Evening star., 1898-09-06
Against Territorial Expansion.
To the Editor of the Evening Star:


The communication of Mr. B. P. Davis
on Our Captured Islands, while pune
tuated with a measure of both logic and
fact, falls far short Of the whole TRUTH
and is quite misleading in its general scope,
and correspondingly fails to answer the
objections urged by non-expansionists.
The acquisition of territory in the past
bears no analogy to the proposed imme-
date and permanent annexation of cap
tured Spanish territory, either as to the
earlier, intermediate or concluding circum-
stances, to say nothing of the direct and
implied pledges of the declaration of war
| as passed by Congress, as well as the vast
difference in the character of the inhabi-
tants, whether regarded from social in
dustrial, racial Or intellectual standpoint
In all the territory acquired in the past
with perhaps two exceptions, there have
been manifest elements of assimilation and
improvement, and better industrial condi-
tions, each and all of which presaged and
aided in an early and beneficial amalga-
ton, without detriment to our industrial
relat ations.
In these respects quite different condi-
tions confront US now, particularly as to
Cuba and the Philippines. Besides differ
ent industrial conditions prevailed in our
earlier history, and a larger percentage of
our population found ready employment
Combinations, improved machinery and a
proportionate reduction in the number Of
workmen needed, as well as other reasons,
compel larger percentage of idle people
now, and this surplus of laborers in com
bination with the underpaid labor of Cuba
and other Spanish territory, must greatly
reduce the present scale Of wages and force
larger number into the ranks of the un-
employed. Today We are not only cursed
with a vast army of unemployed but a.
large percentage of those employed receive
inadequate compensation and find 1t diff
cult to support those dependent on them
to say nothing of laying something I'D sor
future needs.
If the mills Of New England could not
compete with those of the southern states
but found it necessary to both suspend
operations and reduce wages, how would 1t
be In case these Spanish islands are an
nexed? The industrial problems now con-
fronting us require the wisest possible
craftsmanship in reaching a proper adjust
ment, and Of themselves may involve and
require radical legislation, but the acquisi-
ton of these islands will increase the per-
plexities Of the present situation. A final
disposition Of captured Spanish territory
under the provisions of our Constitution, is
vested in the Congress alone, and any at
tempt. by whomsoever made, to either
fofestall or thwart congressional action
will not only be perilous, but will not fail
to bear fruit in 1900 Immediate perma-
nent annexation or anything beyond a pro-
tectorate's control, at least until the in
habttants shall have become better auau-
fled, and by majority, sought annexa-
ton, will be extremely unwise, detrimental
to our Industrial condition and a source of
regret ever afterward
The logician's finest logic may tell you
that we should retain these islands of un-
developed wealth. but its sophistry will fiud
abundant exenlplification in paraIyzed in
dustry. starving thousands and dissatisfied
millions, IL this dream Of oppressive wealth
and intolerant usurpation shall realize its
fullest consummation. For the present let
these people govern themselves, with the
United States as guardian and instructor
September 5, 1893. r. w. SHECKELLS.