No comprehensive study of the American system of colonial administration has been made since 1905. This fact may be due to the lack of a proper interest in the study, which has only a remote appeal to an American student, or to an assumed insignificance of the present American territories and dependencies. Whatever the reasons for the apparent neglect and lack of interest in the study of American colonial administration, the fact remains that the rather short colonial experience of the United States constitutes an important political phenomenon which should attract every student of political science interested in colonial administration. The importance of this situation is more fully appreciated when it is understood that the United States is practically the only colonial power in history which has genuinely pursued a colonial policy aimed at the extension of the principles of democracy to its dependent peoples. Other motives and aspirations may have actuated the United States in the acquisition of territories, but its policy after such acquisitions, has been directed to the education and training of the dependent peoples for self-government. Pertinent questions in the study of American colonial administration may include the following: What has been, and is, the total result of American colonial experience? Have the efforts of the United States been justified by the results obtained? Has the United States succeeded in carrying out her aims and purposes? Do the principles of democracy, as the term is generally understood when applied in practical government, contribute the greatest amount of human welfare to the greatest number of people? What share of the government originates from the mother country: what in the colony, and by whom and in what manner? What steps are taken and what methods are used to promote political self-government? What measures are taken to promote III €34650 |