The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1906-09-06


erty in other lands for business purposes must be
subject to the laws of the countries in which they
engage in business enterprises. Many profitable
fields of investment are now closed because the
people OF the smaller nations are afraid that
investment of foreign capital will be made an ex-
cuse for foreign invasion. Several times ON
this trip this fact has been brought to my atten-
ton and am convinced that for every dollar we
could secure to American investors by an attempt
to put the government back of their private claims
we would lose many dollars by closing the door
to investment Mark the distinction between the
protection of the lives of our citizens and the
use OF the navy to guarantee profit on invest
ments We do not imprison for debt in the United
States, neither do we put men to death because
OF their failure to pay what they owe, and our
moral prestige well as our commercial inter-
ests will be conserved by assuring all nations that
American investments depend for protection upon
the laws of the country to which the investors CO.
Before leaving International politics let me
add that our nation has lost prestige rather than
gained 1t, by our experiment in colonialism. We
have given the monarchist a chance to ridicule
our declaration of independence and the scoffer
has twitted us with inconsistency. tour through
the Philippine islands has deepened the convic-
ton that we should lose no time in announcing
purpose to deal with the Filipinos as we dealt
with the Cubans Every consideration, CONNER
cial and political leads to this conclusion. Such
ground as we may need for coaling stations or
for a naval base will be gladly conceded by
work out their own destiny, inspired by our ex-
ample and aided by advice. Insofar our
efforts have been directed toward the education
of the Filipnos, we have rendered them distinct
service, but in educating them must recognize
that we are making colonialism impossible. If
we intended to hold them subjects we would
not dare to educate them. Self-government with
ultimate independence must be assumed if we
contemplate universal education in the Philip
pines. AS soon as opportunity offers | shall dis
PhiIiDDino question at length
/ shall refer to English rule in India, for it
throws light upon our own problems in the Philip
pines, but these subjects must be reserved until
I can speak more in detail
I'm several of the nations of Europe the
legislative department of government is more
quickly responsive to public sentiment than is
congress. In England, for instance, where
the ministry is formed from the dominant party,
when election is held upon any important ISSUE
the government proceeds to put into law the
will of the people expressed at the polls. While
system is superior in many respects, 1t has
one defect viz: that congress does not meet in
regular session until thirteen months after the
election. During this period there is uncertainty
long drawn out, which to the business commu-
nifty is often more damaging than a change of
policy promptly carried into effect. Would not
the situation be improved by constitutional
amendment converting the first session of congress
within few months after the election and COM
polling the second session to adjourn several days
before the following election? Such a change
would not only protect legitimate business inter-
ests and give the public the benefit of more
prompt relief through remedial legislation, but
it would protect the people from the jobs that
usually reserved for the short session which
is held after the election and when many
of the members retired feel less responsibility be-
cause of defeat at the polls.
II return more strongly convinced than be-
fore of the Importance of change in the methods
of electing United States senators. There is no
ticeable everywhere distinct movement toward
democracy in it's broadcast sense. In all the coun-
tries which l have visited there is demand that
the government be brought nearer to the people;
in China constitution is under consideration; in
Japan the people demanding that the ministry
instead of being chosen by the emperor from
among his particular friends shall be selected from
parliament and be in harmony with the dominant
sentiment; in India there is agitation in favor