The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-06-23
CLEVELAND ON IMPERIALISM.

| IN presenting the uipioIlds ~ thS SAe'"
yates of Princeton, Mr. Grover Cleve-
| land made speech on Good Citizen
| ship in the course of which he under
| took to define his position upon the COT
templated policy of imperialism which
threatens the future of the Republic. lie
wisely declares that in our foreign policy
we should hold firmly to the course which
washington and Jefferson marked out
and which for an hundred years has
been the wonder and glory of the world.
The following extracts from his address
will be appauded by all true disciples of
Jefferson:
'"rhe American people are tempted
every day and every hour to abandon
their accustomed way and enter upon a
course of new and strange adventure
Never before in our history have we
been beSet with temptations so danger
Gus as those which now whisper in our
ears alluring words of conquest and eN-
pansion and point out to us fields bright
with the glory of war;
Il once saw very useful book, en-
titled Don't lit contains II statement
of numerous things which should not be
done. / am inclined to adopt the plan
of this book to the extent of cdutionng
YOU against the imperfect ideas of civic
duties and warn you against certain
dangers which threaten the Soundness
and safety Of true American citizenship.
and which, especially at this particular
time. seem to lie in wait for us on every
side.
IF then the suggestion is made that
the time has come for our nation to aban
don its old landmarks and to follow the
lights of monarchical hazards and that
we should attempt to employ the simple
machinery of our popular and domestic
government to serve the schemes of inn
perialism, your challenge of the PROPOSE
ton is entirely in order. If you are sat
isfed that foreign conquest and unnatur
nj extension or annexation are danger
Gus perversions of our national missions,
and if it shall seem to you in the light
of reason and history that such perver
sions bring in their train a peoples de-
and decay of popular con-
tentment more surely destructive to the
republic than armies with banners. you
will not necessarily be wrong.
i
ing our achievements in the past and
our promise for the future, recalling
what we have done and what we have
been and what yet remains for us to do |
under the guidance of the rules and mo- |
tives which have thus far governed our
life you surely are entitled to /,
demand the best of reasons for Il change |
our policy and conduct and to expect !
Il conclusive explanation of the condi- |
tons which make our acquisition of new !
Il distant territory either justifiablr. !
prudent, or necessary.
These considerations naturally lead |
me to counsel you against the danger of !
the bright dress and gay trap |
pings which war puts on to divert your !
from the ugly features that be- !
long to it as seen in the light of true /
American citizenship. The danger Of /
such a diversion may arise from restless /
which is 10y no means un-
attractive, or from our admiration for l
deeds of valor. which is a national char
acteristic, or from the fascination of |
dangerous adventures. never found with /
ont bravery, or from the love of thu
glory of successful BATTLE which is al
most an impulse of humanity. or from Il
tendency to combativeness. which. if not /
altogether lovely and amiable. is regard
ed by genuine Americans with bcnev0-
lent liberation.
1T is difficult to deal with the ques-
ton of war at this time and avoid mis-
and misrepresentation. But
we are considering American citizenship I
and endeavoring to find it's best charac-
teristics and how they can be most eff
cultivated and securely pre-
served. From this standpoint war is u
hateful thing. which we should shun and
avoid as antagonistic to the objects OF
our national existence, as Threatening de-
to our national character,
and as obstructive to our national des-
tiny. ~,
If You believe this you should stand
bravely for Your belief, even though Il
shower of stupid calls may fill the air.
If on account of-this belief you are called
'milksops' and towards, wanting peace
Mt any price, You will find yourselves in
splendid companionship"