The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1900-09-26
As to Anti Expansion.

When one comes TO analyze the sub
ject carefully, every argument against
territorial expansion is seen to be utter
ly baseless. The principle is simply
the proper and natural desire of every
intelligent and patriotic American citi-
zen 10 extend to other people the ines
Unable benefits which he enjoys. He
had the hest government in the world,
and he wants to extend the blessing as
widely as possible. This is not the
doctrine of any one political party
for it has been the established practice
of every party since the government
was founded. By successive stages the
original United States has acquired
Louisiana and the northwest territory,
Florida, California, Texas and all the
immense territory coded by Mexico,
Alaska and Hawaii, Porto Rico and the
Philippines. Much of this territory
was acquired under administrations
from which the anti-expansionists of
today seem to believe that they derive
tneir principles. In protesting to be-
lieve that they have basis for anti
expansion sentiments they either de-
ceive themselves or fraudulentlg at
tempt to deceive the people. AS is
stated above, there is not the slightest
ground in the history of political par
ties 10 this country on which to bare
the doctrine of anti-expansion.
The uproar regarding "the consent
of the governed" is brainless nonsense.
If the Bryanites were in earnest on this
point, they would favor full female suf-
frage and the Acknowledgement of all
Cinnamon and Indians. These latter,
fully as capable of self government as
the Filipinos, are not allowed citizen
ship and many tribes are governed
largely by force or fear of arms. Did
any Democratic administration ever
propose to withdraw our control and
allow the North American Indians to
form a government and conduct their
affairs as they saw fit?
The "criminal aggression" magpies
raise stentorian shrek over the fore
ing of an unwelcome system OF govern
ment on an objecting people. Let us
see. The Philippine islands never had
a just, honorable and respectable Chris
tian government What does the
United States government propose to
extend to them? President Mckinley
has given the Philippine commission
full and specific instructions as to the
government of the islands, and direct
ed that upon every division and
branch of the government of the Phil
ippines must be imposed these inviola-
BILE rules" to wit:
That no person shall be deprived OF
life, liberty or property without due
process of law; that private property
shall not be taken for public use with
out just compensation.
That In all criminal prosecutions the
accused shall enjoy the right to
speedy and public trial, to be Informed
of the nature and cause of the accuse
ton, to be confronted with the wit.
nesses against him, to have compulsory
process for obtaining witnesses in his
favor, and to have the assistance of
counsel for his defence.
That excessive bail shall not be re.
quired, nor excessive fines imposed,
nor cruel and unusual punishment in
flcted.
That no person shall be put twice in
| jeopardy for the same offence, or be
compelled in any criminal case to be a
witness against himself.
That the right to be secure against
unreasonable searches and seizures
shall not be violated.
That neither slavery nor involuntary
servitude shall exist except as a pun
isnment for crime; that no bill of at
tainder or ex post facto law shall be
passed.
That no law shall be passed abridg-
ing the freedom of speech or of the
press, or the rights of the people to
peaceably assemble and petition the
government for redress of grievances,
That no law shall be made respect
ing an establishment of religion or pro-
hibiting the free exercise thereof.
That the free exercise and endowment
of religious profession and worship
without discrimination or preference
shall forever be allowed.
The Philippines have for ages and
| Centuriaa haan the theatra of ;dolat.x,