The times., 1899-02-18

In spite of~the pain and modification
which the President has imposed upon the
American people by lending the influence
of his office to the schemes of the War De-
have been the just punishment of Eagan
into high favor to that unspeakable in
| dividual. there must be something truly
great about William Mckinley. or he could
not. in the face of these things hold the
admiration of the masses and attract the
enthusiastic support of the country, as
most certainly he does. 1t might be said
that it is because the cause he champions
is greater and closer to the hearts of all
Americans than any leader no matter how
popular, could be. But this would be only
fractional explanation.
The universal sentiment in favor of ma
tional expansion and colonial enterprise.
and unlimited public faith in the destiny
of the United States as a mighty world
power. would not save Mr. Mckinley be-
cause of his advocacy of the grand nation
al purpose and movement, from the con-
! sequences of his mistakes, and his evil
surroundings and counselors, if there were
not a widespread belief that, after all, at
/ bottom he is a great patriotic leader in
the march of our imperial advancement.
If he be not that. in the light of his brill
iant American speech in the very centre
lists in the Union. then he must be the most
absolute hypocrite that ever walked the
earth since Satan climbed the high mount
ain When one attempts to analyze the
occasion and circumstances of the Presi-
dents Boston speech, and considers its
timely daring, its noble sentiments, and its
ringing eloquence. it is almost impossible
to remember the imposition of the Alger
Relief Commission, the disgrace of Eagan-
ism. or the injustice of Sampsonism. or to
think of anything but the grandeur of the
man as he stood forth like a prophet of
old, divinely inspired and blazing with
the light of the gospel of a new and great
er Americanism.
We who have been at times counted
among his most sincere admirers. and oc-
casionally among his severest critics, con-
fess to being bitten with the magnifeence
of his performance. It places beyond doubt
or question the attitude of the President
on the policy OF expansion. 1t serves no
tice on foreign envy jealousy, and incli-
nation to interfere and on domestic treason.
and colonial rebellion that the territorial
possessions. ours by the gift of Providence
and the force of cur conquering arms. viii!
never be surrendered while there is star
or stripe left on field or fold of Old Glory.
In the name of the American Republic,
one. indivisible and irrepressible, its Chief
proclaims to the world that the advantages
gained and the responsibilities created by
the Spanish war. will be held with the
iron grasp of Anglo Saxon spirit and de-
termination. and that the blessings of our
institutions will be bestowed freely, or
forcibly imposed. if need be. upon the
races and peoples who have become our
sacred charges. And the glorious procla-
nation thus sent forth bears the heart
seal and signature OF nearly every citizen
of the United States. 1t is the grand mes
sage of a great leader. speaking for and
with the unanimous concurrence OF great
! nation.
Let all mankind hear and give heed TO it.