The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-05-29

as importations from a foreign country.
Mr. Dana also cites the case of Casino.
held by a British force during the war OF
1872. Our Supreme Court denied that II
could be considered a part of the United
States during such occupation within the
meaning of the revenue laws. or that du-
ties upon goods then imported could be
afterward collected.
If we occupy Manila then, the Dingley
tariff IS not ipsO factO applicable, though
legislation could make it So The probabill-
~ is, however, following modern usage,
that the Spanish tariff would be enforced
and the proceeds with the other taxes be
used for the administration of the islands.
1t would be legal to cover a balance into
our treasury, legal but highly impolitlc,
for it is just that sort OF administration
which is costing Spain her colonies. Dana
wrote thirty years ago. The theory per-
haps has not changed since then, but the
usage has become everywhere recognized
that occupied territory does not belong to
the temporary conqueror; his will is its
law, 1t Is true. but It's law expressed in
the language OF the law already existing:
he collects taxes, but through the usual
local agencies if they are available, and
for the local benefit. He is trustee In
short not bandit.
These arc some Of the legal questions
raised by the war, set forth fear, in but
duh and fragmentary way Others are
coming. The state department seems fully
equal 20 them. There is a wider, a more
serious problem, however, which the peo-
pie must solve, not a department deliber-
stely, wisely counting the cost If the
result OF the war is TO leave the United
states IN possession of various Spanish
colonies, what shall be done with them?
The pressure 10 retain them win be strong
as coal1ng stations as indemnity as an
act OF humanity giving refuge to the vic
TINS of Spanish mlsrule as an act Of
policy launching this country upon a new
career. With Hawaii annexed, with Porto
Rico and the Philippines conquered. with
coa!ing stations galore with a Nicaragua
canal q navy suited to our ambitions and
resources, an army large enough for for
elgh service, and a civil service adapted
% colonial war, we should be ready to
pose as a world power, though rather
Iate IN the field. Is it a brilliant pro-
gramme' Is 1t wise one? VIII these new
activities help in the solution or the old
problems, a stable currency. a COMPROMISE
tariff, reformed public service. Is 1t the
true mission of a people which is working
out the problem of self-goVernment to RIM
on INTO colonial ACKNOWLEDGEMENT? To me
the prospect is not reassuring. We seem tn
nave come to the parting of the wavs
mere need be no superstitious reverence
Tor the policy of our early days as outlined
Wen address. What we must Judge of Is
the best and wisest and safest policy for
to-day. Whether this is to be forward and
aggressive, or devoted to internal develoD-
ment and conservative, every citizen must
decide for himself. If he wishes an cleo
ton to turn on the claim to a slice of
China, or the support of a candidate to
the presidency in Mexico, our demagogues
VIII not deny him. Nothing could be more
convenient for the lodging Of troublesome
issues; nothing more allurng than to NAV
on the pseudo-patriotc chord. There Is
danger in our strength; we should beware
even of our nobler aspirations The plain
est of common sense is a better Guide
than the fervor of sentimentalism or the
ambition of the jingoes OF one thing
however, let us make sure, that our future
shan be determined by US and not for us
Our ISOLATION allows US Independent action
And If German Emperor or a French
President attempts to limit, to threaten
or to dictate, he shall know that we are no
part of his system; that our sense of right.
not his will, is our law