The Meeker herald., 1898-12-31
AGAINST EXPANSION.
GOV. THOMAS ON IMPERIALISM
He Is Disposed to Take . Conservative
Csuss-BryAn Forcibiy Presents HIS
Views at Reception at Lincoln.

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 glass darkly, 1t
is evident that the opposing forces are
lining themselves up for the great con-
fict 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.'
| "Will the Democratic party oppose
permanent possession of the islands?"
was asked.
ut seems that such will be the posi-
ton of the party" replied Mr.. Thomas.
"While individuals may advocate the
rankest Imperialism, 1t is evident that
the great body of the Democratic par
| ~ W III llHullS dlODl llt luolt CpustlN
! 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 n man of
considerable ability he is not leader.
| He acts under the advice of others. and
his recent trip through the south was
| for purpose. 1t was to quiet any
| strong opposition that might appear in
| the south against the policy which
will become the policy of the admins
tration. | fear that his concilatory
utterances will effect the end desired.
| 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-Confed-
crates was from his standpoint a wise
suggestion. 1t may go a 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-
| pul lie. Think of the standing army
that would be required. The govern
ment is advocating Il standing army of
| 100000 men. That means, us estimate
| it, a cost of $5O.O0O,OOO n year. The
| standing army, if enlarged to such an
| extent, may justly be regarded by the
| laboring people of the country as a
| npSSil,lo OF ha In ole
| which depends upon daily wage for
bread. The policy Of enlarging the
army will certainly be bitterly opposed
by the labor unions, and 1t is well that
they may take alarm. 1t is good to
adhere to the traditions Of the past in
this country If we are to enter upon
the era of territorial expansion. Ac-
QUESTION of territory breeds the dis
ease for more, and the wisest head
could not prophesy the result 1t is
like the slave owner of ante-bellum
days, who bought more land to work
more slaves and bought more slaves to
work more land
Lincoln, Neb.. Dec. 24.-Colonel w.
]. Bryan returned to Lincoln yester-
day afternoon and was last night ten
dered a reception at the Olive theater
by the Waman's Bimetallic League.
The house was crowded and Colonel
Bryan received an ovation. He was in
troduced by Governor Holcomb who
formally welcomed him home and COM
plimented him for his patriotism in en-
listing in the army.
After thanking his neighbors for their
cordial welcome and complimenting
the members of his regiment, he jusu-
An1 h 10 r,ll
II had five months of peace in the
army and resigned in order to take a
part In a fight. | am as much inter-
ested in the people of the United States
as l am in the people of Cuba, and
unless 1 am mistaken in Judging. we
are called upon to meet more impor-
tant problems in the United States lust
now than will confront our army In
Cuba.
Some of these problems were under
discussion before hostilities began;
others have been thrust upon us as a
result Of the war Let me improve this,
my first opportunity, to assure you that
my zeal for the reforms advocated a
few months ago has not in the least
abated. Vital questions cannot be
killed or buried. and we were dealing
with vital questions when the call to
arms resounded through the land.
Ihere are two new questions which
demand immediate attention, because
Congress is asked to act upon them at
once. The President recommends that
the regular army be permanently in
creased to 100000 men This question
must be met now or not at ALL"
Taking up the subject of imperialism
Mr.. Bryan said that the President has
misinterpreted the sentiment of the
people. They are opposed to giving the
Philippine islands back to Spain, but
they have not as yet declared in favor
OF embarking upon colonial policy So
great change, he said, could not be
undertaken without more Investigation
and deliberation than the people had
yet given to the subject. The principal