«» complete Independence of the Taga I of the party which the.i profess to represen’.
log people recognize«! and the power* of
Civil Service to Rule.
The Republican party •l««e*ii’t have to as­
| government over all th»» other people* of the sert its devotion to the Declaration of Inde­
Nobody who will avail himself of the facts archipelago conferred upon the Tagalog pendence. fimi Immortal Inst rttniriil of th«
will longer hold that there was any alliance I leaders.
fathers remained unexecuted until the peo­
between our soldiers and the insurgents or
ple. under the lead of ibe Republican party
Prolong® the Rebellion,
that any promise of Independence was mnde
In
the awful clash of battle, turned its prom­
in the minds of tlie
to them.
Long before their leader had.
ises Into fulfillment. It wrote luto I he Con­
reached Manila they had resolved. If t he ’ insurgents
The effect that
of a this
belief will be done has al stitution the amendments gun rant er I ng po­
commander of the American navy would I ready prolonged the rebellion anz» Imuoasrs litical
equality to American citizenship, and
give them arms with whl<di to tight the I the necessity for the continuance of a large
never broken them or counselled otb
Spanish army, they would later turn upon I army. It Is now delaying full peace in the It has breaking
them. Il will uol be guided
ers
In
us. which they did murderously and without archipebigo and the estnlillshnxHit of civil
conduct by one set of principles at
In
Im
*’ shadow
1 J
.
¡governments, and has Influenced many »»f
tbe
of * cause
or justification.
home
________
and
another
set In the now territory
may
be
those
without
the
means
of
the
Insurgents
against
accepting
1
tie
liberal
Then
‘
belonging to tbe I nlted States.
full information who believe that w«* were
........ ! terms of amnesty offered by Gen. MacArthur
Doctrine of Unco’n.
But for these false
In alliance with th»» insurgents and that wo under my direction.
assured them that they should have hide hopes h considerable reduction <*ould I ihi *
If our opponent* would only prnctlce as
pendeiKT. To such let me repent the fa«-ts: ben had In our military estsblFbment In ihe well as pr«“u«-h the doctrines of Abraham
On the 20th of May 1H98. Admiral Dewey j Philippines mid the realization of a stable Lincoln there wouhl be no fear for the safe-
was iiistru«*ted by me to make no alliance government would be already at hand.
ty of «»nr Institution* at home or their fright­
The American people are asked by our op
with any party or faction in the Philippines
ful Influence In any territory over wliich our
that would incur liability to maint.-iln their portents to yield the sovereignty of Hie flag flouts.
«•ause In the future, and h«» replied under I tilted States In the Philippines to n small
Empire has been expelled from Porto Rie®
«late of June 6, 189s
fraction of the population, i single tribe out a n«1 th»* Philippine» by American freemen.
Have acted according to spirit of depart of eighty or more Inhabiting the archipelago, Th* flag of tbe republic now fio it * over these
mem's lnstru«*tlotis from the beginning, and m faction which wantonly attacked the Islunds uh an emblem of rightful sovereign­
American troops in Manila while In right
I have entered into no alliance with the in
ty. Will the republic slay and dispense to
protocol
with tlielr Inhubltunt* III* blessings of liberty,
«urgent* or witl^aiiv faction
I his squndrou fill possession titider the
can re«juep the defense* «>f Manlhi at any Spain, awaiting the ratlflcatlon of the treaty e«hicatlon an«l free Institution*, «»r stril
moment, but it I- eon«i<lored «iHoles» until of peace by the Senate, and which has since away, leaving them to anarchy or imperiul-
the arrival of sutil« lent UnHe«l Stales fun es been In active, open rebellion against the
r
\Ve are asked to transfer
United States,
to retain possession."
The American question I* l»elwe»-n duty
our sovereignty to a small minority In the and «lesertlon. The Ameritan verdl«-t wiff
Den ¡es Anv Compiact,
Islands without consulting the majority and be for duty Hnd against desertion, for th®
In the report of the first Philippine com
to abandon the largest portion <»f the popu
Republic agalUMt both anarchy an«l Im perla I-
mission, submitted on Nov 2. 1M9W, Admiral latlon, which ha been loyal to hi , to the I- m
Dewey, one of Its members, .said:
cruelties of the guerrilla Insurgent bands.
The country ha* been fully advKe«l of tbe
“No Jillian«-«- of any kind was entered Into
purposes of the United State* In (’bina, and
De rim tils Cannot Be Met,
with Aguinuldo nor wa« any promise of In
they will be faithfully adhered to a* already
More
than
this,
we
are
asked
to
protect
dependence made to h m .it any time."
defined.
General Merritt arrived in the Philippines this minority In establishing a government,
Sufferers In Pekin.
on July 25, 1*98, and a dispatch from Ad­ and to this end repress all opp'Rdlon of the
majority. We are required to set up a sta
The nation Is filled with gratitude that th®
miral Dewey to the government at Wash
ble government In the Interest of those who llttl* band, among them many of our own
ington said:
"Merritt arrived yesterday
Situation Is have avsHiled our sovereignty and fired upon blood, who for two months bini been sub­
most critical at Manila. Tbe Spanish may our soldiers, and then maintain It at any jected to privations an«! peril by Ihe attacks
surrender at any m«»meut. Merritt's most I cost or sacrifice ngaiust Its enemies witbin of pitiless hordes at the Chinese capital, ex­
difficult problem will be how to «leal with and against those having ambitious designs hibiting supreme courage In the fa««- of de­
spair, have been enabled by God's favor t®
the Insurgents under Aguinaldo, who have from without.
