The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-08-16
THE COURSE OF EnPIRE.


The adventurous instinct is very
strong In the people of this nation. IL
is both hereditary and improved ana
increased by cultivation. The first set
tiers Of this part OF the Western Conti-
nent were the most self-reiiant and
daring of the populations from which
they emigrated. The life of toll and dan
ger that was necessitated by pioneer
life in a new world enhanced these
qualities and in the subjugation OF the
broad belt OF territory reaching from
ocean to ocean. which now forms the
United States, these qualities have had
continual exercise. They manifest them
selves in every phase of American life
today. Even the later emigrants from
Europe, who have done so much to
swell the population to its present ex-
tent had more or less OF the same
spirit.
AS a rule there must be greater de-
gree of intrepidity required In those
who seek a fortune in a foreign and
unknown land than I'm those VINO are
content to endure hard and monotonous
conditions at home.
1t has been customary to consider the
opportunities for enterprise within our
borders as inexhaustible, and that Tor
this reason there was no necessity for
acquiring more territory. But the great
development OF the last thirty-nve
years has without doubt reduced the
chances for the rapid requirement or
fortune by individual effort, which were
abundant at the beginning OF that Pc
riod. The great West has for many
years been the eldorado OF adventurous
spirits.
hot ha fln nf
acquiring wealth by lucky pre-emp-
| tions and discoveries within the bounds
| of the United States have very greatly
| diminished. while the class or citizens
who by inheritance and training de-
pend upon these chances Is as large as
ever. The hunger for new land and for
| new mines. and fresh and undeveloped
natural resources, is greater than ever
but the means of satisfying this hun
ger are much diminished. OF course
\ the opportunities for acquiring
| wealth by steady Industry and conduct
| grow greater as all lines OF occupation
| grow more settled, but these opportuni-
ties are not tempting to the large pcr-
| ton of the population who look TO some
| lucky hit for success In life.
II is the existence of this spirit OF ad-
/ venture, and the existence of so large q
J number OF people who are imbued with
| 1t, that will render 1t difficult for the
| United States to change It's poncy AT
ter once commencing to acquire and
hold foreign territory. Whatever may
be thought of the real advantage or dis
advantage OF entering on this new pol.
icy it is not difficult to foresee that II
will be popular and that it has come tt
| stay.
The dangers of extending our terri
tory to distant parts. and OF absorbing
| semi-barbarous populations. both in q
physical and a moral sense, are M
doubt great. They involve demoraliza
ton to the dominant race. and more o.
less injustice and even cruelty TO th'
inferior peoples. The history OF th'
! American pioneer in contact with th'
Indians shows what will happen whei
the tide of American adventure seeks t
develop the resources of the annexed
domain wherever 1t may be. But II Il
| also true that in the long run the civil
ization of the countries taken under on
flag will be improved. and that tn
forces which. make. for better govern
| ment will be strengthened.
The influences which will lead 3
these changes In the policy OF tn
United States are beyond control. The,
| are derivsd from the instinct of grow
ing population that accustomed I
large elbow room. is beginning to ap
prehend that ii will become too crowd
! ed. Every opening or outlet. whethe
| through conquest or peaceful annexa
tion of outside territory. will always re
ceive popular support.-Banker's Mag
| aZine.