Omaha daily bee., 1898-10-19
PORTO RICO AS \ STATE.
A Question with Which Uncle Sam
Must Wrestle.

Must WreHtle.
'a Philadelphia Press. 2I''.
The assure raised by the discussion over
the admission of Porto Rico as state is
not whether Porto Rico shall govern its
own local affairs, but whether it shall share
in the government Of the union.
Local government to the fullest measure
possible every one believes Porto Rico
should have, now or whenever the inhab-
itants Of the island are fit for it. The mil
itary government now established ought to
lead to such local government as the island
is fit for and this should be steadily en-
larged as time goes on, until all local affairs
are as completely in the hands of local
executive legislature and judiciary as in
an American state, or even more.
Admission as a state can neither increase
nor diminish, these privileges of local ad-
ministration or the determination of this
country to grant them. Statehood raises
a question and privilege different in kind.
1t gives a share in the government Of the
United States as whole. Neither the con-
stitution nor American constitutional prac-
tice has ever looked on this privilege as an
inherent right. 1t is denied for reasons OF
political eypediency to Washington the seat
Of government. 1t was refused for years to
lation because poygamy was held to unfit
region or population to share in govern
ing the union and II poygamy had not been
abandoned Utah never would have been ad-
mitted.
The decisive reason in all these cases is
the welfare and prosperity OF the entire
country and this is clearly against giving
Porto Rico, Hawaii OF any part of the Phil
oh in ha
ment of the union by admitting them as
states; but 1t is equally clear that admis-
sion is against the welfare of these colonies
themselves, English and French experience
is eloquent. England excludes its colonies
from Westminster, but gives them local
home rule and they are ali prosperous. The
only discontented part OF the British en-
pire is Ireland, which has representation in
the English Parliament and is denied home
rule. French colonies send members to Paris
and enjoy no home rule and not one pros
pers. .
II Porto Rico is tied to the union as a
state friction is sure to come. The island
differs in language, in character. in race
in climate. in institutions, in habits and
in product from the union Its people will
not assimilate for generations. Represented
at Washington, its local government will
become a political machine backed by fed
eral ONCE and aided by federal influence
Annexed to the United States and enjoying
all the advantages of trade with this coun-
try, but possessing full local rule. Porto
Rico can develop in its own way along Its
own lines and reach Its own aim and ideal
OF a self-governing community.
II Cuba could become protected republic
in which full security exists for all property
rights and contracts under local self gov
ernment, but enjoying special trade rela-
tions with the United States and giving full
protection to American investments, II
would be better both for the United States
and for Cuba. Territory the United States
did not seek in the war and does not de-
sire for its own sake now. Its object Is
the extension of civilization and this can
be best secured by states and colonies en-
joying complete home rule. protected from
European aggression and linked to the
United States by the ties OF trade and mu-
tual interest. Territorial connection with
the United States is as much to the interest
OF Porto Rico as OF the United States. For
Porto Rico TO share in governing the United
States-that is, TO be admitted as a state
is 10 the interest Of neither.