The Washington weekly post. (Washington, D.C.) 1878-1916, 1899-05-02

crisis in which lack of thought and deliber-
alton may lead us far from the ideals
which, as Americans, we have most cher
ished, and expose US to evils Of which We
scarcely dream. We stand at the parting
of the ways. 1t is not yet too late 10 turn
from the way which leads through USr
and conquest 10 Imperialism, 10 standing
armies to alliances with foreign powers
and finally to the disruption of the Union
itself 1t is not too late because it is
still possible. probable even, that the
American people will reconsider the whole
question of the complications in which
our victories over Spain have involved Us,
and calling 10 mind the fact that they aid
not enter into this war for the purpose
of becoming an empire, but for the pur-
pose of helping others to throw of the
yoke of tyrannical Imperialism, will ste
that to be blinded and led away by sue
cess is TO be weak and foolish; or, rather,
since here the highest interests of human
itv are at stake, is TO be wicked and
criminal If this may not be, thcn the
American people have degenerated, they
have lost their hold upon the historical
causes and the political habits which led
TO the founding of our institutions ana
to the marvellous growth and prosperity OF
our country.
we shall not believe that the gain OF a
few naval battles over weak and unpTe-
pared foe have power 10 throw US lhto
such enthusiasm, or such Madness, as TO
turn Us permanently IRON the principles
and policies TO which we owe our haIloh-
al existence, our lIe ana liberty, or mat
DESTINY the divinity OF tatallStS and ma
terialists can weaken our 1alIh IN the
God OF justice, righteousness. and love,
who scorn and thrust Tar away those
who. having the giants strength, use II
10 Cypress or destroy the weak and iS-
we have never looked upon ourselves
as predesuned 10 subdue the earth, 10
compel other nations with sword and
hell 10 accept our rule. We have always
believed in human rights, in freedom and
opportunity, in education and religion,
and We have invited ali men 10 come and
enjoy these blessings in this half OF
world which God has given Us; but We
have never dreamed that they were aTJl-
cles TO be- exported and thrust down I'M
willing thrOats at the point OF the bayo-
net We have sympathlzed with all OPP
pressed peopleS-WlJn ireland, Greece
Armenia, cuba To cmancipate the slave
We gladly sacrificed the lives Of hundreds
OF thousands or our soldiers And now
the American soldier. who should never
shoulder a gun except IN d righteous
cause. i sent lV,e.V miles across the ocean
10 shoot men whose real crime is that
they wish 10 be Tree, wish 10 govern
themselves
CammerCialism avid Loyalty.
Prof. J. Lawrence Laughlin had as his
topic The Philippine War" He said, in
part:
.Commercialism has sunk its fangs
deep enough into our political life II can
not 90 much further without stirring the
righteous indignation of justice-loving
Americans. Too long has public Office
been given, not 10 selected fitness. but
to service IN advancement Of personal
ambitions. Great fortunes, rather than
great statesmanshlp, too often nh the
Senate. Arrogant wealth buys legislation.
which should be as cheap for the frugal
consumer as Tor the powerful producer.
/ We send Up an sppeaI-wAich viii be fol-
/ lowed by a shout OF approval from the
. American eicCJoTate-fOT equality III treat
ment of all, both rich and poor, aud for
| justice TO the weak, whether white OF
I brown.
! Approach the problem any way you
may tt ever hsfks back 70 q question,
! whether IL il our policy 10 Subjugate %
/ 10 free the islanders. We are opposed 20
/ all further war. because We are opposed
I 10 the subJugatiOn Of The people under q
I foreign yoke, We propose cessation oi
/ slaughter. because We believe that thu
4 FiliLinos are and Of right ought 20 be
/ free and independent under a protection
I bv the United States. which will save
! them from foreign aggression
/ They tell us there Is nothing now 10 b
done. Is IL netting 10 change war a
peace? Is IL nothing TO stay the hOTTibl.
/ slaughter Of natives? i 81 nothing q
! stop the operations by which our brave
! felloW-citizeHs are killed by bullets and
I equally deadly disease The assumption
I that the war H. inevitable Is gratEIt6us
/ II We have not promised the natives u frs-
and independent gOVeTum INT. Try that 81
once That is the cTuN OF the whole mat
ter. So. when they tell u there Is moth
( Inc now 10 be done. ! say the prlucipa
thing remains 70 be doue-ts ASSURE th-
! Fiiipinos a. 10 the policy OF the tHitet
States h. regard 10 their liberty
! They tell us We are disl0yal. II We di
not agree with any and every po.lcy d