Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-12-18

SAVANNAH. GA, December 1.-THE
reception of President Mckinley and the
members Of his Cabinet by the people OF
hospitality and completeness of arrange
ment any previous experiences which
have marked the presidential trip in the
south. The party arrived from Mont
gomery at IL A. NJ, reviewed 1000 troops
stationed around Savannah took a trip
down the Savannah river, and was en-
tertained this evening at a grand banquet
rendered by the Chamber Of Commerce
and Association of Citizens. The enthu-
siasm Of the Savannah people and of the
1900 persons, II is estimated. who had
come into tho city from the surrounding
country 10 greet the President, was fully
equal TO the remarkable demonstrations
which have distinguished the trip in other
cities.
At the banquet tonight in the DeSoto
Hotel. where the presidential party is
staying. President Mckinley, amid fire.
Qucnt applause addressed his audience,
consisting of over 20 persons as follows:
THE PRESIDENTS SPEECH.
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 cannot be
changed Ior at least four years. and what
ever legislation may be had affecting
them during that period viii be to i'm
prove and strengthen, not destroy, them.
The public mind can, therefore repose
in reasonable security, while business will
proceed without apprehension of serious
and sudden changes. so disturbing TO the
commercial world and so distracting 10
businessmen; all Of which Is fortunate
for the country, for every interest and
every section of the country. Even those
who desire other and different policies p
prefer permanence 90 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
viii encourage and strengthen.
NEW QUESTIONS BEFORE Us.
This is fortunate too, in another sense.
II leaves the country free 10 consider ana
discuss new questions which are imme-
oiately before us, unbiased by party feel
ing or past political alliances. These new
questions are to be thought out and
wrought out, not in spirit of partisan
ship. but in a spirit of patriotism, not
for the temporary advantage Of one party
or the othor, but for the lasting advantage
OF the country. Neither prejudice nor
passion nor previous condition can embar-
rass the free action and calm judgment
Of the citizen. We have entered upon new
paths. We are treading in an uneX-
plored field. which will test our wisdom |
and craftsmanship. The chief considera-
ton Is one of duty; our actions must |
- a Nr cafflampnf iG adj 4
Missile which Will not preserve our honor |
and promote the best interests Of all con- |
cerned.
with a united country and the gather
cd wisdom Of all the people. seek |
ing only the right. inspired only by high |
purposes. moved only by duty and human
fly, we cannot err. We may be |
lahled or deferred. and often discouraged,
but final success In a cause which Is al
together unselfish and humanitarian can
only be deferred, not prevented
OUR ACQUIRED TERRITORY.
'If. following the clear precepts of duty,
territory falls 70 us. and the welfare of
am alien people requires our guidance
and protection, who will shrink from the
grave though ii may be?
can we leave these people, who, by
The fortunes Of war and our own acts,
are helpless and without government to
chaos and anarchy, after we have de-
frroyed the only government they have
had? Having destroyed their govern
mont. IL is the duty OF the American
Government TO provide for them bet
Ter one. Shall we distruust ourselves, shall
$50 proclaim 10 the world our inability TO
give kindly government 10 oppressed
0ples whose future, by the victories
of war. Is connded 70 US? We may wish
t were otherwise. but who viii question
'lr duty?
" r MUST HOLD WHAT DEWEY WON.
III Is not a question OF keeping the
Stands OF the East, but of leaving them.
Dewey and Merritt took them. and the
country instantly and universally APP
Iauded. Could we have brought Dewey
way without universal condemnation at
ny time from the 1st Of May. the day
his brilliant victory which thrilled the
world with It's boldness and heroism? Was
L right TO tell Dewey 10 go 10 Manila
o capture or destroy the Spanish heet
md dispatch Merritt and his army TO re-
nforce him? IL il were duty 10 send
hem there, and duty required them 10
emain there, il was their clear duty 10
the fleet, take the city or
lanlla. and destroy Spanish sovereignty
d the archipelago. Having done all that
b the lire Of duty. is IL any less our duty
% remain there and give TO the inhaDi-
ants protection and also our guidance
ID "a better government, which VIII Sc
uro 20 them peace and order and security
d their life. and property, and IN the
insult Of happiness? Are we unable 70 ,
% his? Are we to sit down IN our $50
.tion and recognise no obligation 10
uuggling people, whose present conul-
Ions We have contributed 10 make!
ould rather have the confidence OF the
oct Bryant. when he exclaims:
MUST KEEP OUR COVENANTS.
Thou. my country. thou shalt never fan. Z
Seas and stormy air n
Are the wide barrier OF thy borders
where. !,
Among thy gallant sons. that guard = :
thee well,
Thou laughst 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 dweil?' 4
my feilow-cItizens. whatever covenants c