The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-12-14
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER IA, 1898.
THE FIGHT MUST BE KEPT UP.

1t seems to be generally assumed that
the country Is for annexing the Philip
pines and that those who oppose annex
alton are fighting a hopeless battle. The
fussy and noisy people are undoubtedly
in favor Of annexation, but It does not
follow because they are that way and
make a vast deal OF clatter about it that
the country is OF the same mind. We
saw the same element throwing up its
hat when Mr.. Cleveland published his
foolish challenge TO Great Britain over
the Venezuelan farce aud yet If there IS
anything now we'll settled and establish
ed It is that the American people would
never have tolerated a breach with Eng
land over the mosquito marshes Of We've.
zuela- The argument is overwhelming
ly against our annexation of the Philip
pines. and. with it's continual statement
and reteration, It is by no means safe
10 say that the annexauonists will have
II all their own way.
The speech which Senator Vest made in
the Senate on Monday last. is a notable
contribution 10 the intelligent discussion
of this subject. 1t was very much upon
the same lines as were laid down by The
Times in an article devoted TO the sub
ject about a week back. IT is too plain
for argument. TO those who understand
the theory Of our government that the
constitution will not tolerate the sugges-
ton Of this country acquiring territory
populated by people who are not to be
admitted to the fullest rights Of citizen
ship in our Union OF States. We may
undoubtedly acquire territory and it may
be territory that is inhabited but IL we
do acquire such territory it must be with
the design Of admitting the population to
the footing Of free and equal citizens Of
one Republic as soon as conditions are
such as to admit of the elevation of the
acquired territory 20 the position of state
hood in the Union. There IS no room
within the boundaries of our Republic for
bond and free. all who reside within its
limits are and OF necessity must be free.
and there is no such freedom as our con-
sitution contemporaries unless all-yes
every one-of the inhabitants stand upon
Il footing that is up to and abreast Of
that of the highest We may annex the
Philippines and keep their inhabitants in
a state of tutelage that denies them
the full rights of citizenship bat when
we do it we shall have departed from the
essential principles upon which our con-
situations are founded-a principle which
IS absolutely essential to the preserva.
ton for us Of free Republic. We will
undoubtedly continue 10 have something
that will be called a Republic. but It will
al Republic that has won the envy and
admiration Of the whole world and has
made US the most prosperous and power.
ful people that has ever dwelt upon the
earth. Sophistical attempts will continue
10 be made 10 reconcile what is contem-
plated with the we'll settled principles
upon which our institutions rest by the
claims that we intend If we annex the
Philippines 10 elevate their Inhabitants
to the grade Of citizenship in due time.
But nothing Of that sort is really contem-
plated. With the experience the country
has had OF negro citizenship. there could
never be mustered a corp0rars guard in
any part OF the country that will ever hear
OF making the Fiiiipinos citizens Of the /
United States The pretence when put |
forward will be a false pretence. 1t will |
be part OF a scheme to form the Philip
pine Islands into colonies under the pre-
zens of the United States after awhile, I
when everybody knows that the race can
never become fitted for American citizen
ship In a thousand years Of tutelage.