The herald., 1898-09-09

like giving advice or suggestion to the
United States by foreign statesman; and
that besides being invidious, would be i'm
pertinent"
Leaving, thereupon, the direct line OF in
quiry, Mr.. Chamberlain was asked for his
opinion in the abstract, ais 1t were. Then
It became apparent from Mr.. Chamber
lain's conversation that he viewed the hold
ing of the Philippines as an advisable
course for America, both from a national
and mercantile outlook
COLONIZATION is always good thing for
any country" he said. "Engla nd's expert
ence bears out that statement thoroughly.
In the first place it tends to uplift the
whole character of nation. The govern
ment of colonies compels a country to
wider and broader policies and national
| thought because Of the further response
biNties which are incurred. Instead of
spending every moment Of its time in the
consideration of parochlal or local mat
tors, the holding Of colonies imposes an
enormous trust upon a home government,
the carrying out of which undoubtedly
helps any administration because Of its
broadening influences, and these influences
| will always permeate with advantage
| through the country which gives them
rise. Colonization Is beneficial to any ma
ton. 1t elevates that nation and makes IT'S
people more interested in public affairs.
The cry is sometimes made that to govern
outside possessions detracts from the
proper attention which should be given
to international affairs. But that has not
been England's experience. The govern
ment of our colonies has not prevented us
from giving necessary and adequate at
tention 10 national and local issues"
In reply to- the suggestion that possibly
the United States would be Influenced in
its attitude on the Philippine question by
intrinsic considerations, Mr.. Chamberlain
said:
"That question Is an important one, of
course but as a rule all our colonies pay
| their own way. OF course we don't exact
anything from our colonies in the shape Of
actual tribute They have the spending
| of their own revenues and the receipts
usually are sufficient TO cover their expen-
ditures. In solitary cases, like the West
India Islands, where there was distress
because Of the failure of the sugar crop,
we gave help, but these instances are ex-
ceptional.
Another factor which should be worthy
of the deepest consideration Is that If YOU
took the Philippines It would make It man
ifcst to the world that you do not iMend
to remain out of the Pacific and China
trade.
"The trend of events at present, as ybu
we'll know, has been to force China, which
has hitherto been open, to close its ports
In fact to the United States and Great
Britain.
Efforts on the part Of England have
been to keep the ports Of China open, and
most assuredly it is to the interest Of the
United States that these ports should be
kept open. Just how far the United
States Is willing to go to further her in
terests in that direction by acting herself
or leaving her interests to be taken care
CT by US in connection with our own is a
matter which has to be determined.
From all I can learn in my capacity as
Colonial Secretary" continued Mr.. Cham
berlain. significantly, "the one thing the
] continental powers are afraid Of Is that an