Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-07-29

| espoused by our imperialistic fellow-ci..
Gems. It stirs the blood excites ~.
; Imagination. and cheers onward the am.
bition Of spirited men who take u,r.
| counsel of their judgments when tha
| despotc passion for power, In any N
its multiform phases, Is aroused II d.z.
! giles the adventurous eye with the be-
wildering brilliancy OF it's promises. IL ha.
| a flushing charm about IL that units Ia,
| safe leadership the enthusiasts who he.
come it's victims. II Is In meeting h,s,
such times and just such men as these
that the far-sighted admonitions OF tina
matchless statesmen who. from the depth
of their wisdom and virtues evolved
new political evangel for new people in
a new world. find their sternest tests as
the safeguards OF free institutions.
Let us extend our possessions. establish
colonies. wrap the star-spangled banner
around the world, and take proudey
place among the nations OF tho earth.
these bold impsrialists say. What coun.
try, what people what government on tns
globe holds so high or so proud place
to-day as these United States of ours2
And II there be no decadence in American
craftsmanship and American loyalty 70
the teachings Of the founders OF this gov
eminent. the day is not far in the future
when all the Powers OF the world will
concede to this country not only pre-
eminence In physical and financial
strength, but the might OF moral ma
jesty unequalled anywhere.
AS we are, we are the most prosperous
the most progressive the most favored
by Providence Of all the families Of ma
lions that make UP mankind. Why
change the situation? Why repudiate tho
warnings of the wise men OF the early
days OF the republic? Why put aside tho
principles and the policies that have
made this country so great, this govern
ment SO grand, this people SO thriving.
SO peaceful and free? Why turn our
backs upon the bsneficences OF naturep
There is not q statesman in Europe, |
take Il, who In his heart does not admire
and envy the unique advantages. the UNI
paralleled opportunities afforded in thu
conditions of this country's peculiar situa-
ton.
War for humanity challenges respect
and commands obeisance wherever true
Christian civilization obtains. War Tor con-
quest would be IA self-abasing stultfca-
ton on the part OF this great. exemplary
republic. deriving It's distinctive char
acter from principles seated In reason.
war with Spain shall have closed this
country shall give other nations good rea-
son TO question the sincerity OF the decla-
ration OF our government against war
OF conquest, this American people VIII
have lost in moral prestige more than all
the islands In all OF the seas OF the unl-
verse are worth. The chiyalry, the Prov
ess, the splendid displays Of all tho high
qualities essential to a glorious war, CIV
ing new fame 10 our flag both on lana
and sea. and almost astonishing our own
people with a new sense ~ the unilea-
sured strength OF these American states
when battling together as one. serve 10
emphasize the heroism OF an epoch in me
history of this republic surprising IN
value all the money that the end OF the
war may show At to have cost.
IL is embraced in the mission OF this
country to. encourage, by example. OBJ
pressed people everywhere TO hope Tor
freedom. But II we are 10 institute
series Of crusades I'm the name OF liberty
and to enter upon the role OF Don guy
)te among the nations. redressing ln,
wrongs OF the rest OF mankind. we ahat
very soon find antagonists stouter thah
xindmills in our way -.
Republican or Imperial may be '''
question soon to be submitted 70 ln'
American people. Let old virginia
,oice be heard, as IL has ever been. cary
md boldly, on the side OF truth reasV"
md right. and Democracy forever
BAKER y. LEE.
Hampton. Va, July S. 1898.