Western nations know no other compulsion.
If, however, the acquisition of new territory arises from a desire to develop the country and to introduce the most modern and improved systems of government, without ulterior intentions, then it is beyond praise, but I fear that such disinterested actions are rare.

The nearest approach to such high principle is the purchase of the Philippine Islands by the United States.

I call it "purchase" because the United States Government paid a good price for the Islands after having seized the territory.

The intentions of the Government were well known at the time.

Since her acquisition of those Islands, America has been doing her best to develop their resources and expand their trade.