The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-03-29

thereof" And what becomes of the
claims of our immortal declaration of
independence, that government de-
rlves its Just power from the consent
or the governed and that other prin-
clple' for the maintenance of which
our fathers fought and died, mo tax
alton without representations" Can
we afford to make this ridiculous ex-
hlbltion of our inconsistency and in
sincerity and proclaim it to the ma
lions of the world? / will not allude
TO the uncOnstitutionality of anneXing
| these islands against the will and
earnest protest of their people Able
and learned men differ upon this ques-
ton, but for one I am willing to ac-
cept the opinion and judgment of such
sound constitutional lawyers as Sem
ators Har and Hale and ex-Senators
Sherman and Boutwell,, and a long line
OF other eminent jurists, as against the
opinions of Senators Foraker Hanna,
Aldrlch or either or both of the Platts,
especially when the former is given di-
rectly against the political purposes of
their own party, and the latter as we
may infer is given chiefly in support
or the policy of their own party in the
time of its extremity.
But it may be said that the die is
cast and it is too late to retrace our
5ISBS anu avert lhb CdldSlGODHe- Inc
war of subjugation has actually begun
and thousands of F'ilipinos have passed
this life and tens of thousands more
are so wounded and sick as never to
recover. Many of our brave boys have
offered up their lives or are sick unto
death by wounds or disease. All this
sacrifice thus far made l am aware
cannot be stayed, but there is still time
to utter a sincere protest against the
- 4.,1 "a .T.Ts
new and perilous policy of undisguised
imperialism. There is still time to call
halt and to insist upon an Intelligent
discussion of the subject matter before
cluster of conquered islands on the
other side of the globe is made a per-
manent part of the dominion of the
United States.
All says some one, annexation
will enable us to greatly increase our
trade and commercial relations" Let
us see, during the last seven years our
exports have increased we are told, Is
per cent, While Great Britain, coloniz-
ing a great part of the whole earth
held by inferior races, has decreased 5
per cent The Philippines, for many
years to come, will be populated by
about the class of people as are now
found there, whether after Subjugation
we annex them as a territory or a col
ony or cede to them protectorate gov
eminent, Their necessities will be
small and their ability to purchase
smaller. If the open door policy is to
be adopted we shall simply be on an
even footing with other nations. Our
export and import trade with this peo-
pie must necessarily be light. Stats
tics show that our entire export and
import trade with these islands during
the last three years. provided the
goods did not originally cost a cent.
did not amount TO so much as is es-
timated by the war department at
Washington will be necessary to de-
fray the expenses in supporting an ar
my and navy in the Philippines in times
of comparative peace.
If then we view this question alone
from low, sordid, mercenary stand
point, with the assertion that trade
follows the flag" for the popular cry
we see that we shall pay more for the
flag" than we shall realize for the
trade The balance sheet will not
balance.
1t would seem strange indeed if the
views | have expressed this evening
shrould meet the approval Of all who
have graced this banquet by their
presence. ] am not unmindful of the
fact that this is very important and
far reaching problem, and, like most
great questions affecting materiallythe
policy of nation or a people, able. in
telligent and thoughtful men may hon
estly differ, but they are my views hast
lily collected and very imperfectly IRE
sented. | am aware that the popi1lar
cry today is, or at least was, n few
weeks ago, Wherever the flag has been