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George S. Boutwell

United States Senator from Massachusetts 1873-1877 President of the Anti-Imperialist League
 * Occupations:** Secretary of the Treasury 1869-1873


 * Position on the issue:** I am an Anti-Imperialist. I believe the way we are handling the situation in the Philippines is unjust and immoral. The Filipinos do not want our interference. Who are we to go into another country and tell them how to govern their people? Are we not being hypocrites? In Cuba, we allowed them to govern themselves after saving them from the harsh rule of Spain. In the Philippines, we are the harsh rulers. What example are we setting for the citizens of our world? It is not okay to change views depending on the situation. I believe that the only reason we are treating the Filipinos cruelly is to gain more power. Is power now more important than the wants and needs of a civilization? I strongly disagree with taking over the Philippines in this manner.


 * List of reasons for interest in this topic:** The Declaration of Independence states that “Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the **consent** of the governed.” The Filipinos do not want our help. We do not have their consent to govern them. I am interested in this topic for the sole purpose of defending the document that our country was built upon. If we ignore the Declaration of independence in this situation, who knows what else we will fail to acknowledge when later conflicts arise. Also, shouldn't we be more focused on our own country? I know that people want to become a world power, but shouldn't we focus on strengthening the bond between our own citizens before we try to bond with other countries? I became president of the Anti- Imperialist league to defend my country, and defend my declaration.

//William Jennings Bryan-// Mr. Bryan is a member of the Anti-Imperialist league as well. I was placed as a presidential elector on his ticket. He can vouch for my true and noble concern for the
 * References:** //Senator George Hoar//- Senator Hoar and I share the same beliefs. He can vouch for my strong advocacy for this cause.

Works Cited

Hoar, George. "Subjugation of the Philippines Iniquitous by George Frisbie Hoar. America: III. (1861-1905). Vol. X. Bryan, William Jennings, ed. 1906. The World's Famous Orations." //Bartleby.com: Great Books Online -- Quotes, Poems, Novels, Classics and hundreds more//. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Mar. 2010. . "Modern History Sourcebook: American Anti-Imperialist League 1899 ." //FORDHAM.EDU//. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Mar. 2010. . "OPPOSED TO IMPERIALISM.; Address by George S. Boutwell at the Cantabri... - Article Preview - The New York Times." //The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia//. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Mar. 2010. .