The times., 1900-03-02
SENATOR CLAY'S POSITION
His Views Concerning the DISPOSE
tiOn of the Philippines.
The Question of EnIarEinE Our Vol
ume of Trade with the East Dis
Asia in the Future the Possible
Result of Holding the Islands.

| Mr.. Clay, in accordance with a notice
previously given by him. addressed the
Senate yesterday at the conclusion Of the
routine morning business on the subject Of
the resolution declaring the intentions of
the United States with regard to the Phil
ippine Islands. In beginning his speech
Mr.. Clay referred to the fact that he ovted
for the ratification of the Treaty Of Peace,
and declared that the views he was about
to express were perfectly consistent with
those he entertained and expressed before
and at the time Of the ratification of the
treaty.
He quoted extracts from speeches made
by various Senators at that time, and de-
clared that no one Of them had contended
that our Government should permanently
retain the Philippines. Mr.. Clay then re-
viewed briefly the history Of our occupa-
tion of the islands from the time of the
battle of Manila Bay, and said that the
treatment OF the Filipinos by our Govern
ment. as long as war with Spain con-
tnued, was such as to assure them that
there was no intention to deprive them Of
independence. Continuing, he said:
If every voter Of the United States
could read and understand the desire and
struggles Of these oppressed people. their
appeals to us for that liberty for which our
fathers fought, the tyranny and uppres-
sion which they had suffered and endured
at the hands of Spain. and could then pur-
sue closely their conduct and department
from the surrender of Manila till hostiities
begun, the American people, true to the
traditions Of our fathers, would grant to
them, not grudgingly. but cheerfully and
willingly. Justice, liberty, and the right of
government.
No Senator upon this floor is more anx-
ious 20 enlarge our markets and to in
duce the vast population of China to pur-
chase our surplus products of farm and
factory, so as to give employment to labor
and enhance the value OF both the raw ma
terial and finished product of producer and
manufacturer than myself. Wars, en-
tangled alliances, domestic insurrection,
are not the proper means to induce for
eign consumers to buy our goods and wares
and to become our customers. The laws
OF business. commerce. and trade, friendly
alliances. cheapness, and quality in COM
partsoD with other countries contendine !
for the same trade and business, are ele- |
ments that must shape and regulate the
volume Of cur business with other coun-
tries.
IF We desire the trade OF China, We must |
make It to the interest Of her people TO |
trade with us. We must study their mar |
kets, the wants and demands OF their peo- |
pie. We must cheaper transportation by |
the construction of the, Nicaragua Canal; |
build up our merchant marine; take every /
possible advantage Of the laws OF trade and !
commerce to meet promptly the keen COM 1
petition of England, Germany France. or
any other foreign country seeking to ex-
tend its trade to the markets of China
They then esteemed US with that affec- !
ton which we felt toward France at the
close OF the Revolutionary war II we had
granted to them their most cherished
hopes given them our sympathy, encour-
agement and aid in framing a constitution 1
and putting in operation a government |
suitable to their wants. demands and con-
iitiOns, then the laws OF gratitude
would have made these people our Gus
toners against the markets Of the world
Tor all time to come.
THE Generalization that follows war and
he military spirit Is always to be deplored
am opposed to the retention Of these ISL
lnds. Mr.. President, because history
caches US that sovereignty acquired by the
sword must be maintained by the same
means. and that power acquired by con-
quest and wealth gained by robbery arr |
ieIldlu IL tuS emu 10 weaken ana corrupt
he possessor. This rule applies to nations
Is well as to individuals. | am opposed to
I because by such a course we revolu-
ionize our Government which was intend
d for a free Republic and self governing
,eople and not for subjects or vassal States
Without representation in the making and
Execution of our laws.
Il am opposed to It because 1t skaters
he Monroe Doctrine from top to bottom.
am opposed to it because l believe that
It no distant day such a course will in
'olye as in European and Asiatic guar
els. l am opposed to It because all of the
habits. traditions, surroundings, expe-
ience. education, and aspirations Of this
people are opposed to our theories of
government. ! am opposed to il because
uch a course would be a reputation by
,ur Government OF the principle that all
governments must be founded on the con-
ent OF the governed.