The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-05-01

But we are told that Imperialism has
proved a blessing to Great Britain. In
this matter there is no parity between
England and the United States The
more we hold aloof from England the
better shall 1t be for America She has
not an ally in the world, and there is
probably not a nation in the world which
would trust her as an ally. She has
never loved us from the days in which
she oppressed the colonies to the dark
days when, by aiding the Confederacy
she sought to make the disruption of the
Union permanent. She does not love
us now. We are the most dreaded ri
val she has, because we threaten her SUI
premacy in what Is nearest and dearest
TO her-her finances. She is confronted
by difficulties and dangers of various
kinds from which we are free. An alli-
ance with her would involve us In the
difhculttes and dangers by which she Is
confronted and from which we are free
We need neither her advice nor her assist
ance. The praises which she now be-
slows on us, were they sincere, would
be superfiuous; but since they are
given with the design of drawing us into
an fmperialistic policy and troublesome
arrangements, they are insidious and In
sulting. Our wisest statesmen have
always been opposed to militarism as
me'tlce to our liberties. We want moth
ing more than the nucleus of an army.
nothing which shall serve as means
OF conquest at home or abroad: and for
my own part think a powerful navy a
danger rather than q protection. So long
as we are content to devote ourselves
TO the tasks which God has set us we
can have nothing to fear even from
coalt1on of the powers of Europe. were
such thing possible.
ARMY A MENACE
eve do not paad Jo~.~..
or great navy either for conquest or
sel1-defense. Phey are not necessary. as
they would be dangerous to our peace
ana Hperty. There was a time in our
history when the general government
seemed to be too weak and the states
TOO strong. That condition of things
passed away with the close of our Civil
war when the executive seemed to ac-
qulre new quality which clothed him
with almost dictatorial power. with
ourselves, as in the rest of the civilized
world, there is a drift toward socialism
we must face the great problems thus
raised with faith in our political princi-
pies ana with confidence in the good
sense and honesty of the people. To
seek refuge in the Intervention of a
standing army, under the command of
quasi Dictator or emperor, is to enter
In the way of anarchy and ruin.
On many sides there is evidence of
moral decadence. Religion is losing its
hold on the masses, respect for those
who I'LL positions of authority is dimin-
1shing, the rights of property are be-
coming less sacred. the marriage tie ia
loosening, greed is increasing, capital be-
coming more unscrupulous The virtues
of thrift moderation and forethought
are less considered. We neither draw
wisdom and inspiration from the past.
nor look to the future, but live like
tnoughtless children in the present The
iistrust of the people of the men thew
elect to Office is at once discouraging and
injurious to public morality. Human
life is taken on slight provocation, and
outrages which blacken our fair name
are committed by mobs which seem to
nave lost all sense of humanity. In that
which essentially constitutes education
the development of conscience, the for
nation OF character-our schools seem in
a large measure to have failed.
1t Is, of course, possible to take diff
ferent and brighter view Of our condition.