New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-08-24
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COLONIAL METHODS.

The future colonial policy of the United
States. It Is quite probable, may be largely
shaped by the suggestions of the President.
Every stcp thus far indicates that his mind
tends toward a system of Territorial govern
n,ept unlike that which has existed in the con-
tIruous but sparS,'ly settled Territories OF the
United States There appears recognition that
the commercial relations of these new posses
siops may need 10 he quite different from those
of the largely unoccupipd Territories His or
ders fixing tariff for them are presumably only
tentative in his own mind ard yet may indl-
cate n feeling that such possessions, until they
become more homogeneous, and in commercial
habitudcs governmental customs and spirit of
the inhabitants more closely united with this
country. will for a time need special trade regu-
lniions unlike those which exist between the
United States and contiguous Territories like
Arizona or New Mexico. The direction that
Insurgents shall in all points be excluded from
places occupied by American troops. and that
all citizens who obey the laws shall have equal
protection also indicates something.
Military government being the only form that
IS at present possible. the inhabitants Of every
kind who are not willing 10 obey or support it
are NJ liberty To withdraw. From those who are
willing and take the oath TO support American
authority. local officials may not improbably be
selected II II happens that In any quarter they
are mainly not insurgents, but Spanlards, that
will be less helpful for the insurgents, who
have In some degree TO work ont their own sal
walton. A large share of the substantial people,
planters and business men. have doubtless been
neither active insurgents nor active Spaniards.
more than they could help. but have tried to
live pcaceably under such government rs they
had and doubtless many OF these would try to
live peaccably under American laws. Such per
sons may not be found bad material for some
participation In the building Of a future local
government II Is likely that in local govern
ment more or less adapted to the conditions in
each colony. the quality Of the Inhabitants and
their fitness for the enforcement of American
laws NAV frs, be tried.
With military government still the supreme
authority, and such forms of local administra-
ton as may I've found best fitted TO different 10
calities. the colonies may not improbably have
10 pass considerable time before their fitness
for any other government can be made clear
What may come after Will doubtless depend
much upon the number of Americans who may
take permanent interest in either colony as resi-
dents or business men, and may show them
selves capable Of aiding a thoroughly honest
impartial and non-partlsan administration of
the laws Presumably the filing of Civil Ser
vice offices in the different colonies may require
more distinct separation from the conduct Of
the departments in various branches of the
home service than many have expected. With
IN self-governing States. where the fidelity or
good behavior of every appointee from the low
est clerk or smallest postmaster up to the high
cat oy1icicl reflects directly unou tho Amounting
power. and at the same time is unavodaby
connected with the prospects of party, there
II at once n safeguard and n danger which will
not be found in the local administration Of colo
nial governments. The measures which the
President may suggest for meeting that phase
Of the question, whether through selection by
military governors other means will be
awaited with much interest, because much Of