The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-01-25
WHAT Is THE ADNINIsTRA
PURPOSE:


A remarkable thing in connection with
the treaty is the position of the admins
tration in respect 70 it, The administra-
ton senators do not say that il IS the pur-
pose OF the administration 10 hold the
Philippine Islands in perpetulty. On the
contrary, they let it be understood that
il is the intention Of the President and his
advisers 20 propose. as soon as The treaty
is ratified that the islands shall be dealt
with just about as it is proposed to deal
with Cuba. IL is true there has been no
authoritative statement Of that kind but
senators who are supporting the admin
istration have declared that so far they
know there is no intention on the part of
anybody to hold the Islands in perpetuity.
Ii looks now as If the votes necessary
for the ratification of the treaty could not
be obtained unless there is a declaration
by Congress that Il is not the purpose of
The United States to exercise sovereignty
over the islands permanently. Senator
Davis, who has charge of the treaty, is
quoted as saying that no vote will be
taken on it during this Congress, unless
there is assurance of enough votes 10 Sc
cure It's ratification. It is evident that
there is no such assurance yet. If there
were the vote would be taken without
further delay. Senator Davis is further
quoted as saying that there is no doubt
that the Senate of the next Congress will
have more than enough votes favorable
to the treaty TO insure its prompt ratifca-
ton. 1t looks, therefore, as if the admin
istration had about determined to call an
extra session of Congress for the express
purpose of ratifying the treaty. It may be
that only an extra session of the Senate
VIII oe called. That may depend, however
on the question as to when the 600
for which the treaty calls is 10 be paid TO
Spain. Congress could, if it were so dis
posed. appropriate the money before the
treaty was ratified. If it should make the
appropriation before adjourning only an
extra session of the Senate would be nee
essary It is doubtful. however, if the APP
| preparation viii be made before the ratlf-
cation of the treaty.
But, if it be fact that the administra-
| ton has no intention of holding the Phil
ippines in perpetuity, what objection can
there be TO resolution to that effect be-
fore the treaty Is called up for ratification?
| Is there anything in connection with our
relations with the Filipinos which makes
it necessary that there shall be no such
declaration before the ratification of the
treaty? If there is why is 1t that no hint
Of such a condition of affairs has been
given to the Senate? In his speech in the
Senate on Monday, Senator White of Cal
ifornia said, in effect, that there would be
no opposition TO the treaty if a declaration
that there is no intention to hold the
islands in perpetulty should precede vote
on the question of ratification
In fact, does it not seem as If 1t were
the duty of Congress to enlighten the
country as to what it purposes to do with
the Philippines after the treaty is ratl-
| fed? Public sentiment Is crystalizing
| against ratification because, mainly, of the
belief that 1t is the intention of the Re
publican party to make colonies of the
islands and retain permanent possession
of them The purpose of that party
should be made known at once so that the
people can discuss the situation intelli-
gently. The fact that the administration
says nothing seems to justify the conclu-
sion that the administration Is afraid to
have its Philippine policy made known.
When a political party is afraid to trust
the people it IS time for the people to con-
slider whether or not it can safely trust
that party.
THE NICARAGUA CANAL BILL.