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Philippine Annexation- Benjamin Tillman

Occupation: I, Benjamin Tillman, used to be the Governor of South Carolina but now take pride in my job as a U.S. Senator elected from North Carolina. I also find myself at the head of the Farmer's Alliance who sees and connects with the views of your average, everyday farmer.

Position: As for my position on the annexation of the Philippines, I take the stand on the anti-imperialist side of this argument. My worst fear is that if we annex the Philippines, they will immigrate to America and try to undermine the people we have here, and our white racial purity. Also take into consideration hearing about their lives, these people, these Filippinos, are not suited to what we have to offer. They will not understand our cultures or ideas, and in this sense we would be taking on a burden that is unnecessary. They do not wish to become part of country, and with that we should let them be.

Reasons of Interest: Like I have implied before, this issue is to my interest for I know how much it could harm our country. I stand up for the average man of the day, the average farmer, and I would hate to see their money be put into such a worthless cause. I also believe in the white racial purity that our country was built upon, and how, if this annexation of the Philippines is successful, the immigrants coming to the United States would affect such a wonderful ideal. It is my duty to remind you how two different races are not able to peacefully coexist, as we have experienced in the past. Would it be wise to bring that back into our lives? This warning goes to those who have seemingly forgotten the troubles we did and still do face.

References: George Tillman: I am a U.S. Representative, chosen also from South Carolina like my brother, Ben. We are both Democrats in our positions of government. I just would like to say that Ben is a strong-willed, able-headed man, such as I, and his ideas are well thought out and should be listened to.

Clemson College: Benjamin Tillman was the wonderful man who helped establish this fine school, as well as served on our board of trustees. He should be recognized from this achievement, for establishing a college takes skill, determination, and a strong sense of direction. His ideas, though sometimes a tad radical, can usually be seen as well put together and worthwhile to pay attention to.

Sources: "Ben Tillman's Fiery Tongue." Vassar. People's Advocate, 27 Feb. 1896. Web. 29 Mar. 2010. .

"Hon. Benjamin R. Tillman." National Humanities Center. Library of Congress, 7 Feb. 1899. Web. 29 Mar. 2010. .

KANTROWITZ, STEPHEN. "Ben Tillman and the Reconstruction of White Supremacy." The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Mar. 2010. .

"Tillman, Benjamin Ryan." Biographical Directory of United States Congress. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Mar. 2010. .