The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-06-26
AMERICA FOR AMERICANS.
From the Rochester Post-Express.

From the Rochester Post-EXpress.
The terse phrase, America for Ameri-
cans" is likely to come into very gen.
eral acceptance, as expressive of Republi-
can policy. Chauncey Nj. Depew usad
it most happily, in his speech nOminat-
ing Governor Morton. and other orators
had already employed 1t. 1t is seen N
the press and will be repeated on a
thousand platforms, during the ensuing
campaign. What phrase could be better
or more epigrammatic, as cOndensing Re-
publican doctrine? What phrase can be
more inspiring? The Republican plat
form has many words, all admirably
chosen, as setting forth Republican prin-
ciples; but In these three words Is the ss-
sence of Republicanism-that Republican,
ism which, in the wider, yet definite, in
depreciation. embraces protection to
American industries, the maintenance in
tact Of American good faith. the uphold
ing of the American flag, the guarding
of American soil from foreign invasion or
occupation, the inviolability Of the civil
rights Of every American citizen.
The phrase has its limitations, of
course. 1t does not mean that the cath
olic invitation and generous welcome, ex-
tended throughout the century Of 1a-
tional development. to the refugees from
the tyranny of the old world to its thrift
and intelligence. shall cease. 1t does not
stand for the proscriptive spirit of
Know-Nothingism; for 1t Is to be recoy-
nized that American civilization Is COM
posite, and that the strain Of various
races mingling in common current has
made the best citizenship. AS 1t was
once said Of the Puritan settlement Of
New England. that God sifted whole
nation that He might send choice grain
over into the wilderness" so has Europe
furnished her roblest blood for the
American body polite, and the processes
Of assimilation have been salvatory, as
well as stimulative, of the truest national
life; but America for Americans also
means that when the influx from the old
world becomes perilous or poisonous to
that national life, 1t shall be restrained,
and that welcome ceases when illiterdcy
incorporate with it. So the Republican
platform says and SO the Republican pol
Icy will maintain.
america for Americans" means that
American labor shall be protected against
injurious foreign competition. 1t means
that American manufactures shall be fos-
tered, that the American artisan shall
receive due reward for the work of his
hands, and that the markets shall re-
spond to the products Of American farms.
The phrase means that the American pol
icy. which Hamilton inaugurated and
Washington and Clay and Lincoln and
Blaine advocated, shall again be affirmed
in American legislation. 1t means that
America will take care Of Americans. be-
CO. ~h ST., fv,tn re Is
merchants and manufacturers and ma
tions or announces the reign in commerce
of the brotherhood of man. 1t means that
charity begins at home. 1t means that
American furnace fires shall be lighted,
and American spindles shall whIri, and
American homes abide in comfort, Amer
lean prosperity be ordained, and reci-
procity obtain between American peo.
pies.
--:ll:-
1t means that every American dollar
shall be as good as gold-that there shall
be no lowering of the standards of
American honor. 1t means honesty and
good faith. 1t means American man.
hood. 1t means that American sea
coasts shall be defended against hostile
ships, and that the American merchant
marine shall be rehabilitated. SO that 1t
can flag be seen in every port. 1t
means also that the doctrine, which an
American president proclaimed over sew
enty years ago, that no European power
should occupy and extend its dominion
upon American soil, shall be sustained.
1t means an American policy, in our for
eign relations, that policy which has
been as consistently as ignobly nullifiei
by the present national administration.
1t means the development Of the Ameri-
can nation upon the lines that have been
almost uniformly pursued, since consti-
tutional government was ordained.
-:ll:-
Not since Sumter was fired upon and
the nation sprang to arms to defend its
being, has the American sentiment been
citizenship of America has felt that its
is today. The reason for this is not far
to seek, nor hard to find. 1t Is because the
citizenship of American fias felt that Its
integrity was assailed by O nerveless for
eign policy, both m business and in poll