The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-02-17


Letting on eminent jurfst in the prime OF
life to assist the natives of the Islands In
establishing local self-government after
the models which our country so abun-
dainty furnishes.
Little Legislation Needed
1--WE want very little legislation for the
Philippines. We want their leaders 10
come here and see how we govern our
selves to enable them to do likewise. Inc
absurd charge that there is any intention
on the part OF the administration or the
Republican or the Democratic party 10
govern the Philippines or any other terri
tory which we have acquired or may ae-
qr!re as colonies by the strong arm OF the
military power IL entirely without roun-
Gation. / am aware OF the suggestion or
an impost duty upon the products OF Puer-
to Rico, which, of course, would be one
OF the worst forms of a colonial policy.
This suggestion is pregnant with evil, and
II carried out would furnish substantial
groundwork for the charge OF imperial
ism. II would be too much like the exac-
lions which imperial Rome made upon her
conquered provinces. and it might fur
nish a parallel to some extent of the i'm
periai policy of monarchlal countries in
recent times. I am glad the president OF
the United states has not made that mis-
take. On the contrary in his last annual
message he says: Our plain duty is 10
abolish all customs tariffs between the
United States and Puerto Rico. and give
her products free access TO our markets.
No Tariff barriers.
THE recommendation OF the secretary
OF war, contained in his last annual re-
port. described in forceful language the
injustice OF erecting tariff barrier
against the products Of Puerto Rioo. The
colonial policy OF greed with discriminat-
Ign duties against the products Of our own
territory, would breed dissatisfaction and
discord. 1t might require large army to
maintain order and force the people of
the colony to submit to such unjust and
discriminating policy. II might do more.
IL might involve vast expenditures TO
maintain armies OF occupation. which
would be dangerous to the safety of the
republic. III we treat Puerto Rico as we
treated Louisiana, Florida and California.
people OF that island will learn TO love
the American flag and will soon be loyal
Americans, instead of sullen and discon-
tented people, suffering from discriminate
Ing laws.
Much Improbable Discussion.
The discussion OF the constitutional
power of congress in connection with these
islands IL Improbable There Is no doubt
congress has power TO rob the territories
In thousand ways. rendering the people
OF our new acquisitions more miserable
than they were under the horrible system
of Spanish extortion which we undertook
to abolish. There is no doubt that the
people Of the United States could amend
the constitution and re-estsbhsh slavery II
they were wicked enough 10 do so. IL
would be just as profitable TO discuss
whether the people could, IL they would.
establish a monarchy in this country as It
Is TO discuss the question whether con-
gress has the constitutional power to dis
criminate against the people OF the new
acquisitions by new revenue laws or any
other form OF extortion which greed may
suggest.
No Prospect of Imperialism.
THE country has a right TO know that
no imperialism or militarism is intended
Whatever mistakes may have been made
In dealing with the Filipinos or In failing
to fully acquaint them with the policy OF
our government. the presidents message
recommending equal laws for Puerto Rico
ard the appointment OF Judge Taft 20
commence the work OF instructing and aid
ing the FTlipinos to establish and maintain
local self-government indicate very clearly
that the president has no idea of depart
ing from the teachings OF the fathers or
of establishing an empire on the ruins
OF the republic"
Hawaiian Bil Taken Up.
Reading OF the senate bin 10 provide a
government for Hawaii was then begun.
The disagreement of the house 10 the SEN
ate amendments to the financial bill was
reached. Senators Aldrfch. Allison and
Jones Of Arkansas were appointed con-
ferees.
Appointment OF Mcmillan Of Michigan a.
a member OF the committee on celebration
OF the establishment OF the District Of
Columbia was announced.
The senate then at 500, adjourned I'M
IA Monday.