The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-02-04
Cnnnot Change the People.

Cannot Change the People.
you may change the leopard's spots"
Mr.. Daniel said, but you cannot blot out
race characteristics. The Indian of 125
years ago is the Indian of to-day. Differ
ences beyond the subtle analysis of men
have put them asunder, and they cannot
be assimiTated.'
Mr.. Daniel also attacked the plan of
acquisition as unwise strategetically. A
separate navy would be necessary, and
we should have to fortify each of the 1900
islands.
This meant millions upon millions of ex-
pense and an era of militarism for the
United States. The policy now proposed to
be entered upon was a can to arms. A big
standing army would be the inevitable re-
suit
Mr.. Daniel could see no reason for annex
alton Certainly there was no manifesto
ton of friendship for the people of the
Philippines in taking them in He did
not accept the theory that it would be
pleasanter to the Filipinos to be eaten up
by the big American nation than any other
outside people.
Defends Declaration.
Mr.. Daniel said he had never heard the
Declaration of independence or the consti-
tuition run down and mimified so much
of the statements made one might be in
clined to think it was not much of
declaration or of a constitution, after all.
He had never expected to be called upon
to defend the Declaration of Independence
in this hall, but he felt bound to do so
now. In the course of that defense he said
the Declaration Of Independence had done
more to mould American Institutions and
to swing back our affairs when they went
wrong, than any other American utter
ance.
Mr. Daniel defended the taking and hold
ing of Porto Rico, which he held was one
of the natural outposts of this country.
But he maintained if there was a neces-
sity for the taking Of the Philippines, no
body had mentioned it. He declared that
through all the speeches in favor of the
treaty there runs a vein of distrust. We
are urged to walt until the treaty is rati-
fed before adjusting 2 policy for the ISL
ands, but the policy he maintained was
wrapped up in the treaty.
The Flag Would Remain.
Further along he declared Il was not
question Of hauling down the American
flag. That flag was not a fixture in the
Philippines Once the treaty is ratified
however, the American flagstaff would
sink to the center of the earth in those
islands, and the stars, as they broke to
the breeze. would rise until they mingled
with the stars of heaven.
Peace is in this treaty" continued Mr.
Daniel That is pleasing term to con-
jure with, but are our friends who favor
this treaty certain II means peace?"
Peace with Spain, he said was assured
of course. Spain would raise no obiec-
tons to our objection, whatever It might
be. But inasmuch as we were acting for
all time, the treaty ought to be regarded
carefully. He said the treaty was easily
amenable. 1t would be necessary only 20
substitute for the Philippines what had
been done for Cuba. To this Spain would
consent. He maintained that II we should
not bind the United States by ratifyinr
the treaty. we might yet do as we please
with respect to the Philippines. We would
sim be masters Of the situation and the