The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-12-01
We Have Not Showed Spain the Same
Consideration as Mexico.
PORTO RICO WAS SUFFICIENT.
That Island Alone Worth at Least
Double the Cost of the War 60 Us.
We Tender Spain S2O.oOO,OO0
as a Salve for the Loss Of the
Whole Philippine Archi-
pclago-About Cuba

NEW YORK. Nov. 3o-Hannis Taylor.
late American Minister to Spain. pub
fishes In the December number of the
North American Review scathing criti-
cism of the work OF the American Peace
Commission. Mr.. Taylor contends that
in the negotiations with Spain respecting
Cuba, Porto Rico and the Philippines, the
members Of the commission should have
been guided by the precedent established
by this country in its dealings with Mex
leo after the victorious isue of the Mext
can war Then he says we refused, a'
Mexico lay helpless at our feet, to taxi
from her a single square mile OF terri
tory by right OF conquest.
Our commissioners were instructed 10
offer her fifteen million dollars In cash
and the assumption upon our part OF
more than three million dollars due from
her 10 American citizens as compensation
for the area out OF which has been carved
California Nevada, Arizona, Utah and
New Mexlco.
A UNIQUE PRINCIPLE.
"And thus" says Mr.. Taylor. was es-
tablished a new principle Of moral law
which stands alone, perhaps. In the an
nails of nations" Mr. Taylor contends
that now when for the first time since the
conquest OF Mexico we have another van
cuished nation at our feet. We owed 10
spain all the consideration and justice
that can be due To the weak for the
strong. especially as Spain has been an
old and a good friend, with whom We
had never before broke OFT diplomatic
relations.
The ARRANGEMENT which has been con-
cluded By the American commission Mr..
Taylor characterizes as "a vast rsvish-
ment"
1--WE have refused arbitration: We have
summarily demanded the surrender OF the
entire Philippine archipelago, and - 4
salve TO Spain we have rendered SSpvv,-
00J.
PORTO RICO SUFFICIENT.
"Tho war has cost us directly about ono
hundred and sixty-hve million dollars.
and as compensation for that outlay We
have appropriated Porto Rico. which can
hardly be valued at much less than double
that amount II Is difficult To understand.
therefore. why. In dealing with cuba ana
the Philippines we should have been un-
willing to recognize these reasonable and
natural equities which follow acquired
territory.
THE PHILIPPINE DEBT
"In the case of the Philippines we have
admitted that so far as the debts OF these
islands represent expenditures for the i'm
prOvement Of the country, they must
run with the land and constitute a
charge upon II.
Upon what grounds have we rejected
the application of that elementary prin-
ciple Of law and common honesty % the
case Of Cuba2 The pretense that II can
not be there. applies because we do not
intend TO accept sovereignty over Cuba
will not avail, for as soon as Cuba Is
evacuated by the Spanish troops the
United States will exercise a qualified
sovereignty over the island and being 4
military government there and rigidly
enforcing all laws FOR the purpose Of col
Letting revenue. both external and inter-
nal. a condition which must exist until
Congress orders otherwise. In the case
Of Cuba, as well as I'm that Of the Phil
ippines. the amount Of pacific expendi-
lures made By Spain for the permanent
Improvement Of the island, should have
been recognized as a legal charge upon
IT,"