Richmond daily palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1876-1904, 1898-10-05
SENATOR FORAKER
Gives His Views on What ShalI
be Done With the Cap-
tured Spanish Islands.

tufeO spanish Islands.
WOOSTER. Ohio, October 5.-The
Republicans of this district opened tn.
fail campaign here today. Senator j
Is. Foraker was the principal speaker
On the question OF what disposition
we shall make of Cuba, Porto Rico and
the Philippines the senator said:
In this war we have builded wise.
than We knew. Our fathers of the
revolution did not take up arms for in
dependence but only in resistance OF
tyranny. Events broadened their pur-
pose. Lincoln called for troops to save
the Union, but events broadened his
purpose and slavery was abolished.
Our initial action had reference only
to Cuba, but Spain declared for war
generally and thus broadened the field
so as TO include Porto Rico and the
Philippines, and thus wa have greater
prestlge-free Cuba and territorial ac-
QUESTIONS of incalculsble Importance
We have also learned
some lessons. We have learned that
it is not wise to oe wholly or prae
tically unprepared for war. Ii is a
wise maxim still that in time of peace
we should prepare for war, at least TO
the extent of maintaining an army
and a navy commensurate
with our wealth and popula-
ton and interests. And in this connec-
ton we have learned that we can not
depend upon great wealth or great
population or Jealous patriotism alone
Tor our national defense. 1t was our
good fortune that the long peace since
our civil war, was first interrupted by
trouble with Spain, rather than with
England or some other great power
able To strike at once. We have learned
the necessity for coast defenses,
good navy and good army, both
adequate IN numbers as well as in
quality. We have learned another
thing and that is that the Nicaragua
canal is essential not only TO com
merce bat also To our efficient defense.
To reach the scene of action the
Oregon was required to sail 600
miles farther than would have been
necessary If she could have
crossed the isthmus, and now,
with the Iowa rs COMO
she has started to return to the Pacuic.
and it is estimated that it will require
five months for them to pass from our
eastern to our western coast and reach
their destination"
The great questions of
the hour are: What shall we do with
Cubs? What shall we do with Puer'
Rico' and, what, particularly, with
the Philippines So far as Cuba is
concerned there should be no question
whatever The Cubans have earned
their iude pendence. We have sol
emnly declared not only that they are
free and independ mt, but also that
they shall have government OF their
own choosing. We must keep our
promise, and we will. But this prom
Use of Independence to Cuba docs not
apply to Puerto Rico or 20 the
Philippines. We took these islands
by the conquest of war, and
they are ours. | do not know
that the treaty of peace, now
hain1 prepared in Paris. will pro-
vide. but | sincerely hope 1t Wit gfvef
10 the United States not simply coal
ing station or II single island, but the
whole group of the Philippine islands. | |
have no fear OF tue ability of our peo-
pie TO successfully govern them, and
feel that it would be a crime to return
them to the government of Spain.
Under our protection and
guidance they can have intelligence
and prosperity, and we can have a
base Of operations In the far east high
ly essential to the securing of our fair
share of the trade in China and the
rest of the eastern world. Japan has
stepped to the front with commerce
that is greatly to the advantage of all
who trade with her. The possibilities
with China are far greater. All the
great nations are struggling for their
share OF the trade to be developed
when China has opened up the com
niunication and commerce with the
world. The United States must have
her fair share in that trade
One of the
questions now pressing upon us is how
TO provide governments for these
islands and so to govern and direct
affaics rs to acquire the commerce tC
which we are entitled ana secure the
consequent prosperity to all our peo
pie. Only that party should be en-
trusted with il that has shown itsel
most capable of dealing with grea
affairs. Both in peace and In war the
Republican party has proven equal K
every emergency, and the record IT hal
made is guarantee that it will NEE
these problems of the future and solve
them with the same triumphant sue
cess that has attended il in all If:
brilliant career. | do not believe
any fair minded Democrat woult
question the fitness of tho Republican
party for the discharge of this duty
But however it might be otherwise
the work is already in the hands o
President Mckinley. What he went
issthe support of Republican house o
representatives II is the duty of Obi
10 lend him this help. If we do on
duty aud come up to the full measur
o.ioGr opportunity, there is ahead o
us career of usefulness, of infiuenc
and Of honor greater and grander tina