The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-10-28
AMERICAN EXPANSION.
History and Significance Outlined by
Francis Il. Roots.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
TERRE HAUTE, Ind, Oct 2I.-In an adj
dress before the State Normal School here
to-day Francis T. Roots discussed expan-
sion from the standpoint of benefits to be
derived, socially and commercially, and
said: Imperialism is too absurd to be given
even passing notice. He spoke of the
President as an American citizen and not
as the leader of faction. He said ii was
less than four hundred years since this con-
tinent was discovered, and reviewed the
early discoveries and explorations. He
showed the growth Of the country from
1853, when the census showed population
of II, 249; in 1750 400 600; in $780, 5,3S0 600; in
1860, 81 0O00 900, and, in 1899, 100000 In 1890
the United States had an area of $4,000
square miles, and to-day it has an area of
100000 square miles and an estimated
wealth Of $4,000 10000. He reviewed the
expansion of the country according to It's
history and showed the growth OF the
United States by the increases in the differ
ent products. Both expansionists and anti
eXpansionists of to-day agree that interven-
ton In Cuban affairs was the only humane
policy for the United States to pursue. The
war, with its official correspondence, was
reviewed, and he paid a high tribute to
President Mckinley, ard said that to him
is due the credit for many of the move
ments made at critical periods of the war.
and it was because Of his foresight that
many of the most important steps were
taken.
The Presidents policy, he said, is that
outlined by the Constitution of the United
States and 1t is not personal policy. me
consent of the governed was not secured
when Florida was purchased, when Alaska
was purchased, nor in other acquisitions or
territory made by the United States. The
President cannot do other than he is doing
in the Philippines, and Admiral Dewey and
General Funston show that the F1lpinos
are to-day incapable or Self-government
The protestations of those who are oppos,,
ing the Presidents policy are in accord
with that policy. Recent speeches by peo-
pie opposing the President are In accord
with the policy of the President as outlined
In his recent speeches during his Western
tour.
From commercial standpoint expansion
is necessity, he declared. The great mar
ket of the world is now the Asiatic market,
and the question Is, what countries are TO
share this trade? If this country is to share
it We must have a navy secona TO none,
that of Great Britain There must be an
Eastern harbor and port. and Manila is ideal
from that h t portion of the world where over
half the population Of the earth Is found,
and which Will be the seat Of great COM
premacy is the question, and the statement
of Senator McLaurin that there is much
rot in the talk of imperialism has much
sense in it. Indiana has been an example
Of expansion. 1t was but 179 years ago when
the first settlement was made. The history
of the State from the time George Rogers
Clark wrested it from the English 10 the
present day. its growth in products, popula-
ton and manufactures has been the re-
suit of expansion. The growth OF educa-
ton and educational institutions and the
necessity for keeping abreast of the time
in these institutions and intelligently teach
ing the children was covered.