The Peril of the Republic of the United States of America - Percy T. Magan

Chapter 8
Manifest Destiny
Much is being said at the present time on the
subject of “manifest destiny.” Reflective minds,
however, are apt to consider that but a very small
portion of those using the term have the faintest
conception of its real meaning. It is generally
referred to in connection with exploitations
concerning a “divine mission,” a “providential
call,” a “summons to duty,” and “responsibility
thrust upon us.” In the majority of cases, moreover,
when “manifest destiny” is talked about, it is
embedded in an atmosphere of mystery; it is talked
about as being something wise, wonderful, and
divine, altogether too deep for the common people
to understand.
It is commonly argued that the present position
of the United States, in and in regard to, the
Philippines has been “thrust upon us,” that it is a
part of our “responsibility as a world-power,”
which our own greatness forces us to accept; that
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