The record-union., 1899-04-28

CHICAGO, April 27.-Charles Emory
Smith, Postmaster General, editor and
diplomat, was at the Auditorium An
mex last night. To-day he was the orator
at the Grant birthday memorial exer-
cises at Galena. A special train this
morning conveyed Mr.. Smith and prom
nent Chicagoans to Galena.
Chatting in his apartments last night
of national affairs, Mr.. Smith said:
This nation does not need an alli-
ance, political commercial or military,
with any foreign Power that exists. I
believe that the American people them
selves feel this; feel that we are able
to stand alone and cope with any prob
lem that confronts us. / believe in
that
"Curiously enough, in one of the al
most last things that Grant wrote be-
fore his death, he dwells on this point.
and states that through all time Eng
land and this country should be natural
allies and friends, and then he refers
to England's colonial policy, and dwells
at length upon it's superb colonial sys-
tenn. AT this time we possessed no
colonies, so that it looks as if he al
most OWNED what the future was to
bring forth for u.s."
The Postmaster General then dis
cussed questions and incidents which
have grown out of the Spanish-AIneri-
can War, and the policy of the Adj
ministration in colonial matters. Re-
garding Cuba, he said:
I'VE will maintain a form of govern
ment there until the people in the ISL
and can give to the world a stable.
permanent strong government of their
own.
LAS to the Filipinos, the United States
is fighting them now to secure peace.
That is the only object of the present
campaign. As to what will be done
with them afterward, the American
people will settle that question them
selves. They will decide what shall
be done with the islands, and the ex-
ecutive and legislative branches Of the
Government will follow the behests Of
the people Our troops are acting with
remarkable gallantry there at the pres
emit time.
Are we going to aid England in
China? Not that l know of. The Unit
ed States has trade interests there, and
these win be protected. but beyond that
1 do not expect that we will have any
extraordinary interest in Chinas troub-
les.
Speaking of colonies I might say
that we have colonies now-Porto Rico
and Hawaii-and others which some
of us believe have come to us to stay
for all time. True, we did not seek
them; they We're forced upon us by
events, but they are there, and it might
seem that definite COLONIAL policy was
to be expected in the future The Amer
lean people will have to settle that
themselves, though, and we will UNI
questionably when the proper time
comes for settlement to be made.
THE United States has taken GER
tain position before the whole world.
and is big enough and strong enough
to maintain it of it's OWN free will. How
long that position shall be maintained
the people themselves will decide, and
have not the slightest doubt but what
they will decide it the right way. I
have great confidence in the judgment
of the people, the future of the nation,
the certainty that for all time to
come the Government as representing
the people will hold an advanced posi-
ton among nations upon all questions
which affect the happiness, welfare and
peace of men, We are represented in
every part of the world to-day and L
think the quantity of that respect win
greatly increase in the next few years.
Il cannot say when the Fflipinos will
sue for peace, but as that is all this
Government is fighting for there at
this time it ought to be pretty soon,
and will be hailed with delight by
everybody. What win come after that,
as / stated, Washington cannot cay
the popular will must"
Mr. Smith will not make a long stay
West. He will return directly to Wash
ington after the Galena celebration.