I am opposed to this bill because it does not reduce the price of sugar to the domestic consumer. I am opposed to it because it is an extension of the imperialistic legislation inaugurated by the Republican party. for it seeks to add to the restraints already imposed by the Platt amendment upon the autonomy of Cuba or the independence of Cuba. Our own laws relating to immigration and contract labor. which. while good in themselves. are entirely unjustified when applied by pressure by this country to a socalled independent power. I believe that we should take ground now against this measure. because it is a continuation of the imperialistic legislation. and the opportunity is now offered us of presenting to the American people a policy of the extension of the republic as opposed to an extension of the empire. For there can be no question but that the deliberate purpose of the Republican party. as expressed in the Platt amendment and expressed in the restraints upon the independence of Cuba imposed by this country. is. when Cuba. induced by her desire to secure access without restriction to the markets of this country. applies for annexation to accept her. but to reduce her to the abject position of a colony or military dependency.
Keywords matched
immigration contract labor