The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-12-21

WASHINGTON. Dec, 20-Senator Teller
occupied the first half OF todays session
with a speech in advocacy or the theory
that there are no restrictions upon the
right Of the United States 10 expand its
borders 50 as 10 include far distant terri
tory He went quite thoroughly into tho
esal points hearing upon the question.
and incidentally discussed at length the
form ~ government for the Philippines.
saying he would encourage seif-govefrl-
ment among the islanders and would give
them the most liberal self-government
which they were capable of conducting.
but that he would not take down the
American flag where once planted. The
remainder of the session was given up TO
the Nicaragua canal bill. Senator Caffery
was the only speaker on this subject. and
he opposed the Morgan bill.
The house resolution providing for the
adjournment of congress from December
y 10 January 4 was adopted without divi-
sion.
Galiinger OF New Hampshire favorab.y
reported proctors resolution providing for
a commission of nine senators TO visit Cu-
ba and Porto Rico with a view OF ascer-
tanning the conditions of the island. and
reporting them with recommendations 10
the senate. but on Hales objection to pres
ent consideration. the resolution was
| placed on the calendar. ON motion OF
| Hoar. IL was ordered that en- February g.
| Immediately after the senate ccnvenes.
Washngton's farewell address will DO read
| by WoIcott OF Colorado.
A bill authorizing Gen. NJ. r. Bates. Of
the United States army. TO accept the dec
| Grafton OF the Legion OF Honor conferred
upon him by the president OF the French
republic was passed.
A bill TO extend the time for the con-
| struction OF bridge across the Columbia
| river between oregon and Washington by
| the Oregon Il Washington Bridge Com
| uany WAS passed.
In accordance with the notice given yes
| teriay. Teller OF Colorado today addressed
| the senate on Vests resolution declaring
that under the constitution no authority
| is given to acquire territory to be held
| and governed permanently as colonies.
Tei1er's address was constitutional ar
| gument which he prcfaced by saying that
| in view OF Platts very able exposition of
| the question he (Teller) might omit prop
| erly much that he had intended TO discuss
| He did not think there was the slightest
| question or the power If this government
10 acquire foreign territory.
"If We are a nation" he declared. I'VE
| have the power 10 exercise the right Of a
| nation-aI the rights of any sovereign
| power. When the country called upon
in 1851 to meet this question. II met II FAIR
| iy AMI settled IL for all time. So far as the
/ United States was concerned the question
was settled finally az Appomsttox.
Then" declared Teller. I'VE took cur
| place as a nation, endowed with all the
! powers OF n sovereign and we possess those
/ powers today"
| Referring TO the territory acquired by the
| United States during the recent war, Teller
said:
I'VE have already acquired this terri
/ tory. We ueed as matter Of fact, no
| treaty with Spain to confirm our right 10
| h. by right of conqusst-a right untlis-
/ puted-we came into POSSESSION of Cuba.
/ Porto Rico and the Asatic archipelago.
| They are ours just as certainly AZ they
/ e5,s..a he made 50 by treaty"
! Teller discussed briefly the statement Of
! Vest that many of the deeds OF cession OF
/ foreign territory acquired by the United
/ States. contained clauses providing that the
/ territory ultimately should be created into
| states
| we can confer statehood upon these ter
| ritorles when In our Judgment II IL proper
30 to do N0oody can call into question
| our right 10 exercise cur Judgment in this
I matter.
III We acquire territory" he continued.
/ "the very act carries with II the right to
/ govern
/ who" he demanded. with dramatic
/ force. can govern now In cuba or Porto
| Rico bat the United States? Tha; dues-
/ gion is settIed-set;led by the very circum-
! stances Of the case. Tae question now is:
/ What disposition shall we make OF tho
| territory that has come Into cur possess
ssoF?' -
Mr Teller thought is duty OF our peo-
I PIE and legislators 10 keep in mind con-
4 stanfly ,he great principle upon which This
+ government is founded. thaF the lust pow
/ ers " a government derived from the
/ consent of the governed.
/ eve ought" sas8 he. TO extend 20 the
/ peop1s Of these possessions the power 10
/ govern themselves as soon AZ they are pre-
pared 20 exercise that power.
we are coming 60 deal With the greatest
question fas American people have met
/ since Is'si. anticipate m9cn difficulty and
| embarrassment. hui have az no time felt
! the d}sfrus;s that have been manifested by
many OK our people"
/ The declaration OF me congressional! res
olu' tons with reference 70 Cuba he belpv-
ed nigh; nave beer made applicable 20 the
peoples os all iha acquired possessions
| II this government viii say TO the pen-
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