We question if the accounts from the Philippines accurately represent
the governing facts. Those accounts must come originally from leading natives, and the leading natives want to persuade the Americans that "the people" insist upon independence. In reality they are persuading the people, who seek only "bread and justice," in order to retain all power in their own hands. If the Americans go on quietly, pat down open resistance without cruelty, remedy grand
defects of tenure, and make life and property secure, they will find the islanders easy enough to govern. At present, it is said that " a rabid irreconcilable," partly paralysed, is guid- ing the islanders of Luzon, that an insurrection against Ameri- cans is about to break out at Iloilo (capital of Panay), and that the Tagals, the dominant caste, are determined to possess at least all the islands except Luzon. The Americans are a little alarmed at these reports, bat they have issued orders to put down all resistance, and we have little doubt that when their Governor fully understands the situation he will find that a native army, called probably a native police, will be ample protec- tion for life and property. It mast not be forgotten that, while the number of the islands rather embarrasses the central authority, it makes all insurrections local. This was the protection of Spanish rule, and the American armed boats will be much more efficient than the Spanish.
