The Monte Vista journal., 1898-12-31
AGAINST EXPANSION.
GOV. THOMAS ON IMPERIALISM
He L. Disposed to Take - Conservative
Cause-Brysn f"rcibiy Pressnts HIS
Views At . Reception at Lincoln.

Denver, Dec 24.-Governor-elect G.
s. Thomas was interviewed yesterday
by representative Of the Rocky
Mountain News. He said:
1.-The national political situation Ia
gradually taking form, and although
we now see through a glass darkly, 1t
Is evident that the opposing forces are
lining themselves up for the great con-
tiict Of 1900. Bryan is about right. The
duty Of this government is to teach the
people of islands which have come into
possession Of the United States to take
care OF themselves. When Bryan's
idea Is better understood on the sub
feet he will be better appreciated. He
recognizes that the islands are now ac-
tually ours, and the question Is what
to do with them. Men who grow ex.
cited oyer the thought of Imperialism
should consider that the first step has
been taken. The great problem is how
we can let GO"
"Will the Democratic party oppose
permanent possession OF the islandsy'
was asked.
1T seems that such will be the posi-
tion of the party" replied Mr.. Thomas.
while individuals may advocate the
rankest Imperialism. 1t is evident that
the great body OF the Democratic par.
ty will finally adopt the more conserv.
ative policy. The Republican party is
rushing hendlong into territorial eX.
panslon. Many OF its leaders are out
spoken in favor of taking all we can
get and holding on to every foot OF the
territory. President Mckinley will 60
with the stream. While he is n man OF
considerable ability, he is not n leader
He acts under the advice OF o.hcrs. and
his recent trip through the south was
for purpose. II was to quiet any
strong opposition thnt might appear in
the south against the policy which
will become the policy of the admins.
tration. fear that his conciliatory
uttcrances will effect the end desired.
l fear that the people OF the south who
cannot he members of McKinlcy's par.
~ will be passive and will not make
the protest that they should make
against the headlong movement into
Imperialism. McKinley's intimation In
favor of the general government tax.
Ing care OF the graves OF cX-Confcd.
crates was from his standpoint wise
suggestion. 1t may 90 long way To-
ward disarming opposition
why do you fear the impcrialis,ic
policyT''
ut is contrary to the spirit OF Amerl.
can institutions. and once entered up.
ON means the destruction OF the re.
public. Think OF the standing army
that would he required. The govern.
mcnt Is advocating a standing army of
100000 men. That means. as estimate
1t, II cost Of Sj0.O0O.Oyo n year. The
standing army, II enlarged to such IN
extent. may justly be regarded by the
laboring people of the country as a
possible weapon against the large class
which depends upon daily wage for
bread. The policy OF cniarginy the
army will certainly be bitterly opposed
by the labor unions. and II is well thai
they may take alarm. II is good Ia
adhere To the traditions OF the past In
this country If we are to enter upon
the era Of territorial expansion. Ac.
QUESTION Of territory breeds the dis.
ease for more. and the wisest head
could not prophcsy the result. II Is
like the slave owner OF antc-bellun
days, who bought more land TO worl,
more slaves and bought more slaves to
work more land"