These islands represented unique acquisitions, because they were
not geographically connected to the North American continent;
previous territories had all been contiguous
the
continent.
Cultural
distinction
islands from traditional acquisitions.
to, or located on
further
separated
these
Treaty of Paris highlights
Girection of changed policy
Congress
had
to
determine
the
ceded
islands
political
status and the inhabitant's civil rights.
For the first time in
its history, the United States had acquired territory without
promising citizenship.
Further, the Treaty of Paris
hold the promise, actual or implied, of statehood.
did
not
Congress debated the policy implications of the treaty during the ratification process in early 1899.
During the ensuing
debate, Congress examined the propriety of acquiring territories
without defining their legal status.
Supporters of the treaty
maintained that the United States had a sovereign right to
acquire and govern territories. : As such, the United States was
responsible for establishing suitable forms of government for
the territories and preparing them for eventual self-government.
Opponents of the treaty declared that the federal government had
no power to hold territories indefinitely as colonies, because
doing so was contrary to democratic principles.
hood
The debate also raised questions regarding possible statefor the newly acquired territories.
In February 1899, a
joint resolution introduced in the Senate stated in part:
"1. That the acquisition by the U.S., through
conquest, treaty, or otherwise, of territory
part
not adjacent to and geographically
of the Continent of North America
carries
with
it
no
constitutional
or
moral obligation to admit said territory,
or any portion thereof, into the Federal
Union as a State or States."
"2.
That it is against the policy, traditions
and interests of the American people to
admit states erected out of such nonAmerican territories, or portions thereof
into our Union. . . at any time or under
any conditions."
The resolution was not adopted and thus the possibility of evenstatehood
for offshore
territories was
not
ruled out.
On February 6, 1899, the Senate ratified the treaty by
narrow margin, but the issue of status was left unresolved.
9000213 -
a
Palennent
tual