The state herald., 1898-12-30
AGAINST EXPANSION.
GOV. THOMAS on IMPERIALISM
Cause-Bryan Forclbly Presents His
Views at Reception at Lincoln.

Denver, Dec. 24.-Governor-e c.
s. Thomas was interviewed yesterday
by representative of the Rocky
Mountain News. He said:
1.-The national political situation is
gradually taking form, and although
we now see through n glass dnrkly, 1t
is evident that the opposing forces are
lining themselves up for the great con-
flict 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
ject 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 over the thought of Imperialism
should consider that the first step has
been taken. The great problem is how
we can let gO.'
VIII the Democratic party oppose
permanent possession of the islands!'
was asked.
''It seems that such will he the posi-
tlon 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 headlong into territorial ex-
pansion. 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 go
with the stream. While he is II man of
considerable ability. he Is not n leader.
He acts under the advice of hers. and
his recent trip through the south WIS
for IL purpose. II was TO quiet any
strong opposition that might appear in
the south against the policy which
will become the policy of the admins
tratlOn. fear that his concillatOry
utterances will effect the end desired.
l fear that the people of the south who
cannot be members of McKinley's par
ty 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 eX-Confcd-
crates was from his standpoint wise
suggestion. II may 20 Il long way to-
ward disarming opposition"
Why do you fear the imperialistic
policy:'
1T is contrary TO the spirit of Ameri-
can institutions, and once entered up
on means the destruction of the re-
public. Think of the standing army
that would be required. The govern
ment is advocating n standing army of
100000 men. That means, us estimate
| IL, n cost of S5O.OJ0O0o n year. The
standing army. II enlarged to such nm
extent, may justly be regarded by the
! laboring people of the country ns a
possible weapon against the large class
which depends upon daily wage for
bread. The policy Of cnlnrging the
army viii certainly he bitterly opposed
/ by tile labor unions. and II is well that
they may take alarm. 1t is good to
adhere 10 the traditions of the past in
this country If we are 10 enter upon
the era of territorial expansion. Ac-
| QUESTION of territory breeds the dis
ease for more, and the wlsest head
could not prophcsy the result, II IL
| like the slave owner of ante bclum
| days, who bought more land 10 work
more slaves and bought more slaves TO
| work more land"