The American Occupation of the Philippines 1898-1912

The author, drawing on service as an officer and later as a judge during the American military occupation of the Philippines, narrates events of the occupation and analyzes its political, legal, and economic consequences. He describes military actions including the capture of native leaders, administration and courts under U.S. authority, and the effects of American legislation on local industries such as hemp, sugar, and tobacco. Arguing that the people are capable of self-government, he criticizes colonial policy and special-interest motives, warns of strategic and moral costs of indefinite control, and urges a formal legislative declaration and a timely transfer of sovereignty to a native republican government.