New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-08-07
SOVEREIGNTY AND NEW POSSESSIONS. !

SOVEREIGNTY AND NEW POSSESSIONS.
In view of their origin at Boston, 1t might
be supposed possible that the suits said to have
been begun there regarding the status of new
possessions are intended to embarrass the Gov
eminent. But the actual effect Will probably
be the reverse and it Is more pleasant to be-
evc that they are brought in all good faith, Iii
order to test the power of the Government to
collect duties on products brought into the
Union from a part OF It's possessions, and to
deny full rights as citizens Of the United States
to inhabitants Of those possessions. Without
doubt it would be helpful to the country TO
have such questions settled by a court of last
resort, more strictly than they have been here
tofore, with reference TO such conditions as
actually now exist, provided the settlement can
be reached without delay. If the disposition
behind the suits Is TO seek the earliest decision
practicable, the officers of the Government will
doubtless be ready to forward them as fast as
possible.
But without regard to former decisions or
acts Of the Government years ago in similar
cases there are some well recognized prin-
ciplcs which, rightly considered appear to set
tie every point supposed TO be In doubt. None
of the many decisions which have been given
respecting the character Of the United States
Government were needed to establish the prin-
cple that Il possesses all the attributes Of
sovereignty What other sovereign Powers can
DO regarding any and all territory beyond their
limits the United States can also do merely by
virtue OF Its sovereignty, without any express
or definite grant Of power. 1t can conquer for
eign territory, purchase It, obtain II by treaty,
and sell il or give II away. exactly as any other
sovereign Power could, and if II cannot do
these things II is not nation. II has con
quered. II has obtained by treaty or purchase
and with the territory has obtaiped sovereignty
over It's inhabitants without regard to race
color, previous condition or consent All these
things have been done, and the doing has been
sustained for many years by the highest courts
by the lawmaklng power. and by the Execu-
tive. 1t Is only different exercise Of the same
sovereign power TO sell or give away any terri
t0ria possessions which have not by law been
made part OF the United States.
When acquired. no law having prescribed its
status, such territory becomes foreign property
of the United States exactly as territory CON
quered or bought by any other sovereign Power
becomes Its property. or necessity an act Of
the United States Government then becomes
necessary to determine what the legal status
OF the property shall be. IL any other Is desired
than that OF property simply Nobody now de-
| MES the power OF the United States TO receive
such property into the Union, though long ago
| even that was by some denied No one can
! dispute that the power to receive II within the
Union. and TO incorporate inhabitants as citi-
zens OF the United States involves the power
TO refuse such disposition. and TO hold the ac-
quired territory as possession and not part and
the inhabitants subjects without being cti-
zens Of the United States How any reasoning
mind can seriously doubt that power, as neces-
sarily included In the sovereign power of ad.
| mission, or can question that II belongs abso.