New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-02-03
ENEMIES OF SELF-GOVERNMEN

As the time for the final vote on the Peace
Treaty grows near many things become clearer.
One is that many opponents have had no other
objection than distrust of the American people.
They have believed that once in possession Of
the Philippines, Americans would want TO hold
and rule the islands. even though the inhabi-
tants should show themselves capable Of self
government Senator Bacon's resolution had no
other meaning, and it was In effect an insult to
the people of this country but he and those
with him may not comprehend that fact. The
resolutions Of Senator Lindsay. Of Kentucky,
are In that respect far less Objectionable than
any others offered. though tie consideration Of
the ultimate disposition OF property acquired
belongs only TO the lawmaking power, which
is not the treaty making power
Nobody doubts what the outcome will he. The
Senators who are eXpendng nerve force for
several hours daily do not really doubt that the
American people will try in good faith TO make
the best they can out Of their possessions and
the best beyond all question would be capable
independence. If ever the islands should be
able to establish and maintain a government
capable Of giving real freedom to the people
and maintaining International rights this Ma
ton would have nothing to do but to assent. II
is an insult TO American citizenship 10 suppose
the contrary. But the Senators who are postur-
ing as champions Of Aguinaldo know perfectly
we'll that there is no promise of any such out
come from his performances. He has been
bought. and can be again.
The Senate ought 10 know that the lawmak-
ing power in this country IS at the last resort
the one TO be held supreme With no dispar-
agemeDt Of Senatorial dignity, II might be said
that the power OF the Senate 10 terminate war
which the two houses only can declare is an
anomaly never deemed possible by the makers
Of the Constitution, and never by any decent
proportion Of its supporters until this day.
Loyalty is expected from Senators, as from all
other citizens OF whatever station in life. Hon
est obedience to the Will Of the people as ex-
pressed through constitutional elections is the
very basis Of republican government, and the
man who will not trust the will Of the people
thus expressed is not in harmony with repub-
lican government. and is trying to make an
aristocrat of himself. If the Senate should ever
set Itself against that will, and insist that IL
would not consent TO take possession OF prop
erty because the awmaking power might not
decide about il as minority or the senate
would decide there would arise an hostility 10
the Senate which does not now exist.
Speaking without reserve. II Is nothing but
an insult TO the Executive and 10 the House or
Representatives 10 ask for a declaration IN ad-
vance about the disposition which the United
States may make OF the Philippine Islands. III
is plainly an assertion that minority OF the
Senate does rot dare 10 trust the majority, the
President or the House Of Representatives III
the exercise Of their constitutional rights, ana
wants 10 grab for itself all the power which they
possess Why should not such a claim be re-
scented by everybody? When little less or
moro than a third of the Senate. counting by
States refuses 10 believe that the United
States, represented by the Congressman chosen
by the people on popular basis. or the whole