Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-12-27
Questions Being Put to the Opponents
of Ratification.
ANSWERS ARE EMBARRASSING
Where the Democratic Policy of
Free Trade Comes In.
E Y 7 r A SES SION TALK

Since the arrival of the members OF the
peace commission from Paris the "expan-
sionists" have adopted a line of "arsu-
ment by inquiry" which is proving some
what troublesome to the opposition. This
proposition is that the treaty of peace
leaves wide open the question of the dis
position of the Philippines by this country;
that Congress can do what Il pleases in
the matter, and that, if the islands are not
to be retained, then what is going to be
done with them. The question of what
they propose to do with the islands is
rather embarrassing to those who insist
that they should not be retained. The
chief opposition to holding the Philippines
comes from the democrats. who for many
years have been seeking to secure as much
free trade as they can get.
When confronted with the fact that we
have to do something with the islands and
are asked for suggestions they EN-
barrassed by the consideration that IL the
Philippines are treated as an independent
sovereignty duties will be collected on mer-
chandise both to and from the islands, and
that at the same time this government Will
have about as serious responsibility and be
subject to as great expense if the Phillip
pines are placed in the position of a de-
pendency as it would be if they were held
possession of the United States This
condition less desirable from their own
point of view than absolute possession with
free exchange of merchandise.
They find great difficulty in suggesting
any disposition of the problem more salts
factory to themselves than the retention
or the entire group as a possession. The
suggestion of a mere protectorate opens to
their minds the prospect of the develop
rnent of monopolies and a government of
the islands by syndicates, toward which
they profess particular anita gonisn.
They are looking around for a counter
proposition to that of the administration,
and thus far have not been able to devise
one that is satisfactory.
Not a Leg 10 stand On.
AS to the opposition to the ratification Of
the treaty, IT has not yet found a leg 10
stand on. The declaration of Senator FIVE
that the ratification of the peace treaty win
not bind this government to any particular
line of policy with respect to the future of
the Philippines, but will leave Congress in
position to do exactly as ii pleases di-
vests the question Of ratification OF the only
oDJectlon That is raised. The treaty is
merely one of peace. in which Spain is de-
prived of possessions and power for evil
and places upon this government no re-
sponsibilitfes which are not involved as a
result OF the war, without regard to the
terms of the treaty. Two questions are put
squarely to the opposition: Are you op-
posed TO the establishment of peace?'' "po
YOU lfsiSt IIat Porto RicO and the Phillip
pines shall be placed again in the power OF
Spain?"
Unless they answer one of these ques-
lions in the affirmative they are left with
out reason for opposing the ratification
of the treaty. 1t is expected that the
treaty Will be sent TO the Senate about as
soon as Congress assemblies after the re-
cess. 1T will not be held long in COMMITTEES,
and it is anticipated that very little excuse
can be found for delay of action by the
Senate.
Desire for Extra Session.
Some of the democrats are desrous of an
extra session of the Fifty-siXth Congress.
upon the ground that an early meeting will
bring the money question TO the front
through the consideration of a measure of
currency reform, thus preventing this,
their favored party issue, from sinking into
obscurity; and delay in the ratification OF
the treaty has been suggested as a means
of compelling an extra session. This has
not found general favor, however. the mill
tary bill being regarded the better point
of attack. 1t is suggested that if the mill
tary bill is locked up in the Senate 1T will
be blow at expansion. and will necessiiate
extra session.