The record-union., 1899-01-14

viding a scheme OF colonial govern
ment. The Senator from Connecticut
has most amply indicated the South,
perhaps unintentionally, but we thank
him the more heartily for his complete
announcement of the divine right of
the Caucasian to govern the negro
races"
McLaurin then entered upon a con-
stitutlonal discussion of the question
presented by the resolution, maintain
ing that all of the rights and powers
of the Federal Government are enum-
Grated specifically in the Constitution,
and such as were not specially defined
did not exist.
1.-THE nation as a nation" he con-
tended shas no sovereign. rights, ex-
cept those conferred by the Constitu-
ton"
He further contended that if the SOW
ereignty of the nation is vested in the
Constitution, as admitted by Platt of
Connecticut, it could be exercised only
in the manner pointed out by the Con-
stitution. He maintained that there
was essential difference between the
sovereignty exercised by the United
States and that exercised by Great
Britain. For instance, as there is a
wide difference between the forms OF
government of the two nations.
II deny, therefore," said he, that
the United States as a nation has a
sovereign, inherent right and control
outside of such power in the Consti-
tuition. This is not an essential ele-
ment of nationality, so far as the ma
ton is concerned, although it may be
= xx-ho n n
tionality and sovereignty incident to it
are not created and demanded by
written constitution. I do not, how
ever, controvert the proposition that
the United States have the power to ac-
quire territory by conquest, purchase
or otherwise, and to govern same I'M
der the grant of power contained in the
Constitution. I do, however, deny the
proposition that territory can be ac-
quired and permanently held as such
by the United States, Of course, sub
ject to the exception of small tracts
acquired for specific governmental pur-
poses, like coaling stations, under the
Act of 1856. I think Hawaii comes un-
der the exception of a military and
commercial necessity"
After further discussion of the con-
stitutional points on the question, Mr..
McLaurin said it was idle to speak of
Americanizing a tropical country 5000
miles away. "Our people would never
consent that the people Of that far-off
land should have voice in the affairs
of this country. However. believe
the time is not far off when our flag
will float over every foot of North
American soil, but it must come natur-
ally and peacefully, by the consent OF
the governed, not by war. Government
force is despotism and if this country
was to establish a despotism it must
be prepared to maintain a great and
enormously expensive army and navy.
1t meant never ending strife with the
nations of the world
Mr.. McLaurin claimed that the COM
merce of the Philippines was insignifi-
cant, and he therefore doubted the adj
vantage of the islands to this country
from financial point of view.
ITO become colonizing power" he
said, 1--WE must abandon our republican
institutions or be paralyzed by them.
The creation Of Offices, the -extravagant
expenditure of money by office holders
and the actual corruption creeping into
any colonial system will sooner or
later sap the foundation of any Gov
eminent"
Discussing the inhabitants of the
Philippines, Mr.. McLaurin said: "Of
one thing am sure. The American
people will never consent for these in
ferior races to flood our land and add
another complication to the labor prob
lem. To permit cheap Asiatic labor to
come into competition with our intelli-
gent, well paid labor, would be to de-
grade and lower our civilization. If
we embark on a colonial system, it
means the Inauguration of a despotic
power in Washington. It means a
large standing army that will not only
be used to rule outlying territories with
an iron hand, but also sooner or later
will be used at home to overawe and
override the popular will. An imper-
ialistic democracy like an atheistic
religion, is an impossible hybrid
Better than wealth, better than a
territory upon which the sun never
SETS, is the transmission to our chill
dren of republic built upon the in
destructible rock of constitutional gov
eminent"
Mr.. sMcLaurin occupied the attention
of the Senate for an hour and ten min
utes, and was accorded good attention
by both Senators and people in the
galleries.
A bill was passed providing for the
adjustment of the land grant to the
State of Wisconsin. A bill for the re-
lief of the Citizens Bank of Stuart,
Holt County, Neb., was also passed.
Davis of Minnesota withdrew a mo-
ton that the Senate go into executive
session in order that Sullivan of Mas
sachusetts might deliver his announce
ed speed on the Nicaragua Canal Bill.
giving notice, however, that he would
renew his motion at the conclusion Of
the speech
HOUSE PROCEEDINGS.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 13.-The House
to-day entered upon the consideration
OF the naval personnel BILL It develop
ed much less opposition than was aEti-
cipated, and the indications are that it
will have a large majority when il is
placed upon it's passage tomorrow.
The last vestige of opposition to the
measure to the line officers of the navy
was removed to-day, when an amend
ment was adopted designed to prohibit
staff officers upon whom the bill con-
fers positive rank from exercising COM
mand save in their own CORPS The
committee also asserted their purpose
to offer an amendment tomorrow to
repeal the law giving prize money to
the navy, and this announcement met
with warm approval.
The speeches on the bill to-day were
filled with glowing illusions to the
glories of our naval victories in fine
late war, and Berry Of Kentucky Great
ed great deal of enthusiasm by his