The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-10-20
To EXPAND OR
NOT To EXPAND
The Question up in the John W.
Daniel Club.
Mr.. f. P. BRENT'S CONTENTION.
Ux,ausion Good Democratic Doctrine
MFR. Sam Stern Brings Down the
uousc-A Number OF Other
Speeches.

The John W. Daniel Democratic Club
heard a number of pleasant and entertain
ing short speeches last night at Thon's
Hall. and concluded with the service oil
LIQUID and solid refreshments. Several
OF the persons invited to speak sent let
tiers or regret that they could not attend.
The gentlemen who did speak, however
served to while away two hours most
acceptably.
President Samuel Stern presided. the
President made the opening speech also.
1t was Characteristic effort, and brought
down the house. Mr.. Stern referred 10
the Virginia patriot, Henry PaIricA'
and before the laughter had died away
ou,ted stoneaal Jackson as saying lee
,,s cross over the james and rest IN the
shade of the trees" But when he inflated
MS chest and paid a tribute 10 william
Jennings Bryan. the hope OF the people
there WAS rattle Oh canes ""N
clapping Of hands.
dR BRENT FOR EXPANSION.
Tho feature Of the speaking, however
VS. TN. EXPRESSION of dlametrically OPP
roslne views touching the national policy
~ e,oansion. Mr.. Frank 4. Brent con-
tended vigorously that expansion or the
nst.onal domain was a Democratic doc
t-foa and pol!cy from the Inauguration OF
Thomas Jefferson in 1901.
The ACQUISITION of Louisiana by pur-
chase and an subsequent additions TO me
country with the exception Of Alaska
he sid was due TO the Democratic al
rninistraticns of the periods referred 10,
Opposition to expansion, he sald' c"usc"
The failure Of the Federalist ana Nhib
parties. The dislntegration Of the Demo
cratic party to-day, he feared, would ioi-
low opposition by that party 10 eNpah-
sion as the term Is applied IN conllec'lo"
with the Spanish-American war. lie eN-
pressed the hope that the Democracy OF
the country would proclaim adherence 10
the ancient Democratic policy OF eNpan-
sion and predicted that by so doing ana
by denouncing the Republican party
conduct Of the war success would be
achieved I'm 1900. 49,.
HOLY GROUND.
Mr.. jefferson Wallace. who arrived az
the hall during the delivery of Mr.. Brent $
speech took issue with the captain. The
Democratic party, In its opposition TO ex-
pansion, he said. took high and holy
ground. Such opposition was obedience
to the scriptural command: Thou shalt
not steal"
In that view Of the matter. the attitude
| OF an international court I'm the premises
carried no weight so far as he was con-
cerned. lie paid his respects 10 those who
! demanded who'll haul down the flag.
| citing Instances where the national cm-
/ blem had been hauled down AS en- Mexico,
/ Trip0n. etc The flag IN itself was a mere
/ strip OF red. white and blue bunting. IL
/ derived significance from what it stood
| for. and as such appealed to sentiments Of
patriotism and yeneration.
Messrs. Brent and Wallace spoke in tho
rough good temper. though each exhibited
| lions.
OTHERS SPEAKERS.
Among others who spoke We're Mr.. Ben
! =. owen Captain John A. Curtis Mr..
/ John f. Epps Mr.. S. l.. Kelley and Mr..
/ r.. c. Foikcs. the last three giving express
/ sion TO appropriate sentiments as nomi-
! nees from Richmond 20 the House of Dele
/ gates Captain Frank Cunningham told a
| good Joke and sang am Irish song at the
| suggestion of an Italian who sat at his
! elbow
Letters expressing regret that the writ
! ers could not be present were read from
/ Congressman John Lamb who is absent
| az Charles City court. Attorney General
| Montague. who IS busy with official mat
! tiers. Colonel John W. Richardson who
had 2 previous engagement and Nossrs.
Charles H. Phillips and S. T. Bloomherg.