The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-12-26
Scatters Too Much.

T ENATOR HOARS resolution re-
~ affirming the principles Of the
~ declaration of independence Is
doubtless well intended, but in the
matter OF practicability and directness
it must yield the palm Ito the one pre-
viously introduced by Mr.. Bacon Of
Georgia.
The trouble with the Hoar resolu-
ton is that it scatters too much and is
altogether abstract. IT points out no
remedy. and the adoption of the reso-
luton would not change a, single one
of the conditions to which it refers
Admitting that the race problem in the
South is one that Is pressing for solu-
ton, and that the negro should be ac-
corded equal rights and opportunities,
the question at once presents itself,
how are these ends to be accom-
plished?" The resolution suggests no
way, and hence amounts to no more
than the expression of a just abstract
sentiment.
The declarations with reference to
the purity of the ballot box, the ban
ishment of illiteracy and the securing
of adequate compensation to the wage
| workers of both sexes, are all right IN
| principle and reflect the elevated senti-
ments of the author. but the resolu-
ton is altogether impotent to bring
about a realization Of the things SO ar
IDENTIFY desired If the law making pow
err can deal effectively with these varl-
| Gus matters, it can only be by the en-
| actment Of enforceable laws, and not
by mere declaratory resolutions.
But these are only incidentafs, in
tended to lead up to the main purpose
OF the resolution, which is to condemn
Mr.. McKinleys policy Of forcing Amer
lean authority upon an unwilling peo-
pie in the Philippine Islands. Even in
this, the most essential part, the reso-
luton is open to criticism In that II
fails to point out specifically what
ought to be done. 1t stands as a mere
negation. 1t declares that We onsh'
not to "force even freedom upon un-
willing natives at the point OF the bay
onot or at the lannon's mouth
This is all right as far as 1t goes ou'
It does not entirely cover the situa-
ton. Something must be done WITT
reference to the future of the islanos
! and Mr.. Hoar's resolution fails to give
even the remotest suggestion OF VIVA
course should be pursued. beyond th'
simple statement that we ought no
to force even freedom upon them.
As his resolution leaves the matter
IL acted upon there would be nothing
for the United States to do but to SOL
using force and Immediately Withdraw
the army and feet from the lslanas
! This is much further than the mos
| of Mr.. McKinley's political opponent
} so, and probably further than any con
= siderable number of the American PEG
l nile would favor. It is hardly TO o
2 sunposed that Mr.. Hoar really mean
= to advocate such a course. II no.
t then the resolution is defective in no
g covering the ground
The Bacon resolution providing 10
e the restoration of peace and ultimatel
$ an independent government undo
I American, auepices, can scarcely be In
i proved upon. and it will be surpris'h
e If It fails to command Mr.. Hoar's sup
/ mort. He stands radically opposed I
! the philippine policy of the admins
n tration and he will not be hkely
oppose a resolution which has for II
g object the pacifcation and indepeno
ence of the islands under the aegis
;. the American flag.
: Mr.. Hoar. in his resolution make
the Identical argument employed q
Mr.. Hartman in his Fourth of Jul
address at Hamilton, and with a stril
ing similarity of expression. IL seen
a little strange that when two M
occupy exactly the same position WI
regard to a public question, one
= them should be bitterly assaiied as
"copperhead'' and TRAITOR, whiie
other. at the worst, is merely
| "auntie.'