The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-09-09
CHAMBERLAIN is FRANK
BRITISH COLONIAL SECRETARY
GIVES REPORTER POINTS.
Discusses the Question of United
States Acquiring Colonies and How
They Should Be Governed.

NEW YORK, Sept S.-The Tribune says:
Joseph Chamberlain said frankly to a
Tribune reporter that the treaty with Ger
many had actually been signed, thus maxi
ing it known to the world for the first time
that such an alliance had been made Dis
patches from England yesterday made 1T
clear that in that country ii was still a
matter of conjecture whether there was any
true basis for the reports that England and
Germany had come to an understanding.
Moreover, while not stating it in so many
words. for the reason, as he explained, that
he did not wish to appear presumptuous,
Mr.. Chamberlain made it clear that the En-
glish government favors the retention of the
Philippines by the United States When
Mr.. Chamberlain was asked as to the opin-
ion he held regarding the most advanta-
geous course which the United States could
pursue respecting the Philippines he replied
diploma tictuly:
However much would like to talk upon
this matter must not do so, for the SIM
pie and sufficient reason that anything I
might say in that direction might seem like
giving advice or suggestion to the United
states by a foreign statesman, and that.
besides being invidious, would be imperti-
nent''
Leaving, thereupon, the direct line of in.
Quiry, MIR. Chamberlain was asked for his
opinion in the abstract as it were IT be-
came apparent from Mar. ChamberIain's con-
versation that he viewed the holding of the
philippines as an advisable course for
America, both from a national and mer-
camille outlook. Colonization is always a
good thing for any country" he said. Eng
lands experience bears out that statement
thoroughly In the first place, it tends to
unfit the whole oh
government of colonies compels a country
to wider and broader policies and national
thought because of the further Responsible
illeS Wnlch are incurred Instead of spend
ing every moment of its time in the con-
SlueIatlon OF p2rochial or local matters the
nololng or colonies poses an enorrnous
trust upon home government the Carving
out of which undoubtedly helms anv al.
mlhistration because of its broadening in
huences, and these influences will always
oeImettte with advantage through the coun-
try which gives them rise. Colonization is
beneficial TO any nation. 1t eleVates that
natlon and mares its people more interested
IN pubic AFFAIRS. The cry is sometimes
made that TO govern outside possessions de-
tracts from the proper attention which
should be given to internal affairs. But
that has not been Englands exDerience
The government of our colonies has not
prevented us from giving necessary and adj
equate attention to national and local issues
In word, colonization brings out qualities
among the people at home which insist
uron domestic REFORM"
the United States would be Influenced in
us attitude on the Philippine question by
intrinsic consideration, Mr.. Chamberlain
said: That question is an important one.
OF course. but, as rule, all our colonies
pay their own way. OF course, we don't
expect anything from our colonies in the
shape or actual tribute. They have the
spending of their own revenues, and their
receipts usually are sufficient to cover the
expenditures. In solitary cases, like the
west indian islands where there was dis
tress because of the failure of the sugar
crop, we gave help; but these instances are
Another factor which should be worthy
of the deepest consideration is that if you
took the Philippines it would make 1t man
Hest 10 the world that you do not intend
to be left out of the Pacific and China trade
The tendency of recent events, as you well
know. has been to close China, which has
nltnerto been 0pe1-to clOse its ports, in
fact, to the United States and England
The efforts of the British government have
been to keep the ports of China OPEN and
most assuredly IL is to the interest of the
United States that those ports should be
kept open. Just how far the United States
Is willing to go TO further her interests in
that direction. either by acting herself or
leaving her interests to be taken care Of by
US in connection with our own, is a matter
which has TO be determined.
From all / can learn in my capacity as
berlain Significantly ''the one thir.g the con-
tinental powers are afraid of is that an an
derstanding should come between the United
States and England"
The question of protecting American trade
interests in her possible colonies by placing
similar tariffs upon outside imports as are
imposed in this country was preached To
Mr.. Chamberlain, but he dismissed il with
this reply: IF you become colonial
power and place tariffs upon foreign i'm
ports, into your possessions, l venture to
say that your colonies would not pay. In
view OF the fact, however that you have
tried tariffs here and proved the policy sue
cessful FOR years, Z would not be becoming
head"