Rensselaer Journal, Volume 11, Number 22, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 November 1901 — To Curb Filipino Agitators. [ARTICLE]

To Curb Filipino Agitators.

There was a public discussion before the Philippine commission of the draft of the act against treason and sedition. Many prominent Filipinos were present. Vice Governor Wright explained the object of the bill, saying that the Spanish code was unsatisfactory. “There are a number of people living in the Philipines,” remarked Mr. Wright, “who, so long as there is no punishment for treason, will take advantage of the fact to clog the wheels of the insular government. It must not be overlooked that turbulent spirits exist in the pacified provinces. The masses of the people are susceptible to inflammatory utterances and liable to be influenced by scheming demagogues. It would be inexcusable weakness on the part of the commission to allow the to be aroused to deeds of violence who are now gradually drifting to the pursuits of peace. No Temporising with Traitors. “The recent renewed attempts at insurrection in the Island of Samar and the Province of Batangas (Luzon) and at a few other points, due to noisy Filijjino agitators, have caused a feeling of unrest in the minds of both Filipinos and Americans, and the effect of the continuance would be to make impossible the very things these agitators claim they most desire. Such endeavors serve to recruit the ranks of the insurgents and to postpone the era of good feeling and fellowship which must come. No excuse exists for secret political organizations. Their intent must be evil. No matter what may have been the opinions of the Fillipinos regarding the sovereignty of the American government, the fact remains that the Americans are here, and moreover here they intend to stay.” The bill was then read in Spanish.