Willmar tribune., 1899-03-01

lStactOry. We have made progress in in
for which We have been striving: We have
had four long years of adversely, which
taught us some lessons which will never
be unlearned, and which will be valuable
in guiding our future action. We have not
only been successful in our financial and
BUSINESS aaigs but haze been
chapter to American history.
Some Mighty Problems.
II do not know why in the year 1899 this
iems Which it must face and meet: They
have come and are here, and they could not
be kept away Many who were impatient
to cry out against the far-reaching conse-
quences of their own act. Those Of us who
dreaded war most, and whose every effort
was directed to prevent it, had fears Of
new and grave problems which might fol-
low its Inauguration The evolution of
events, which no man could control, has
brought these problems upon US. Certain it
is that they have not come through any
ton, and we meet them with clear con-
science and unselfsh purpose, and with
good heart resolve to undertake their sou-
ton
War of an Undivided Nation.
"War was declared in April, 1898, with
practical unanimity by the congress and,
once once upon u.s. was ] sustained ed by like unan-
many Who Rad ted to it the
other hand, there were many who would
have precipitated it at an earlier date:
majority of our countrymen Of every sec
ton believed they were fighting in just
cause, and at home or on sea, or in the field
they had part in the glorious triumphs. 1t
was the war Of the undivided nation.
Every great act in its progress from Manila
to Santiago, from Guam to Porto Rico, met
universal and hearty cOmmendation. The
protocol commanded the practically unan-
imous approval of the American people, 1t
was welcomed by every lover of peace be-
meath the flag.
:.' VIII Not Finch.
1.-THE Philippines. like Cuba and Porto
Rico. were intrusted to our hands by the
war. and to that great trust. under the
man progress and civilization, we are COM
mitted. 1t is trust we have not sought:
it is not trust from which we will finch.
of their servants at home to whom they
commit its execution. while Dewey and
Otis and the brave men whom they com
mand will have the support of the country
in upholding our flag where it now floats,
the symbol and assurance of liberty and
justice.
Must Not Go Back to Spain.
1--WE, hear no complaint of the relation
created by the war between this govern
ment and the islands of Cuba and Porto
Fa f4 the hffd as IN hG es
tion; but, whatever variety of views there
may be on this phase of the question there
Is pa that fnsP
American consents to that. Even if un-
willing to accept them themselves it would
require Spain to transfer them to some
ether Or and 1s Sad
such a transfer. it could not have been
made without the most serious interna ton
al complications.
Our Only Deaire.
for vii
trade or empire. but for the people whose
interests and destiny. WITHOUT our willing
t. faen h9en RRat in ro ba T It dSy WITH 18th
last not one word or line went from the ex--
ecutive in Washington to our military and
peSca py at at far a tS
put as the sole purpose to be kept in mind
first after the success Of our arms and the
and happiness and the rights Of the inhab-
itants Of the Philippine islands.
Consent Not Needed.
Pd aCt for naed W. to pert
hope of their hearts. Was it necessary to
ask their consent to capture Manila. the
capital Of their h i!,ois islands? DID we ask
destroy the Spanish sea power there? We We
er moral obligation which rested on us. and
which did not require anybodys consent.
Spain Out of the Problem.
1--WE have now ended the war with Spain.
The treaty has been ratified by more than
two-thirds of the senate Of the United
of it's people. No nation was ever more for
tunate in war or more honorable in nego-
tiations in peace. Spain is now eliminated
we shall do now. do not intrude upon the
forestallt its action; l & only say that the
been ratified by the United States and, as
we confidently expect shortly to be ratified
in Spain: cong congress . viii have the power.
good morals is right and just and humane
for these peoples in distant seas.
The People Must Decide.
1.-The future of the Philippine islands is
now in the hands of the American people.
the executive department of this govern
ment could only preserve the peace and
protect life and property. That treaty now
pinos to the guiding hand and the LIBERAL
tzSng inn4enceS the generous sympathies
but of er not their
cipators. No one can tell to-day what is
best for them or for us. know no one at
thts hour Wh9 ds wise or
ernment will best ,subserve their interests
and our interests. their and our we'll being.
thaE there aEe tose %bo Ind
lieve that If we do not they dove should
not need information: but, unfortunately,
81 IS T
congress is the voice. the conscience and
the judgment of the American people.
Upon their judgment and conscience can
we not rely? / believe in them. I trust
them. know Of no better or safer human
tribunal than the people. Until congress
shall direct otherwise It will be the duty Of
the executive to possess and hold the Phil
tppines. giving to the people thereof peace
and beneficent government. affording them