Editor’s Table: The Philippine Problem

EDITOR^S TABLE. THE PHILIPPINE PROBLEM. If the American people a few months ago could have seen as clearly as they now see the effects of taking possession of the Philippine Islands, it is doubtful if the event would have been hailed with such universal joy as it was. Not that we would detract from the glory of Admiral Dewey's achievement on that memorable 1st day of May, 1898. The glory of that victory will never fade. It will be a matter of pride [and an inspiration to Americans through 'all [the throng of the ages. But it is quite likely that there will always be a deep regret that after completely destroying the Spanish fleet the American ^Admiral did not sail away without so much as looking fback. Of course it is to be admitted that we do not yet know all the obligations Admiral Dewey felt himself under to the Insurgents on the Philippine Islands; but if there'' were no obligations directly entered into or that could be reasonably implied on the part of the Insurgents — then it is truly to be regretted that Manila Bay was not as suddenly deserted by our war ships as it had been entered by them. By taking that course surely we would have been rid of many perplexing problems which will now doubtless exist to plague us for some time to come. As matters now stand, the American fleet remaining and with the co-operation of the land forces having taking possession of the city of Manila, and dispossessing the Spaniards of the government of the islands—our government unquestionably stands responsible to

the civilized world for the maintenance of order and good government in the Philippines. And this responsibility is emphasized by the United States Senate's ratification of the treaty of peace formulated at Paris by the American and Spanish Commissioners. That treaty was ratified by the Senate on the 6th of February by a vote of fifty-seven to twenty-seven; and by that act—provided the Spanish Cortes also ratifies the treaty on the part of the Spanish government, concerning which no doubts can be entertained—the government of the United States becomes still more directly responsible for the preservation of order and good government in the Philippines; for now—that is as soon as the Spanish government gets through with the formality of ratifying the treaty—the Philippines are the possessions of the United States, and future American statesmanship must of necessity provide either for their permanent retention as part of the territory of the United States, or else make some suitable disposition of them. It is just this that will perplex our people and very likely divide them on the question of policy to be pursued with reference to these new possessions. The most likely disposition of them will be the formation of a Philippine Republic under the protectorate of the United States, to be followed by indemnification to our government for the expense incurred in coming into possession of the islands; but ultimate and absolute independence of the Philippine Republic, with no further ties connecting it with the United States of America than those dictated by a grateful remembrance of the part we took in bringing to pass their freedom and independence. THE PROMPTER. Apropos the articles on agnosticism which have appeared of late in the Era we chance to remember that some years ago, at a banquet, we believe, Colonel Robert G. Ingersoll in speaking of the late Lawrence Barrett, said: " In the drama of life we are all actors, and no one knows his part. No prompter's voice is heard and none knows what the next scene is to