The herald., 1898-12-13


The colonial system destroyed all hope Of
ropublcanism in the old time. 1t is an ap-
pendage of monarchy. 1t can exist in no
free country, because it uproots and elmi-
mates the basis of all republican institutions
that governments derive their just powers
from the consent of the governed.
know not what may be done with the
glamour of foreign conquest and greed of
the money making classes of this country.
For myself, would rather quit public life
this minute-nay, / would be willing to yield
life itself-rather than give my consent TO
this fantastic and wicked attempt to revolu-
tionize our government and to substitute
the principles of our hereditary enemy for
the teachings of Washington and his asso-
cates."
PLA1T'S POSITION
Mr. Platt of Connecticut, in expressing the
hope that Mr. Vest would not ask for i'm
mediate action upon his resolution, said he
desired to offer some remarks upon it, but
was not prepared today to do so. He did
not, he said, acquiesce in the law as stated
by the Missouri senator. He believed that
the power to acquire territory was inherent
in the nation, and was not subject to limita-
ton. In the remarks he proposed to sub
nit he would endeavor to establish this
belief. He thought it perfectly evident that
il the United States, in fighting a war, came
into possession of territory, the progress OF
its army and navy could not be stopped until
the constituted authorities should declare
whether it was the purpose of the govern
ment to hold the acquired territory with the
ultimate intention of comforting statehood
upon its inhabitants.
In response to an inquiry by Mr.. Hoar
Mr.. Platt declared that the power of the
government to acquire territory was full and
plenary
10 this proposition, unless it were accom-
panied by declarations as to the purpose of
the government with the territory acquired.
which purpose should be within the power
OF the constitution to confer. Mr.. Hoar said
he desired to enter his emphatic dissent.
THE CANAL BILL
Morgan called up the Nicaraguan canal
bid, which was read in extenso and Turpie
thereupon suggested to Morgan the advisa-
bilty OF postponing the considera tion of the
bill until after January L. He called atten-
ton to the fact that the president in his
message suggested that matters should re-
main IN statu quo until the report of the
canal commission was made. 1t was an
open secret, he said, that the commission
would report the first of the new year. The
report would deal with questions timely and
vitally important in connection with the
bill 1t would report officially upon the
feasibility of the enterprise, the practica-
bility of routes and the estimated expendi-
turcs. The work of the commission had cost
quarter of million. Why not wait? Why
go it blind?
Morgan said that the country hadIreached
a conclusion upon this question and would
rot be satisfied, he thought, to see this ses-
sion pass without the enactment of legisla-
ton which would secure the building of the
canal
Hoar suggested that the clause relating
to the neutrality of the canal should be
amended so as to read.
Except as to nations at war with the
United States"
Morgan said he would accept the amend.
ment. No senator should vote against the
bill on this account.
Morgan said the president in whom con-
gress had SO wisely and confdingly entrust
ed a fund of $5O,OOOOOO to be used "at his
discretion could certainly be trusted to
iN"i "iiu ucteiiiihe the objections or Nlca-
ragua or Costa Rica or the stockholders of
the Maritime Canal company Morgan said
his phea was for action. This bill did not
seek to build the canal. 1t simply placed the
question in the hands of the president.
In reply to question, Morgan said that
he dad not believe it would be competent
for the United States, independent of any
corporation, to proceed to the construction
of the canal under the treaty of 1867.
At the conclusion of Morgan's speecb tho
senate at $40 p. m. adjourned.