Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1898-06-30
Views of Henry WattersOn.

In a long talk June 2lst, Henry
Watterson gave his views fully and
frankly.
I'm the event that the Philippine
Islands, Cuba and Porto Rico are &C.
cupied by the American troops at the
conclusion of the present war, what
disposition do you think should be
made Of them?" your correspondent
asked.
II think we should retain possession
of them" Mr.. Watterson replied. ITO
surrender territory acquired by the
outlay of 90 much blood and treasure
would be wanton and cowardly aban.
donment of obligations and opportuni-
ties literally heavensent, for they were
not originally contemplated by any.
body.
1--WE cannot remand the Philippines
to Spain or commit them to popula'
ton incapable of self government, to
become prey of European diplomacy.
Neither can we sell them TO some pur'
chasing power. We are bound to keep
Porto Rico, if for nothing else than a
coaling station, in case we get it. Look
at the map at the West Indies; see
where Cuba lies, right across our south
ern water front. Will any sane man
cay that we should ever permit it, once
acquired, to pass out of our control?"
"Should the United States. in view
of these things. change its traditional
foreign policy"
"The traditional stay.at home and.
mind.your own, business policy laid
down by Washington was wise for
weak and struggling nation, and. if it
could be adhered to. would be wise for
every people. But each Of the centu'
ries has its own tale Of progress to tell;
each raises up its own problems to be
solved, The difference between scat.
tered population, fringing the East
Atlantic seaboard, and 100000 of
people occupying and traveasing the
continent from the Atlantic to the Pa
clfc, is too great to admit of contrast.
The United States from now on is
destined to be a world Power. Hence.
forth its foreign policy will need to be
completely reconstructed. The man
who would cling to the traditions of
Washington is as one who would reject
a railway and travel by the stage coach
or disdaining the highway, would 60
through the woods"
"Do you think we should permanent
ly increase our army and navy and
enter into competition with the Eu.
ropean Powers in and across the Pa
cifo?"
Undoubtedly. From a nation of
shop keepers we become nation of
warriors. We escape the menace and
peril of socialism and agrarianism, as
England m escaped them, by policy
Of colonlzation~apd conquest.
From a provincial huddle Of petty
sovereignties held together by rope
Of sand we rise to the dignity and
proves Of an imperial Republic, in
comparably greater than Rome.
"It is true that we exchange domes.
tic dangers for foreign dangers. but in
every direction we multiply the oppor.
tunities OF the people. We risk Gaze
sarism, certainly, but even Caesarism
Is preferable to anarchism. We risk
wars, bnt man has but one time to
lie and, either in peace or war, he is
not likely to die until his day comes.
Sufficient unto the day is the evil
hereof In short, anything is better
han the pace we were going before
hese present forces we're started into
ife. Already the young manhood of
he country is goodly brand, snatched
rom the burning and given perspec-
i've, replete with noble deeds and ev-
rlasting ideas"