On the record
Some say a war to extend freedom in Cuba or elsewhere is right, and therefore a duty; but the war in the Philippines now is purely selfish, and therefore a crime.
Said by
Whitelaw Reid
Source
gutenberg.orgWhitelaw Reid: “Some say a war to extend freedom in Cuba or elsewhere is right, and therefore a duty; but the war in the Philippines now…”
Editor's note · Context
Reid critiques the motivations behind the war in the Philippines, contrasting it with the idea of extending freedom.
Share
More from Whitelaw Reid
Never was there a problem more serious or difficult than that which is now before the Nation, as to this race, whose destiny has been confided to the wisdom and honor of our Government.
It has proved, also, that universal suffrage is the surest guarantee and most powerful stimulus of individual, social and political progress.
Our national experience has demonstrated that public order reposes most securely on the broad base of universal suffrage.
And it is both natural and right that colored Americans, entitled to the rights of citizens, should claim their exercise.