The times., 1898-12-13
an ANYI-HZPANSION Talk
Senator Vest Airs His Views
on Colonial Possessions.
CALLS THE PLAN WICKED
The Missouri Statesman Wakes Elo-
quent Over the Consultation =
Rights of the Federal Govern
mcnt-Senutor Piatt of Connecti-
cut Speaks in Opposition.

The anti-expansionists had an i3ning In
the Senate yesterday. Senator Vest, who,
within the last week has come TO be e-
garded as the leader of the small faction
in that body which is energeticaly el-
gagged in raising knots on its figu- atve
Uranium by butting it into the solid wall
of manifest destiny called up his resolu-
ton, previously introduced. shortly afte-
the Senate was called to order and for
trifie over an hour-and half waved de-
nunciatory arms and declaimed against
a Fantastic and wicked plan to revolu-
tionize our Government" as he termel
the expansion policy.
Senator Vests resolution was intro
duced last week, and was to the effect
that the Constitution confers no power on
the Federal Government to acquire terri
tory to be held and governed permanent
ly as colonies. He began his remarks on
the resolution yesterday by stating that
he thought II particularly appropriate
time to inquire what the powers of Con-
gress were with regard to the acquisition
by this Government of any new territory.
The Revolutionary War, he said
was carried on in direct opposition to tho
policy of colonial possessions, and at lis
close Thomas Jefferson penned that i'm
mortal declaration that ali governments
derive their just powers from the consent
of the governed" That he said, was
grand declaration and appropriate TO the
men who had fought for seven years
against the strongest nation in the world,
resisting the doctrine upon VIII ch the
colonial system of Europe is based.
The senator referred to Supreme Court
4. .fs.,. tn of his nj
against colonial extension, and, speaking
of the friendly attitude of England to-
ward the declared policy OF this coun-
try, said that it was no wonder that the
great apostle of the colonial system OF
Europe should now welcome with open
arms new recruit. He referred to the
attacks which he said public men were
subjected to by the press. if they did not
| indorse the hateful colonial system Of
Europe" and because they chose to ,ad-
here to the principles of their fathers.
He wound up by saying:
For myself. l would quit public life
this minute-yes, ] would even risk life
itself. rather than to give my consent to
| this fantastic and wicked plan to revolu-
tionize our Government
At the conclusion of Senator Vests
remarks Senator Platt of Connecticut
| inquired what was to be done with the
resolution, saying tndl ne ulItrtu lfOHi
the position taken by the senator from
| Missouri, and wished to address a few
remarks to the Senate. setting forth his
| views on the question, but he was not
prepared to do so at that time. He sug-
gested that the resolution be laid on the
| table.
| He added, however, that the right to ac-
| quire territory was an inherent right be-
| cause of the fact that we are nation
1t was right of sovereignty, he said.
| and had no limitations. AT this point
| Senator Hoar interrupted Senator Platt
and said he wished to ask him question.
BE patient minute said Senator
Platt. turning testify around.
II have been patient minute, but l
wish to ask the senator question" re-
piled Senator Hoar. smiling.
| We'll, be patient a moment longer"
| said Senator Platt, and with this Senator
J Hoar sank back into his seat. Senator
| Platt continued:
"The United States is not limited in any
right to acquire territory By any doctrine
| whatever. When we are fighting a war
| and conquering territory, we have not
! got to stop in the midst Of the operation
| until there has been some declaration
| somewhere that we are going TO take the
+, territory"
! Senator Hoar resumed his effort TO put
an interrogation anu SuccSeuso III asi.iHS
whether or not the senator thought that
under the Constitution power was given
to govern vassals who have no = ciastitu-
| tional rights. Senator Platt replied:
II believe that power to govern any
provinces, country or land which we have
| acquired is full and plenary and given
by that clause in the Constitution which
| says that Congress shall have .he right
TO make all needed rules ana regulations
for territories"
Senator Hoar announced that he took
| opposite views. The resolution was laid
| on the table