Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-09-15
Tho Citizens 81 Coded Territory.

When one country acquires territory
from another. either by purchase or
conquest. many interesting questions
arise in respect to the allegiance Of the
people of the newly acquired territory,
their right to determine for themselves
which nationality they will adopt and
their rights of property. The general
rule is that the Inhabitants Of a con-
quered or ceded territory change their
allegiance, but their relations to each
other and. their rights of property re-
main undisturbed. The laws, usages
and municipal regulations in force at
the time of the cession or conquest
continue until changed by the law
making power Of the new government.
In the case of Porto Rico. for instance,
the Porto csicans would owe allegiance
to the United States government. and
as a consequence be entitled to the
protection of our government. but the
Spanish laws and customs which regu-
late their rights of person and prop
erty would remain in force until
changed by Congress.
To prevent confusion, misunder-
standing and hardship, 1t is usual upon
the cession of territory for the status
of the inhabitants to he defined in the
treaty, and this has been the course of
the United States. In the Louisiana
purchase treaty it was provided that
the inhabitants of the ceded territory
should be Incorporated in the union OF
the United States and admitted as soon
as possible, according to the principles
of the federal constitution, to the en-
joyment of all the rights, advantages
and immunities of citizens of the
United States. In the meantime they
were to be protected in the free enjoy
ment of their liberty, property and
religion.
In the case of Florida, which we &C.
quired from Spain in 1919. the same
WC1c 6AkSA do ~ NAC Sc
curity of the inhabitants in the ex-
ercse of their religion and personal
rights, and that they should be incor-
porated in the Union and admitted to
the enjoyment of all the privileges,
rights and immunities of the citizens
of the United States" 1t was also
provided chat those who may desire to
remove to the Spanish dominions shall
be permitted to sell or export their
effects at any time whatever without
being subject in either case to duties. >"
Our next cession of territory came
same provisions as to Incorporation
into the Union and rights of citizen
ship. 1t also permitted Mexicans who
did not wish to become citizens of the
United States to make declaration 20
that effect within one year after the
ratification of the treaty. They could
then remain in the territory and be
protected in all their rights and
privileges. This was more generous
prov hon 4han that allowed bYaG Ger
many9 when she acquired Aasaee-
Lorraine. In that case the inhabitants
who wished to remain French subjects
were obliged to leave, though they
could retain their lands.
In the case of Alaska, which we ac-
quired in 1867, the people were per-
mitfed to make their choice as to their
allegiance. but if they chose to remain
Russian subjects they must return to
Russia within three years. Those who
stayed were to have all the rights and
privileges of citizens of the United
States, but nothing was said about in
corporation into the Union. The un-
civilized native tribes We're not in
Guided in this provision, but made sub
ject to such laws and regulations as
the United States might adopt. These
are The presidents in our own history
which may govern our commissioners
when making the treaty of peace at
Paris.