Acquisition of New Territory.
While the acquisition of new territory has increased the expenses of our nation, yet it has made us the greatest nation in the world.
We have expanded by acquisition of new possessions which Congress organized under the direct control of the "Federal Government," but giving them limited powers of self government, through legislation of their own. When their population is sufficient they will be admitted as states.
Today our national flag contains forty-eight stars, and no part of the United States except Alaska and Hawaii remains under a territorial form of government.
Alaska was purchased from Russia in 1867.
The President of the United States, with the advice and consent of the Senate, appoints the governor and judges of the courts.
They have a legislature composed of two houses whose members are elected by the people. A delegate to Congress with the right to take part in debates but not to vote is also elected by the people.
Hawaii: Hawaii is a regularly organized territory and is governed like Alaska; President appointing the governor with the consent of the Senate, etc.
Possessions: The Philippines, Porto Rico, and other islands are possessions rather than territories of the United States.
Philippines: The Governor General and eight commissioners appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate are at the head of the general government of the Philippines.
"Five members of the commission are heads of the executive departments as well as having legislative powers. The other four members have only legislative power."
Commission: The nine members of the commission appointed by the President constitute the Upper House of the Legislature known as the Senate.
Lower House: The members of the Lower House of Representatives are elected by the people of the various civilized districts.
The nine commissioners represent the legislative body and have control of that part of the island not civilized.
Courts: They have a system of courts in which the judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President, and the judges of the lower courts are appointed by the Governor General with the approval of the commission.
Commissioners: There are two resident commissioners sent to the United States from the Philippines with seats in the House of Representatives, but cannot vote, only taking part in the debates.
Provinces: The islands are divided into provinces "each of which is governed by a provincial board of three members, and each province has its own city or town with its local government." Two of the members of the boards are elected by the people, and the third, who is the treasurer, is appointed by the Governor General, but usually a "Filipino."