Marietta daily leader. (Marietta, Ohio) 1895-1906, 1898-12-09
The Enquirer's Opinion on the Phil
ippine Question,


We append the opinlon-of the Cincin-
natl Enquirer regarding the much
talked of Philippine question. While
it opposes the aequisitiFi of the is
lands as. permanent territory it en-
dorses every step the administration
has taken. ~, rs ,u;.se u
=" The Enquirer says: 1t is assumed
Z, universally in the current discussion
of the question of annexation, expan-
sion and Imperialism, as it is inter-
1 .changeably designated, and by those
who favor or oppose the ratification of
the treaty agreed to at Paris between
UtthekUnited States and Spain, that such
ratification necessarily involves the
'frreVocable incorporation of the Phil
1 ippfnes as part of our territory, and
as our government is said to'exist only
by virtue of the constitution, carries
with it citizenship and all its priv
ileges to all their inhabitants--becagse
.the co4tfe,ftion must cover all terri
tory thattEe govern, We doi not so
understand it.
The URited States is a sovereign pow
er, clothed with all the attributes of
complete sovereignty, and may acquire
territory on any terms 1T may deem
fit or eXpedient. In no previous case
of acquisition has the consent of those
to tbk gotefdhed been sought, nor has
ressdenceAiA pur. territory been deemed
under the soh5tltution as conferring the
rights Of citizenship. Witness the sta
tus of the Indians. We treated with
them as sovereign nations, acquirea
their territory, . and have since gov
erened them wi Iout their being citi-
zens. Do not those who beWail the
downfall of the constitution as the re-
suit Of the treaty forget this? 1t win
not, however, follow from the ratifi-
cation of the treaty that we are com
mitted to the Incorporation of the
Philippines into our body polite, Civ.
ing to their people civil rights identi-
cal with our own. We entered upon a
war for humanity and the extension of
free institutions, and while its declared
object was limited to remedying the
existing conditions in Cuba, if in the
prosecution of the war. striking the
armed enemy wherever found, another
land even more oppressed than Cuba
came under our military control we are
equally bound in our own conscience
and good morals to give it relief. In
view of the fact that we had invited
insurgents to become our allies, and
of the unQfestioned aueity and, on
preston ofspain, @eN-ould not nm
lem back to her, nor could we after
having destroyed SPANS power. cut
the Islands loose from ourselves to
drife into inevitable anarchy. Those
VINO are criticising the action of the
Administration most when asked what
tney would do, have so far made no
answer. In forcing Spain to cede their
sovereignty in the Philippines, though
ulherent in form from the reouire-
ments rs to CuDa the practical effect
Is the same-Spain 'withdraws" from
cuba, and meanwhile whatever fine
spun theory may be advanced. the SOW
ereignty is lodged with us and we are
responsible for whatever happens.
The same thing. no more, no less is
true OF the Philippines and there is no
reason why when the treaty lis ratified |
precisely the same course should not
De pursued as to both dependencies
We must Immediately establish in
both countries a strong, just military
government, and malntaiif it,,until |
such time as ii become redi !5Snobiv |
certain that the people can set up Sta
BILE and civilized institutions lof MAR
own This may be large contract
but we have undertaken ii. 9ah1d when |
we accomplish Il we shall, ii Il. thsn
seems best, DE free to withdraw from
both countries. extending over them.
perhaps, 70 a sin later period a friend
y d 5orafeE Discussed from this
'o|nt 81 view me tre aiy' taiscs no spec.
es 81 imperialism. 'pul holds out to rs