General Funston

            
             The point that Mark Twain's A Defense of General Funston makes is quite clear and valid. He says that the use of force or war was always the US's strategy and intention in dealing with the Philippines. Twain also challenges General Funston about his killing nature that he has developed. Pointing out that Funston's scheme has been employed by war and stands acquitted of blame by history. Funston is referred to as a Brigadier-General who persuades couriers to betray. These points that Twain makes are not far off the mark from what Funston's overall attitude was about the conflict on the Philippines. .
             It is not justifiable to completely take the US's side in this whole matter. Sure it is true that the Filipinos needed help to sort out a functional government. However, pointing a gun at them and saying, "you need to do things our way or else- was over the line as far as a friendly attitude is concerned. Funston's approach degraded the Philippines of its heritage. Funston shamed the Filipinos of their culture that even the Spanish respected. Above all Funston turned a matter that was supposed to be dealt with cordially and turned it messy.
             Funston's ignorance was highlighted by Twain when he states that it was not Funston's fault that he was the way he was. Obviously Twain had a facetious aura about him when he talked about Funston. When Twain says things like it was not Funston's fault that he did not make his own dispositions. Dispositions such as Funston's ideals and comrades he associated with. The facetious tone reinforces Funston's character and personality. Funston was a ruthless general during his time commanding military in the Philippines. Twain's strong words showed Funston's brutality when it came to dealing with Filipinos. The statement about Funston assassinating the welcomers while their hands were still warm from the friendly handshake reinforces the brutality.