The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-07-29
rhe Po1icr of ImnerinIism.

II is apparent that the imperial policy
of which so much has been said since Adj
miraI Dewey destroyed Span's Asiatic
squadron in Manila bay. is IN danger of
disappearing from our politics because
Spain has asked for peace and we are not
in fun possession Of any Of the territory
which would make such a policy possible.
1t is true that We can demand that Porto
Rico, the Philippines and the Ladrones
shah be ours as a compensation for our
war expenses, and continue the war un-
less our demand is complied with. but to
continue the war in order to acquire ter
ritoty would boz inconsistent with our dec
laration that we engaged in the war for
the sake of humanity.
No doubt We snail acquire some territory
from Spain. II seems TO be admitted that
Spain VIII raise no serious objection to
ceding Porto Rico 10 us ana to withdraw
ing her flag from cuba, but the indications
are that she Will refuse TO part with the
Philippines.
DO we want the Philippines? Are they.
as far as We are concerned. a desirable
possession? We have contended ever since
Admiral Dewey's victory that we do not.
want them, and chat the possession of
them would result in great harm to US.
They would, of course, yield us some
trade, but at the same time, TO hold them
we should have 20 change our epure for
eign policy. We should have to greatly
enlarge our army and navy and We should
have to have voice in questions which are
now threatening to disturb the peace of
Europe
We could not in a century civilize and as
simulate the people of the Philippines. We
should have to give them a colonial gov
eminent and we might find it extremely
difficult 20 make a government of that
kind satisfactory to them. a government
of that sort would be contrary to the
teachings of the founders of our republic
and TO our institutions.
The President is reported to be adverse
20 insisting upon the cession of the Phil
ippines to us, and there is but little room
to doubt that that position is the correct
one. We might arrange TO take care of
Porto Rico as a territory, but we should
have to provide different government for
the Philippines.
There is a strong sentiment in favor of
demanding possession Of the Philippines.
1t is found in both the Republican and
Democratic parties. Senator Morgan is
quoted as being against returning the
Philippines to Spain, because of the inhu-
man treatment which the natives Of those
islands have received from her, but he
rfelf hi
for this country to insist upon retaining
them
Senator Foraker is averse 10 giving up
any territory of which we have taken pos
session. He says that he is in favor of
holding on to the Philippines, as well as
to Porto Rico. 1t is understood of course
that independence is 20 be accorded to
Cuba. The New York Tribune leading
Republican organ, takes the position that
our flag should remain wherever 1t has
been planted Mr.. Bailey, the leader of
the Democrats Of the House. is now, and
has been from the beginning Of the talk
about an imperial policy, against retain
ing possession of the Philippines.
From the foregoing brief statement of
views it is clear that the President is 60
ing to find it difficult to decide upon
settlement with Spain. If he follows his
own inclinations he Is much more likely to
please a majority of the Democrats than
a majority Of the Republicans. The pre-
vailing sentiment IN his own party APP
pears to be in favor of adopting broader
foreign policy and of holding on to all ter
ritory which can be obtained
Ii will be several days before it win
be known what our conditions are upon
which Spain can have peace. In the
meantime the people, through the news
papers will state their views pretty free
~ 1t is quite safe to conclude that there
win be such difference in their views
that they viii assist the President very
little in making up his mind as TO what
conditions should be imposed upon Spain.