The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-04-09
Islands 10 Grade
Proposal to Swap the Philippines
CO CnaEand for the Eeeward Group.

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New York, April S.-A special to the
Herald from Washington says: Much in
serest IS felt here in the proposition
originating with the inhabitants Of St
axitts in the Leeward Islands, for the
change Of the Philippines for the British
West Indies. There are strong arguments
in favor Of such exchange if Great Britain
can be induced to part with her West IN
dian colonies, and there is little doubt that
If the people of the United States had an
Cpportunity to choose between the Philip
mines and the English possessions in the
Garribean sea, they would prefer the lat
ter. This is particularly true of the resi-
dents Of the eastern states. The posses
Sion of the British West Indies would be
of great Importance to the United States
from a military point Of view, as it would
make the Caribbean sea practically an
American lake. and would enable this
country TO dominate completely ali ap-
proaches to any future isthmian canal
from the Atlantic side. 1t would also
bring the United States into closer rela-
lions with Central and South America, and
would tend 10 develop commerce with all
fhe nations south of Mexico
Representative Meyer Of Louisiana, who
IS a member Of the house committee on
naval affairs. has given close attention to
the new possessions Of the United States,
said: As long as we are in the business
~ buying and selling and trading in sover-
eighty, 1 should prefer other things being
equal, to hold possessions near the United
States rather than at distance. 1t would
also seem TO me to be better TO undertake
the government Of islands, the inhabitants
of which understand and are in sympathy
with our system of government and who
want TO come to US. rather than Islands,
7he inhabitants of which do not compre-
hend the American system, and who are
not willing 10 come under our govern
unent. Whether Great Britain would con-
sent to such an exchange as is proposed.
however, is. think, a question OF grave
doubt"
Representative Livingston Of George,
Is heartily in favor Of getting rid of the
philippines at any price and regards the
proposition TO make an exchange with
Great Britain as the best solution of the
difficult problem Yet offered. 4 do not
doubt" he said, that if the matter is
properly handled, Great Britain would en-
terrain the proposition. She is ambitious
10 extend her commercial interests in the
east and would doubtless consider that the
possession of the Philippines would give
her much greater strength than she now
has in that part of the world. All that the
United States needs in the Philippines IS
a coaling station and place for repairing
ships attached to the Asiatic squadron. 1t
seems to me that an exchange might be
effected whereby the United States would
consent 10 make the trade with the I'M
Outstanding that we were to retain
naval base in the Philippines in considera-
ton of a similar privilege granted to
Great Britain. No one can deny our right
10 dispose OF the Philippines to Great
Britain or any other power. Germany
would probably throw all the obstacles in
the way of the trade being made with
Great Britain, but it is not our affair.
England, once in possession OF the Phil
appines, would need to have no fear of
Germany's protest"
THAT is a very interesting proposition"
said Representative Butler of Pennsyl-
vania, but I would not be in favor Of it
until knew what would be done with the
Philippines. If we keep the Philippines,
it will be because Of the advantage of the
United States to do so. The retention of
the archipelago will mean that we will
have a stepping stone to the great Asiatic
continent, whose trade amounts to a
thousand million dollars a year, forty
millions Of which we controlled last year.
The British West Indies offer no such ad-
vantages. I am opposed 20 surrsndering
any territory that Is for the good of Ameri-
ca and for the good of the people living
therein"
Rear Admiral Schley says: 81 do not
know what the political policy Of the
government IS to be in connection with
the Philippines, nor have 7 any means of
knowing that Great Britain is willing TO
relinquish her valuable possessions in the
West Indies. have no doubt that many
of our people would be glad TO see such
an exchange as suggested, provided Eng
land is willing. She has a number of very
desirable islands to the south of US. ia
maica, Barbados, St. Lucia and Trinidad
and Bermuda, owned by England, would
make valuable additions to our southern
territory, but doubt very much whether
England is ready 10 part with them. Ber-
muda is the naval station Of the English
feet on this side Of the Atlantic. and Bar
BADGES is the military rendezvous for the
British troops in the West Indies Eng
land maintains a large garrison on that
beautiful and fertile island. and St. Lucia
and Trinidad are invaluable to her in
many WAYS"