What planted us in the Philippines was the use of our power in the most efficient naval and military defense then available for our own institutions where they already exist, against the attack of Spain.
Reid explains the justification for American presence in the Philippines as a defense of American institutions against Spain.
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It has proved, also, that universal suffrage is the surest guarantee and most powerful stimulus of individual, social and political progress.
They should persist in this claim respectfully, but firmly, taking care to bring no discredit upon it by their own action.
Ordinarily the simple performance of duty is so blessed of God, that men who live in the doing of it, are the best off, in all respects, even in this world.
They should strive for distinction by economy, by industry, by sobriety, by patient perseverance in well-doing, by constant improvement of religious instruction, and by the constant practice of Christian virtues.