New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-25

hold and or our e9e0g
power or without reference to the future capacity
of these islands ultimately to share with us all
beneheent advantages Of Statehood, I must EN-,
to the notion that this ghost which they call i'm
issue upon which to divide the American people
and obtain for their party control of the Govern
ploy something more than mere assertion bonn
basis tb You must nd s9met9ng more
ing bill-a bill which merely contemplates the
distressed people OF Puerto Rico TO maintain under
the authority of the United States Government
and secure for their children and themselves the
necessary means of acquiring a common school
Since acquiring these islands there has been no
authoritative party utterance nor declaration the
could be construed into a purpose or the evidence
al pher form of aeg %r sor
tory than that under which we have always held
nsf Of hsEs he'd and the
The territorial extent Of nations domain does not
constitute imperialism; Imperialism is the forci-
ginaiiy separate. whereby through Vast PROVINCES
people are subjected to the rule Of despot II Is
this that strikes terror to the minds of so many
at the mere mention of the word Imperialism"
never have a place in our Republic except by the
tirpation Of the American ideal With such I'M
perialism Republicanism is relentlessy at war
despotsm cannot and never Will be tolerated. In
our American life But / win tell the gentlemen
doing and VIII ever continue to do: we can and
we will make an imperial domain a republic.
Mr. Eddy, OF Minnesota, said that all the dolor-
predictions made against the bill would soon
be relegated to the Democratic chamber of horrors
for use at some future time, when a great emer-
gency arose. He would support the BILL he said
believing 1t to be the best measure attainable to
establish sound fiscal system In Puerto Rico.
A NETWORK REPUBLICANS OPPOSITION
Mr.. Tompkins OF York announced that he
wa mot In ord NTH rit1r Of hic
publican associates this bill. He failed TO see
in It, he said that Justice and fairness which char
acterized the policy of the Republican party. He
believed with his party, in the doctrine of protec-
tion but that party did not uphold a protection
unjust discriminating against particular States
Territories. He insisted also that even II Con-
gress had the power to act in this way, the cir
cumstances in Puerto Rico would make such an act
fragrant injustice and a reputation of promises
to the Puerto RiCans
Mr. Tompkins declared that the conditions in
dents Message, except for the If desired
TO retain the respect Of the world we should keep
steadily in mind our promises and our obligations
TO these island people.
Mr. Powers, of Vermont, said that the issues in
VOWED were the most momentous since the Civil
War. AS such the issues should be met Ameri-
his country best served his party best. After
viewing the constitutional questions involved Mr.
Powers declared that the acquisition of Puerto
Rico had brought 10 the island the rights and
other Territories
Mr. Broussard of louisiana opposed the bill
and disputed the figures given by Mr.. Payne. par
icuarly in reference to sugar and rice. AS to the
latter article he said that Puerto Rico afforded a
large market for the American product which
should be retained