Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-03-23

| 1T is not theory Wnlcn cOn1fOnIS us
but a condition. We therefore ask Oul
| critics not to spin theories of what
| might have been done, but to cooper
ate with us and help us to take up our
| duty and discharge it.
| Here again the calm, judicial mind
| will discriminate between the right
| meaning but unduly apprehensive mer
who really believe in the spectre of
| imperialism and the shrewd leaders
of the Democratic party who are using
| that term simply as party cry and as
| lever with which to win q political
| advantage. Half the people of the
| Philippine islands are finding no fault
| but are adapting themselves cordially
| to the new and better order of things
| The President is now sending out a
| commission composed as everybody
| admits, of the very best men that this
| country can afford to carry to compile
ton the work Of establishing local and
general governments in which the
| Filipinos are to have full share.
| AS to the acquisition of the Philip
pines, we may differ about terms and
theories. but do not we all agree, first
that the United States is now respon-
cannot give them back to Spain or
abandon them; third, that if we were
to adopt the plan of leaving them to
themselves, under a sort of remote and
protectorate benediction, We should
simply invite internal disorder, outside
interference from foreign nations,
national complications and great deal
more war and bloOdshed: fourth, that
what we are all now aiming at and
ought to aim at is to accomplish these
very results of peace, good order, edu-
cation, and the better things
Now ! know that our so-callcd anti
imperialistc friends will not accept 4
ditiuns as they are. If they help to bring
in Mr.. Bryan on the cry Of anti-imperiaI-
ism which the Democratic party has
taken up, as YOU know AZ q campait n
cry, il would no more let the Philippines
go than il would part with The collector
ship Of custom house. What is needed
even in their own behalf. ~ not the an
tagonism Of those of our Republican
friends who have gone off from us on the
Philippine question. but their co-opera-
ton.
The administration Is laundering IN 10
uncertainty. 1t Is pursuing straight
forward course t. order ana peace ana
beneticent government. The Republican
party Will sustain IT, In dealing with
our new island territories the interesting
question has arisen whether the Iimita-
lions Of the constitution extend BY its
own force to them. 4r whether Congress
has fun power over them.
For myself, have never doubted that
Webster. the great cXpuundcr of the con-
StitutiOn. was right in the opinion which
h" SO clearly stated. and which is rec0g-
niZod in the treaty IF peace with Spain.
by which these islands were coded t. us.
that they are subject To legislation by
Congress. but the Republican party was
founded upon The principle that the con-
StitutiDn did not of its own force carry
slavery into the territories but that
these, but the plain letter of the cOnsti-
tuition. are subject to such rules and reg
ulations as Congress shall determine.
Let no man fear that this interpreted
ton of the constitution OF the cUnstitu-
lirn will deprive these new people of any
of the great fundamental civil rights
which Will 80 to them, constitution or No
constitution. as = part of the very breath
OF the nostrils Of an American. What is
Constitutiundlly true Of the Philippines
is also true. Of course. Of Puerto Rico.
The vital principle at stake is the c0nsti-
tutiOnal one. OF one thing | am sure,
that Puerto Rico, in its present necessity.
nccuS present ana immediate help, and
that help mas been given AZ the wise sug-
gystinn If the President by an appropri-
alton Of more than $1,000. 0l0 for her relief.
MY own view, like that expressed by
the President in his message is that in
regard u Puerto Rico there should have
been free trade not as a constitutional
right but as 4 discreet act Of Congress.
But | also think there has been a great
deal of eXlggeratiOn Of the Importance Of
the question Of subiecting imports from
Puerto Rico to a customs duty. OF the
constitutional right to impose it. | have
no doubt.
OF its wisdom. Congress must judge
there is strength in the argument. for this
small customs tariff on imports from
Puerto Rico. that it is the easiest way
for the internal expenditures OF Puerto
Rico to be raised. II it does not put
Puerto Ricans ON an equality with our
selves by giving them free trade, 1t Is
only because il gives them something
more liberal even than free trade with
out relief ana return above stated
would he.
It's people never were induced by any
act of the United States To transfer their
allegiance to the United States They
never surrendered to us. They were sur
rendered to us by Spain. They are new
ing congressional action. they have been
under the military government of the
President. Rome was not built in day.
and the Republican party Is not to b"
turned down because i'll Il single year 1t
cannot make a paradise: but it can be
trusted to deal honestly, fairly and right
eously with Puerto Rico.
| confess that am not forcibly struck
with the objection that it Is dangerous
ana inequitable that some Of the admin
istrdtiVe laws applying to our new pos
sessions like Puerto Rico, should differ
from those which apply. in the states.
The nation has endured for over a cent
ury with one law for men. another LOT
women ana another for children; the
laws of one state have been contrary T.
those If another. II is not only the part
IL wisdom. but it is neither an infringe
ment on fair dealing nor an exception To
the custom of our own nation to nave
commercial statutory provisions or reSu-
lations in the new islands differing from
our own. but adapted To the new circum-
stances.
Commander Peter d. Smith spoke to
the toast The Veterans" and urged
upon the members of the club the fact
that the order of the Sons of Veterans
is the worthy successor of the Grand
Army. and he bespoke for them their
assistance.
Rear Admiral Belknap, for THE
LOYAL Legion" referred to the fact that
his son, Lieut.. Belknap. had returned
from service only today, and starts at
midnight for Manila as flag lieutenant
to Admiral Remey at Manila.
SPARKS FROM MAINE WIRES.