Evening star., 1901-06-07

date fixed by the Foraker act be not an
ticipated. On the other hand. to bring
the Philippines and the United States to-
gether under the Diug1ey law would be in
furious, If not disastrous, to all concerned.
The effect upon some Industries of the
States is sufficiently obvious. The southern
Philippines are not ready for any duties
upon articles imported there from China
or from Europe. The Moros, unaccustomed
to such taxation, would quickly revolt
against it. In Luzon, where duties are not
unknown, the Dingley act would compel
the payment on importations from China of
rice. the Filipinos' bread. of duty a thou
sand per cent larger than the Spanish rate,
to which they are accustomed. The collec-
ton of internal revenue taxes, including
the war tax, from the Fiipinos is hardly
conceivable, but it would be required if
the uniformity of revenue clause of the
Constitution were viewed as covering the
Philippines.
The argument for congressional capacity
to discriminate in dealing with territory be-
longing to the United States was weakened
by the fact that this power was invoked
in the case of Porto Rico, where it's asser-
tion was unnecessary and strife-breeding,
instead of in the case of the Philippines,
where it's exercise was essential ito pro-
mote the general welfare" But notwith-
standing this handicap the power has been
upheld, and 'alrs well that ends WE'LL
AS The Stars editorial correspondence
said last year:
The policy of the eXpansionists requires
that the Philippines be treated as territory
in every respect and under all conditions
an integral part OF the Union. In order
that through their possession without in
jury to the republic our Asiatic trade may
be vastly developed. and our hold upon
the Pacific. the great ocean of the COM
mercial future. may be strengthened and
confirmed.
The policy of the anti-expansionists
also demands continuous treatment of the
islands territory subject to the disposal
of Congress. in order that there may be
left the possibility. after full examination
and discussion. of cutting the tie which
binds the Philippines to the United States
on the ground that it is injurious to both
peoples.
The interests and welfare of the Fill
pinos themselves demand this treatment
in order that there may be a cons;derate
fexibility in the government and laws APP
piled to them, which would be impossible
If the islands were subjected to the con-
stitutional Limitation concerning uniform
ity of duties and the other restrictive pro-
visions applicable to the States of the
Union.
The Supreme Court has sustained the
power of Congress to apply to the insular
problem the flexible and discriminating
treatment which its Importance and deli
cacy demand The Star applauds this de-
cision as wise. patriotic and nationally
beneficial: and it confidently expects Con-
gress to exercise the power in question
as to exalt the Constitution and the Amer
lean principle and to promote the welfare
of the people both of the States and of our
insular acquisitions. Congress represents
and legislatively, is the American people.
Whether the Constitution forbids it or not.
Congress will not enslave any man or over
throw vital republican and constitutional
principles unless the people themselves be-
come corrupt and force the backward step
to destruction.