The story of the last two weeks in this country is the story of slow, but definite progress of the so-called American imperialistic policy—the policy that effected the annexation of the Hawaiian islands, that secured the cession of Porto condition of ending hostilities with Spain, that is busy now with the future disposition of the island of Cuba, and that seems determined to demand the whole Philippine archipelago for an American possession, That the sentiment in favour of taking over all the Philippine islands is growing rapidly is beyond doubt. The political platforms of the Republican party in the State conventions, now holding in the country, are declaring unreservedly in favour. Those of the Democratic party offer but weak, if any, protest. A personal canvass on the question has been made of the United States' Senate, which, by a two-thirds vote, must confirm any treaty of peace negotiated. About half of the members. have expressed their opinions frankly. Of these the greater proportion believe the United States should take the Philippines. Indications are strong that they, with such of their fellow members as have not yet been seen and those whose present indecision will be swung in favour of the policy by the weight of the administration's approval and the influence of a peace treaty that embodies such terms, will make up the necessary two-thirds. The fact that the Republican State platforms have come out openly for the annexation of the whole group leaves no doubt pathy with that position and has instructed or will instruct the American peace commissioners accordingly.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.