The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-07-02
Senator Wellington Talks.

The following interview was published in
the New York World of June %, and also in
the Baltimore American of the same day.
The day after denial of the interview was
published in some of the Baltimore papers,
but on Thursday the Worlds Washington
correspondent reiterates what he first said
Following is the interview, and the second
article from the World
Senator George l.. Wellington, of Mary
land, said tonight:
The seriousness of the war with Spain is
yet to be realized by the people of the United
States. We are just beginning to get a taste
of actual war. | thank God that | was not
party to this controversy. Everyone knows
that did everything in my power to prevent
war. | opposed it because | could see no
necessity for it. | was against war before it
was declared; am against it today; but now
that it is on us, the condition resolves itself
into case of fish cut bait or go overheard.
We started i'll to whip Spain and to drive her
from her true and lawful possessions in the
Western Hemisphere. This is error No. l.
We said our object in going to war was
purely humanitarian. We lied. Error No. =.
We disclaimed any intention of acquiring
territory Another lie, for this is a war Of
conquest pure and simple.
we started in to take Cuba, and we
struck the first blow at Manila. Another
error.
''Why did we send Dewey down TO Manila
Bay to destroy the Spanish fleet? What are
the relations between Cuba and the Philip
pines, except, of course, that they are the
| property ofthe same government How were
| we to drive Spain from the Western HemiS
| phere by conquering the Philippines? Isn't
this the first step toward conquest?
d" Proceeding further, we find that Dewey
| has destroyed the Spanish fleet which held the
| rebellious population of the Philippines IN
check The instruments of law and order
| have been DESTROYED. No matter how rotten
| these defenses may have been, they accom-
! plished the purpose for which they were in
tended. Disorder, riot and chaos followed
| Dewey came along, destroyed the feet, bat
tered down the fortress at Cavite and other
adjacent points, reported the result of his
outing to the Washington government and Is
now resting on his oars. His feet lies at an
Choir in the Bay Of Manila collecting barnacles
and, meanwhile, he is poweress to act.
Now, let's see what is likely to happen.
| Germany, France and England have interests
in the Philippines. 1t is reasonable to as
sumo that they will demand protection Of their
subjects. Surprising Dewey goes at it again
and shells Manila? What is the probable re-
! suit? Interests OF citizens of other countries
are likely to be damaged
= Satisfaction may be demanded of us.
Don't you see where this foolhardy work is
| likely to lead us? Can we afford to 90 to war
with England, Germany. France or Russia
Just now?
" Looking conditions squarely in the face,
we have entered into Il war of conquest. To
me this is as plain as the sunlight. The gov
| ernment Of the United States has broken away
from the traditions of the fathers. and a policy
of imperialism has begun Where this will
lead us to no mortal can tell. AS for myself,
| would be in favor of stopping this war inn
medately.
81 would recall our army from Cuba.
1" 4 would straight away direct Dewey to
capiiuatc.
:" we had nothing to go to way Tor; We
have less excuse for continuing it,