The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-11-26

the United States 'sThe phrase 'open-door
policy which is now being talked about so
much in the newspapers said Mr.. DingIey,
means simply equality of treatment, ana
not free trade. AS applied to the dependency
Of country, it simply means that imports
from all countries are to be admitted on
the same terms as imports from the mother
country. AS applied to the Philippines. it
would mean that imports from Great Britain
and all other foreign countries are to be ad-
nitted at the same rates of duty as inn
ports from the United States
"Of course this policy could not be ap-
piled to the Philippines If they should be
admitted into the Union with a territorial
form of government, because the Constitu-
ton provides that duties shall be uniform
within the United States, unless there should
be an amendment to the Constitution per-
mitting this. Whether it would be possible
to apply this policy to the Philippines after
they should become a part of the territory of
the United States under that provision of the
Constitution which authorizes Congress TO
make needful rules and regulations respect
ing the territory or other property of the
United States I am not prepared to say. 1t
is noticeable, however, that III the resolution
providing for tbs annexation Of Hawaii,
passed at the last session of Congress, it was
provided that the Hawaiian tariff should
continue in force until Congress should 9TH
erwise determine
1T is to be borne in mind, however, that
the present talk about an 'open-door' policy
for the Philippines is intended to apply en-
tireiy to those islands while under a mill
tary administration, which would be per-
missible, and not to apply to those islands
after they should have been formally recog-
nized as a part of the United States. OF
course, it would be competent for the Paris
commissioners to incorporate in the treaty
with Spain a provision granting to Spanish
imports into the Philippines equality of
treatment with imports from the United
States for term of years, and that provi-
sion in the treaty, when ratified by the Sen
ate and projected into law by Congress,
would be the law of the land.
''In the discussion Of the 'open-door' policy
l notice that many papers assume that it is
the uniform policy of Great Britain in her
relations with her colonies. 1t should be
borne in mind, however, that there is con-
spicuous exception to this in the case of
Canada, her most important colony, which
admits imports from Great Britain at %
per cent. less duty than they are admitted
from the United states ana other countries.
1t is understood that this policy was adopted
by Canada, if not on the suggestion. at least
with the approval of Mr.. Chamberlain, Brit
ish secretary for the colonies, and that he is
urging other colonies Of Great Britain to
give similar preferences to that country"
Senator Cockrell, Of Missouri, said to-
day: II do not look for any new and sweep
ing legislation at the coming session. The
appropriation bills will be passed, and as
the river and harbor bill is due, 1t being
enacted every two years, a strong effort
will be made TO secure one this winter. 1t
is not probable that any financial legislation
will be attempted. and do not look for new
army legislation beyond what may seem
necessary to meet the emergencies of the
present situation. There may be legislation
in regard to Hawaii. 1t is impossible to
say what the Senate will do with the peace
treaty, as it is not known yet what the
conference at Paris will agree upon finally.
Personally I am opposed to taking the Phil
ippines. The policy Of expansion about
which we hear so much is not defined very
clearly by its advocates. out It seems to me
that the annexation OF islands thousands of
miles from our coast will involve very grave
questions, and is of doubtful wisdom In
my judgment, it is entirely unnecessary"