It is evident that the delay in conquering the Philippines
will have serious political consequences in America. Those who oppose the annexation of the islands are now joined by those who believe the war to be mismanaged, and the disposi- tion of both is to attack the President. Mr. Whitelaw Reid, the proprietor of the Tribune, for instance, who was, and is, entirely in favour of the annexation, has travelled into Ohio to make a speech furiously condemning Mr. McKinley for his long delay in occupying Luzon, which gave Aguinaldo time to cement his authority and organise his forces. The unsatis- factory character of the fighting, too, wearies Americans, who are, moreover, suspicious that the truth is withheld from them, all private messages from Manila being subjected to a severe censorship, which is wholly at variance with American ways. The effect of all this, and of the President's refusal to remove Mr. Alger, his incompetent Minister of War, it is said, will be that twenty-five thousand more Volunteers will be sent to the Philippines, and that Mr. McKinley will lose his nomination for a second term. The delay was probably un- wise, but may be explained by waiting for reinforcements, and though the mismanagement of the war is certain, it is probably due either to local incapacity or to the inexperience of the officers engaged. As we understand the accounts, General Otis has been allowed a completely free hand. Mr. McKinley's popularity is, however, for the present impaired.
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