THE ANNEXATION FEVER 355 



extension over the conquered region of the jurisdiction of the 

 conqueror, but possession in fee. The conquered territory was 

 made as profitable as possible to the conqueror. It may have 

 been looted for his benefit, or it may have been taxed for all it 

 would bear. In whatever way it was done the conquered terri- 

 tory was made a source of profit to the victorious part3\ 



That sort of thing passed out of vogue among civilized nations 

 ages ago, and today among such people the acquisition of terri- 

 tory means simply a change of jurisdiction. The laws and the 

 flag of one nation are substituted for those of another. The na- 

 tion acquiring the territory collects taxes, and in turn assumes 

 the duty of protecting the people of the acquired territory from 

 one another and from foreign enemies. The nation is not en- 

 riched by the acquisition. It may or it may not be strengthened, 

 according to the character of the acquisition. 



But while the results of acquiring territory have thus become 

 radically changed, the desire, the instinct for its acquisition re- 

 mains apparently in full force. Without inquiring whether in 

 any one case it will be an advantage or a disadvantage for a coun- 

 try to extend its limits, ninety-nine out of every hundred of its 

 people urge its extension. In other words, the great mass of the 

 people concerned act merely upon instinct, such instinct being 

 simph^ the remains from the time when acquisition of territory 

 meant an increase of property. 



The question whether accessions of territory are desirable or 

 not turns upon many considerations, among them being the char- 

 acter and resources of the proposed accession, its situation and 

 distance, the condition of its people as regards civilization, and 

 the character of the people and of the government of the annex- 

 ing country. 



The United States, of all nations, should go very slowly in this 

 matter, first, because since it stands at the head of the nations 

 in point of civilization, almost any addition of people to its num- 

 bers will reduce the average civilization, and consequently the 

 strength and industrial capacity of its people. Second, because 

 under its principle of home rule, annexed provinces will be called 

 on to govern themselves in all local matters, while the general 

 government will be held responsible by foreign governments for 

 all hostile acts committed by such annexed states against their 

 citizens; and, third, because all annexations involve responsi- 

 bilities in case of Avar for which we are unprepared and show 

 little disposition to prepare ourselves. 



