Evening star., 1898-12-02
OPEN DOOR POLICY
Senator Chandler Says the Term is
Misunderstood.
ONLY A TEMPORARY EXPEDIENF
Congress viii Outline the Com
mercia Conditions.
PHILIPPINES CONSIDER ED

There seems to be a general misunder-
standing of the proposed open door policy
of the administration regards the gov
ernment of the Philippine Islands, said
Senator Chandler of New Hampshire to
Star reporter this afternoon. THE phrase
in its present application is somewhat mis-
leading and it ought to be explained fully.
l have heard 1t contended that if we inau-
gurate this policy foreign nations who are
in closer proximity to the Philippines than
the United States will have great advan-
tage over us in the matter of trade. Now,
as matter of fact, this policy will not
continue for any great length Of time. The
President, it must be remembered, has no
authority to prescribe permanent tariff laws
for the Philippines: that IS a congressional
function and must be dealt with exclusively
by Congress when the islands have reached
their normal peace conditions The Presi-
dent in the execution of his duties has only
the right to demand that Spain must eVacu-
ate the islands and that they must be
turned over to the United States. He COM
municates with the Spanish government
and tells the Spanish people TO get out Of
the Philippines. for which we propose to
pay $20.o0nD. Then he establishes mill
tary government for the islands until such
time as the Congress may act. Further
leave the islands he has no authority in this
matter. 1t then rests with Congress as to
what commercial conditions shall be out
lined.
The Military Takes Charge.
after Spain has left the islands the mil
ftary branch of the government takes
charge. as they have already done. Then
comes the open door policy. Tariff rates
arc prescribed by the military government,
lYp1Ir nt,l1y
nations. but to the United States as we'll
No nation on earth is given an advantage
The object is solely TO raise enough revenue
to pay off the s20.OGO.O0 to Spain That
money will come from revenue derived from
England. France. Germany America, and.
in fact, every other nation. 1t can be seen,
therefore. that foreign nations, on account
of their convenient situation to the Phil
ilpineS, will have no material advantage
over the United States. We want to rarsa
the S2O,VDED to pay to Spain and instead
of being to our disadvantage, it will be to
our benefit If these nations can increase
their trade to the Philippines for the time
being, thus increasing the customs receipts.
The open door policy therefore viii
prevail only so long as il is necessary to
raise the $2002O00O. which it is agreed 10
pay Spain. After this money is raised, then
il will he time for Congress to act. 1t will
enact such tariff legislation as it deems
proper If it is decided to annex the ISL
ards. then customs duties will be prescribe,!
advantage over US in the matter Of trade.
We will have free and unrestricted inter
course with the islands, while foreign ma
tiCnS will be obliged to pay duties on the
products tina, they import. Hence it can be
seen that the open door policy is only n
temporary measure, and instead of being to
our disadvantage, will rebound to our ben
eft
In Case of Independence.
IF Congress decides to grant the Fill
pinOs their Independence, then they will
probably be obliged to pay US the 20,000,010
which are to give Spain
Il find that the main opposition to the an
neXation Of the Philippines comes from peo-
pie who have all along been opposed to the
Independence of Cuba. They are disap-
pointed in the fact that Cuba has been
freed, and in line with their views on this
SUBJECT, are opposed to the acquisition Of
the Philippines by the United States. The
cry of imperialism is misplaced one, and
is not only misunderstood, but entirely un-
warranted