The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1899-10-11

The facts which propose to give have been
gathered from various sources, which regard
as reliable On the other hand, IL is distinct
~ admitted and expressly stated that what 1
do not know of this subject would fill q book.
shall not attempt to speak OF the inesti-
mable value Of the Philippine islands as van
tage ground from which TO make offensive
and defensive warfare, when the United
States shall propose TO still further extend
its boundaries beyond distant seas, nor do
intend to make mention of the great gain 10
the church, which will result from the moral
effect OF the change In the government.
Since the organization OF the Government
Of the United States various territories at
various times have been acquired, but none,
however valuable, and none, however lmpor-
tant, have been annexed without the strong
est opposition on the part OF many good
people.
plshed unanimlty of sentiment has follow
ed each and every progressive step.
And thus the annexationists OF today, req
soning from analogy, may confidently rely
upon the future endorsement of those who
As man could not now be found, who is
willing to surrender a foot Of former acquired
territory, so in few years we shall not be
able to find a man who would be willing to
part with the Philippine islands.
The history Of this country shows that
america has few rivals on the line Of expan-
sion. Few countries have expanded or pros.
pered as America has done. The principle Of
expansion may therefore be justly said to
rise higher than party principle. 1t Is a ma
tional principle on which the two great pol1t-
ical parties may unite, or contend In gener-
~ But let il not be forgotten that in no impor-
tant movement, nor even In actions which
may be considered vital, to men or TO nations,
has the objecting member been absent. The
conservatism Of our natures and the diver.
sity OF our interest is such that universal con.
sent to any important thing Is impossible.
TERRITORIAL EXPANSION,
In order that may refresh the memory
Of any who may have forgotten the gradual
growth Of this country will give some hg-
ures in the shortest way. to show that IN
hundred years the Territory gdt cry OF lhe
nearly four million square miles-or to about
five times the extent of Its original territory
Square Miles.
1778-Original thirteen States......... S27.S44
l7S7-Territory Northwest OF
Ohio Riverm.............
17s0-Territory South OF Ohio Total 4s4 <7s
,79s-lsea We isiS w Mississippi
Territory.-........"....".l
lSOS-Louisiana purchase from Napo- 49,,
leon, Sic, ,000! 00!0O0...--.....-......-. III 9sl
lsl9-Spain ceded Florida, S. OOOOOO $4,000
lSl5tTexas admitted as State--..... s76,l6s
llSa8-Mexico ceded New Mexico aud
California, SIS O0O, 26s, ,242
' Mexico s1O. .OOO OO6OO..... 1885
ls67-Alaska ceded by Russia, $780,
.......................... 53l, 400
lssS-Hawaii admitted as territory. $3.50
| lS98-Porto Rico ceded by Spain as
| war emDity..."................... 3,67O
ls9S-Philippines, ceded by Spain as
| war arindemnity............ l14,82t
| 1s98-Cub ba .. 47,27s
| Total 3,9l7, ,522
Under Democratic rule............... 2,SS6.35
Under Republican rule.................. 703. .32s
Total aouisitions. .... 3OS9, ,67s
Original territory y.................... S27, SD
Total square miles today ............. ,c22