Why does the cartoonist show uncle SAM with his feet reaching across oceans to Philippines and Puerto Rico?

The cartoon depicts Uncle Sam, a personification of the United States, with his feet reaching across the oceans to the Philippines and Puerto Rico. This represents the United States' acquisition of these territories as a result of the Spanish-American War in 1898. The Philippines and Puerto Rico were among several territories acquired by the United States during this period, including Guam, Cuba, and Hawaii.