The Americans are greatly disturbed by " revelations " from
the Philippines. A revolt in the island of Samar was recently suppressed with what seemed commendable skill and vigour, but it is now alleged that the general in command " ordered " what were practically massacres, which included male children, and that officers eager for information employed the old torture of the Inquisition, pouring into the throats of their victims enormous quantities of water. It is also affirmed that the frauds committed in hiring transport at San Francisco were enormous, something like ten millions being wasted in consequence of bribes given to Officials by the shipowners. The latter story is conceivable, as America has no permanent Civil Service, and the hastily chosen employes for exceptional work, being liable to dis- missal, are under great temptation to make money while they can; but the former—i.e., the story of massacre and torture wholly opposed to American character, and we are not inclined to accept it without better evidence than has yet been produced. The murder charge is said, however, to be proved by a statement made by a Major Waller at his trial by Court-Martial. The accused, in answer to the charge of shooting natives, declared that he acted under the orders of his General. The War Office in Washington, when asked for information, declared that they must suspend judgment till complete proof is obtained. If it is, the action of the United States Government should be prompt and severe. We tried, and on conviction shot, officers guilty of the murder of enemies, and we trust and believe that the American Govern- ment will not be less careful to maintain the strictest standard of justice. But, of course, the investigation of the facts must be of the most searching kind.
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