The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1899-09-27
A BUSINESS NAM
ON EXPANSION.
How the Issue Is Viewed by a
Leading Citizen of Pittsburg'
AMERICAS GREAT OPPORTUNITIES.

kepuolCanS onOulu hOll Up Dig 'V0e W
Sustain the President and Prevent a
Disturbance Of Prosperous Business Con-
ditions.
Considering the question OF expan-
sion from purely business point OF
view, Ralph Butler, well known busi-
ness man of Pittsburg. has addressed
himself to the voters of Pennsylvania
in an interesting review of this absorb
ing topic, which is being discussed in
every state campaign throughout the
country. Mr.. Butler, who is secretary
and general manager of one OF the
largest insurance companies in the
state, says that as a business man he
has a decided interest in the success
of the Republican party this fall. De-
feat, or doubtful victory, means an
uncertain contest next year and its
consequent arrangement of business.
He heartily advocates the election OF
the whole Republican ticket and de-
clares that every business man who
wishes to see the era of prosperity con-
tinued should exert his influence to
help swell the Republican vote this
fall.
A BUSINESS QUESTION ONLY.
THE question of holding the Phil
ippines temporarily or permanently
is business question only" says Mr..
Butler, "interwoven to a certain eX-
tent with the moral question. In all
the advances of the civilized races, so
called, into the domain of the uncivil-
lied or inferior races, the business
question and self interest have been
the motive powers. Columbus was not
moved by philanthrophy in sailing
westward over the unknown seas, but
was attempting to find shorter pas
sage to the Indies, for commercial pur-
poses. His commercial venture result
| ing in the discovery of America, where
it caused the destruction practically
| of the native races, placed two great
| continents into the possession OF, and
| at the disposal of that dominant civil
| izing force of the world, the Caucasian
race.
To-day the business question is the
motive power behind England, Ger
many, France and Portugal in their
| invasions into the heart of the dark
continent. The same business ques-
| ton is back of Russian, German, En-
| glish and French advances into Asia.
These great nations are not fools, and
we should consider carefully the busi-
ness side of this question before we
decide to run counter to the CONNER
cial policy of all the great nations OF
the Eastern Hemisphere.
1T is not the proper way to discuss
a business proposition to cry imperial
ism and militarism, and attempt to eX-
cite the passions as a red rag eXciteS
bull Neither is it proper to ad-
vance theories. ancient moorings and
moral questions. We must take the
world as we find it, not as 1t was
a hundred years ago, or as we would
like to see it. The civilizllg force OF
business is invading the valleys, the
forests and the mountains of the in
ferior races, and we could not stop
it if we would for it will move on like
the fatal Juggernaut, crushing out all
opposition and gathering to the peo~
pie who WELD its forces the great
and unknown wealth of these so-called
heather lands We may shudder at
the thought, but the work of subiugat-
ing these people will go on, even
though we stand aside and see other
nations place into the Golfers of their
people this great wealth.
THE DUTY OF OUR GOVERNMENT.
zone of the fundamental principles
of our government is the greatest good
to the greatest number, not to the
worlds people, but to our own peo-
pie. The physical welfare of our peo-
pie is one of the most pressing duties.
Their moral advancement usually
keeps pace with the physical.
"Remunerative labor will best ad-
vance our peoples physical ard moral
welfare. Our manufacturing capacity
is unlimited, our present markets are
limited. hence, at times we face labor
troubles, communism, possible an
archy. We have an acreage unequaled
in its extent and productive capacity,
vet the demand for our soil products
is often limited, bringing commercial
depression, for much wealth grows or
the earth's surface when it can find a
market.
"The greatest good to the greatest
number of our people will be best
served by securing by every possible
means market for the manufacturing
and agricultural products of the coun-
try. This will give employment to our
people, with an increase Of remunera-
tion and wealth.
But what has the Philippine ques-
ton to do with this? Perhaps much,
perhaps nothing. If we conclude to
hold the Philippines we will have
taken a step toward adopting the COM
mercia policy of the greatest nations
of the earth. If we relinquish the
Philippines on moral grounds and the
fear of abandoning some ancient moor
ings, we will not benefit the Philip
pinos, for the Juggernaut of CONNER
cial greed from other sources will
sweep over the islands and we may
miss our opportunity to advance the
commercial prosperity of our people
on the lines that have made England
the richest nation on the earth.
A POSITION OF VANTAGE.
1--WE stand today in a position of
vantage never approached by any other
nation. We are more isolated than
England: we command from our own
ports both oceans, England but one;
we have within our borders a great
agricultural area. rich and fertile; ex-
tensive coal, iron and precious metal
deposits, and the largest manufacture