This platform fears that the american governors in the phillipines want to get rid of “the spirit of 1776” in the islands. what does this mean?

It means that the party the excerpt is talking about fears that the American ruling party action against the people`s desire for freedom and independence.

Explanation:

The spirits of 1776 are often identified as an intention to seek freedom, liberty independence and the ability to become responsible for their destiny. So the phrase states that the party in topic fear that the American Rulers try to stop that desire of freedom, liberty, and independence. Because that would take the power away from them, and the American Rulers will not want that. Suggesting that the party of concern likes that spirit and wishes it prevails in people, so they can act and take the power away from the Americans.

b. native americans them