The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-05-30
CONGRESS WILL NOT ABUSE ITS

There are certain principles of natural
justice inherent in the Anglo-Saxon char
acter which need no expression in constitu-
tions or statutes 10 give them effect or to
secure dependencies against legislation
manifestly hostile to their real interests"
So said Senator Fairbanks in discussing
the recent decisions of the Supreme Court.
The statement is eminently true and hap
PLY expressed. 1t was intended to meet
the prediction already made by some who
either stupidity misunderstood or willfully
misrepresent the American character, and
who pretend to fear that the unlimited
power which the Supreme Court gives Con-
gress over our new possessions will be
used for their oppression or injury. They
forget that Congress has been legislating
for States and Territories for more than a
the slightest disposition to Cypress the peo-
pie or betray the cause of liberty and good
government, and that there is no more rea-
son to doubt it's ability. patriotism and true
Americanism now than there was a hun
dred years ago.
Senator Fairbanks bases HIS confidence
in the future wise and just government of
our insular possessions on certain prin-
ciples of natural justice inherent in the
Anglo-Saxon character which need no ex-
preston i'm constitutions or statutes to give
them effect or to secure dependencies
against legislation manifsstly hostile to
their real interests" We could almost
-...I A. Aal -otI .s4Lz
character instead OF the Anglo-Saxon, for
Americans are considerably the most adj
vanced branch of the Anglo-Saxon family
in the theory and practice of popular gov
eminent. and no other flag carries with 1t
quite the same assurance OF liberty and
progress as does the flag that now floats
over Porto Rico and the Philippines. But.
Anglo-Saxon or American. the statement
is true with reference TO every foot OF ter
ritory that has ever been added 10 our ma
tional domain. The same inherent prin-
ciples of natural justice which brought free
government and liberal and progressive
legislation 10 our other territorial acquisi-
tons. TO Florida. the Louisiana Territory.
New Mexico. California and Alaska will
bring them TO our island possessions also.
The spirit of confidence in the Anglo
Saxon or American sense of justice and
right which is so well expressed by Senator
Fairbanks pervades' the opinion of the Su-
preme Court. Ii had so much confidence
in the Anglo-Saxon spirit that il did not
hesitate To give the broadcast construction
to the rights of sovereignty and the pow
ers of Congress. Justice Brown. in deliver
ing the opinion of the court. said:
Grave apprehensions Of danger are felt
by many eminent men-a fear lest an un-
restrained possession of power on the part
of Congress may lead to unjust and OPP
pressive legislation in which the natural
lights OF territories or their inhabitants
may be engulfed In a centralized despot-
ism. Their fears. however. find no justin
cation I'm the action OF Congress in the
past century, nor In the conduct of the
British Parliament toward its outlying
possessions since the American revolution.
This shows the same confidence in the
principles OF national Justice inherent I'm
J the AnxlQ-saxon character yhica-is moro