The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1899-03-03

FlldN Dc dDlc 10 seize or now many
races we may be able to subjugate
neither can anyone estimate the
cost, immediate ard remote, to the
nations purse, and to the nations
character, but whether we shall en-
ter upon such career is question
which the people have n right to de-
eide for themselves.
unexpected events may retard
or advance tbs nations growth, but
the nations purpose determines its
destiny"
"What is the nations pu pose?
That purpose is set forth clearly and
Enthusiastically in the first sentence
OF the constitution:
" We, the people of the United
states, in order to form more per
feet union, to establish Justice, in
sure domestic tranquility, provide
for the common defense, promote
the general welfare, and secure the
blessings of liberty to ourselves and
to our posterity, do ordain and es-
tabllsh this constitution for the
United States of America
1T will be seen that one of the
main purposes of the founders of
our government was to secure foi
themselves and for posterity the
blessings of liberty"
"That purpose has been faithfully
followed up to this time. Our
statesmen have opposed each 9TH
er upon economic questions but
they have agreed in defending self
government as the controlling ma
tional idea. They have quarreled
among themselves over tariff and
finance, but they have been united
in opposition to all entangling alli-
ances with any European power.
BURDEN OF TAXATION.
"Under this policy our nation
! has grown in numbers and in
strength. Under this policy its BEN
eticent influence has encircled the
. globe. Under this policy the tax
, payers have been spared the burden
, and the menace of large military
establishments and the young men
, have been taught the arts of peace
, rather than the science of war. On
each returning fourth OF July our
/. people have met to celebrate the
signing Of the declaration of indie
pendence; their hearts have renew
, ed their VOWS TO free institutions,
and their voices have praised the
forefathers whose wisdom and cour-
age and patriotism made it possible
for each succeeding generation to
repeat the words, My Country, 'Tis
of Thee, Sweet Land of Liberty, of
Thee sing
This sentiment was univer-
sal until year ago. 1t was to this
sentiment that the Cuban insurgents
appealed; it was this 5. sentiment that
impelled our people to enter into
war with Spain. Have the people
so ochanged within few short months
that they are now willing to apollo
gize for the war of the revolution,
and force upon ihe Philippines the
same system of government against
which the colonists protested with
fire ard sword.
"The hour of temptation has
come, but temptations do not de-
stroy, they merely test the strength
Of individuals and nations; they are
stumbling blocks orstepping stones;
they lead to infamy or fame, accord
ing to the use made Of them.
Benedict Arnold and Ethan AL
len served together in the continent
al army and both were offered Brit
ish gold. Arnold yielded to the
temptation and make his name a
synonym for treason; Allen resisted
and lives in the affections oil his
countrymer.
"Our nation is tempted to depart
from its stan dard of morality and
adopt a policy of criminal aggres-
sion. But, will it yield?
"If mistake not the sentiment
of the American people they will
spurn the bribe of Imperialism, and,
by resisting temptation win such
victory as has not been won since
the battle of Yorktown. Let it be
written OF the UnitedStates Behold
a republic that took up arms to aid
a neighboring people, struggling to
be FIRE, republic that, in the pro-
gress Of war, helped distant rates
whose wrcngs were not in contem-
plation when h ,stilities began;
republic that, when peace was re-
stored, turned a deaf ear to the
lcIarorous voice of greed, and to
those borne down by the wright Of
foreign yoke spoke the welcome
words, stand up and be Free
"Let this be the record made ON
Ihistory's page, and the silent exam