Show THE philippine PROBLEM the question seems at last to have taken definite shape in the negotiations ot of the peace commissioners the united states representatives have demanded the cession of the entire group and expressed the willingness of their government to relm autee spain to the extent of her pacific expenditures in the islands this proposition deenis flair from an american point at view undoubtedly pacific expenditures can be made m ade wide enough to cover about all the archipelago is in worth to spain it means virtually a purchase of the territory a transaction which no other nation would have engaged in af after ter first having acquired the rights that belong to a conqueror but spain it seems does not take that view of 0 it the madrid government is sald said to be surprised at the demand and popular sentiment is in favor of 0 a vigorous protest it is undoubtedly the of the spaniards to protest though by so doing they de d not serve the their best interests administration ay the policy of the administration ministration has not been determined upon t a mature consideration of all the questions involved it has haa been ascertained that the american people demands a settlement of 0 the philippine quest question lon in accordance with the dictates of humanity it has also been clearly proved that the natives are not averse to american rule while they protest against being handed back to the tender mercy of their former masters these considerations it seems have determined the government in its attitude in this matter and no protest by spain can serve any other purpose than delaying for a short time the inevitable the difficulties in effecting better conditions in the PhIlIpp philippine Inq islands are not believed to be insurmountable reforms aiming at the lightening of o f the heavy burdens of taxation t would ea at onoe once e create confidence and ald aid in the establishment of cordial rela relations Alons between the natives and the americana Ameri Amerl caa cand good roads and good schools are needed and funds should be set apart tor such purposes it la Is said that at present there are innumerable laws some contradicting others and that thai a precedent can be found for almost anything thas irn unsatisfactory satisfactory state of affairs oan can and aind must be remedied the natives na AiVes must learn the difference between arbitrary administration ot at law jaw and justice it has been pointed out by a writer in the century magazine that soune some of the spanish priests 1 in n the PhIlip philippines are really super superior loor men who have accomplished complis hed much goodbub good but that mandof the parishes in the islands are in the hands ot of friars many of o f whom are ignorant borant beyond bellef belief awl not only ig niora borant mt but given to asne these are known to practice extortion interfere with the execution ot o t the I laws aws and to vio violate laite them openly when it serves their purpose the result is demoralization in the communities they control such conditions must receive immediate attention under american rule it must be made plain that no man Is above the laws iowa and that not even a friars robe is sacred if it te Is made a cover for licentiousness it cannot be doubted that the of the united states in bhat far dipay region is a difficult one but it te is mot mat impossible of accomplishment that t it will result in success is cert certain edn wr 9 ir even an ignorant igno ramt people soon oon learna 1 earns to know its benefactor and this in much can st ait let least toe be said if americal Ameri caa methods are una unavailing no other methods will have the desired resul ree tIL if the united states cannot undertake the task bask of civilizing asemis a seail barbarous race wo 00 other country need make the attempt then will have town to fess that it te 19 failure |