The application of this principle excludes Spain from the Philippines, and their des- [NOTE: gap in original] been committed by the failure of war to our hands.

There is no nation that will dispute our peaceable possession of the Philippines.

Any other nation's proprietorship will be challenged.
Our authoritative presence in the islands will be a guarantee of peace.
Any other assertion of supremacy will be the signal for war.

Our assumption of sovereignty over the islands would quickly establish tranquility.

Any other disposition of the burning questions now smoldering will cause an outburst of the flames of warfare.