The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1899-02-06
FOR EXPANSION
Senator WalcOtt, Of Colorado,
Makes a Great speech.

Washington, Feb 4-This was another
day OF expansion oratory In the senate.
In Ghe open session the speakers were
Mr. Chiffon Of Texas, and Mr wolcott
of Colorado.
Mr Chiffon made a constitutional ar
gument In support Of the Vest resoir-
tlon, his principal objection to the an
nexatlon Of the philippines being that
q would admit TO this country both the
Filiplnos and their products to come in
competition with our own workingmen
and their products Hts proposed solu-
tion Of the pending problem was the es-
tablishmcnt OF a republic in the Phil
ippines over which the United States
would exercise such care as II gives tho
republic of Liberia.
Mr. Wolcott made an oloquent-aimost
mpassioned-appeal to aae senate for the
ratification for the successful conduct OF
the war. and TO the peace commission
ers for their successful efforts in behalf
Of their country was the feature OF HE
speech At the conclusion of his brief
address he was accorded the compliment
OF hearty applause.
However much We may differ among
icy" said he. I'VE ought 10 stand as one
before foreign foe. /. for one, recog-
nize "A great difference between a treaty
establishing commercial relations with
another nation and n treaty bringing
20 n conclusion successful war. il Is
important that we shou.d present an un-
broken front in meeting a question OF
this kind. We owe a debt 10 our bretn-
rem across the sea. We had their un-
qualified moral support and influence Of
their trained diplomats throughout the
war Had It not been for England we
should not have emerged from the late
war with colors flying so high Today
We have among the nations Of Europe
only one friend-Great Britain. The tn
er nations stand with rapaciV-s hate,
hoping that we may encounter some re-
pulse"
Adverting to the attitude of the oppon.
ents OF the treaty in endeavoring to in
iect, as ne said, politics into the consid-
GRAFTON Of the pending question and 20
force out OF 81 an issue for the next pres
idential campaign. Mr.. Wolcott said;
Il do not believe such tactics can win.
There are men enough on both sides OF
|
ernment. not because IL ia q republican
government but 1t is an American gov
eminent. The results OF the war have
left us charged with n duty TO eleven
millions OF people. We found them un-
der the dominion Of Spain. We know lit
tie about them. but we do know the
conditions on the islands which would re-
suit in internecine strife among people
who may or may not be fitted for self
government.
III We should abandon those Islands
as a derenct Il is certain they would
become a prey 90 Europe. For one, ]
am certain tnat the ratification Of the
treaty would amehorate the conditions
there and advance the interests Of the FIJI
ipinos We shall not put out our hands
on those people except to bless them,
and our efforts viii be to lii, them up
to the standards of civilization and chris
! zianity."
Referring TO the charge made on the
senate floor that the taking OF the Phil
ippines by the United States would re-
suit IN scandals of office holding and Of
fee holders Mr.. Wolcott repudiated tho
! idea with scorn, ana declared that the
American people would see to It that al
though they had had attic experience In
the management Of such territory, II
would be given proper ana careful at
teution
"Our relations with the Inhabitants OF
those islands," continued Mr. Wolcott
| 'are ertain 20 be fair. honest and just.
We may make mistakes. We have made
mistakes But with our protecting hand
over them, those people win find them-
selves more secure IN their lives, prop
rty and happinss than they have ever
been bfore."
In answer 60 the charge that the ac-
quisftlon Of these islands would be con-
trary to the spirit Of our republic, he
said this country was the frst experiment
OF its kind ever made. Every year.
ne continued, "has brought MS additional
burdens. and with them has come added
greatness. And who shall say that, in the
development OF this republic with its
Anglo-saxon strength and energy, II will
not increase until we have planted our
institutions and principles In that far of
orchipelago?"
'"rime alone car make clear our duty
TO the people OF the Philippine islands,
Today we face The proposition OF emas-
culating or destroying the peace treaty.
For me there S. but one path marked
out. That IS the path OF duty, the path
Of honor"
At 2:i5 y. m. on motion OF Mr.. Lodge
the senate went into executive session
and at 5:25 p. m. adjourned.