Question

5 multiple choice 1 point
there is no reason whatever why we cannot administer the philippines in a manner satisfactory to their people as well as to ourselves. ... they are near the center of the great lines of commerce from the east to the west. ... the whole world sees in china a splendid market for our native products—our timber, our locomotives, our rails, our coal oil, ... and numberless other articles ... the philippines are a foothold for us in the far east. their possession gives us standing and influence. it gives us also valuable trade both in exports and imports.
—charles denby, \shall we keep the philippines?\ in forum, november 1898

which of these actions is best supported by the excerpt?
returning control of the philippines to spain
granting independence to the people of the philippines
holding on to the philippines as an american possession
handing the philippines over to another european power.
clear my selection

Explanation:

The excerpt argues that controlling the Philippines benefits the U.S. by providing access to East Asian markets, trade advantages, and regional influence, directly supporting retaining it as an American possession. The other options (returning to Spain, granting independence, handing to another power) contradict the pro-ownership stance of the text.

Answer:

holding on to the Philippines as an American possession