The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-11-02

presided and was the principal speaker.
He said:
This year has been crowded with his
tory and crowned with glory. 1t is also.
TO my mind. crowded with danger. The
flag of Spain, formerly the proudest power
on earth since the day OF the Roman en-
pire, has gone down in darkness and In
blood before the victorious navy and army
of the United States. The flag OF the Unit
ed States has arisen in the Eastern sky like
new constellation. Let US not accept the
duties and responsibilities OF this victory
in any temper Of vulgar vainglory, still
less OF vulgar greed OF power or gain. The
United States comes TO these oppressed
peoples, East and West, as a great deiiv-
erer. To deal with this occasion by talk
ing about cnaling stations and trade adj
vantages degrades and beiittles It. We have
not overthrown Spain. we have not imper-
lied the precious lives OF our sons. that We
may add to our possessions. or that We
may make money on. of our new relations
But the first duty OF the American peo-
pie is to themselves, and when l say this
l say 1t In no spirit of seiishness or OF In
difference to the welfare of mankind.
'On the contrary, believe that the high
est service the American people can render
to mankind and TO liberty is TO preserve
unstainei and unchanged the Republic as
it came to US from the fathers. 1t is by ex-
ample. and not by guns or by bayonets.
that the great work OF America for human
ity is to be accomplished. And, In my opin-
ion. we are In today q greater danger than
We have encountered since the pilgrims
landed at Plymouth. The danger is that
We are to be transformed from republic.
founded on the Declaration Of Irdepend-
ence. guided by the ccunsels of Washing
ton. into a vulgar. commonplace empire
founded upon physical force.
Il, for one. am not dazzled by the ex-
ample of England. The institutions OF Eng
gland, which have enabled her 10 govern
successfully distant colonies and subject
states. are founded. as Mr.. Gladstone
pointed out, on the doctrine OF equality. IL
we are to outstrip England in national
power. it must be by pursuing our own
path, and not by following hers.
''It il said that Porto Rico Is already
ours. 1t may be that Porto Rico ls to be-
come ours But there Is no authority under
the constitution of the United States to
acquire any foreign territory, save by
treaty approved by the Sena,e by two
thirds vote. or by an act OF legislation. in
which the president the house OF represen-
tatives and the senate must unite.
''It is said that the Philippine klands are
already ours by the right OF conquest For
one deny this alleged right OF conquest.
Human beings-men, women, children, peo-
rles-arc not TO be won as spols OF war or
prizes in battle. 1t may he that such a
doctrine finds a place In the ancient and
barharous laws OF war. but It has no place
under the American constitution It has
no place In the code Of morals Of the peo-
pie OF the United States.
''I have stated elsewhere the conditions
which In my Judgment warranted the ac-
QUESTION OF Hawaii. Hawaii came TO us
with the consent OF her own government
the only government capable Of maintain
Ing itself there for any considerable length
OF time. In the case of the Philippines we
are asked to subject nation and hold
them in suhjection. We get them by con-
quest and hold them by force. In the case
OF the Hawaiian Islands we get them by
compact made with their lawful govern
ment.
Some of our good friends have said