This would require an army and navy far greet their rescuers and find »heller under
become nggresMve and ♦*veu threatening to
larger than Is now maintained in the Philip t heir own flag
ward our army."
The people not alone of thl* land, but of
Here if revealed the spirit of th* Insur- plues and -'till more In ex- ess of w hat will
gents a* early a* July, 1MJ8, before the pro- be necessary with the full recognition of our all land*, have watched and prate«! through
sovereignty.
A
military
support
of
author
­
the
terrible stress xn«! protracted ag«»ny' of
toeol was signed, whll e we were still *n
ity not our own, es thus prop« sed, Is the very
gaged in active war with Spain
Even then essence of militarism, which our opponents the helpless *iiff»»rern In Pekin. nn«l while
th* ‘ insurgents
. were ..
Mt
times
the dark tiding» seemed to make all
threatening our army.
In their platform oppose, but which by their hope vain, the rescuers never falter»-«! lu th»»
Filipino« Took No Part.
policy would of necessity b»* eHtabll-hed In heroic fulfillment of their noble tn«k. We
On Aug. 13 Manila w.is captured, and of Its most offienslve form.
are grateful to our own soldiers ami sailors
thi» and subsequeut events the Philippine
Ntid marines, and to all tbe brave men who,
No Premium on Murder.
commission says:
The American people will not make the though assembled under manv standards,
• Wheo the City of Manila was iak»*n. Aug
representing p -<»pb s and ra«-es » ratigrrs io
murderers
of
our
soldiers
Hie
agents
of
tbe
13, ibe Filipinos took no par in the attar«,
republic to convey the blessing-* of lll>erty country and spee»-h. were yet uniteti in the
but came following in with a vie w
sa< re»i mission of carrying succor to the be­
Ing the city and were on y preventer! from and order to the Philippine». They will not sieged, with » success that I» now >he vau*®
doing «0 by our forces preventing them from make them the builder» of the new common of a world'« rejoicing.
Such a course would be a l»et ray a I
entering
Agulnaldo « Ialine«) that he had ' wealth
Passititf of 7*ecti<MB«li«m.
the right to occupy th- «■lty. If»» drin.-iin.led of our tmered obligations to the peaceful Fill
of General Merritt the pala«e of M a I n « •a nan plnoK. a nd would place at the merry of dun I Not only have we reason for thanksgiving
gerous
adventurers
the
lives
and
properly
of
for our material blessings, but we should re­
for himself an«l : he ewslon
f fi
i he
churches of Manila, also that a part o f (he the natives ami foreigners. It would make joice In the complete unification of th«* peo-
money taik»*n from th* Spani■ r«h as >• poll* possible and easy tbe commlsMion of «uch ple <>f all sections of our country thul has
atrocities an were secretly planned, to be »«» happily develope«! In the last few yenrs
executed on the 22d of February. 1MW, In
i t»* f«>i iti M more perf»*« t union
I I.*
the City of Manila, when only the vigilance obliteratl«>u of old differences, the commo®
of our army prevented the attempt to nsNas «levoll«>n to the flag and tbe «“ommon sac­
tdnate our soldiers and ail foreigner* and rifices for Its honor, so ron»pl<'uously »how*
No Promises Marie.
pillage and destroy the city and its siitTonud by the men of tlie North and ftouth In the
«Jenera •« Merritt. Green* and Anderson. Ings
sp»ni»b war. have so strengthened th** Iles
who were in command at the beginning of
I m short, tbe proposition of those opposed of friendship an«l mutual respect that noth­
our occupation
pat Ion »nd
and until
<ntil ’he surrender of to us to continue all the obligations Io the ing < mu e\«-i Mgalti «llvltle ns,
Manila, state th»«
that there was no aillanc* Philippine» which now rest upon the govern
'I lie nnriou fs«-es tbg new century grate*
with the insurgent« and no premise t«> them nirnt. «mly changing tbe relation from prln full« and hopefully, with ln>-re»»lag love of
of lndependen«*e. On Aug 17. 1898. (Jenera! < ipal, which now exists, to that of surety. country, with firm fsltb In Its free Instltu
Merritt wa« instructed that there mn«t b* Our responsibility 1» to remain, but our pow lions, and with high resolve that they shall
er Is to be diminished
Our obligation Is to nut perish from the earth
no Joint <x*<*npstlon of Manila with the in
Very respect fit­
aurgeuia. General Auderaun, under date of 0« ao lea«, but our title is t« be surrendered ly your«»
WILLIAM MffINLKT.
Striking Phrases from President McKinley's Letter. <
State«.
"It la also my wish and expectation that
the commissioners may be received In a
manner due to the honored and authorized
representatives of the American Republic,
duly commissioned on account of their
knowledge, skill and integrity ns bearers of
the good will, the protection and the richest
blessings of a liberating rather than a con-
gutring nation."
On the 6th of February, 1899. the t rea ty
was, ratified by the Senate of the United
States, and the Congress immediately ap
proprlated $20,000,000 to carry out Its pro-
Feb. 10, 1900, says that he was present at
the interview between Admiral Dewey and
the insurgent leader, and that in this Inter
view Admiral Dewey made no promises
whatever. He adds:
"He (Agulnaldo) asked me If my govern
ment was going to recognize h!s govern
ment. 1 answered that I was th»»re simply
in a military capacity; that 1 could not ac-
knowledge his government, because I had Q0
authority to do so."