What was a major argument against the annexation of the Philippines related to labor?

The argument related to labor against the annexation of the Philippines centered on the belief that Filipinos would work for lower wages compared to American workers. This concern was significant because it raised fears among American labor groups about job opportunities and wage standards within the United States. The potential influx of Filipino workers could have led to increased competition for lower-paying jobs, which many Americans believed would undermine their livelihoods and push down wage levels across various sectors.

American labor advocates worried that the annexation would lead to the importation of cheaper labor to the mainland, thereby threatening the existing jobs of American workers. This apprehension contributed to the broader debates about imperialism and its implications for American society and its economy during that era. The idea of lower-wage labor impacting American workers was a critical point for those opposing the annexation, emphasizing the economic ramifications rather than political or ethical considerations alone.