The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-03-31

tend that IL did not extend of its own vigor
over our acquired territory.
In the course of the argument Mr.. Spoon
er asked Mr.. Allen whether the people of
the Philippines were citizens of the United
States.
Yes replied Mr. Allen: but We do not
have TO keep them. Does the senator
[Spoonerl say they are not citizens of the
United States?"
'.The senator from wisconsin,, replied
Mr.. Spooner. lis of opinion that they are
not"
"will the senator tell us what they are?'
inquired Mr.. Allen.
''They are colonists." said Mr. Spooner.
do they owe allegiance to the United
States government" asked Mr.. Allen.
Aliens" replied Mr.. Spooner, ''owe
qualified allegiance.
mo" protested Mr.. Allen, lit is not al
legiance that they owe, but obedience. You
cannot call upon them TO serve In the army
or in the navy or on juries. 1t is not al
legiance
Mr. Pettus's amendment was defeated-13
10 80.
Mr.. Lindsay offered an amendment strik-
ing out the provision i'm Section Is that the
governor should participate in legisla ton.
He said ii was not deemed wise that the
governor should be q part of the legisla-
time have authority to veto legislation.
That, il was contended, would make the
governor an autocrat.
Mr.. Foraker accepted the amendment.
Mr.. Allen offered an amendment the eff
feet of which was to designate Porto Rico
as territory of the United States.
Il do not accept that amendment, said
Mr.. Foraker. I'VE do not propose to erect
there a territorial form of government, as
such form of government is usually under
stood"
"Why not" inquired Mr.. Allen.
I'VE simply have not seen fit to give the
people of Porto Rico that kind of govern
ment," replied Mr.. Foraker. by the treaty
of Paris this whole matter is vested In
Congress. We may give them any sort of
government we desire. We not believe as
| the Senator does. that Porto Rico is part
| of the United States over which the Con-
stitution extends of its own force. and that
| is where our roads part.
In the course of spirited colloquy be-
| tween Mr.. Allen and Mr.. Foraker princi-
pally to the ability of the Porto Ricans
| TO govern themselves. and as to the rea-
sons governing the committee in reporting
bill of the kind pending, the former said
| he did not expect to get an answer 10 his
question to why the Porto Ricans were
| not given "A territorial form of government.
1.-The reason is" interjected Mr.. Foraker,
that we did not want to give Ii to them.
| and that is reason enough. Congress is
/ fully empowered to give them any kind of
| government ii may deem fit.
| Mr.. Allen returned to his point and de-
| clared his belief that there was some hid
den purpose in providing this anomalous,
| congressional government.
| II resent that charge. said Mr. Foraker,
with evident feeling. II deny that there
| is any such thing. The senator. when he
| speaks so. is without any warrant what
| ever. | do not know why the senator uses
language which is offensive and which.
! fear, is intended to be So"
| Mr. Allen disclaimed any reflection on
| Mr.. Foraker and the incident closed The
/ Senate then held brief executive session,
/ adjourning at 4:45 p. m.