The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1899-02-03
sPOONER ON EXPANSION
The Wisconsin Senator Makes
an pxtendpd Speech.

Washington, Feb "A notable speech
was made in the senate today by Mr..
spooner of Wisconsin. He took for his
text the anti-expansion resolution offered
by Mr.. Vest, but discussed the question
OF expansion in all Of it's phases and urg-
ed the ratification OF the peace treaty as
the best means OF bringing the burning
question home TO the people themselves,
who, he said could well be trusted in
their sober second thought to do that
which would be fair, just and generous
towards the inhabitants OF the Philippine
archipelago. Mr. Spooner spoke for three
hours and held the careful attention OF
an unusually large number of senators
and a large audience in the galleries.
II held the view that the United States
could not win its constitutional limitations
acquisition to territory which was to be
erected into states. l could not give my
consent 20 the acquisition Of the Phili-
ppine islands. This Philippine proposition
is one Of the fruits Of the war--to me OF
the bitter fruits. I can conceive Of no cir
eumstanees under which could give my
/ consent 10 the admission Of that archi-
pelago as a state or as more than one
NJ spooner then presented an Rrgu.
ment IN contravention Of chief justice
Taneys decision In the Dred Scott case
which, he said, was the foundation OF al
the opposition 10 the acquisition Of terri
/ tory by this government
That decision. he said. ceased years ag'
TO be referred TO as a correct interprets
ton OF the law upon this question.
Mr.. spooner maintained THAI the Unte'
States undoubtedly had the power as ha'
previously been shown in the senate Il
acquire territory beyond our own domain
and with that power is coupled. OF course
the collateral authority TO govern tina
territory.
He knew be said OF no reason WY terri
tory and the people OF a territory shoul
not be governed by congress, as ever
right to life. liberty and property and tris
by jury would be fully safeguarded n
pointed out that although the territor
OF Alaska did not enjoy sell government
it's rights and those Of IT'S people wer
amply safeguarded By congress.
Mr.. Tnlman, interrupting inquired. 81
we accept the Philippines would the ir
p habltants OF that territory have the rigf
70 come without hindrance TO this couI
try?"
e Mr. spooner-Yes; Fof the purpose Of II
argument / am disposed TO admit it
Mr.. Plat, Conn.-They have that rigl
now
> Mr. Tillman inquired whether the d
: habitsnts Of a territory could be pr
vented from entering the states.
Mr. spooner said the senator from Con
: Mr.. Platt, was inclined 20 believe th'
could be, but he himself doubted Il.
Mr. Tnlman further along pressed D
a question as 10 the right Of the Filipin
d TO come here, and declared that by a
Il hitting the Islands by treaty. ten milli
l. people Of that territory could take Z
y first step for this country and on arriV
y here could enter into competition wi
American labor That was the reason "
ne should vote against the treaty
ID Mr. sDooner said he had DO doubt
IN constitutionality Of the cession Of the Pf
of ippines or Of our right 70 accept them.
IA Mr.. spooner said that no government,
o. had been contended on the hoor of
. senate had been established IN the Pi
en- ippine islands. Il could not be serio
ly regarded as a government as II v
nothing mere than IN Sorn afa'r
best
p. Referring 70 the authority and power
~ Agpinsido be said what he reprtsen
"a nobody knows; whom Ls represents no
Ill az knows and nobody could say how
his authority extended.