Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1899-11-23
NO THE OTHER FOOT.
THE POINT OF VIEW OFTEN
CHANGES QUICKLY.
THO HiEh-Handed HiEhwayman Tactics
of tho Trust MaEnates Justified by
tho Same Arguments That Uphold
EOrciblo Annexation.

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Philippine question. ! think II Is the
duty OF every loyal citizen at this time
to speak out for the national honor and
the advance OF civilization" 81
I'm your opinion, then, is the forci-
BILE annexation OF the Islands justin
able?"
Certainly. The world has been re-
deemed from barbarlsm by similar ex-
panslon OF the strong, progressive
races. II Ia In this way that the
United States has become what 1t Is
"But this Is the Arst time that new
territory has been acquired against the
armed resistance of It's native lnhabl-
tants."
Eyes, this introduces a new feature
in our experience and very unpleas'
ant one. But the trouble Is entirely
owing TO the folly and stupidity OF the
natives. With half the intelligence
that they are credited with In some
quarters they should know that their
,paltry independence would be nothing
In comparison with the honor and nd
vantage of forming part OF the first
and most progressive nation on earth
And every reasonable assurance has
been given them that II they will sub
nit to our authority they shall have
all the self-government they are ca
pable OF exercising Indeed that
would be good for them"
DO you construe our course toward
the Flliplnos as an abandonment OF
the principle Of government by con-
sent?"
mot at all. We believe as firmly as
ever In government by consent, But,
II the Filiplnos won't consent, what
are we TO do? We cannot halt the car
of progress, and so deprive these mis-
guided people Of the advantages and
blessings of our protection and coop
Grafton. There is really no honorable
course open to us but to make them
consent"
"You would say, then, that a people
have right to independence II they
are strong enough to maintain 1t, but
not otherwse?"
"Yes, that is substantially my Idea.
That might makes right seems hard
doctrine when you state 1t abstractly,
but after all II has been and Is the
principle Of progress. The strong will
rule, they really ought to rule
Strength Is the rgn Of fitness"
Reporter tenders the usual thanks
and retires. Business man gazes
thoughtfully at the tassel Of the win
dow shade and reflects with satisfac-
ton on the interview and how well 1t
will look In print, feeling that he has
acquitted himself handsomely as q
loyal man and lover OF the flag.
His reverie is interrupted by the Of
fee boy announcing another visitor
this time a stranger of fine presence
and bland manners.
Good morning, Mr., Blank" handing
card. II have been trying to scrape an
acquaintance with your town this
morning. Interesting place, bright and
up-to-date. You have a fine business
here, things moving off In good shape,
a flrst-class lot of men, Judge"
Eyes, our men are as good as money
will hire, and we try to keep up with
the times in other respects"
"You have a good local market, eh?"
Eyes; we sell in nearly every village
on this line Of road, and have fair
trade In our nearest city,"
"Well, Mr. Blank, I represent the
Consolidated Central Manufacturing
company, formed about year ago you
doubtless recall, by ten Of the largest
concerns in this line In the country.
We are now making arrangements
with the smaller establishments with
view to bring the entire business I'M
der one management. am authorized
to make you an offer for your plant OF
five thousand dollars In stock OF the
Consolidated Central"
Five thousand dollars! You must
be joking, sir. My real estate here has
cost me more than twice that, and |
have often made a net profit of that
amount in one year"
well, we might increase the offer
somewhat II you agree to deal with us.
But you must bear in mind the
changed conditions OF your business
since the consolidation. We have al
ready about seven-eighths of the en-
tire output under our control, and we
have advantages in transportation that
no small concern can approach. We
could sell to yotir customers for half
what you are getting and keep 1t up
for a year, or two years, without feel
Ing the loss. In fact, we could make
UP the loss in a dozen different mar
kets where we have no competition.
You estimate the value OF your bust
ness here by what 1t has been worth
In the past, but II the Consolidated
Central chose to do so they could make
1t utterly worthless for the future, and
this you should take into consdera-
ton"
I'm plain terms, then, you have the
small concerns at your mercy, and will
buy them at your own price or ruin
their business? Do you think such a
process justifiable?"
why, certainly, Mr.. Blank; that is,
In view Of the general and ultimate re-
suits. Our wonderful Industrial SUI
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