The Indianapolis journal., 1899-01-26
JOHNSON TALKS.


course as a policy of evasion" and charged
that MS supporters were coniuring up spec
ters to drive in the opposition. 1t was de-
ciared that our failure to take the Philip
pines would precipitate a general European
war; that all the nations of Europe would
scramble for what we left if we withdrew
ne SAID ne mad seen no such disposition,
except on the part of Germany, and she
was actuated by the example of our greed
II we set the example and withdrew, recog-
hiZlhS the independence of the Fipinos,
others would do likewise. But if other coun-
tE tries did pounee down upon the islands let
tnern do 1t. We were not expressly or inn
pliedly responsible. If they did they would
be but pursuing their traditions Let us
see that we do no wrong. The evil was
ropean war, let us, in Gods name, keep
out of 1t. The cry went up 'ratify the treaty
ana stop the war" The President arrogat-
ed TO himself the right to speak for 70,000OO0
people.
Il thank Cod, shouted Mr. Johnson, 'for
the spirit OF independence in the Senate of
lne united States irrespective of party.
Bryan never made a greater bIunder than
When he said the treaty should be ratified
ana our policy determined afterwards. An
Grew carnegie was nearer right. but he said
the treaty should be fought in the dark not
IN the open. | say we should fight it TO the
finish. We should meet this whole question
at the threshold and strangle it to death
Public sentiment should be aroused. 1t is
being aroused, as evidenced by the great
phia, and, my word for it, it viii not be many
months before the tide of public sentiment
which the President vainly imagines is now
carrying him to a second term will recede
and leave him high and dry. The voice of
the people will rebuke the spirit Of COM
merce which has supplanted the spirit of
liberty"
WOULD ROT IN HIS SEAT.
IF the treaty is ratified without being
coupled with a resolution declaring for the
ultimate independence of the islands it will
be the death knell of all our efforts to stop
the torrent" exclaimed Mr.. Johnson. He
would vote for bill TO reorganize the
army, but, before God, he would never vote
for standing army of 100000 whose ulti-
mate object was to establish a colonial
system. IF We're in the Senate" he said.
Il would rot in my seat first; l would scorn
the demands of a state legislature and the
clamor of the press. / would let them
malign my character and misinterpret my
motives. but would never swerve from what
/ believed TO he right"
Mr.. Johnson next referred TO the part
Great Britain had taken in inducing the
United States To enter into controversies of
the far East and of the manner in which
British assistance was being given to the
inlquitous policy of William Mckinley -
Let there be a new treaty, he pleaded
vehemently. Let ii not give twenty millions
for cession of the Philippines 10 the Unl1ed
States. but let IL provide uncquivocally that
Spain withdraw from the Philippines and
give TO their people the inestimable bless
ings of liberty. This world policy meant the
embarking on a course like that of England
which had embroiled II In war uninterrupt-
edly for one hundred years
The Indiana member now turned to the
cost Of expansion" lie detailed the cost of