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PARIS, October 25, 1898.

The undersigned cannot agree that it is wise to take Philippine
Islands in whole or in part. To do so would be to reverse
accepted continental policy of the country, declared and acted
upon throughout our history. Propinquity governs the case
of Cuba and Porto Rico. Policy proposed introduces us into
European politics and the entangling alliances against which
Washington and all American statemen have protested. It will
make necessary a navy equal to largest of powers; a greatly
increased military establishment; immense sums for fortifications
and harbors; multiply occasions for dangerous complications
with foreign nations, and increase burdens of taxation. Will
receive in compensation no outlet for American labor in labor
market already overcrowded and cheap; no area for homes for
American citizens; climate and social conditions demoralizing
to character of American youth; new and disturbing questions
introduced into our politics; church question menacing. On
whole, instead of indemnity--injury.

The undersigned cannot agree that any obligation incurred
to insurgents is paramount to our own manifest interests.
Attacked Manila as part of legitimate war against Spain.
If we had captured Cadiz and Carlists had helped us, would
not owe duty to stay by them at the conclusion of war. On
the contrary, interests and duty would require us to abandon
both Manila and Cadiz. No place for colonial administration
or government of subject people in American system. So much
from standpoint of interest; but even conceding all benefits
claimed for annexation, we thereby abandon the infinitely
greater benefit to accrue from acting the part of a great,
powerful, and Christian nation; we exchange the moral grandeur
and strength to be gained by keeping our word to nations of
the world and by exhibiting a magnanimity and moderation in
the hour of victory that becomes the advanced civilization
we claim, for doubtful material advantages and shameful stepping
down from high moral position boastfully assumed. We should
set example in these respects, not follow in the selfish and
vulgar greed for territory which Europe has inherited from
mediaeval times. Our declaration of war upon Spain was accompanied
by a solemn and deliberate definition of our purpose. Now
that we have achieved all and more than our object, let us
simply keep our word. Third article of the protocol leaves
everything concerni