THE DISPOSITION OF THE PHILIPPINES 



The following forcible article by Mr Charles E. Howe is taken 

 from The Financial Review of May 27 : 



What commercial benefits can accrue to any European nation in pur- 

 chasing these islands which will not accrue to us? Since we are well 

 able to retain them,, would it not be a short-sighted policy to dispose of 

 them? With Hawaii and the Philippines, we shall control the trade of 

 the Pacific. With Japan as our ally and England as our friend, we have 

 nothing to fear from other foreign nations. What claim can any power 

 advance, or by what right can they demand that our government evacu- 

 ate these islands ? None ! 



Our government can no longer pursue a policy of isolation. The times 

 demand that we take our rightful position among the nations of the 

 world, and especially in the unfolding commercial possibilities of the 

 East. There await untold advantages to the nation which encourages 

 the awakening of the Orient from its long sleep and assists it in taking 

 a prominent part in its trade relations with other nations. Are we to re- 

 fuse to seize this golden opportunity and allow some European power to 

 outwit us? We cannot afford to barter away our newly acquired terri- 

 tory for a few pieces of silver. 



What other form of government will do more to civilize these natives 

 than our own ? It may be said, " What shall we do with the natives of 

 these islands?" I may ask, "What will any other nation do with 

 them ? " What are we to do with the natives of Hawaii ? What of our 

 responsibilities with the inhabitants of Cuba and Porto Eico ? Our re- 

 sponsibilities will be practically the same in all these cases. The truth 

 is, we are face to face with a new foreign policy for America. We must 

 meet it and not shirk it ! 



The welfare of our nation lies largely in the development of our trade 

 with the nations south of us and the countries of the far East. We can- 

 not hope for any wonderful expansion of our manufacturing trade with 

 Europe. From the West Indies, South America, China, and Japan we 

 can rightfully expect a marvelous growth of trade, and especially a de- 

 mand for our various manufactured goods. 



We shall find that this war will result in untold advantages to the 

 United States. Our aim was to banish Spain from the Western conti- 

 nent and free an oppressed people. Our reward is the unexpected ac- 

 quirement of territory and control of the trade of the Antilles, and a 

 foothold in the development of the Orient. If Spain never pays our 

 government a farthing for the cost of this war, still we shall be well re- 

 paid in a very few years from the revenues to be derived from these 

 several countries. 



Our policy in the future must be an aggressive one. Our markets 

 must be the world and our base of supplies the United States. All 

 Europe recognizes this newer policy as the only true one for the healthy 

 growth of nations. From a political, naval, and industrial standpoint, 

 we must retain our new territory. 



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