It had been a logical expectation that American people would soon overflow these acquired lands and assimilate the inhabitants.

In the case of the Philippines, on the other hand, it was fully recognized that Americans could at most be only a small governing class, and that even Porto Rico, accessible as it was, would prove too thickly settled to give hopes of Americanization.
The terms of the treaty with Spain, indeed, recognized these differences.

In all previous instances, except Alaska, the added territory had been incorporated into the body of the United States with the expectation, now realized except in Hawaii, of reaching the position of self-governing and participating States of the Union.

Even in the case of Alaska it had been provided that all inhabitants remaining in residence, except uncivilized Indians, should become citizens of the United States.

In the case of these new annexations resulting from the war with Spain, provision was made only for the religious freedom of the inhabitants.