Document 20.8 Anti-Imperialism Letter, 1899

Document 20.8

Anti-Imperialism Letter, 1899

What began in 1898 as a conflict to free the Philippines from Spanish control quickly became a struggle to subdue Filipino rebels intent on establishing their own government. The following letter was written to the Springfield (Massachusetts) Republican just one month after the new Philippine Republic declared war on the United States. The brutality of the fighting caused many Americans to question the motives and methods of U.S. imperial aspirations.

To The Editor of the Republican:

I cannot longer hold my peace, though only a woman. I am thankful to see today that the business men (some of them, I should say) have started a plan for the cessation of this murderous, cowardly, dastardly war. Also I saw yesterday that Gamaliel Bradford [an American writer and poet] has volunteered to speak in the same just and holy cause wheresoever needed. This is the thing I have longed to see done weeks and weeks ago. The “peace” treaty never would have been ratified if the nation had been waked up to the meaning of its iniquity. Speaking everywhere is needed, such as we had at the beginning of the civil war, giving light to the thousands that now do not care. “It is no business of theirs.” “Congress will take care,” they say, reading the papers that hurrah for McKinley. What do they know about it? They don’t feel the burden much yet. Taxes are bad enough, but those that must come with the McKinley policy long continued, they don’t feel yet. It is healthy for all they see out there, none of theirs have died, and it’s only the Filipinos mostly that are killed: and we are to be a “bigger country.” What the whole country needs is to rouse the people, that they demand that this sin shall cease, that America’s shame may be wiped out ere it is too late!

I blush for my sisters who call themselves “Colonial Dames,” “Daughters of the Revolution,” “Abraham Lincoln circle of the Ladies of the Grand Army,” and such patriotic sounding titles, where is their claim to such? In all these months of anxiety and anguish never one word of protest have I heard of their breathing! They have gathered for various social reasons and held good times, but the solemn duties and responsibilities that should be their first concern seem to have been utterly ignored. Cannot they be induced to begin likewise an appeal in every place where their orders exist, signed by every woman who has at heart the love of her country and its true honor. Only that something should be done! While we wait the islanders are being murdered by hundreds and a price put on the head of their brave leader!

J. W. P.

Source: Letter to the editor, Springfield Republican, March 16, 1899.