Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-09-09
TEE POLITICAL SITUATION.

The masses OF the people>of the United
States have not yet become interested
In the pending congressional campaign,
but conventions and committees are at
work. and party leaders are actively
engaged in mapping out the territory
and the issues that are to be fought over.
The President himself, now that he is
fairly free from war burdens, is taking
hand in putting his party into shape
for the November elections. The great
est stroke that he and Alger have made
80 far has been in ordering the discharge
from service OF large number of regi-
ments. That done, the hopeless incom-
potency of the War Office will have less
opportunity to display itself. Further,
oil sick or half sick. and all wounded
soldiers that are strong enough 90 travel
are being furloughed and sent to their
homes. Again. extraordinary care is
being taken to put the camps and hos
pitfalls in good shape.
AS we have stated before. we do not
say that the administration has been
void OF humanitarian motives in making
these arrangements. Not at all; but
we doubt not it Is rejolced TO find that
humanity and Republican policy fit very
nicely together.
We think the administration counts
upon quieting down the complaints about
1nismanagement in camps and hospitals,
and on transports. And, to aid in this
direction, word has been passed along
the line that criticism Of the War ONCE
must cease.
OF course, the Republicans will claim
all the glory of freeing Cuba and add
ing 10 the territory of the United States
We shall hear their orators claiming
everything" That's TO be expected, but
The people will have sense enough 10
discriminate, and will award credit
where il is due.
1t seems likely that our opponents will
favor the acquisition Of the Philippine
isles. Some leading men of theirs
think Qua country should be very cal
tious and conservative in grabbing up
Asiatic possessions, but the weight OF
party influence inclines TO expansion |
On the other hand, the Democrats, as |
body. are against the expansion policy. |
Mr. Bryan and Mr.. Bailey are both pro- |
nounced against it, No doubt that ques- |
ton will have some bearing upon this
canvass, but it is quite probable that
II Will have been settled before the
House now TO be elected enters upon its |
duties.
Here in Virginia we find the people |
IN fpNrfc
sfhe Philippine Islands. They think we
should ask for nothing more there than
naval stations. As for Porto Rico. its
fate is settled, and it is ours. The Cuban
question has to be discussed. but it Is
believed that tho steps taken will look
10 the probability of the islands ulu-
mately becoming part OF these United
States.
The war taxes ere, of course, unpopu-
lar here. as they are everywhere else
Great Inequalities in them may be point
ed out. The law ought TO be repealed,
or vastly amended. forthwith The
United States Treasury is already over
hardened with money. So the Demo
Gratis Of the country could not do better
imam make a reo-Aot nsnt against the
unnecessary unequal. burdensome, and
yexatious war taxes. II not repealed
shortly. they may become a perpetual
weight upon the industries OF the eoun-
try and the thrift OF the people.
In Virginia the devotion Of the masses
10 the cause Of free silver is unchanged.
There is less excitement about It than
there was two years ago. but the people
arp every whit as firm in their faith as
they were during the last national cam
paign. The Chicago platform stands as
the platform OF our party. and OF the
great host of Virginians who supported .
bryan there are few, indeed. who wish
it-chsnsed In any important particular.
'1hs Republicans Of this State In the