While in Honolulu, _en route_ to Manila, Mr. Harrison gave out an
interview, which I am credibly informed he has since confirmed in
substance. It contained the following statement:--
"For years I have been of the minority in Congress and have seen
the Democrats kicked about, trampled upon, and otherwise manhandled
by Republicans, so that I must confess it now gives me a saturnine
pleasure to see the Democrats in a position to do the same thing to
the Republicans."
His early official acts after arrival at Manila confirmed the belief
that this was indeed the spirit in which he was facing the grave
responsibilities which there confronted him.
It is beyond doubt or cavil that high ideals heretofore have prevailed
in the Philippine Civil Service. Are they now to be substituted by
the methods of the ward politician?
In its report for 1901 the Philippine Commission said:--
"The civil service law has been in operation since our last report,
and we see no reason to change our conclusion as to the absolute
necessity for its existence, and strict enforcement. Without this law
American government in these Islands is, in our opinion, foredoomed
to humiliating failure."
I signed that report. I have not since seen any reason to change
my mind.
Pages:
479
480
481
482
483
484
485
486
487
488
489
490
491
492
493
494
495
496
497
498
499
500
501
502
503