The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1898-04-01


was read before the st. Louis conven-
tion, over which ! had the distinguish
ed honor to preside, it was greeted with
q mighty shout which seemed to lift the
very roof of that great convention hall,
and 1t was adopted as part OF the plat
form of the Republican party by unani-
nous vote. On the goth of June, 1896,
William Mckinley, standing upon his
vine clad porch at Canton, o., in ac-
cepting the nomination then officially
rendered him, said:
"The platform adopted by the Repub-
lican national convention has received
my careful consideration and has my
unqualified approval. IL is matter of
qualification to me, as am sure it must
be to you and Republicans everywhere
and to all our people, that the express
sions of its declaration Of principles are
SO direct, clear and emphatic. They are
too plain and positive to leave any
chance for doubt or question as to their
purport and meaning"
The platform of the Republican par
ty, that Endorsement by its nominee for
1000, 900 American voters. That plat
form has marked my path of duty from
the hour of its adoption up to the pres
ent time.
1t is an honored boast of the Repub-
lican party that it always keeps its
promises and that its platform declara-
tions are always carried out by it's adj
mi, icfr 10
doubt, have every reason to believe,
that the present chief magistrate of the
United States still stands upon the plat
form of the Republican party have
40 reason to doubt, L have every reason
to believe, that he will make it's fulfill
ment part of the glorious history of
the world.
Mr.. President, that platform was
adopted almost two years ago. Has
there been any such change in the Gu
ban situation as to relieve the Republic
an party from it's obligations? None
whatever. There has been no change ex-
cept such as to strengthen the force of
our platform assertion that Spain has
lost control of the island. Twice within
the last two years have voted for a
resolution according the rights of bel.
ligerents to the Cuban revolutionists.
Armed Intervention Necessary.
] believed at those times, | still be-
lieve, that such recognition ON our
part would have enabled the Cuban pa
triots to have achieved independence for
themselves that it would have given
them such standing in the money
markets of the world such rights on
the sea, such flag on the land, that ere
this the independence of Cuba would
have been secured, and that without cost
or loss of blood or treasure to the people
of the United States. But that time has
passed.
The president further advised us;
"The government has never in any way
abrogated it's sovereign prerogative of
reserving to itself the determination of
it's policy and course according to its
own high sense of right and in conso-
nance with the dearest interests and con
victions of our owe people should the
prolongation of the strife SO demand"
This was the proper, the statesman
like beginning of the performance of
the promise of the Republican platform.
1t was in accordance with the diplo-
matte usages and customs of civilized
nations. In the meantime the whole
situation apparently changed. In Spain
the Liberal ministry of Sagasta succeed
ed that of Canovas The cruel and inhu-
man Weyler was recalled and succeeded
hxrf xxthn ha
Sagasta ministry, has unquestionably
made every effort to bring about peace
in the island of Cuba under the promise
of autonomy-undoubtedly decided
advance beyond any proposition ever be.
fore made for the participation Of the
Cubans in their own domestic affairs.
Mr.. President, there is only one ao-
tion possible, il any is taken-that is,
intervention Tor the Independence or the
island; Intervention that means the
landing Of an American army on Cuban
soil, the deploying Of an American feet
off the harbor of Havana; intervention
which says to Spain, Leave the island,
Withdraw your soldiers. leave the Gu
bans, these brothers of ours in the new
world, to form and carry on government
for themselves
Patience No Longer Virtue.
Such Intervention on our part would
not of itself be war. It would undoubt-
eddy lead to war. But If war came 1t
would come by act Of Spain in resist
ance of the liberty and independence Of
the Cuban people.
Mr.. President, there was time when
"jingoism'' was abroad in the land.
when sensationalism prevailed and
when there was distinct effort to in
flame the passions and prejudioes of the
American people and precipitate war
with Spain. That time has passed away.
"Jingoism" is long since dead.
The American people have waited and
waited and waited in patienoe-yea, in
patience and confidence, confidence in
the belief that decisive action would be
taken in due season and in a proper
wayi Today all over this land the ap-
peal comes up to us. 1t reaches rs from
every section and from every class. That
appeal is now for action.
T., nv, ;ptarviaxu IF vaeterdav thu cor.