Read the passage. The question is: Shall we attempt to establish ourselves as a power in the Far East and possess the Philippines for glory? . . . . If we take the Philippines . . . they will yield us nothing, and probably be a source of annual expense. Certainly they will be a grievous drain upon revenue if we consider the enormous army and navy which we shall be forced to maintain upon their account. . . .
Whether the United States maintain its present unique position of safety, or forfeit it through acquiring foreign possessions, is to be decided by its action in regard to the Philippines.
–Andrew Carnegie, 1898

What is Carnegie’s stance on the acquisition of the Philippines?
A. It is worth whatever expense it might cost.
B. It is the only way to establish access to China.
C. It will be more costly than it is worth in the end.
D. It will result in conflict in the Pacific and cause a war.