The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1899-07-18
Can Mckinley Be Trustedi

The fact that President Mckinley 10
in full control of the affairs OF this ma
tion, is one calculated to give every
patriotic American grave concern.
That he has refused to call In to his
assistance and advice the Congress
elected last fall, and tn erefore the lat
est exponent Of the thought and will
of the people, deepens the concern. For
all that is known Of Mr.. McKinley's re-
cord, points to him as an unsafe man
to trust. He seems to have no we'll
defined policy, and is blown about
byIeyery wind, morally as well as poll
tically.
Let US, for moment, look at his re-
cord, and see II he can be trusted in
either his wisdom or his honesty.
Five years ago, he was financial
bankrupt. He was taken in hand BY
a syndicate of politicians and manu-
facturers, headed by Mark Hanna. now
u s. Senator, and whose election
to that position has been contested on
the ground that fraud was used In OBJ
tanning it. He was then put in train
ing as a candidate for the Presidency
1t is from Republican sources that we
learn that his nomination was bought
by promises Of patronage, as the country
was flooded with money In order 10
elect him. And now, what Is the re-
cord of the man who secured the Presi-
dency under such shady circumstances
In Congress he was first fog free silver.
then for gold. In the Presidential chair
he has been first for civil service then
for letting down the bars first against
the war with Spain, then for it first.
denouncing the acquisition Of terri
tory By force, then for the taking Of Porto
Rico and the Philippines; first for re.
spectacle appointments to federal
offices, and then. in payment Of politi-
cal obligations. making appointments
in Louisiana that shocked the moral
sense of the country; first for honesty
in public ofiice, and then shielding Of
Capt. Oberlin Garter (who robbed the
government Of over million and
half dollars) until his protection
of that officer has become q national
scandal.
What is there in this political wob-
bier to give any citizen an assurance,
or even a hope that the country is safe
with him at the helm? His power now
in the absence of Congress, is as abso-
lutte as that of any monarchy. He is
at this moment waging war In the
Philippines, declared by himself,
against both the letter and the spirit
of the Constitution. He has the army
and navy at his control. with nobody
to question the use Of either whether
it be as at present, to slaughter q peo.
pie fighting for their liberties, or In. the
futare, to bring on war with some other
people.
How can the people trust such man
with such power? How can they be
satisfied to trust the great ship Of state
to such a pilot? The rising tide Of
doubt and distrust in both political
parties. already shows a shaken public
confidence. It Is conceded that he has
by the arts Of the politician secured his
nomination for second term but &c
will require more than the arts Of
politician to secure his reelection.
Not for twenty-seven years-not since
l872-have the voters Of this country
permitted any president. OF any party
to succeed himse I. and with SUCH =
candidate as Mr. Mckinley in the fielc
10 1900 the long established rule viii
not be broken charlottesville Pro-
Oress 81