The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1898-06-18
NHlTlliR ARE WE DRIFTING ?

Many Of the world : leading statesmen
and writer's see in the proposed CON
quest and holding of the Philippine
islands, Cuba and Porto Rico, and the
proposed annexation of the Hawiian
islands, departure on our part
from the path marked out for US by
Washington, Jefferson, Jackson, and
others Of our great statesmen who have
passed away They see, or affect to see,
IN the proposed expansion Of our limits
and the gathering beneath the Wings Of
the American eagle Of SPANS misgov-
erned brood of colonies as step from
Rcpub,lcanism to ImperialiSln-frOm
government by the consent of the GOV
crned to oppression. They see in this
reaching out 10 the four winds a danger
to the future Of the United States-a
future Of unrest and intrigue OF mili-
tarism, which are the torment and
scourge or the old world"
There is no DENYING that there are
many strong reasons why our govern
ment should not depart from the peace
ful policy it has pursued il relation to
other nations since the first Where
the people are absolute ami are carried
away by a thirst for military glory ny
the success Of their arms, as were the
Greeks and the Romans, there is al
WAYS danger that they will 90 from
one excess to another, until they bring
ON, =
der Napoleon Ronaparte. War NAV
add TO territory, but it also exhausts a
IatIon's strength. first to conquer and
unwilling people, then to hold and 10
govern without the consent of the GOV
crned. II Is possible that the inhabit-
ants Of Cuba, Porto Rico aud the Phillip
pine islands may make peaceful and
!a"ahiding subjects of our government,
but ~ tney 10 not speak the English
language, are not familiar with Ameri-
can Institutions and customs, it is too
much 10 expect that, for many wears to
cone, 1t least, they Will properly ap-
preciatc American civilization Hence
tnat unrest and "militIrism" which
Is foreign to and inconsistent with our
system Of government but which Viii
inevitably follow policy Of conquest.
That Spain is in large sense out
lawed ly her acts Of cruelty, and is de
serving Of d.>memheImcnt, is generally
conceded. but it seems to be forgotten
that III our efforts to free SPANS col
onial subjects and our proposal to hold
possession Of the islands. we are under
taking obligations We are scarcely war
rautrd in assuming, that will bring on
no end of Ic-p orslbiljtiee Are we Ius-
tilted III assuming those responsibilities,
al Things considered. Is it worth while
10 break way from our peaceful moor
ings, our American traditions. for the
empty Glory Of colonial possessions pco-
He'd almost wholly by alien races >
Much as We may hc dazz,cd ~ the
dream Of a greater America, and mill
tary prestige. ii j. better that We should
develop oEr many acres Of Unil.hahited
territory, build up our own country.
We have room here for untold millions.
Its well. however. T. have a flee: and
army. 10 be ready To- strike down the
opnre-Sor and uphold the right. To
throw c,;r Shr3teIiug arm around and
over CUj'a, and help it, people to help
themselves. To 10 TINS we need
make no alliances. our solidItv and
unity and power Will make Us
respected by those Who love justice