The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-01-24
EXPANSION AS A POLICY
Brilliantly Treated by Senator
White of California.
IGNORES OUR TRADITIONS
Contrary to the Fundamental Principles
of the Constitution--The Administra-
ton Should Make a Definite
Declaration of Its Policy.

Washington, Jan. 23-Discussion OF
the policy of expansion occupied nearly
| all the time of the senate in open ses-
sion to-day. Mr.. White of California
one of the democrats who has an
nounced heretofore his opposition tc
ratification of the treaty of peace, ad-
dressed the senate in support of the
anti-expansion resolution introduced by
Mr.. Vest of Missouri and another reso-
luton introduced by Mr. Bacon of
Georgia, declaring that the Philippines
ought to be free and independent. Mr..
White is a brilliant speaker and he was
complimented by his colleagues and a
large audience in the galleries with
constitutional argument, but confined
himself to discussion of expansion as
policy of this government. He main
tanned that such policy was contrary to
the fundamental principles Of this coun-
try, to its history and traditions. He
declared his opposition to the ratifica-
ton Of the pending treaty of peace, but
broadly intimated that declaration of
administration would very much SIM
plify the situation, and as matter of
good faith ought not to be antagonized
by the advocates of the treaty's ratifi-
cation.
The bill reported by the Judiciary
committee, providing for attendance of
witnesses in matters pertaining to the
court of claims, was passed.
The special urgency deficiency bill,
carrying $4,000, was also passed.
White addressed the senate. White
spoke not only on the Vest anti-ex-
pansion resolution, but also to that
offered by Bacon, declaring the inhaD-
itants of the Philippines are entitled TO
liberty and independence. White took
as texts for his remarks certain para
graphs from the supreme court Iecis-
ions, a sentence from the Mckinley
Atlanta speech and paragraph from
the report of Admiral Dewey to the ma
Wy department, saying the Fillpinos
were as well qualified for self-govern-
ment as the Cubans. He said he had
no intention of discussing the question
from legal standpoint as such dis
cussion would serve no useful purpose.
The views of senators of eminent
ability said he, demonstrate the fu-
fifty of endeavoring to secure accord
upon that point
Mr.. White said he denied the doctrine
that seeks to give this country juris-
diction in some cases and not in 9th
ers. The country, he said was con-
fronted to-day by situation differing
entirely from any by which 1t had been
confronted at any time before. While
it might be admitted that we had pow
er to acquire foreign territory. wheth-
err we should do so, depends largely
upon the circumstances. He main
tanned that the question presented was
purely one of policy
Should We take the Philippines?'
he asked. Should we take in seeds
that would prove to be seeds of disso-
luton of our body politic?"
He thought not, and said he would
endeavor to show why we should not
for he believed it our duty to see TO 1t
that our system was kept from all such
Il care not" said Mr. White, "wheth-
er the people in the Philippines are
lifted for government or not. 1t is
certain that if they are not, they ought |
not to be brought into alliance with US.
They repudiate our attempt to bring
them into our system. and l say that |
they should be allowed to govern them
selves If we say that the Filipinos are
lot fitted for government, pray let |
is ask now by what process of reason
ng we can take them into our own |
system?'
Mr.. White declared that no conclus- |
on was possible except that it was
he intention of this government and |
he officers in power to annex the Phil |
ppine islands. If this was not true,
lie inquired, why would not the sup
'orters Of the peace treaty consent to
he adoption of such resolution as
hNy
here was no intention on the part of !
his government to hold the islands in
)erpetuity? Mr.. White then referred
% the presidents statement that the
attitude of the United States towards |
he Philippines was to be one 'of be- |
levolent assimilation" Mr.. Chandler |
If New Hampshire interrupting Mr.. |
White, said:
THE other day when this benevolent
assimilation bugbear was raised before
he senate. | took occasion to look I'D |
he definition given by Mr.. Webster of
assimilation If the senator will Ter
nit me. 1t means a resemblance, a |
LIKENESS, but not necessarily amalga-
ion or absorption
After indicating Just what the defini-
ion is, Mr.. Chandler said: ut is not |
l fair argument to say that the word |
means absorption, or to assume the
u SS1uell USED IL IN tflat sense.
Does the senator speak for the pres
dent with authority?" inquired Mr
White. Does he know what the pres
dent meant when he spoke?"
Undoubtedly" replied MIR Chandler,
landly, 1.-The president thinks as I do,
he is wise man, and I think he is.
he president thinks we ought to bring
hese people into reasonable likeness to
IS, but not necessarily to incorporate
hem. and / hope the senator will not
ay too much stress upon the expression
assimilation.
IF the senator can assure us" replied |
ar. White, that he speaks with au-
hority as to the utterances of the presi-
lent, may not have high regard for
he definition, but ! might have more
aspect for the policy involved"
Quite naturally" said Mr.. Chandler
I am not and could not be responsible
or the presidents definition of mis-
words. This word assimilation does
lot mean destruction or swallowing no,
out 1t does mean likeness identity, etc"
1t would take certainly long time"
'etofted Mr.. White, facetiously, ito
BRING Mohammedan from Mindanao
% assume q likeness fo tba cann.nu e.