New-York tribune., 1898-12-07
THE PRESIDENTS STLENCES.

The wisdom of the ages. condensed In many
proverbs. has in all lands recognized that
speech is Of silver but silence is golden
The wisdom of the statesman who knows how
not to speak when there is nothing TO say is
of the highest practical value. and the men
who complain that President McKinleys Mes
sage said nothing on many topics Of high
importance unconsciousy commend a self-re
straint and sagacity which are beyond their
comprehension. Far ahead Of the leaders Of
action. in wisely governed country, must go
the leaders of thought and the man who by
his speech gives direction and shape 10 the
thoughts of the Nation needs first and above
all things, to be sure what direction and shape
should be given. To pratte airlly, saying moth
ing, is the gift Of the shallow demagoguc; the
statesman teaches the people to look to his
words. and yet more TO his sllences for light
and leading
The Presidents silences are the best part Of
his admirable Message Well as he has said
all that the occasion requires It IS still better
that he has said nothing where the time has
not come TO say anything All Judicous men
are able to appreciate the great practical wis
dom Of making neither a formal recommenda
tion nor suggestion at this time regarding the
form Of future government for dependencies
which have not yet become definitely parts OF
the United States and Of which little can yet
be known. Since it Is inevitable that these
properties must be held for time, and no one
can yet Judge for how long under strictly mill
tary rule and since every month Of such gov
eminent will cast floods Of light upon oues-
tons concerning the future relations between
these properties and the Union. and upon the
form of treatment which will best suit the
needs Of the inhabitants. It would be The part
of fooishness to attempt. IN want Of all this
experience and knowledge. to shape public
opinion on the subject. The relations volun-
tarily assumed by the United States with the
people Of Cuba did indeed call for the sug.
gestion which the President so dcllcatcly and
yet so clearly makes, that the duty Of the Ma.
tion will not permit withdrawal Of Its power
until there is complete tranquility in the isl
"and and stable government Inaugural tod
-. . capable Of performing all international
obligations, and which shall encourage thrift
Industry and prosperity. and promote peace
land goodwill among all Of the inhabitants
"whatever may have been their relations il
1.-THE past"
These few words contain a volume. and ye
are not more instructive than silence regard
ing the Philippines and Porto Rico. That 81
lencc in itself mprcsses powerfully upon th'
minds Of men whose habit Is not to speak frs
and think afterward that the time has mo-
come TO discuss proftably the future relations
between those islands and the Nation. Ever
with regard to Hawaii the President guidc'
public thought only by a suggestion as TO TIT
magnitude of the responsibility to give sucf
shape to the relationship Of these mid-PacifC
Islands TO our home Union as will benefit both
'in the highest degree" One is dull who does
not see that the President appreciates the ex
ceedng gravity and importance Of The distinc
ton between property held and governed BY
the United States, and organized territory
sharing or expected to share In the Govern
ment Of the United States Again, that which