Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-02-20
RIGHTS, OF THE CONSTITUTION.
Representative Dslzeu Speaks on tn
Porto Rf0An Bill,

RIGHTS OF THE CONSTITUTION.
Representative DRlseu Speaks ON the
Porto Rionn Bill.
In the House yesterday afternoon Mr..
Richardson spoke over an hour on the
Porto Rico bill. He was several times in
terrupted by applause from his side of the
House. This applause was especially Wig
orous when he said that every democratic
vote would be cast against the bill.
When he concluded Mr. Dalzell Pa.), Sec
ond ranking majority member of the ways
and means committee. took the floor. He
made a close legal and constitutional argu-
ment in support Of the contention of the
majority that the Constitution did not ex-
tend over our new possessions
BY the treaty with Spain," said Mr. Dali
zell. 1--WE acquired the islands constituting
the Philippines and Porto Rico. The treaty
Is an accomplished fact. Whatever may
be our ultimate purpose We can now do
nothing but provide for these acquisitions
In such a way as shall best promote their
welfare and our own Continuing he
pointed out the differences between Porto
Rico and the Philippines in extent of terri
tory, population, character of Inhabitants
civilization, products of the soil, etc
Yet" said he. attempting now for the
first time to iegislate for one of these new
possessions, We must be governed by one
system which applies to the United States
itself" 1t was an amazing proposition in
VolV1ng three prominent features, free
trade, citizenship and navigation laws 1t
would be better to let the islands CO.
Extension of the Constftuti0n.
Taking up the contention that upon the
acquisition of new territory the Constitu-
ton is extended thereto ex proprio vigore,
Mr.. Dalzell cited the case Of the Ameri-
non In
which Whipple and Webster met this very
argument in the case of Florida Much
argument was used in that case to show
that the Constitution and laws of the
United States were per Sc in force in Flor
Ida and that the inhabitants were citizens
pie asked how the Constitution became of
force in Florida Was it by the act of ces-
sion? Was there any principle in the law
of nations which upon the act Of cession
country right to participate in the privi-
leges of the Constitution of the parent
country?
The usages of nations from the period Of
Grecian colonization to the present moment
were precisely the reverse. Such a right
never was asserted. The Constitution was
established by the people of the United
States for the United States 1t provides
for the future admission Of countries into
the Union and expressly confers upon Com
gress the power of governing them as ter
ritories until they are admitted as states
II the Constitution was in force in Florida
why was 1t not represented in Congress?
why was 1t necessary to pass an act of
Congress extending several of the laws of
the United States to Florida? Why did
Congress designate particular laws, such
as the crimes act, the slave trade and
revenue acts. and introduce them as laws
into Florida? Why enumerate particular
rights secured to the people of the United
states II the inhabitants of Florida were
entitled to them on the act of cession?
If this reasoning be not correct said Mr.
Dalzell, then, 1t being impossible to govern
these possessions as the United States is
governed. We must either have a constitu-
tfonal amendment, abandon the islands or
let the President govern them. The same
limitation that applies to Congress applies
to the President
Mr.. Dalzell expressed his opposition to
free trade with Porto Rico al this time
No one could tell what her industries were
going to be, nor how they would affect our
people. We must be generous to Porto
RICO, but just to ourselves. 1t was a ques-
tlon OF practical craftsmanship far and be-
yond dollars and cents. If we must have
free trade with Porto Rico we must with
the Philippines. The result might be the
planting of immense areas of sugar and
tobacco The low wages paid would be a
menace to labor in this country.
Consent of the Governed.
Turning to the question of the consent
-
in representative republic the right to
govern did not depend on the consent of the
governed.
The methods of government prescribed by
the principles Of Anglican liberty as prac-
ticed In the United States would be gro
tesque in the Philippine islands, and would
prlng to their people no advantage. They
would be In point of fact impossible of ex-
ercise.
The guarantees Of liberty. he concluded.
do not exist alone in the Constitution Of
the United States. They do not depend
upon the great instrument for their
strength and perpetuity. They would con-
tinue to live and flourish If that Constitu-
ton were annihilated. They are the indie
structible heritage of humanity.
MT. Dalzell received an ovation when he
finished.
The House then, at O. clock took recess
until O'Clock, the evening session to be de-
voted to private pension legislation.
Nothing was accomplished at the night
session OF the House last night, which was
TO nave been devoted to pension legislation.
MI Talbert of South Carolina made the
point OF no quorum and blocked proceed
lngs The House remained in session until
~ clock In the hope Of getting quorum,
and then adjourned.