PREFACE The annexation of the Philippines is the immediate reason for this book, which, in dealing with the event itself, advocates withdrawal of our sovereignty from the islands, and suggests a method for its accomplishment. In the larger and permanent purpose of the book the event is but the text for a general discussion of annexation, with regard to the policies proper for the guidance of the United States in the matter of enlarging their territory, and to the obligations that go with their sovereignty. These obligations are partly of a moral nature, and partly are determined by the Constitution, Some. of the questions of constitutional law involving the taxation of commerce have been argued before the Supreme Court in causes now under advisement, and may be adjudicated before this book is published: Yet I have written positively on the whole question of constitutional obligation because I believe that in theory of law the Constitution is supreme throughout the jurisdiction of Congress, and because its supremacy is a principle generally held by our people, commonly respected by our Government, and recognized by our courts. The true policies of the republic discourage any assumption of sovereignty over land and people that tends to weaken our institutions, or lower the quality of our civic body, or dull our sense of justice. MORRISTOWN, NEW JERSEY, NOTE.—I have incorporated in this book parts of two pamphlets : "Constitutional Aspects of Annexation," December, 1898, Harvard Law Review, January, 1899; reprinted in the Congressional Record, January 11, 1899; and 'Notes on the Law of Territorial Expansion," March, 1900, reprinted in the Record, March 31, 1900. ARGUMENTS AGAINST THE RULE OF THE CON- THAT THE CONSTITUTION IS NOT SELF-EXTENDING THAT THE CONSTITUTION WAS ORDAINED FOR THE States THAT THE POWER OF THE UNITED STATES OVER AN- |