Letters: Dec. 5, 1927

  • (5 of 8)

    What I know about the Philippine Islands has been gathered from residence therein during 20-odd years, covering most of the time from the American occupation up until the present year, and I have noticed that the conclusions of those from "Universities Afloat" who made a "threeday stay," and various biased politicians from the days of William Jennings Bryan down to more recent afflictions, who have stayed anywhere from three days to three weeks, are much more emphatic and cover more territory than those who have struggled with the problem in all its bewildering phases for 29 years. . . .

    If a vote could be taken of all the Americans who have sojourned in the Philippine Islands for two years or more during the period of American occupation, I venture the assertion that 90% would agree on certain fundamental points. The temerity and absurdity of shooting a "threeday" opinion in the face of such unanimity is apparent. One Francis Burton Harrison essayed to ignore the opinions of all Americans resident in the Philippines, as well as the written instructions of the Secretary of War, and he found that he had been looking down the wrong end of the telescope. Not only did his political ideas collapse in ruins but such personal standing as he had as well. And the Filipinos called Harrison the "democratic" Governor and the "autocratic" man.

    Everyone in any way connected with possessions of more or less backward people, of this or any other nation, knows that such possession carries with it racial problems of extreme difficulty, which have to be approached with respect for the legal and ethical rights of the subject people and also with due regard to the racial prejudices existing on both sides of the fence. That these prejudices are real and in some particulars vital, any resident of Mississippi, California, or Manila can explain. They require statesmanlike consideration, not "threeday" vaporings. These things may appear different in Dubois, Wyoming but in Singapore, Saigon, or Manila a condition must be faced and dealt with, empty ballyhoo will not suffice.

    Everyone in Manila heard or read the speech of the Naval Officer referred to by Mr. Underwood. Mr. Underwood has grossly misrepresented that speech.

    At no time was independence urged upon him, he states. Well !

    Leonard Wood needs no defender, but the expression "inexplicable lack of consideration for them," regarding a man who gave his life in their service when the whole world knows that he could have pursued easier and softer roads, betrays colossal ignorance and bias.

    They "crashed" the Army & Navy Club so probably they "crashed" someone's dinner party at the Manila Hotel in order to make the disputed introductions. Ill manners should not be advertised.

    Something of value will come in due time, no doubt, from the discussion of the Philippine question but it is a matter that requires vision and understanding and some knowledge of the subject.

    E.G. ABRY

    Berkeley, Calif.

    Reply to Rapp

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