Interpreting the Constitution for Porto Rico and the Philippines
The Independent, explaining how “a second generation can adjust itself to the Constitution or laws of its fathers,” gives as the best way, that of “interpretation,” and says:— “It is an absolute necessity to interpret it, not according to its literal language, but according to its purpose for the welfare of the people. . . . We have very little concern in the academic discussion of the question whether the Constitution, by its own force, without any legislation, makes the people of Porto Rico and the Philippines citizens. We know it ought not to do it, and so we believe it does not or will not do it.” And by this sort of an interpretation the conclusion is reached—“The Constitution does not control us as to Porto Rico.”