New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-06-22
REPT BLICAN IMPERIALISM.

Imnerlalism is shocking to some who DO not
realize that they are applying the term to pol
icy which has been that of the United states
ever since independence was achieved Mt
Rrysn's pretence that the consent of inhabitants
must always be first obtained. and that the es-
genital nrnciple of our form of government re-
ouires participation therein by everybody who
shares It's burdens or submits 10 its authority. Is
an ignorant arragnment Of the foremost men
of all parties in times past. who never asked the
assent Of the Indians or other inhabitants of the
Northwest Territory, Florida, New Mexico or
Alaska Perhaps the poor man does not know
that 10 this day the dwellers In the District of
Colu,nbia the Indian Territory, Oklahoma.
Noyy-NCxico Arizona and Alaska are paying
taxes for support Of the Government without
having any voice in making its laws. The right
and power OF the United States to acquire ter
ritorv bv purchase or capture from a sovereign,
without consulting It's inhabitants and to gov
ern the territory as long as It may seem best
with no other than purely military rule. Will
not be disputed save by those who are ignorant
of the Nations history.
Neither will anybody seriously contend, In the
face of decisions OF the Supreme Court. that
Congress Is required by the Constitution 70 pro-
vide some particular form of government for all
territory Of the United States 1t may need
none, as for a long time Alaska needed none
If ANYTHING can be settled by decision OF the
highest court 1t is settled that supreme and alb
soute power to make all regulations for the
territory OF the United States rests with Con-
cress. which can provide for such territory no
government at all, or occupation by wild Ind
ians or tribal Indian government or military
rule or any form of elective government
wholly or in part with any limitation OF suf
frage thought advisable. And as this is the SUI
preme law, so 1t is the obvious dictate of COM
nonsense 1t would be idiotic for nation 10
debar Itself from acquiring and possessing for
future occupancy and settlement piece OF ter
ritory because its present inhabitants need no
government or are tit for none that the United
States can conveniently establish.
The phrase Colonial government has been
an unpopular one In this country ever since the
colonial rule Of the mother country was thrown
of. II may be added that in dealing with any
body Of settlers who are fitted for fair meas
ure of self government Great Britain has found
il wiser TO adopt greatly modified form or
colonial government, while the evil effects or
moro arbitrary rule for such settlers have been
often exhibited In colonies OF various nations
The phrase does not matter. The essence or
the thing Is the absolute power which the Con
stituton gives to Congress over all the territory
CT the United States. Until Congress has pro
vided some form of civil authority military rule
alone can exist, and that form 1t has power TO
continue indefinitely. 1t might be as expedent
to prohibit settlement in some Islands inhabited
only by savages. and TO confne those savages
to such islands, as 1t has been to make similar
restrictions regarding the Indian Territory or
reservations.
Thus 1t becomes an obvious bunder to say