The herald., 1898-12-20
To Acquire Territory for Any
Purpose Desired
THE NICARAGUA CANAL BILL TAKEN UP
But the Senate Is Not in the Mood for ActionThe House
Appropriates Money for the Exposition
at PHILADELPHIA

from authorities treating of the question,
and also declared that in the annexation of
the Hawaiian islands, the entire question
OF this government right to acquire for
eign territory was considered thoroughly,
and that the senate had settled it satisfac-
torily and thoroughly.
The United States, he said had the right
to acquire territory in all ways that are
conceded to other sovereign nations of the
world.
! 1t might become necessary in the inter.
ests of commerce, or some other interest,
for the United States to acquire territory
in Africa. "Shall we be bound by the con.
stitution to organize state from such ac-
quired territory, and admit its inhabitants
to citizenship" he asked.
Suppose" he continued, chat the sena-
tor from Alabama (NTorgan) secures the
passage of his bill for the construction Of
the Nicaragua canal land / pray he may),
and it should be deemed necessary for the
| United States to acquire strip of land
along the route of the canal of 2.5O0,0OO
acres-I think that is the amount suggest
ed can we not take it?
"If we take it, what clause of the consti-
tuition, direct or implied. says we must or
ganize the acquired territory or confer citi-
zenship upon the people who inhabit it?"
Mr. Platt declared that Chief Justice
1aney's decision in the Dred Scott case was
"mere dictum," and that it was too late
in the day to resurrect the Dred Scott de
cision as a basis of constitutional action on
the part of the United States.
Mr. Hoar asked Mr.. Platt whether he
dccried the doctrine that governments de-
rived their just powers from the consent
OF the governed.
Mr. Platt replied that the consent of all
those governed was not always necessary.
When he first became voter he had to
pay $l34 for real estate in order to receive
the privilege of voting.
In conclusion Mr.. Platt said he could not
understand the sentiments or motives OF
those who wished to circumscribe the pow
ers of the nation.
"Why," he asked, "should we belittle
these powers or strive by subtlety and soph-
istry to hamper the progress and growth OF
the country? Rather than pursue this
course why should senator's not wish the ma
tion godspeed in its mission of extending
our free institutions as far as possible?" AS
for himself, he knew our people to be lib
erty-loving and right-doing people, and he
had no msgivings that any administration
of the United States would fail in its duty
towards the people of an acquired territory.
He had faith in the government and faith
in its future, and had no disposition to con-
descend to carping criticism or craven fear.
He had not lost confidence in the doctrine
that right makes might and with nation
guided by that principle, as he believed this
nation to be, there could be no doubt that
it would dare to do its duty bravely towards
any people which might fall within the linn
its of its jurisdiction.
DEFICIENCY BILL
The conference report on the urgency de-
fciency bill was agreed to.
The bill granting the right of way through
the San Francisco mountain forest reser-
walton in Arizona to the Saginaw Southern
railroad, which passed the house on Satur-
day was reported by the senate.
Callnger, from the committee on general
expenses then attempted to report the res
olution introduced by Proctor, providing
for the appointment Of a select committee
of the senate to visit Cuba and report upon
the conditions prevailing there. The effort
on Gallinger's part developed stern resist
ance from Hale, and the occasion of a short
explanation from Proctor.
THE CANAL BILL
The senate then took up the Nicaragua
canal bill and Berry of Arkansas spoke upon
his amendments to the measure He an
nounced prelimnarly that on general prin-
ciples he was favorable to the construction
of a canal across the isthmus, and he had
been SO for many years before he felt that
such an enterprise would promote the in
terests of the southern states, but always