The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-04-06
II Is Now With the Court.

II 10 lNoW WIN TIC AOdIts
One of the issues upon which the
Democrats are banking largely will be
entirely out of the way. in all proba-
biity, before the campaign is over. The
present Democratic contention is that
the constitution extends OF its own force
over all of the newly acquired posses
sions, and that all of their inhabitants
became citizens of the United States at
once on the annexation of the territory
In which they reside. Consequently it is
impera tive that this country proceed to
collect all customs and internal revenue
under existing laws in those countries,
for the benefit OF the federal treasury;
and that their inhabitants be prevented
from buying goods anywhere except in
the United States, unless on payment of
the full Dingley tariffs upon such goods.
This contention, which contemplates
the exploitation of the new possessions
for the benefit Of the United States. COM
polling them to bear a portion OF the
burdens of federal taxation and do all
their trading in the United States, is
controverted by the Republicans, who
insist that congress has power to estab-
fish complete local self-government In
Puerto Rico and the Philippines: that
the people OF those islands are not of ne
cessity compelled to pay cent of fed
eral taxation, but are entitled to abso-
lutte control Of their own revenues; and
that they should be given the largest
liberty OF trade with all the world, and
not exploited for the benefit of American
commerce and manufacturers.
The issue turns entirely upon ques-
ton Of constitutional construction. and
it's complete determine ton rests Of
course. with the supreme court of the
United States. The decision by that tri-
bunal will take the matter out of the
region Of discussion and settle It for all
time. Fortunately one case Is already
before that court. and others are pre-
pairing. SO that all phases of the ques-
ton will be finally disposed of. The cases
are OF a character which entitle them 70
be taken up promptly, precedence being
given them by law and the rules Of the
court over private litigation. A decision
will likely be had before the summer re-
cess OF the supreme court
The application for writ Of haheas
corpus for a man convicted and serving
sentence under the provisional
court al Puerto Rico presents the IS
sue squarely. The contention Of the
government IS that the supreme court
has no Jurisdiction to hear the case. be-
cause congress has not by statute. ex-
tended the constitution and laws OF the
| United states over the island II the
contention that the constitution extends
of IT'S uSn force over the new territory
/ prove correct. this argument will fan to
/ the ground. Hence the decision OF the
supreme court as 20 its jurisdiction viii
practically settle the whole cous,itu-
uonal question. Other cases present the
same issue in different forms
The question has now passed the stage
| # discussion u is before the court. In
the interests of the people of the Islands
and ot the United states IL is to be
/ hoped. as % is caundcntly anticipated.
that the decision Nil be favorable 10 the
+ Republican contention. Pending that
/ 1ecisioa. further argument Of the matter
! viii answer little purpose. save 10 en-
tighten the people on its true meaning
( and the practical effects which viii fol-
I low the final determination OF the mat
! ter
81 Paul dispatches announce that
some So new settlers left that city on