The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-08-10
FIGHT ON EXPANSION.
Is Raging in the Missouri Democratic
Convention

Springfield, Mo, Aug. lot became
evident early today that Congressman
Bland and his followers had broken
away from Stone on the question of
territorial expansion and had declared
against such a policy. Before the state
convention met the delegates from
eight congressional districts adopted
resolutions favoring the Bland foreign
policy. This indicates that a strong
fight against Stones policy will be
made, both in convention and in COM
mittee, but notwithstanding the Oppo-
sitiOn shown, it is predicted by prOmi-
nent politicians that the expansion pol
icy plank will be adopted
Baldwin's theater was crowded when
Chairman S. B. Cook of the state COM
mittee, called the convention to order
at exactly noon. Congressman Richard
P Bland, introduced as temporary
chairman, was received with great ap-
plause. In the course of his address,
Chairman Bland said:
What we do here today will not be
confined to our state, but will have its
influence on the whole country, so that
we should make no declarations of doc
trines respecting recent issues until we
have carefully deliberated upon them"
Mr.. Bland then went at once to the
Chicago platform, recalling the finan-
cial plank and declaring anew the argu-
ments with which the people are IA
lniliar.
This domestic ISSUE" he said, must
remain paramount until it is settled and
settled right. We propose to make the
campaign upon this issue. We do not
propose that plutOcrats shall entangle
and confuse our minds with foreign is
sues. We propose first to make free
and independent the people of the Unit
ed states. (Applause)
I'VE have been drawn into a war
which has already cost millions of dol
lars and put upon the common people
the burden of a tax which congress re-
fused to put upon the wealth of the
country"
He said the sentiment expressed in
the declaration of war was unparalleled
ed in the history of the world in its JUS
tice and love of humanity, and that no
party ought to survive which would I'M
dertake to lower that standard of IN
iversaI freedom and manhood.
world he exclaimed. S'but we must also
deserve the good opinion of ourselves. I
lions to lower our principles to those of
a land grabbing nation. GIANT applause)
the party of progress in the annexa ton
of territory, but it was territory bought
Reciting the history of past acquisitions
of territory, Mr.. Bland said: "But we
are asked today to acquire not only land,
but people We are asked to connect our
selves with a foreign population unknown
want to see this convention declare itself
in favor of annexing Cuba or Porto Rico
do not wish it to declare in favor of clos
ing the doors to any honorable annexation
with which we may be confronted
I'VE may make declaration here for
is out But we can declare our adher-
ence to the Monroe doctrine and no party
or power can asSau US in imposing it. If
I could express my. personal opinion in the
platform I would declare against the an
nexatiOn of Cuba, Porto Rico or the Phil
ippine islands. and that when we shall
have wrested these islands from the Span
ish government they should be allowed to
govern themselves We are not to as
sumo that they are not capable of self
government. Thomas Jefferson would have
spat upon such assumption as that"
He continued in this VEIN FOR some time,
declaring his belief that eventually Cuba
and Porto Rico would come into our coun-
try, but he desired no declaration on that
pared to come in af their own free Will
and accord and under democratic princi-
pies.
At the conclusion of Chairman BANDS
address committees were appointed and
a recess was taken