| Show + DISPOSITION OF THE PHILIPPINES PHILIP-PINES Some naners are assuming that the Philippine Islands are already a part of the United States the assumption is absurd and wholly unwarranted The facts in the case are that Commodore Dewey has annihilated the Spanish fleet in the orient silenced the de fenoes of Manila and put the place practically under American control The possession of the islands during war time and as the result of naval operations does not convey title Of course possession of them will be kept during hostilities but their eventual disposition is a factor in the final negotiations ne-gotiations for peace all that is matter for future consideration S But Deweys brilliant victory and possession of Manila has created much talk and probably some sentiment in favor of a permanent holding of the islands as colonies This country has no use for the Philippines beyond a coaling and naval station The population popula-tion is of the very character that congress con-gress has been so solicitous to exclude ex-clude from the United States it could never be Americanized and it is doubtful doubt-ful if it can be civilized Even If it could be it would not be a desirable thing to retain the islands They are distant from our shores some eight thousand miles For colonies we have no need our own country is so vast so sparsely settled throughout a vast extent of it its resources are so great I and so undeveloped that we need more people the United States will have non no-n ed for colonies into which to pour a surplus population for a century at least they can accommodate several hundred million before that time comes When the war shall have ceased and the terms of peace are being arranged will be the proper time for determining determin-ing what the final disposition of the I Philippines shall be There will be Indemnity In-demnity to be made by Spain and they will play an important part In it quite likely they are a splendid card to hold in reserve |
