President. I had hoped that the controversy with regard to the acquisition of new territory. that the contest over changing the policy of this country as it has existed for a century. that the question whether we ought to adopt an imperial policy and acquire distant colonies to be ruled by us against their consent. would. in view of existing circumstances. have been delayed until this war was over. until the whole question could be considered. until the American people could have thought upon the subject. until we could have decided upon a policy as to whether we would revolutionize the purposes of this Government. and that next winter we would take up this question. when we would have time to deliberately act upon the proposition to formulate a colonial policy. No one for one moment pretends that we intend to admit the Asiatic people of Hawaii or of the Philippines into full citizenship under the Government of this country. but. instead of that. propelled by an interest which has gathered around the Capitol for the past several months or years. an interest in the production of sugar by Hawaiian labor. certain gentlemen of less patriotism than I hoped they might possess. bring this question here now and undertake to force it through Congress as a war measure. Mr. President. those are plain words.