Rocky Ford enterprise., 1898-12-29
AGAINST EXPANSION
GOV. THOMAS ON IMPERIALISM
He Is Disposed to Take Conservative
Cause-Bryan ForoIbiy Presents His
Views 1T y Reception at Lincoln.

by representative of the Rocky
Mountain News. He said:
1.-THE national political situation is
gradually taking form, and although
we now see through glass darkly, 1t
is evident that the opposing forces are
lining themselves up for the great con-
tfict Of 1900. Bryan is about right. The
duty Of this government is to teach the
people of islands which have come into
possession Of the United States to take
care Of themselves. When Bryan's
idea Is better understood on the sub
ject he will be better appreciated. He
recognizes that the islands are now ac-
tually ours, and the question is what
to do with them. Men who grow ex-
cited over the thought Of Imperialism
should consider that the first step has
been taken. The great problem is how
we can let CO."
"Will the Democratic party oppose
permanent possession of the islands?"
was asked.
ut seems that such will be the posi-
ton Of the party" replied Mr.. Thomas.
'Whlle individuals may advocate the
rankest Imperialism, 1t is evident that
the great body of the Democratic par
ty will finally adopt the more conserv-
ative policy. The Republican party Is
rushing headlong into territorial ex-
pansion. Many OF its leaders are out
spoken In favor of taking NIL we can
get and holding on to every foot of the
territory. President Mckinley will go
with the stream. While he Is a man OF
considerable ability. he Is not n leader.
He acts under the advice of others. and
his recent trip through the south was
for q purpose. 1t was to quiet any
strong opposition that might appear in
the south against the policy which
will become the policy OF the admins
eration. fear that his conciliatory
ttterances will effect the end desired.
l fear that the people OF the south who
cannot be members Of Mckinley's pnr-
ty will be passive and will not make
the protest that they should make
against the headlOng movement Into
Imperialism. McElnlcy's intImation In
favor OF the general government tax
ing care OF the graves Of cx-Confed-
crates was from his standpoint wise
suggestion. 1t may go n long way to-
ward disarming opposition"
why do you fear the imperIalistic
polIcyT'
at is contrary to the spirit OF Ameri-
can Institutions. and once entered up
on means the destruction OF the re-
public. Think of the standing army
TINT would be required. The govern
ment Is advocating n standing army OF
100000 men. That means, as l estimate
II. n cost OF $JO.OOO.O 600 year. The
standing army. IL enlarged TO such an
extent. may Justly be regarded by the
lnborlng people OF the country as n
possible weapon against the large class
which depends upon daily wage for
bread. The policy of enlarsing the
army will certainly be bitterly opposed
by the labor unions. and II In well that
they may take alarm. II IL good to
adhere to the traditions OF the pas: I'm
this country II we are to enter upon
the era OF territorial expansion. Ac-
quisitIon OF territory breeds the dis
ease for more. and the wiscst head
could not prophcsy the result. II Is
like the slave owner of antc-bellum
days. who bought more land to work
more slaves and bought more slaves to
work more land
Lincoln. Ncb.. Dec. 2I.-Coionel W.
j., Bryan returned to Lincoln ycstcr-
day afternoon and was last night ten
dcred reception ut the Olive thcatcr
by the wamnn's BimctallIc League.
The house was crowded and Colonel
Bryan received an ovation. He was In
troduccd by Governor Hoicomb, who
formally welcomed him home and com.
plimcnicd him for his patriotism In en-.
listing In the army.
After thanking his ncighbors for their
cordial welcome and complimenting
the members OF his regiment. he justi.
fed his resignation MS follows:
II had five months OF peace In the
army and resigned In order to take n
part in fight. am as much inter
cstcd In the people of the United States
as ! am In the people of Cuba, and
unless ! am mistaken In judging. we
are called upon to meet more impor.
tnnt problems In the United States lust
now than will confront our army In
Cuba.
"Somc OF these problems were under
discussion before hostilitics began:
others have been thrust upon us as n
result OF the war. Let me improve this,
my frst opportunity. to assure you tina,
my zeal Tor the reforms advocated a
rev months ago has not In the least
abntcd. Vital questions cannot be
Killed or buried. and we were dealing
with vital questions when the call TO
arms rcsotndcd through the land.
Ihctc are two new questions which
demand immediate attention, because
Congress is asked to act upon them nj
once. The President recommends that
the regular army he permanently in.
creased to 100000 men. This question
must be met now or not ut ALL
Taking up the subject of Imperialism.
Mr.. Bryan said that the President has
misintcrprcted the sentiment of the
people. They are opposed to giving the
Philippine Islands back to Spnin. hut
they have not ns yet declared In favor
OF cnbarking upon n colonial policy. so
great change. he said. could not be
undertaken without more Investigation
and dclibcration than the people had
yet given to the subject. The principal
part OF Mr.. Bryan's speech was dcyot-
cd tn tho pbiiipp;u, .,Vn.,in,, r.. M