On
the contrary, interests and duty would require us to abandon
both Manila and Cadiz. No place for colonial administration
or government of subject people in American system. So much
from standpoint of interest; but even conceding all benefits
claimed for annexation, we thereby abandon the infinitely
greater benefit to accrue from acting the part of a great,
powerful, and Christian nation; we exchange the moral grandeur
and strength to be gained by keeping our word to nations of
the world and by exhibiting a magnanimity and moderation in
the hour of victory that becomes the advanced civilization
we claim, for doubtful material advantages and shameful stepping
down from high moral position boastfully assumed. We should
set example in these respects, not follow in the selfish and
vulgar greed for territory which Europe has inherited from
mediaeval times. Our declaration of war upon Spain was accompanied
by a solemn and deliberate definition of our purpose. Now
that we have achieved all and more than our object, let us
simply keep our word. Third article of the protocol leaves
everything concerning the control of the Philippine Islands
to negotiation between the parties.
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