Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-10-05
OHIO CAMPAIGN OPENED.
The Democrats of the Buckeye State Have
. Demonstration and Listen to
John X. Mclean.

Hamilton, O.. Oct. 1.-The demo-
cratic state campaign was opened here
Saturday with a great demonstration
and speeches by John R. Mclean, candi-
date for governor, and the candidates
for other offices on the democratic state
ticket and others. The Butler county
democracy arranged for parades during
the day and illumination of the city at
night and the committee secured lead
ing democrats TO speak with Mclean.
Portraits of Mclean, Bryan and Dewey
were generally displayed and the city
was deliberately decorated. Speaking
of the Philippine question, Mr.. Mclean
said:
Since the war with Spain what has been the
history Of the PhilippinesY Our war was against
Spain, for the redress Of grievances, and not
against the Philippine islanders, for conquest.
When Spain was vanquished we hauled down
her flag and ours then foated in friendship. On
Manila bay and Its shores 1t should have been
thencefOrward the symbol Of liberation In the
land we had invaded in hostility to Spain Alone
The natives were our friends Their recognized
leader had returned to the islands by invitation
of the United States and had been assisted to
organize military force md established
camp ut Cavite. He had summoned his peo-
pie to the support of the United States
military occupation in proclamation
assuring them that the American
flag meant liberty and independence for them.
In Mi nj. NAs
were these proceedings not objected to, but he
was addressed by Gen. Anderson, our chief
commanding officer, as the commander Of the
military forces Of the Philippine islands, and
asked to furnish map Of the adjacent country
for the use Of Gen. Merritt, soon to arrive. He
cheerfully complied. The amicabe relations
continued until Gen. Merritt fresh from the
white house at Washington took command
and made an order establishing military line
which was to separate cur troops and the Fill
ipinOs into two hostile camps, and fOrbiddlng
the entrance within our lines Of any Of Aguinal-
dos command This order was the commence.
ment OF hOstllites.
We are In favor of legitimate expansion. but
opposed to an imperia1istc policy. We object
to the methods that have prevailed, the char
acter OF the settlement chosen to make the
Philippines part Of our country. We believe
that a rational friendly course could have made
the FilipinOs our friends. and even ut this time
fairness and justice would bring peace. Diplo-
macy, that arm of all civilized governments,
has not been tried. The military secrecy Of the
administration has led the nation to believe
that beyond all declarations was the fact that
England was in need of an ally in the orient
and had made us play as an instrument for her
interests. II the people OF the United States
want the Philippines and want place in the
councils and doings Of the east, 1t can be had
by honorable and open dealings.
In acquiring the Philippines does the admin
istration mean when we have them to deny them
the rights that our people have' II so, then we
are taking on the attitude Of mperialistic, colo
NAL possessions II. on the other hand, the ad-
ministration intends to let them have the
same rights that our people have, then we
bring into competition with our laboring class
es men who would be willing to receive as COM
pensation for their labor, no matter what
branch OF industry, an amount that would
mean ruin 10 the laboring classes Of our Coun-
try. The administration must elect between
these two propositions We either go as con-
Querors, denying the rights Of the Filpnos that
our country enjoy; or we give them the benefits
of all that our people have, which brings them
In competition with those we must protect.