The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1897-12-27
THE SIN DOMINGO PARALLEL.

backed by all the great influence OF President
Grant, beaten. Thereupon Senator Nor
ton OF Indiana offered joint resolution for appoint
ment Of an intermediate commission to report on the
island To this the House added proviso that the
resolution should in no way commit Congress to the
annexation OF San Domingo. During these pro-
ceedngs there free discussion Of the power OF
Congress to annex foreign territory by joint
luton The Texas case was enormously cited then
it is now.
The late Allen C. Thurman had some reputation
a constitutional lawyer in fact he was regarded
the strongest lawyer in the United States Senate In
discussing this proposition during the first session
OF the Forty-third Congress he said
There is no clause in the constitution of the
United States which provides for the acquisition of
territory by joint resolution of Congress- unless be
one single provision, and that is that the Congress
may admit new States into the Union 1t was upon
the argument that there is no limitation upon that
power to admit States into the Union that
not limited to territory belonging to the United
States, but that territory belonging to a foreign
power might be admitted into the Union a State,
that the Joint resolution in the of Texas
passed. But no has pretended that you
could by joint resolution territory terri
tory without admitting it State. You cannot by
Joint resolution San Domingo as territory
You must annex her as State if you her by
Joint resolution"
1t remains to be seen how many Senators pro-
pose to disrespect the constitution and how many
to remember their official oath when they vote on
the Morgan proposition to annex Hawaii by reso-
luton. The Hawaiian planters are playing for high
stakes but it is hardly probable that they make
this country byword by forcing themselves into it
on such conditions as leave them all the sugar and
give US all the thistles.
Considered merely as question Of expedency, an
nexaton has standing when viewed In the light OF
American interests. But when considered from the
standpoint of our constitution becomes repulsve
1t is noteworthy that the San Domingo Commits
sion was ordered to investigate and report 'on the
desire and disposition of the people TO become an
nexed to the United States"
At that time Baez the President OF San Domingo,
was considered usurper, held in power by display
OF Our naval force in those waters. His antagonist,
Cabral had the people with him in opposition to the
schemes of Baez including the sale of the country to
the United States. 1t continually asserted that
If we did not take San Domingo Cabral would dis
pose of it to some European power. The reader will
note the recurrence OF each incident in the present
attempt to annex Hawaii.
The people of that country do not want annexa-
ton Senator Morgan attempted to dispose of that
by saying at is not policy to consult the natives
of any country we want to annex" That this is not
true is shown by the solemn act of Congress order
ing commission to ascertain the desire and DISPOSE
ton of the people of San Domingo If precedents
are to be followed let them be followed.
| In 1904 while discussing the Wilson tariff, Senator
Morgan said: eff Iwere Hawaiian | never would
claim annexation to the United States-never 1
would make Hawaii the Switzerland in the Pacific
Ocean that Switzerland is in Europe protected by
all the nations of the earth perfectly able to take
OF herself under all circumstances and OF the heaviest
population that go there.
! The Senator has not favored the world with any
reason for his change Of view. He is willing
to trample upon the Federal constitution, the rights
OF the Hawaans and the interests of white labor all
| III one grand war dance.
! The country has right to expect that Senators
who have taken an oath to protect and defend the
constitution will point out the section of that nstr-
ment under which they by joint resolu-
ton, or at all Senator Morgan has bill ready to
authorize annexation by resolution. Putting a bill
between joint resolution and the Constitution will
not break the blow aimed at the fundamental law
What spectacle do present to the world in this
proposition Of the Alabama Senator! We appear not
only as destroyer OF the autonomy of small nation
against the wish Of its people, but also the de-
stroyer of our own constitution in order to consum-
mate the wrong.
So long as a man is in good health he can get