The record-union., 1899-01-26
SENATOR LODGES SPEECH.

SENATOR LODGES SPEECH.
Senator Lodge of Massachusetts has
done the cause of his country distinct
service by his timely and very concise
and pointed speech upon the treaty
question He was very happy in his
dismissal of the constitutional objec-
tons to ratification Of the treaty and
acquisition of the Philippines, raised
by his colleague Senator Hoar He
holds that the question before the coun-
try is one of policy only, not of constl-
tutional power. The latter question IS
closed; it is a settled question, and by
a long line of precedents as well as by
fair Interpretation of the organic law,
the nation has determined that 1t has
the power to hold possessions without
investing them with the functions OF
either Territories or States. and with
out making the people thereof citizens
in the sense in which we understand
citizenship.
He we'll said that the people make
Constitutions. not Constitutions the
people; that the duty of the American
people is to consider the necessities be-
fore them as brave, generous and intel
ligent lovers of liberty. 1t will be re-
membered that Senator Hoar dwelt
long upon the assertion that If we hold
the Philippines we must recognize the
inhabitants as citizens, if not now ulti-
mately, and must give them free ac-
cess to any part of the National domain.
Senator Lodge disposes of that conten-
ton briefly and effectually, pointing out
that the traditions and beliefs of our
people constitute higher sanction for
our inalienable rights, than can be af-
forded by Constitutions, no matter how
wisely drawn. Which is to say that
Constitutions do, and always must
adapt themselves to the growth, pro-
gress and expanding thought of the peo-
pie.
He therefore concludes again, that
the question before US is simply that of
the ratification of the treaty, leaving
all those of future disposition and con-
troll of the islands to wise consideration
after the ratification of the convention
between the United States and Spain.
And right here Senator Lodge makes a
telling point against the anti-expan-
sionists as represented by Mr.. Vest and
Mr.. Hoar, namely, that their opposi-
tion runs only to a protest against ac-
QUESTION of Philippine territory. By
which the Senator means to say that II
the expansionists are sincere they
should also be consistent, for whatever
reason exists for possession of the
Asian group, applies with equal force
to new possessions in the West Indian
group.
Senator Lodge frankly admits that
he is not prepared to say now the Phil
ippines should be controlled, what the
form of Government should be for
them, what disposition should be made
of them-all that is to be considered
when the question of ratification is
cleared out of the way. With a bit
OF scorn in the expression. Senator
Lodge puts aside the suggestion that
because we lawfully and regularly come
into possession of the Philippines, there
fore by our government of them we are
inviting the interference of other Pow
ers and embroiling our country with
foreign nations.
This same objection is constant in the
mouths of the anti-expansionists; they
are insistent in the fear that possession
will involve us in conflicts with Euro
pean nations. We have sought in vain
for single statement of reason for
this. No anti-expansionist has gone
beyond tirnid expression of fear on that
point. Not one has advanced logical
reason why European Powers should
war against US for that which in no
way concerns them, and against which
with full notice they make no protest.
Whatever commercial attrition might
result is precisely as hkely to develop
against us because of our present rev.
enue and customs laws.
Senator Lodge resents the imputation
that the American people are SO tirnid.
weak and incapacitated, that they can
not manage this matter of good Govern
ment for the Philippines, or dispose
ton of the islands, or any other policy
that wisdom and justice may suggest
Tor the new possessions In short, his
speech is crisp, center shot and con-
Vincing argument why we should be
spared the humiliation, not to say dis
grace. of rejecting the treaty aud again
setting up the condition Of war.
AN IMPERTINENT FELLOW.