The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-07-13
troy British as well as American free

stroy British as well as American free
DOM
An imperial policy will as surely
some day lead to an emperor.
He may assume some softer name
IL our constituencies survive, as is often
the case. But an imperial policy and
a republic make a contradiction In
terms. The policy must go, or the en-
peror in some form must come. The
British properly added empress of In
dla' to the titles of the queen. When
his Office outgrows the descriptive
name given him by the constitution,
what shall we call the president of the
United States of American
The derision with which such
alarms are commonly met will not
serve here. A moments thought will
show that our form of government
was intended and is adapted for the
discharge of its simple n limited or
binary functions at home. with the
support and under the eye of a people
friendly to IT and bound to FAC other
by every tie. Set it to work under
conditions just the reverse and we
both invite and multiply all the haZ-
ards which have always beset free In
situations.
zone acquisition will whet the appe-
title for more. and Asia and Africa
have become tempting hunting
grounds for the nation. The pride
which shr,nks from failure will lead
to the gradual strengthening of our
government for it's work abroad. IL
will not long remain weaker at home,
with the Monroe doctrine abandoned
as IL must be. WEAKNESS of the in
creased burdens of expense which will
be sure 20 come. the glamor IF
schemes of private interest a~rtfully
given a national aspect, the pressure
of emergencies which are likely enough
To arise among peoples under foreign
rule and which will be multiplied by
the enemies we shall make-all these
will unite in appeals not to let mere
theories stand in the way OF practical
results.
That our government could not
long remain what II is. follows as eff
feet from cause. We are not political
immunes. The course proposed must
be honestly presented as involving m
essential change in our institutions
and not as a mere matter of policy.
But what are we to do with coun-
tries we take? " where our flag Is
carried in battle II must remain as
the emblem OF permanent authority,
victory will become more perllous than
defeat. There is no dishonor in bring
ing home our victorious banners. as
we did from the walls OF Mexico. There
is dishonor. IND danger, too. in pull
ing down the landmarks of the union
No obligation. legal or moral, prevents
our leaving such countries as we nm
| them, or giving their people control #
their own affairs IL we think best. De-
| sire only, not duty, suggests the as
sumption OF authority over them.
If we must provide fuel for our
ships. we. want coal bins. not provinces
or colonies. We can hold them as
property. We need not broaden them
into domain. II they must be fortiie1
and guarded so we may fight our way
tn and from them. let US keep them as
England does Gibraltar. She does moi
have to rule Spain. IL we must have
purely national property abroad, w
can at least keep our politics at home
where we can have a close eye on
them.
Congress was authorized merely 10
regulate commerce. our ancestors
knew can be captured and
kept only by better goods n lower
prices. Yet IL is more than limited thai
il would be a proper exercise OF this
power to q foreign nations In
order to make them trade with us.
Conquest Is even suggested as q
means of spreading the gospel.
Our merchants and missionaries
must indeed be protected wherever in
terests or duty call them, and there
is ample authority TO do IL. IL for THU
or any other reason We ought now tS
become more active in the worlds af'
fairs. IL the precepts of II youth wer'
founded only on our weakness and w
should now take counsel OF oul
strength, so be II.
But who is authorized TO abando
the ocean ramparts with which Goo
has surrounded US. because the inven
tions of men have made them some.
what less effectual. They will Away
be our chief defenses while the cart.
reyolves. our country ran be no fur,
Their from danger than its nearest part
Where is the right found to expose oul
national honor. pride and welfare /;
dominions beyond the seas. when thel
may abide in safety forever in tn
home which the kindness of nature
and the wisdom of our fathers have
provided for them?
1T IS not pleasant to play Cassan'
ORA. 1t is easier to join in the shout
ing and the dancing OF those who seer
TO think the past is lead and the fu.
ture assured. But ones duty 10 his
countrymen is TO give warning OF evi
when he believes he detects It's ap'
proach.'
soooped the Crowd.