The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1900-12-20
the present quality Of Republican pros
perlty. nurtured by the DingleySbill. X
supreme Court and philippines,

4 Interest In the case before the United
States supreme court involving the legal
position Of this country In the Philip
pine islands has been heightened as the
time draws near for, the decision Of the
court on. the subject. The question is
whether the constitution extends Of It's
own force over all territory under the
Jurisdiction OF the United States. Pend.
ing the conclusions of the court q great
deal OF the speculation is going on as to
what Will happen in the event thnt the
honorable Justices maintain that the
constitution does follow the nag. and
in the meantime all legislation looking
to the establishment OF q permanent
government In the islands is deferred
until the opinion OF the court is made
known. y -
Attorney General Griggs' argument
before the court in behalf of the present
conditions seems to clearly establish the
contention OF the administration. He
certainly established tho fact that the
practical construction put upon the
constitution by the executive and con-
gressional branches Of the government
for hundred years has, with one par
tlal exception, been uniform regard
Ing acquired territory as neither bound
nor privileged by that instrument until
brought within Its operation, either by
express compact inithe treaty OF; by act
Of Congress; and that acts Of Congress
do not apply to after-acquired territory
until extended to it by subsequent leg
islative enactment.
1t is said to be the opinion of the best
lawyers that the supreme court must
follow the policy Of the early Congresses
In dealing with the territories, that the
provisions Of the constitution do not,
extend in all cases OF their own force
over territory which has not been adj
mitted to the circle Of the states. In
considering the probability Of an nd
verse decision the New York Journal Of
Commerce says:
SeVeEul COuTSeS ~Uulu OpGll " ZIG
United States for retaining their foothold
In the Orient, in the face OF q decision
by the supreme court extending the tar
IN and other laws to all territory under
the permanent Jurisdiction OF the United
States. Tho constitution might be, amend
ed to meet the case. 1t Is not inconcetva-
BILE. in spite Of the usual delays in adopt
Ing amendments to the constitution, that
two-thirds Of Congress and three-fourths
OF the states would vote for the necessary
amendment. Another alternative which
might be adopted would involve an ac-
commodation with the Filipino govern
ment under tho direction and protection
OF the United States. II American troops
served in the Philippines. and American
advisers directed the fiscal and diplomatic
policy OF the Islands, as British troops are
employed in Egypt and British experts,
dictate Egyptian policy. securttyfor Invest
ments and the maintenance OF American
influence against the exolusionlst powers
might be possible. There would be ditil-
culties In the administration OF the islands,
| under this system, which might call for
frequent American intervention in force.
A recognized Filipino government, with
treasury and a permanent capital, how
ever. might be more amenable. In some re-
spects to American influence than the fu-.
gitive bands OF guerrillas who now sustain
| the phantom OF q Filipino state. N, ii