The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-05-19

OF the central figure q faithful representa-
tion OF q fine Westphalian ham,.
The second campaign charge against the
Iowa candidate for Speaker is less ridicu-
lous, but perhaps no better founded. He
ia accused Of lack Of sympathy with the
policy Of expansion, which has now become
the policy OF the American people. 1t is
said that he opposed the war for the liber-
alton Of Cuba, and that as lately as March
OF last year he was declaring in Congress
his personal preference for what Is now
styled small Americanism."
We have looked up tho speech OF Gen.
HENDERsoN's that gives color to this charge.
1t was delivered in the House on March 8
when the $50, 900, 900 appropriation for
national defence was being debated. 1t was
a eulogy Of peace, such as any old soldier
OF approved courage might properly make.
It was the expression OF convictions proba-
bly, entertained at the same time by some OF
those who figured later among the most
vigorous and efficient prosecutors OF the
war. and promoters Of expansion.
This speech Is so brief, and so much i'm
%portance seems to be attached to 1t now In
the Western canvass for the Speakership.
that we print here the greater part OF Gen.
HENDERsoN's remarks on that occasion:
"Mr. Speaker. have read of the elder days of the
republic. I live In the better days of the republic.
The lesson Of this afternoon Ia a beautiful one for
our country. In tho elder days there were Tories. l
fear q Tory would be thrown out Of this hall this
afternoon. But. Mr.. Speaker. there will be no war.
That Ia my Judgment. I do not believe that war 10
hanging over the American people. In this repub-
lie our great aim should be for peace.
1.-THE truept patriot In he who recuree and keepn
peace for his people. The young man who
to-day pledges all the vigor Of his early manhood
for his country commands my respect. but l do not
believe he will have to use It.
II have had letters from my people wanting us to
take Cuba. to punish Spain. I simply write back
that no international law makes the United States
the regulator OF the wrongs Of earth. COP has writ
ten no motto on the banner of our country that de-
mands of us tho regulating of the wrongs of other
countries to their people. We all sympathizo with
the liberty loving and fighting Cubans. but they are
the citizens Of another Government. 30 long as that
question 10 before us. I follow the advice Of WASH
MOTION. recommending that We mind strictly our
own business.
But II they touch the rights OF this country or
dare to lay unholy hands upon our territory or our
rights, then I. too. become . fighting Quaker and
will Join tho vigorous manhood of my young friend
who spoke. But let us not lose our heads while our
hearts are beating. He can night hest who keeps his
wv "
thinks most before striking.
This Administration. President and Cabinet. arc
as loyal as any man on this hoor. and l claim no
more for It. This Administration will look before It
leaps. This days work and to-morrow's will teach
the Administration that when q leap 10 needed they
will have the country back Of them. and to q man."
Gen. HENDERSON did not then believe
there would be war, and he said 30. He did
not want war. and he said so. But he voted
for the tfty millions all the same.
Events marched on, and Americans awoke
to a new light and a new era In the history
Of their country. Is there anything in Gen.
HENDERsoN's speech of fourteen months ago
that Is inconsistent with perfect loyalty to
tho present policy Of his party and OF the ma
ton Is there anything which proves that
he ought to be classed now with the
ScHURzEs, ATKINsoNs and GoDKINs?
II there is, Gen. HENDERSON OF Iowa GER
tainly ought not to be chosen as Speaker Of
the Fifty-slxth House.