The Black Hills union. [volume] (Rapid City, Pennington County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1889-1904, 1899-11-24
NO THE OTHER FOOT.
THE POINT OF VIEW OFTEN
CHANGES QUICKLY.
rho High Handed HiShwayman Tactics
of the Trust Nagnatcs Justified NV
the Same Arguments That Uphold
Eorciblc Annexation.

be pleased TO give you my views on the
Philippine question. | think it is the
duty Of every loyal citizen at this time
TO speak out for the national honor and
the advance of civilizations"
In your opinion, then, is the forci-
bic annexation OF the islands justin-
gbie?"
"Certainly. The wcrld has been re-
deemed from barbarsm by similar eX-
pansion OF the strong. progressive
races, 1t is in this way that the
United States has become what it is
But this is the first time that new
territory has been acquired against the
armed resistance OF its native inhabi-
tants."
Yes, this Introduces a new feature
III our experience and 4 very unpleas-
ant one. But the trouble is entirely
owing to the folly and stupidity Of the
natives. With half the intelligence
that they are credited with III some
quarters they should know that their
paltry independence would be nothing
III comparison with the honor and ad
vantage OF forming IL part Of the first
and most progressive nation on earth.
And every reasonable assurance has
been given them that il they will sub
NIT to our authority they shall have
all the clf-government they are ca
pable Of eNercising-all indeed that
would be socd for them"
30 You construe our course toward
the ENipnos as an abandonment OF
lAe principle Of government by con-
sent?'
Not at al. We believe as firmly as
ever in government by consent. But,
II the F!lipinos won't consent, what
are We to do? We cannot halt the car
or progress, and so deprive these mis-
guided people Of the advantages and
blessings of our protection and coop
Grafton. There is really no honorable
course open to us but to make them
consent"
You would say, then, that a people
nave right to Independence if they
are strong enough to maintain it, but
not otherwise?"
Yes, that is substantially my idea.
mat might makes right seems hard
doctrine when you state it abstractly,
but after all it has been and is the
principle of progress. The strong will
rule, they really ought to rule.
Strength is the sign Of fitness"
reporter tenders the usual thanks
and retires. Business man gazes
thonghtfGlly at the tassel OF the win
dow shade and reflects with satisfac-
no in
VIII look in print, feeling that he has
acquitted himself handsomely as
loyal man and lover of the flag
His reVerie is interrupted by the Of
nee boy announcing another visitor
THIS time a stranger of fine presence
and bland manners.
Good morning, Mr.. Blank" handing
card. Il have been trying to scrape an
acquaintance with your town this
morning. Interesting place, bright and
up-to-date. You have fine business
here, things moving off in good shape,
a flrst-class lot of men, l judge"
Yes, our men are as good as money
Will hire, and we try to keep up with
the times in other respects"
Yes; we sell in nearly every village
on this line Of road, and have fair
trade in our nearest city"
"Well, Mr.. Blank, I represent the
Consolidated Central Manufacturing
company, formed about year ago,you
doubtless recall, by ten of the largest
concerns in this line in the country
nj
with the smaller establishments with a
view to bring the entire business I'M
der one management. l am authorized
to make you an offer for your plant OF
five thousand dollars in stock of the
Consolidated Central"
Five thousand dollars! You must
be joking, sir. My real estate here has
cost me more than twice that, and
have often made net profit of that
amount in one year"
"Wcll, we might increase the offer
somewhat if you agree to deal with US.
But you must bear in mind the
changed conditions Of your business
since the consolidation. We have al
ready about seven-cighths Of the en-
have advantages in transportation that
no small concern can approach. We
could sell to your customers for half
what you are getting and keep it up
for year, or two years, without feel
ing the loss. In fact, we could make
up the loss in dozen different mar
kets where we have no competition.
You estimate the value Of your bust
ness here by what it has been worth
in the past, but if the Consolidated
Central chose to do SO they could make
it utterly worthless for the future and
this you should take into considera-
ton"
In plain terms, then, You have the
small concerns at your mercy, and will
buy them at your own price or ruin
their business? Do you think such a
process justilable?'
why, certainly, Mr.. Blank; that is,
IN view OF the general and ultimate re-
suits. Our wonderful Industrial SILL
premacy, the pride Of every true Amer
lean, is due in great measure to lust
such consolidation, the great concerns
absorbing the smaller. It is in obedi-
ence to economic law and has made the
United States what it is, industrially."
But it has not been common for
the small concerns to be absorbed
against the wishes of their owners and
under threats Of financial destruction"
Il see what you have in mind, Mr..
Blank, but you are wrong to construe
my little reminder as a threat. We
shall pay you a fair price for your in
terests here unless you are so foolish
as to refuse to deal with us. l named
five thousand dollars, to lie sure, but