| Show I THE POWER TO ACQUIRE TELEX TORY I The question of holding the Philippine Philip-pine islands is not one of constitutional constitution-al power the point of view I from which some discuss It but one of policy In the discussion of this question the Louisiana purchase has been cited by both sides It is true that the purchase I pur-chase was made by Jefferson and It Is 1 I 1 ted the constitutionality tutionality of jt B it thins if in reality o uifuogy between the case of Louisl I hia and that of the PlillipnneR The former was acquired by negotiation I through diplomatic channels and in j times of peace It was a matter of bargain i bar-gain and tale There is no doubt that Jefferson could not have entered into j negotiations in time of peace for the j I alienation of part of the public domain I Whatever title the United States may now have or hereafter acquire I ac-quire tothe Philippine islands will come to them through the war making I i power of the government There is no doubt but that it is as competent for the government to acquire territory under r un-der that power as it is to exact an indemnity in-demnity or do anything else under that I power No one doubts but that it would be perfectly competent for the government to cede part of our own territory in making terms of peace if such cession became necessary and the same power xlsts for acquiring territory terri-tory on the fame terms Of the constitutional right of the government gov-ernment to hold the Philippines there i I is no question as to the policy of holding r hold-Ing them there is a great question one of the most momentous that ever confronted I con-fronted the American people |
