The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-12-15
BRYAN is A PARTY LEADER.
CHAIRMAN DU BIGNON BELIEVES
HIS VIEWS HAVE MUCH WEIGHT.


Opinions of the Nebraska Statesman
on the Policy of Imperialism In
dOrsed by the Party's Executive
in GeOrgin-Chairman duBignOn
Reports Expansion Sentiment rs
Rampant at the CapitaI-BeIieves
His Party VIII Oppose the Crea-
ton of n Colonial system.
Hon. F. G. duBignon, chairman of the
State Democratic Executive Committee,
returned yesterday from a weeks trip to
New York and Washington. At the CAPT
tai he met a number of the prominent
figures on the Democratic side of Con-
gress, as well as some leading Republi-
cans, and saw something Of the drift of
opinion in public life on the new issues
that the war has created. He returned
firmly convinced that the paramount ques-
ton before the American people to-day,
and the one that for some time will alb
serb their attention, is that of "imperi-
alsm." Col. Bryan seems to have struck
the key note and to have sized up the
situation correctly.
/ ne AEtltiiE III W dSililiS tpis 0diu NJ
duBgnon, was that the policy of the adj
ministration would so through Congress,
and that the treaty under which the Phil
ippiues become colonies of the United
States would be ratified by the Senate
probably, without any provisos as to fu-
ture independence or statehood for them.
The spirit which has been dubbed impe-
~
ial. Washington is a hotbed of expansion.
Nearly everybody there is a partisan, an
office holder or a place seeker and it is
but natural that the sentiment that is
supposed 10 exist at the White House
should be taken up by the mass outside
with accaims. There is beside, something
that is fascinating in the idea of a world
wide territory to a large number of men.
To the professional politician. who is after
opportunities 10 secure places of power
and fine emoluments, the new theory of
possessing ourselves of colonies offers an
opportunity for otece that Is highly at
tractive. Then there are many who ,do
not stop to reflect, who have never given
much thought to the principles underlying
our system of government, who are car
red away with the idea that it is a test
of patriotism 20 want to expand, who think
that it would add to the grandeur of Amer
lean citizenship for their country to con-
troll great possessions and millions of peo-
PIE in all parts of the world as Great Brit
ain does. These TWO classes constitute
quite a large element in our population,
and are now nowhere so apparent as at the
national capital"
Mr.. duBignou had read the statement
given 10 the Morning News by Col. w. j.
Bryan prior to his departure for Wash
ington. 1T was clear, well-put forci-
| be and succinct statement of the situation
! as il exists" said Mr.. duBignon. Il GER
tainly indorse every word that he has
spoken in this connection. Some of the
sentiments uttered by him I had already
/ given voice to. though perhaps not so
! well as Col. Bryan, 1t will be found, /
| believe, that the opinions of Col. Bryan,
! which are the views of the greater part of
| the party, will become the platform prin-
ciples of the Democratic party and will
form one of the issues between it and the
Republican party. The fight that will be-
gin i'm Congress at this session, which, in
fact, is already on, will be extended 10 all
parts of the country and will figure in the
next campaign as of vital Importance
| As Col. Bryan points out it will be in
keeping with the principles laid down by
! the founders of the party 10 antagonize
the idea of subject colonies. As he well
| puts it, we cannot be half free and halt
| Vassal"
Mr. duBlgnon was asked whether in his
! opinion, Col. Bryan's leaving the army
would injure him politically.
NO" said he. why should it? Wher
he enlisted it was not to do police duty il
| Cuba. He waited until the articles OF
peace had been signed, until all the Span
| ish soldiers were out of Porto Rico. which
is now ours. and were largely removed
| from Cuba, which we are under solemn
| promise not to take, and he then exercis
ed his right 70 resign and not waste hi!
time and talents doing guard duty witt
| no enemy in the field against his country
| There may be some effort on the part O.
political enemies to belittle and discredi
him. but 1T will be to little or no purpose
! l have no doubt, but that the Republican,
would prefer for him 10 be in the army
with political lockjaw, as he eXpressivel!
termed il, rather than at liberty to at
tack their schemes for land grabbing AM
government of subject peoples"
lis Col Bryan apt TO be regarded ant
accepted as a leader among Democrats"
Yes; Col. Bryan unques tionaby is
man of great ability and of recognize,
leadership in the party. He is an aggres
sive, determined fighter and his talent
ana influence must be felt in this, as wei
as in other political struggles, where grea
principles are at stake. 1t is foolish 70
any one to discount the powers of Col
Bryan as an orator, as a thinker, and as
leader"
MI duBignon, while Col. Bryan was il
Savannah. had many opportunities to Sc
the Nebraska statesman The more h
knew of him the more he learned to ad
mire his character and capacity.
IOWA SOLDIERS PROMOTED.