The Saint Paul globe., 1899-01-14
RAISES RACE ISSUE
SENATOR M'LAuRIN, OF SOUTH
MENT AGAINST EXPANSION
RACE PROBLEM FoRBlDs IT

MIR. McLaurin Cites the Experience
of the Southern States With the
Negro, and Marvels That Sem
atOrs Should Experience Change
of Heart-Senate May Investf-
gate War with Spain.
WASHINGTON Jan. 13.-In the SEN
ate today Mr.. McLaurin Dem., S. C)
took strong ground in carefully pre-
pared speech against policy Of expan-
sion by this country. He cited, as one
of the principal reasons why the Unit
ed States should not assume control
over people who are widely dissimilar
to the people of this country, the ex
perience of the South with the negro
race. He advocated the adoption OF
the Vest resolution, declaring that this
country could not maintain perma-
nently as colonies such territory as the
Philippines, and held that it would be
in opposition to the spirit of American
institutions to do SO. Among other
/ things, Mr.. McLaurin said:
'.The manifold and serious questions grow
ing out of the war with Spain are alb
sorbing the attention Of the American peo-
ple,' began Mr.. McLaurin. Il am satisfied
that our action in the next month Will set
tie the question of expansion. There are at
this time In the senate and nation at large
two we'll defined and distinct views, one a
policy of expansion. involving a new definl-
hon OF our government. and the inauguration
of a colonial system with all the perp.exing
problems incident to 1t. The other view op-
poses policy Of Imperialism, and Is based
upon the governmental policy of the last CEN
tury, and in my judgment is the only position
that is in harmony with the constitution and
the spirit and genius Of republican institu-
ticns.'
MI. McLaurin felt that, as repre-
sentative of South Carolina, he was
peculiarly qualified to speak on the
incorporation Of a mongrel and semi
barbarous population into our body
polite.
The experience of the South for the past
thirty years with the negro race" said he,
'is pregnant with lessons Of wisdom for our
guidance In the Philippines 1t is Passing
strange that senators who favored universal
suffrage should now advocate imperialism.
There is a glaring inconsistency in these po-
sitions. II they are sincere in their views
as to the Philippines they sh5u.d propose an
amendment to the constitution which would
put the inferior races in this country and
the Inhabitants of the Phil ppnes upon an
equality as to their civil and political rights.
and thus forever settle the veXed race and
suffrage question in this country, as we'll
as in the outlying territory.
How can they consistently. justly and, I
| might add, consttutionally advocate policy
for outlying territories embrac ng races SO
nearly akin to the negro, which differs so
radically from the policy adopted as to that
| race In the South?- There can be but one
answer to that question, and 1t is that they
substantially admit, in the light of third of
century's experience, that universal suf-
| frage is monumental failure, and that tne
| time has come for the correction of this
| stupendous governmental error.
Universal suffrage in the SJuth long
| ago degenerated into a race question: con-
! tinued Mr.. sMcLsurin, "and as a consequence
| resulted in the practical elimination OF the
negro from politics. policy which was
wisely advocated by leaders of the race like
Prof. Miller and Booker T. Washington, and
! in time, without outside interference, under
| the best thought of leaders of both races,
will result in satisfactory settlement OF
one of the gravest problems that have ever
| confronted any people in modern times
at is indeed comforting to hear some OF
those who in the past criticised u.s. now that
the question Is brought home, completely
| justify our methods in providing scheme
! of colonial government; The senator from
Connecticut has most amply vindicated tine
| South, perhaps unintentionally, but we thank
| him the more heartily for his complete an
1 nouncement Of the divine right OF the eau
! casan to govern the negro races"
| no INVESTIG ATEl WAR