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AMERICAN WOMEN IN THE EAST 195
waterways, wharves, public buildings, fortifications,
etc., but neglected to preserve a
tone with their people which is decent and
dignified.
The Japanese openly boast to-day that
America is but building up the Philippines
preparatory to Japan's occupation. The
Japanese declare that they can take the
Philippines from the Americans any morning
" before breakfast."
When America took the Philippines from
Spain, President McKinley, addressing a
religious gathering at the White House,
Washington, on November 21, 1899, said :
"
Before you go I should just like to say
a word about the Philippine business.
When I realised that the Philippines
had dropped into our lap, I confess
that I did not know what to do with
them. I sought counsel from all sides
Democrats as well as Republicans
but got little help. I thought first we
would take only Manila, then Luzon,
then other islands, perhaps, also. I
walked the floor of the White House
night after night, and I am not ashamed
to tell you, gentlemen, that I went down
on my knees and prayed Almighty God
for light and guidance more than one
night.
" And one night late it came to me this
way I don't know how it was, but it
came : (1) that we could not give them