The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-12-18
THE PRESIDENTS SPEECH.
Expansion Was the Theme of His
RESPONSE

KeSpOnse.
There IS cause for congratulation that
with the grave problems before us grow
ing out of the war with Spain we are free
from any divisions at home.
Our financial and revenue policies can
not be changed for at least four years,
and whatever legislation may be had af-
fecting them during that period will be TO
improve and strengthen, not destroy them
THE public mind can, therefore, repose
in reasonably security, while business will
proceed without apprehension Of serious
and sudden changes, so disturbing to the
commercial world and so distracting to
the business man. All of which is fortu-
nate for the country for every interest
and every section of the country. Even
those who desire other and different poll
cles prefer permanence TO constant
change or, what is almost as hurtful, the
fear of change. There are happily now
no domestic differences to check the
progress and prosperity of the country
which our peaceful relations with the
whole world win encourage and strength
en-.
This is fortunate, too. in another sense.
1t leaves the country free to consider and
discuss new questions which are immedi-
ateiy before us, unbiased by party or past
political alliances. These new questions
are to be thought out and wrought out,
not in a spirit of partisanship but in a
spirit of patriotism not for the temporary
advantage of one party or the other, but
for the lasting advantage of the country.
Neither prejudice, nor passion, nor prev
ious condition can embarrass the free
action and calm judgment of the citizen.
We have entered upon new paths. We
are treading in an unexplored field which
will test our wisdom and craftsmanship.
The chief consideration is one of duty; our
action must be controlled by it. No set
tlement is admissible which will not pre-
serve orr honor and promote the best in
terests of all concerned. With a united
country and the gathered wisdom of all
the people seeking only the right inspir-
ed only BY high purposes, moved only by
duty and humanity, we cannot err. We
may be bafiied or deferred and often dis
couraged, but final success in a cause
which is altogether unselfsh and human
itarian can only be deferred, not prevent
ed.
"If following the clear precepts of duty
territory falls to US, and the welfare of an
alien people require our guidance and pro-
lection, who will shrink from the re-
sponshllity, grave though it may be? Can
we leave these people who, by the for
tunes of war and our own acts, are help
less and without government, to chaos and
anarchy after we have destroyed the only
government they have had? Having de-
stroyed their government, it is the duty of
the American people to provide for them
a better one. Shall we distrust ourselves,
shall we proclaim to the word our inability
to give kindly government to oppressed
peoples, whose future by the victories
of war is confided TO US? We may wish
it were otherwise, but who viii question
our duty now? 1t is not a question of
keeping the islands of the East, but of
leaving them. Dewey and Merritt took
them and the country instantly and uni
versally applauded. Could we have brought
Dewey away without universal condemna-
ton at any time from the list of May, the
day of his brilliant victory, which thrilled
the world with its boldness and herOism?
Was ii right TO order Dewey to go to Ma
Mia and capture or destroy the Spanish
fleet and dispatch Merritt and his army
to reinforce him? If 1t was duty to send
them there, and duty required them to
remain there, it was their clear duty to an
initiate the feet, take the city of Ma
rila, and destroy the Spanish sovereignty
in the archipelago. Having done all that
in the line of duty. is there any less duty
to remain there and give 30 the inhabi-
tants protection and also our guidance to
a better government which will secure
to them peace and order and security in
their life and property and i'm the pursuit
of happiness? Arc we unable to do this?
Are We TO st down in our isolation and
recognize no obligation to a struggling
people whose present conditions we have
contributed TO make? I would rather have
the confidence of the poet Bryant when
he eXclaims
Thou my country, thou shalt never fall.
Seas and stormy air
Are the wide barrier of thy borders
where
Among thy gallant sons that guard thee
well
Thou laugh'st at enemies. Who shall then
declare
The date of thy deep-founded strength. or
tell
How happy, in thy lap, the sons Of men
shall dwell?
my fenOw-citizens, whatever covenants
duty has made for US in the year 1898 We
must keep"
Their Cases Went over.
In the Police Court yesterday the charges