The herald., 1898-11-05
PUBLIC MEN
Express Opinions on the Philippine
Question

NEW YORK, Nov. 4.-Seven Governors
and four members of the House OF kepre
sentatives in kilograms to the World give
their views on the proposition to pay Spain
$4O, ,0OO, 600 for the Philippines.
State executives and national Lawmakers
generally agree in opposing any plan calling
for money payment by the victor to The
vanquished.
Governor johnson of Alabama says:
"I don't think the United States should
take the Philippines as free gift and GER @
tainly would pay nothing for them. we
want to extend our commerce but not tc
20 into the colonial business"
Governor Adams of Colorado, who tavorf
annexation, says:
''It is the defeated and not the victor that
pays. Why should the United States pay fol
islands that were forfeited by every law OF
liberty and humanity!
Governor Pmgree of Michigan says:
81 am opposed to this country having ano
looking after the Philippine Islands They
would be an elephant on our hands. Ihe
American people in my opinion would never
90 there to colonize, as they can do better
elsewhere.
II think we would find it very hard to
get soldiers to go into that climate TO clean
up the back yards and look after our 'h'er'
ests."
Governor McLaurin of Mississippi says:
"I think the United States with the con-
sent of Spain, should take the island con
tanning Manila and take the West Indies,
with or without the consent of Spain. Value
them all and balance their value against
reasonable war indemnity. Ii the balance
shows in favor oftSpain pay it Immediately.
Governor Stephens Of Missouri says:
"The United States can not accept the
Philippines even as gracious gift.
GoyarpOr RamSdall Of New HamDSlllre
says:
nothing in the Philippines except an ample
coaling station and all necessary appurte
nances. OF course, no cash should be paid
for this
Governor Lee of South Dakota said:
81 am opposed to the annexation of the
territory gained by our recent war with
Spain, but | believe in keeping a protector
ate over all the territory so acquired unit
the inhabitants shall be competent for self
government. l am, however, opposed to re-
linuuishing one foot of territory so gained
to Spanish tyranny to rule again. Should
our government see fit to annex the Philip
pines, | am not in favor of paying Spain q
single dollar of cash indemnity for any OF
the territory. acquired at the cost OF Sc
much life and treasure"
Representative Wadsworth of New Yorl
says:
81 would not be in favor of paying one
cent"
Representative Hinrichsen of Illinois says
81 am opposed to annexing the Philippines
under any circumstances, and am greatly
opposed to assuming the payment of bond,
which have undoubtedly been bought up b,
spectators for nominal sum. / regard thu
proposition as a steal of the rankest charac
ter"
Representative Hopkins of Illinois prefers
to await the report of the commissioner.
and the recommendation of the Presiden
before expressing himself.
Representative Shattuck of Ohio has i'm.
plicit confidence that the President will
decide the matter properly.
Representative Ermentrout of Pennsyl
vania says:
"I cannot conceive of any circumstance
or condition that would persuade me to such
a step in regard to the Philippines"