No higher grade of public officials ever handled the affairs of any colony than the public officials who in succession governed the Philippines.
With the possible exception of the Sudan, and not even excepting Algiers, I know of no country ruled and administered by men of the white race where that rule and that administration have been exercised so emphatically with an eye single to the welfare of the natives themselves.

The English and Dutch administrators of Malaysia have done admirable work; but the profit to the Europeans in those States has always been one of the chief elements considered; whereas in the Philippines our whole attention was concentrated upon the welfare of the Filipinos themselves, if anything to the neglect of our own interests.
I do not believe that America has any special beneficial interest in retaining the Philippines.

Our work there has benefited us only as any efficiently done work performed for the benefit of others does incidentally help the character of those who do it.

The people of the islands have never developed so rapidly, from every standpoint, as during the years of the American occupation.

The time will come when it will be wise to take their own judgment as to whether they wish to continue their association with America or not.