CHAPTER VIII.
Why We Hold the Philippines.
The Responsibility of Admiral Dewey--We Owe It to Ourselves to Hold the Philippines--Prosperity Assured by Our Permanent Possession--The Aguinaldo Question--Character Study of the Insurgent Leader--How Affairs Would Adjust Themselves for Us--Congress Must Be Trusted to Represent the People and Firmly Establish International Policy.
If Admiral Dewey, after obeying the order of the President to destroy the Spanish fleet at Manila, had steamed away and sought a station to get coal to drive him somewhere else, there would have been no Philippine question on the other side of the world from Washington City.

The Admiral desired to keep open telegraphic communication, and made a proposition to that effect, but the Spanish authorities curtly refused.

Then the cable was cut by order of the Admiral, a section removed, and both ends marked by buoys.

Reflection caused the Spaniards to regret that they had not consented to keep open the cable, that it might be used under restrictions by both belligerents.

They mentioned their change of mind, and were told they were too late.