The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1899-09-26

No severer criticism OF President
Mckinley has come from any quarter
than the one contained in the Rich
mond Times Of Friday last. The edi-
tor OF the Times is an open, 3 fair ad-
yersary; fast, unfailing friend.
When he makes disparsging remarks.
Won may most certainly know that he
sincerely believes he has good reason
10 complain. In view Of this generous
sentiment that inspires the editorial
criticism Of the Times, very special
significance Is to be ascribed to the
following extract from the editorial re-
farred TO-:
The Times believes that William Nc
Kiuiey has q warm and generous heart,
and that he lie earnest and sincere in
his desire to preserve his country In
position of honor and 10 advance the
interests and prosperity Of his fellow
citizens. That being so, The Times
is glad TO approve Of his actions when
ever they deserve approval, but The
Times does not shut It's eyes TO his de.
linouencies when they are evident and
seen Of all men. The blemish upon
Mr.. McKinley's sdministration-and 1t
Ia q blemish that soils it from end to
ends his time. serving timidity and
plsy to the gallery. Instead OF going
straight along executing the laws, and
leaving criticism and consequences 10
themselves, he has one eye always open
to what the politicians will say, while
the other guides the ship Of State in an
unsteady course that takes its reckoning
from ward meetings and sensational
newspapers.
We doubtad for q long time whether
the statements published from day TO
day that no kilograms were allowed 70
come from Manila that would tend 70
injure the administration were true.
But we can doubt il no longer. Ii 10
perfectly evident TO Us now that CEN
sor Of kilograms has been put In oftice
there, who receives every dispatch that
comes over the wire and prohibits any
that in his opinion can tend to operate
against the popularity in America OF
she Mckinley administration. The
Presidents attention has been 80 re-
peatsdly and 80 pointedly called to this
outrage that be cannot fail to know OF
&c In all of its enormity, and yet be
permits that condition OF things to
stand. Mr.. Mckinley knows better
than to allow this thing, yet his con-
stitutional timidity and time'serving
disposition lead him into putting up
with it to the lasting shame OF his ad-
ministration.
- This is o severe srraignment, but who
can say that IL is undeserved2 That
Mckinley is . putriot and q high
minded American citizen no one car
deny, but that he is accessible to thu
inssduous appeals and seducements o.
ambition ia equally apparent. He il
eagerly anxious to be renominsted ant
reelected to the Presidency; and
would perhaps be asking too much o
frail human nature to require him t
steer his course clear Of all the clsmor
ing demands upon him to take cogni2
ance Of the forces and influence
that favor his reelection. Ths
he has taken cognizsnces OF thes
forces and influences 10 most Or
psrant. There is o big. q great big
political canvass now brewing for tn
prize Of the Presidency in the electio
Of next year.
There is much talk Of amendment
TO the federal constitution. Accordin
90 the notions Of The Free Lance th
amendment that would bestow tn
greatest blassiugs upon the people woul
b. oue that would make the term OF th
Presidency six years, and make Is II
sllieibls that 1t is to say, presorit
thai no President should be eligible
: second term. The history OF To
.onnsrv has shown that the actions
<ha ohif Executives have been too O
ten swsrvsd from the plain and 0ps
path Il dusy towards that course whic
wea,d promote their prospeots Of . =