New-York tribune., 1901-06-03
Mr.. HORNBLOWEPS TJEWS.

Mr. William b. Hornblower in an ANALYSIS
OF the Supreme Court opinions On the insular
cases published by The New-York Herald"
takes moderate and sensible view of the re-
suit. which Is commended 10 the consideration
ana Imitation OF other anti-imperialists Mr.
hornDlowers theories of tho constitution are
those OF Chief Justice Fuller. and naturally he
still adheres 10 them. Nevertheless. though he
clearly enough regrets the prevalence OF differ
eni doctrines in the court he is not blind 10 the
good features Of the decision. Neither does he
refuse. in narrow. partisan spirit. 10 acknowl-
edge practical advantages that could not have
been achieved by a finding more in accord with
his own ideas After calling attention 10 what
he regards as the sound arguments of the dis
senting justices against the existence Of mower
10 govern colonies, Mr.. Hornblower saws:
There is much force. however in the view that
y we are 10 have under our control and govern
.lenl inongrel peoples embracing savage and
nall savage, civilized and semi-civilized races
we must. as a matter OF practical self-defence
adopt some distinctions even If somewhat arbi-
lfafy, between thos- portions of our national
CONAN which are TO he recognized as subject 10
the constitution whole and those portions
whlch are TO be regarded not so subject The
Fsht 70 trai by jury, for instance. in the Philip
pine Islands would Seem TO be an impra cticable
and undesirable right for them in their present
condition.
iIoiffalH2. ne suggests that the decision NAV
lead 10 a possible distinction between posses
si0ns acquired. like those from Spain. as the
rssult Of war. and those acquired for the pur-
rose OF making them integral and inalienable
parts OF the nation. and adds:
This distinction would leave the Philippine
Islands still only Professionally attached 10 the
United States. and would leave Congress al Uh
elty 70 ALLEVIATE them al any time or give them
8osoiute independence. while il would prevent
Nhe anenauon OF or granting Independence by
aet OF Congress TO Nea-Mexico or Arizona or
other Territories Of the United States This dis
tlncuon would also give the constitution full
force and effect in all the existing Territories az
the United States, other than those ACQUIRED
fully incorporated into our political body by act
OF Congress.
Now, this is sane and constructive criticism.
Mr.. Hornblower accepts facts as they are and
seeks a wise solution OF public problems not
the ending in catastrophe Of policies with which
be is not in sympathy. Such an opposition is
worthy OF the highest respect. The honesty
and reasonableness Of many of the objections
against expansion unquestionable The
iniroducfiOn OF millions OF barbarians as an
ihahenable element Of our citizenship would be
franght with the greatest danger. For our OWL
part we did not seek the war with Spain and
al IFS close we favored the acquisition OF dis
tanf possessions only because IL seemed ths
"lsest solution Of the International problem,
developed by that war. The great mistake Of
Inc annimperalsts. as il seems 10 us wa.
that when they found this acquisition an ac
conplshed fact, instead Of Accepting II and