The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-12-19

doubt was not with reference to the power OF the
United States TO ACQUIRE FOREIGN TERRI-
TORY. but rather as to the right TO ANNEN IT
AND TO MAKE 1T A PART OF THE UNITED
STATES.
Various other quotations We're made
from Jefferson's writings among others
the following from Il letter to Albert
GaI!atin:
THERE Is no UNCONSTITUTIONAL DIFF.
GUILTY AS TO THE ACQUISITION OF TERRI
TORY AND WHETHER WHEN ACQUIRED IT
MAY BE TAKEN INTO THE UNION BY THE
CONSTITUTION AS IT NOW STANDS will be.
come question of expediencT ! think it will
be safer not to permit THE ENLARGEMENT Of
THE UNION hut by amendment of Constitution
Liberal extracts also We're made from
the ANIMALS of congress to show that
the only doubt in the minds of menu
bers of congress in connection with the
acquisition of Louisiana was the right
to attach it and make it part of the
United States Referring to the doubts
of Jefferson. Madison and various
others of their time as to the power
to bring acquired territory into the
Union, Mr.. Griggs said that power had
now been affirmed by the Judiciary
support of the statement.
Right to Acquire Territory.
He contended also that the conceded
power to acquire territory by treaty or
by conquest, includes the right to pre-
scribe what terms the United States
will agree to in fixing the future status
of its inhabitants" and In support of
this contention said, among other
things.
The political status of native Indian tribes
within territory acquired by the United States
by treaty has been uniformly regarded a' nnaf-
fcoted bs the cession. A long line OF special
treaties with such tribes, and numerous acts Of
legislation by congress on the subject OF lndi;.n
and Indian rights, show that these people have
always been regarded as quasi-foreign He a..
serted that'the "treaty'making power of the gov
crnment has exercised the right to deal with the
status of the inhabitants OF ceded territory in
every treaty OF cession from 1903 to lS0S."
The status fixed, he said, has not
been uniform, but exceedingly varying
He then proceeded to argue that this
practice Is entirely at variance with the
doctrine that "the constitution follows
the flag and that when territory is
ceded to the United Staes the inhabit-
ants become Immediately proprio vigore
citizens of the United States. If that
doctrine be true" he said, ''every
treaty that has brought us new lands
and new inhabitants has violated in
this respect the principles of the con-
stitution. 1t convicts of error and
usurpation, Thomas Jefferson, James
Madison. James Monroe, James X.
Polk. Franklin Pierce, Andrew john
son. their cabinets and the senates that
ratified their treaties"
Liberal Interpretation Necessary.
Arguing this point he asked:
II congress may properly define the classes Of
emigrant aboriginal inhabitants who may be,
come citizens and the proper period of proba'
tion and the terms and conditions Of admission,
why is il unreasonable or unjust to leave to
their judgment and discretion the time, the
terms and the conditions upon which the inhabi,
tants of the lately acquired foreign islands may
be admitted to the same high status?
Are the United States so bound and tied by this
Constitution OF ours that it can never acquire
an island of the sea, belt across the isthmus,
a station for a naval base, unless it be at the
cost Of admitting those who may happen to in.
habit the soil at the time of the purchase to full
rights as citizens OF the Union, no matter how in,
congruous or unfit they may be while the foreign
born inhabtant or the aboriginal red man must
depend upon the grace of congress, though he
dwell half century among us?
What reason can be suggested for denying to
this nation such full power and discretion as are