The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-05-21
SATURDAY, MAY q, 1898.
Our Duty to Ourselves.

That Great Britain sees in the capture OF
the Philippine Islands an intention on the
part of the United States Of an abandonment
of the policy they have pursued ever since
the cOnfederacy was formed, that OF isolation,
with no desire to acquire outlying territory
and no entangling alliances, is evinced by the
tone of the English press and the speeches OF
English statesman. These have breathed
friendship for this country and hint at an al
lance between Great Britain and the United
States.
Until lately Great Britain has felt no need
of moral or physical support On the CONT
nent France and Russia were allied for mu-
tnal protection, and Germany, Austria and
Italy formed another alliance. England de-
clined overtures from both, and while these
alliances, evenly matched, were armed to the
teeth and eagerly watching each other, Eng
land held aloof and extended her possessions
and trade.
Now, it seems, the continental powers have
inaugurated the ACKNOWLEDGMENT of the Chi
nese empire. Russia. France and Germany
each taking port and some territory. Eng
land is jealous of this policy, and made a
protest. The continental powers went on
with the work and England had to seize
port also. as a base OF operations. Her po-
sition is not a strong one. for alone she could
not confront Continental Europe, and Japan
is not vet powerful enough to sustain her, al
though willing. By kindly expressions and
moral support in our conflict with Spain,
England hopes to form an alliance with the
United States, and then be in Il position TO
defy all Continental Europe.
That such an alliance will find some favor
in this country is quite certain. The army
and navy and some politicians, who expect to
profit by change in our policy, will desire
this alliance. The possession of the Philip
pines, Cuba and Porto Rico will necessitate
government by the United States. for the
natives on none Of them are capable of self
government, and make good fat offices for po-
liticians who may win distinction by partisan
work at home, regardless Of their fitness or
capacity for control in Our foreign posses
sions. Then an immense navy must be built
and maintained for their protection and
considerable standing army kept in the field
to uphold the civil authorities. And even
with these. an alliance with England would
be very desirable.
But. the United States should adhere TO
their policy of centuryS past, that OF lso!a-
ton. The Philippines. Cuba and Porto klco
can add nothing to our material interest or
political welfare, but will be II constant source
of expense and perhaps veXing foreign con-
troversy, and probably war. Rebellions on
these islands, too. are liable. costing blood as
we'll as treasure.
When war was declared with Spain the
world was informed that there was no desire
to acquire or control Cuba, and that it was
the intention of the United States solely to
restore peace to the island and have stable
government established, Should we acquire
Cuba no foreign government would object,
but it would be distinct violation OF good
faith. And there might be no protest as to
the acquisition of the Philippines and Porto
Rico, but what foreign governments like or
dislike is not matter that should influence
the United States. We are free and indie
pendent, and powerful enough to hold all
these islands. But our duty is to ourselves,
and that duty is contrary to foreign acquisi-
tons and foreign alliances And in closing
we would commend to all who believe the
United States should branch out as great
naval power with possessions all around the
globe and with an alliance with Great Brit
ian, the following extracts from General
Washingtsn's Farewell Address:
s'Observe good faith and justice toward all
nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with
all. Religion and morality enioin this con
duet. In the execution ofsuch plan
nothing is more essential than that perma
ment, inveterate antipathies against particular
nations and passionate attachments for others
should be excluded, and that in place of them
just and amcable feelings toward all should
be cultivated. The nation which INDUCES
toward another an habitual hatred or an ha
bitual fondness is in some degree a slave.
1t is slave to its luminosity or to its affection
either of which is sufficient to lead it eStray
from its duty and its interest. : : < The
great rule of conduct for us in regard to for
eign nations is, in extending our commercial
relations, to have with them as little political
connection as possible. : : : Europe has
a set of primary interests which to us have
none or very remote relation. Hence she
must be engaged in frequent controversies,
the causes of which are essentially foreign to
our concerns. Hence, therefore, it must be
uAwise in us to implicate ourselves by arti6-
cial ties in the ordinary vicissitudes of her
politics or the ordinary combinations and
collisions of her friendships or enmities. =
Our detached and distant situation invites and
enables us to pursue different course. If
we remain one people, under an efficient gov
eminent, the period is not far off when We
may defy material injury from external an
Royance."