The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1898-11-24
THE PRESIDENTS TOUR.
Public Opinion Has Been Favorable
to the Chief Executive in
His Speeches.

by President Mckinley on his east
ward journey through Iowa were as
significant as was his address at
Omaha. That address was a magnifi-
cent specimen of patriotic eloquence.
The language reflected the matured
thought of a man of affairs dealing
with questions of statecraft as full OF
meaning to the governments of Eu-
rope as to the people of Omaha. The
president knew that his every word
woula be weighed carefully in this
country and abroad, and he enunci-
ated the principles of the Mckinley
doctrine so clearly that none could
misunderstood them He followed the
same line of thought in his impromptu
speeches in Iowa, emphasizing the
need of new markets and dwelling up
on the fact that commerce follows
the flag. Every word the president ut
tered in Iowa was in keeping with
what he said more carefully and def
initely at Omaha.
In Lis journey through the west the
president has given much to the
American people; he has received also
much from them. He has had a rare
opportunity to get in closer touch
with popular feeling, and the people
have helped him improve 1t. AT Wash
ington the presidents association is
largely with professional politicians.
Congressman frequently get warped
conceptions of public sentiment in the
long periods of absence from their con-
stituents. They have shown in the
last year that they are apt only too
often to present to the chief executive
falls. ideas of the hopes and ambitions
cherished by the voters in far dis
tant states. With the president him
self in contact with the people. how
ever. there is no chance of such mis-
apprehensions or receptions. From
the reports all along the line of Mr..
McKinley's route it is perfectly plain
| that he encountered on all sides
strong. popular demand for expan-
sion. The audiences listened approx
ingly to what he said of the better
times and kindred topics, but their
enthusiasm was reserved for the al
lusions which gave assurance that the
territory recently brought within our
GRASP would be retained. After such
an experience Mr.. Mckinley cannot
but carry back to Washington with
him clearer perception of what the
American people wish and firmer de-
termination that they shall not be dis
appointed.
The demonstration of public opin-
ion regarding expansion could not
have been given the president under
more convincing circumstances.
Neither of the two senator's nor one
of the II congressman from Iowa has
come forward as a champion of an
nexation. Not one of them all has
agitated at home in favor of terri
torial acquisition. The popular de-
mand for retaining in peace all that
we have fairly gained in war required
and received no special encourage
ment. II sprang up spontaneously in
the soil of general intelligence, COM
mon sense and patriotism.
1t is a matter of great good fortune
to the republican party in Iowa that
the presidential trip has brought the
policy of expansion into special prom
inence as a republican issue. Nor wiki
the benefit be confined to that state.
The same impulse is needed in Illinois
that Mr.. Mckinley gave to the repub.
lican campaign in Iowa, 1t is to be
hoped that the entire return itinerary
of the presidential party will be so
planned that wherever the president
goes the people will have the same OPP
portunities to give him their opinions
and to receive his. The more gener-
ally this exchange of sentiment is car
ried on the better prepared will be
both president and people for the vast
responsibilities which cur victory over
Spain has thrust upon them and him.
Chicago Inter Ocean.