The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-11-30
DLSGESTED IlLpRRLALLSTS.

Now that Spain has accepted the
terms of the United States uncondi-
tionally, and has agreed 10 transfer the
Philippines to us, presumably the
promise of the open door remains a
part of the bargain. This is not at al
agreeable to the wishes of a large fac
ton of annexationists. They have
shouted annexation for the sake of new
markets and commercial expansion
Now will Senator Lodge or anybody
else who has pleaded this argument
tell how the American market and AM
erican commerce are to be enlarged
when the Philippines are to be open 10
the trade Of the world?
If there is TO be an open door" to
the commerce of all nations, the only
change from the present situation will
be that the preferential duties in favor
Of Spanish products will be abolished.
American traders will stand no better
chance among their competitors than
they have had and now have.
AS matter of fact. however, Amer
lean traders will be at a disadvantages
All Europe, India South America and
Australia can send their products to
Manila at from third to a half less
cost in freight charges than can the
United States. Having takea the Phil
ppines-whether for annexation or a
protectorate remains to be SCENT de-
wolves upon the imperialists TO show
14-barai,, o,,r, conn, ,o,oa SC 20 1,o +to,,rl
by the change. AS yet they have not
done this, but it looks as if they would
be compelled to explain to clamorous
faction of their own party.
The same point has been raised by
The Spy before this, but some of the
imperialist newspapers have just
walked up to the appalling fact that the
expected commercial advantages have
been bargained away, and the admins
tration is being taken to task even by
the advocates of annexation. The
open door is denounced as "the most
fatuous surrender of American Inter
ests since the Clayton Bulwer treaty"
and as a British policy and not Amer
lean These disgruntled imperialists
say frankly that Great Britain will mo-
nopolize the Philippine market, and of
course they will have to admit that the
other countries mentioned will also
have the advantage Of the United
States in our own newly found mar
ket." Have some of the annexationists
been buncoed? They are not getting
were going to have. What effect will
their dissatisfaction have when The
treaty comes up for ratification in the
senate?
When the president was IN the west.
making speeches that squinted towards
territorial expansion in Asia, the people
were 10th to believe that he was really
facing in that direction and was out
lining the policy of his peace commits
sioners. But if expansion is determined
upon, the president is clearly wise to
insist upon the open door" In fact.
there was nothing else for him to do.
To make an exclusive market of the
Philippines would be to incur the hos
tility of all Europe, not excepting Eng
land, and such contamination YVES
not to be thought Of
Moreover, if there is one lesson more
thoroughly taught than another by the
colonial experience OF the nations, it is
that the surest way to ruin a depend
ency is to shut it up from the rest Of
the world and work it for the advan-
tage and profit of the mother country.
This is precisely what Spain did and it
is one Of the most conspicuous causes
! of her ruin.